The kids had their first week of school and we broke into our new routine!
Last Sunday, we got home from Switzerland and relaxed around the house in the evening. The kids were definitely nervous about starting school the next day, so we watched a movie and tried to ease their nerves and go to bed early.
We woke up early on Monday, had breakfast, and all walked to the bus stop. The bus stop is only about a five-minute walk down the street from our house. Surprisingly, there were lots of other American families there waiting for the American school buses. We started chatting with another family with dogs, and their daughter was also entering 8th grade. It was perfect timing for Brooklyn to meet another girl who lives so close to our house.
I am so excited for the kids’ school year. The curriculum is slightly different from the ones at home, and the kids have more of an opportunity to choose classes that interest them. Brooklyn could choose up to six electives that change throughout the year. So far, she is signed up for German, Creative Writing, Computer Programming, and Drama. Ryan could sign up for two electives and is taking German and Video Production. The curriculum also seems very rigorous. Brooklyn will earn three High School credits for Algebra, Biology, and German. As a sixth grader, Ryan is required to take a Public Speaking class. All students at the school have a required Silent Reading period, which is the first half hour of their Advisory time. It’s definitely going to be interesting to see how the kids do this school year.
Matt and I were nervous the rest of the day for the kids, but they both made it home on the bus and walked in the house smiling. They both said they had great days and had met some new friends.
Ryan requested steak for dinner the night before, so we celebrated the successful day with a steak dinner.
On Tuesday, my friend Beth hosted a breakfast at Da Marco’s for the moms to get together, now that the kids were back in school. Luckily I was able to take a few hours off work to come.
Also on Tuesday, Matt said farewell to his truck. It really is hard to drive and park a large vehicle around here, but I think the big thing for Matt was being identified as an American everywhere he went. American trucks are in big demand here so he did really well on his trade-in. He’s ordered a new, small SUV, which won’t be here for another month or two. Next Friday we will go to Wurzburg to pick up the loaner car the dealership is giving him in the meantime.
On Wednesday, Matt and I started our German class and I learned how much of a teacher’s pet he is. I say that in the most loving way; he really is taking school so seriously.
Thursday, we met one of my old friends from high school for some beers. He is stationed at another base in Germany about two hours away, but was in the area for a work trip. It was so cool to see a familiar face so far from home.
On Friday, we went to the Sindelfingen Schlemmer Markt, the local gourmet market. The whole weekend was supposed to be rainy but it was a gorgeous night and we had fun with Beth and her husband.
We then spent the whole weekend getting caught up on school and house stuff, and rest. It was a quiet week, but much needed. Next weekend we are heading to Barcelona for Labor Day weekend!
Gilcrests Abroad 