Brugge, Movers, and School

Brugge, Oostende, Movers, and School 

After our first week, the second was just as busy.  We got to meet our WONDERFUL buddy family, took a day trip to Brugge & Oostende, movers came, school orientation, and then school. 

The girls are attending St. Johns International School and one of the parts I love best about this school is the caring way they make sure all their families are taken care of.  They pair each new family with a buddy family.  I must say, I think we got the best buddy family ever!  They started contacting us as soon as this lost and confused family was assigned to them.  They invited us over for a cookout and time to visit.  They have three children, two of which are girls.  The girls hit it off right away!  We had a wonderful time visiting with them and greatly appreciated all the advice and hints they gave to help us adjust to life in Belgium.  

Chloe MUST show she has gum.  This kid seriously has an
addiction to gum!  I didn't get one picture of all of us
without her showing us her gum.

Daddy, Chloe, and gum

On the canal.

We decided to go ahead and drive to the North Sea.
The girls really enjoyed it, but were baffled that
it was too cold to get in the water.

Over the weekend, we took the girls to Brugge.  We thought they would enjoy the market and the beautiful surroundings. We walked all around Brugge, had a delicious tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.  We stopped off at mommy's favorite chocolate store; the Chocolate Line.  They have THE BEST and strangest flavors!  (Ryan's favorite is Dumon) The girls were troopers as we walked all over the city. In the late afternoon, we took the girls to the North Sea.  As a fishing community, many options of seafood awaited the Myers' Family.  The smallest shrimp in the world coupled with the world renowned Krab (yes folks, even Belgium has fake crab) was a hit as well as calamari.  Escaped a massive downpour, but the girls were able to see that the ocean is very different than the Hawaiian waters they are accustomed to.   We all had a great time!  

In normal chaotic fashion, the movers arrived the same day the girls had new student orientation at the school.  EARLY the rental furniture company came to take our rental furniture.  Not long after, the movers came with (almost all) of our belongings from Indiana.  

Rylee, Gwen, and I left daddy and Chloe to direct the movers while we went to orientation with our buddy family.  Needless to say, it was a CRAZY day.  Once our items had been delivered, the "unpacking" began (we have discovered we are missing a good deal of things).  This was new to me, and drove me a little nutty.  The movers undo every box, and dump it on the floor.  There wasn't any space to move anywhere in the house.  It was such an overwhelming mess!!  

Boxes EVERYWHERE!!!

We finally kicked them out and told them we would finish unpacking the boxes and call them back to get the empty boxes.  (it is difficult to get rid of trash here) There were many days I unpacked a room with tears.  I thought I would NEVER get everything organized.  But, it was good to have OUR things.  Having our own couches, beds, clothes, and toys has made this new house seem much more like our home.  

First Day of School

Rylee and Gwen's first official day of school was on Thursday.  They LOVED it.  

They both have great teachers who care about the girls.  They also have a nice bus driver who makes sure the girls are taken care of.  Not being at school as a teacher has been strange, but not being where the girls are has been very difficult some days.  

I find myself talking to myself (and getting an earful from Chloe).  I say the same things I said to all the new parents when they first came to my classroom.  Trying to reassure them their kids would be fine, I would keep an eye out for them, I would contact the parents if any issues arise.  

The students all met their teachers in the Gym,
then walked to their classrooms.  

It is certainly different being on the side of the parent than it is being the side of the teacher.  If I had one piece of advice to all the teachers I know out there, please be patient and understanding.  Don't be dismissive of these new parents and their fears. Be genuine in your response to them.  

Traveling to school in style.  The school busses here
are what we would consider tour busses.  Seats
that recline, buckles, and comfort.  

It is terrifying to move and not know anyone and not know how the school works. Thankfully, the school we chose completely understands this.  They welcome parents questions and concerns and each member of the school does everything they can to be sure parents and children feel safe and comfortable with where they are.  

Get to spend my day with this cutie pie!  Just love her and
her imagination.  She wore fairy wings all day and "flew"
everywhere she went.

While it was a busy and quick week, we enjoyed all the great adventures we had along the way.  I welcomed the opportunity to have our belongings and begin a schedule with the girls.  They have made many new friends.  We are all moved in and getting more settled each day.  We are so thankful for all the people who have entered our lives and given such great advice and taken time to help us figure things out. We miss everyone and can't wait to chat with them!

Had to add this one.  While shopping with our Buddy
Family for supplies the girls would need for
swim class (suits, goggles, & swim caps) Chloe insisted
she have a pair too.  She felt the need to wear them to bed.  Luckily,
I convinced her this wasn't the best idea. However, we do wear them
most every shower and bath.  I mean...doesn't everybody?