Glad you found us. Yes, it's true we are packing up and heading to England for the next 3 years. The movers are coming the 28th and we'll hop on a plane as soon as our visas are here. The last few months have been filled with a spectrum of emotions: excitement, panic attacks, frustration with the experts and consultants that don't seem to have a clue, and, most importantly, worry about selling the whole idea of leaving a new house and friends to the children. So, there are a few more gray hairs, a few butterflies and many promises of castle tours and train rides.
We'll keep you posted about our progress, but for now here is the house and school we chose when we took our trip to Essex a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, there weren't any homes with thatched roofs available, so we wound up with this modern number. Although I am still getting used to the idea of a house without beams in the ceiling and a walk in fireplace, this house has a lot of nice amenities that will make our transition a lot easier (the, ah hem, bathrooms for one).
Unlike the home, the school we chose is quite traditional. The children are required to wear uniforms and they must eat the school lunch. Spencer was less than thrilled to hear about the lunches, but I bought him 8 jars of peanut butter to take with him just in case he comes home from school starving. They do have peanut butter there, but it is not as popular as it is here and the selection is very limited. Sam and I checked at least 4 different stores to find the best supply. Anyway, the school seems great with small class sizes (around 12) and the children will learn French and swimming is part of the curriculum. We just hope they will call for help in English when the are drowning in the pool due to a lack of body fat from being forced to look at things like butcher's sausage and peas on their plates.
It will be a new experience for us all. Personally, I'm terrified of driving in the UK and petrified of taking a driving test. I am sure we will all survive our new challenges, but there might be a story or two along the way.
We are looking forward to our new adventure and whatever it brings our way - we hope you will join us for a story or two.
7 comments:
oh gosh, I am so excited for all of you!
When I was nine, my family moved to Italy for 3 years.
It was, besides my husband and kids, the best thing
that happened to me in my life.
You are giving your kids such an enormous gift!!!
I hope once you settle in, you can update regularly.
xo!
What an adventure you have ahead of you! We are praying for an easy transition for all of you and can't wait to read all about life in the UK!
HOw exciting. I am so jealous. I would love to live in another country for a few years. Hopefully the castles and train rides will tide the kids over and everything will go smoothly. I cant wait to hear the details of all your adventures. Tell the kids I said HI
Prepare for the same sad leave-taking when the kids return to MI - perhaps you'll be packing jars of kippers. lv Gigi
Heather, Happy 2010! I'll be living vicariously through your adventures across the pond. What an exciting three years it will be! Can't wait to read your updates.. Good luck getting settled!! Oh, and you inspired me to start a family blog of my own! I added you to my favorite links of course. www.homesweetseattle.blogspot.com
Cheerio!!!!
Jenny
I'm so freakin' excited! I actually try to not think about you guys going over there in case I explode. I wasn't kidding when I said that I'll be there at your front door after you settle in.
I love, love, love England! You guys are going to drink some amazing cask ales in historic pubs. You can't help but smile when drinking a beautiful cask-drawn pint. And the dairy. My God! It makes me weep just thinking about the dairy. Please eat clotted cream for me. I'm feeling sick just thinking about it all.
I better go before I completely lose my mind.
Ta,
Spencer's Godmother
Wowza! I'm so glad you sent a card!!
Now of course this seals the deal and Matt will probably get that job in Ann Arbor (we finally find out next week). Is your house available?! ;)
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