Not sure how this happened, but my girls are now in third grade and kindergarten. They have been back in school for a week and they are both thrilled with their teachers. And because there are only two classes per grade level, they see mostly the familiar faces of friends. It's all good!
There is something bittersweet about sending them off to school for a new year. Ahhhh...the peace and quiet...no seemingly constant declarations of "I'm hungry" or "I'm bored"...no need to bust out my referee gear or to find creative ways to get out of playing Barbies (let's face it, the only thing I'm good for in the Barbie world is hairstyling and finding a random shoe that they have looked EVERYWHERE to try to find). At the same time, each new school year means they are growing up. I am so grateful that they are growing up healthy, happy, and even though we are so far from home, they have love and support from so many great people. You know who you are...thank you!
Here are a few pics to enjoy...
Emma, my third grader (gasp!), and Erin, my kindergartener (sob!), ready for their first day and second year of school at Dalian American International School.
I really have quite a collection of photos of Erin and her larger than life smile. Someday, I will compile a book...graduation from high school or for her wedding perhaps.
The kids don't know who their teacher is until the day school starts. The specials teachers wore funny hats that said, "Ask me" and they got to deliver the good news. This is Ms. G - she is the EL teacher and works in Emma's class every day.
Emma is all smiles waiting in line. Her teacher, Ms. Hunt, is there in the blue shirt.
The first day was too crazy to take photos of the girls and their teachers so this was day two. Mr. Krumtinger is about 6 foot 10 and the kids ADORE him.
Looking forward to a great year and lots of growing (sigh...)
