First Day of First Grade

Two hours ago we left our nearly 6 year old at her new school, new teacher, new schoolyear, new milestone!

Brother has issues looking at the camera and holding still long enough for my little point and shoot to capture his grin!

Chloe Maria and her new teacher, Professora Erika!

 It seems in the last few days I have been asked an extra amount of times, "Are you all adjusted to living in Brazil?" That question is tough to answer, even after 8 1/2 years.  Yes...to some things. Resounding NO to others!

One thing I don't know if I ever will get used to is the whole area of school and attendance.  It was so sad to see almost no students at school this morning for first day of school.  Why you ask?  Oh, because carnaval is this week and really, life does not pick up after the holidays until after Carnaval. This year at least it is the beginning of February and not the end or beginning of March.  It is a sad state of affairs folks, let me tell you that.  Doctors, schools, businesses, you name it...all operating at bare minimum until the third week of February this year.  And as Chloe only has school three days next week, really her true learning won't start until the third week of February...but no worries.  They are counting down the 200 minimum school days for the year!

Our weekends would not truly be complete without some sort of medical crisis right?  Last Saturday morning Mr. Noah tripped in our hallway and hit the corner of the doorway.  Six stitches later and a few days of healing, today it is looking good.  Now if I can just keep him from taking out his own stitches until Monday!

Hasn't slowed.him.down.one.bit!

I started working at my new job on Tuesday and had a great, calm first day.  The students seem delightful and I am excited for the year ahead.  In a way it is nice for my children and I that these first two weeks are starting out slow because of the Carnaval weekend.  It will help us ease into our new reality which is going to feel a bit crazy until we get adjusted.

So, here is to a wonderful weekend (prayerfully with no visits to the ER for us...and you!) and terrific Friday.

                                                                         Hugs & Blessings,
                                                                               
                                                                                                    Jama