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(new duds thanks to Nana)
Today is finally the day - first day of second grade! We're ready with her new backpack stuffed full of school supplies, a new lunch box full of a favorite lunch (bonus points for you if you can name her favorite sandwich), and a brand new day with a brand new teacher (really new - apparently the regularly scheduled teacher is off on extended leave before her maternity leave) and brand new friends at a brand new(-to-us) school!

Grace and I went to new student orientation on Friday. It was so great that I really had to hold back the tears of joy. Silly I know, but true. Their philosophy and expectations are just what I would hope them to be (in fact they were my own back in my days of education dissertations and classroom set ups).

And the campus, (in CA they do things a bit different, its not just a school building, its several buildings with outdoor "hallways" in between; the lunchroom is actually outside under canopies -total new world here) well the campus is outstanding. When we went into the school library I had to pinch myself. It has more books than the kids' section in library down the street from our old house. The computer lab is loaded with new macs, that they actually intend the children to use. The art room is stocked with all kinds of medium, papers, supplies, lots of room to work, natural light, and a wonderful & fun teacher. (Think back to last year's art room with a cranky art teacher, a small, dark room, and only crayons and pencils to use). There's a science lab with lots of exciting things, including two chinchillas! I really won't bore you by telling you all of the other details, but I am excited!

I know there is more to education than just supplies, facilities, and orderliness; but the feel of the school is what I love the most. Each child was taken to school today by at least one parent (many kids were there with both parents). Little siblings were in tow. Families greeted each other. Everyone was friendly. No one was crying. Everyone knew where to go, what to do, and it was so fun! Grace saw a couple friends from church, that helped her find her confidence and her groove was on. The teachers were welcoming everyone. There was a designated place for backpacks, supplies, etc. The community is completely supportive of the school.

I've struggled with finding quality education for Grace for years. I think we hit the jackpot this year. I'm looking forward to the ride.

past the border guards and through the desert

To Grandma's house we go.

Tomorrow we pack up and head to Nate's parents' house for a few days. You wouldn't believe how many homeland security checks we have to go through (and my favorite, the fruit and plant check point on our way back into California)!

Nate has an interview with a practice in Phoenix this weekend. Should be interesting.

scope

Nate should be home right now. Instead he is staying at the clinic to scope out the vocal chords of the lead in "Annie."

I'm thinking he'll be home soon eventually because the show must go on, right?

damp frustration

Today Jimmy learned that those who tinkle in their wonderpants at the library must leave the library.

hanging for a while

We're pretty settled and have found ourselves a routine. The kids wake up around 8. We watch some Tom & Jerry and 'Gracie's Pink Cat' (can you guess which cartoon that one is?) and have a little breakfast. After that we run an errand or two, go to the library, and then hang out either at home or the pool or the park. I suppose because it is so basic and routine I haven't feel the urge or need to blog. (Also, we've been playing a lot of Uno. If you can make yourself not to look at Gracie's cards, one could argue she's a pretty mean uno player).

My parents came to visit a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of fun to have them here. The kids loved seeing them again! We visited the beach, the harbor, Coronado, Old Town, and some other San Diego musts. We're looking forward to November when they come back.

This past (long) weekend we were in Phoenix visiting Nate's family. Nate flew out Friday night and met us there. His two brothers were around and we had some serious uncle-fun-time. I have decided not to try and figure out how many hours the kids spent playing with the Wii. We also spent several hours in their pool, it really is the best way to stay cool when it is 114 degrees. It turns out we're going back there a week from Thursday, Nate will be interviewing with an ENT group.

I suppose interviews are our next project. He's got another one lined up in Dallas as well. Its kind of exciting to think about finally being done with full time training and having him move on to regular full time employment!

epidemiology

"Mom, is 'Dude' an English word or a Hawaiian word?"