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| We took one last trip to Cromer this weekend, and hit a family milestone– all three of us went swimming in the sea together, finally! |
Now, let’s talk about fall. As abruptly as the school year started and the temperatures started dipping into the 40’s at night, there have been big changes over at our house. First of all, Amelia started at a new school at the end of last week, a Montessori. We are extremely excited about this, because Amelia’s first school experience was with Montessori, and she did so well with that method. Also, I really could not stand the local public school she was going to. She has switched to this school on the outside of town, and people, you would think we were dropping her off at Disneyland every day! She is beside herself. She has a really small class, and they do all sorts of fun and interesting things: swimming, French lessons, cooking, dance, art… And they spend lots of time outside, which is really high on my list of Things Kids Should Do.
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| On her first day of school. |
Her change in school has changed the whole daily rhythm for our family. Since the campus is on Jeff’s way to work, he takes her there and picks her up– a first for us! Also, they cook fresh meals for the kids, and (hallelujah!) make meals that work around Amelia’s food allergies. Seriously, packing school lunches used to be the bane of my existence! She loves it, and I am really glad for her that she feels more or less like she is eating the same as everyone else (but probably twice as much as them, since that’s just one of her special talents.) So, this means that I get up in the morning and do her hair and help with her uniform, while Jeff gets both of them breakfast. And then… that’s it! Off they go, until almost dinner time. Since I spend less time with her in the day, I now do her bedtime routine, and I love it (Jeff had been doing that for years.) Things are all switched up around here, and so far we all love it and it’s working really well for everyone.
All of my dreams are coming true. OK, not all of them, but the ones that I so frequently had this summer about spending quiet days at home doing house work and computer work, tending the garden, etc.– those ones are really happening. I have never had this much time to myself in a day, and it is so wonderful. And that brings us to the next change– I am starting classes online again at the end of the month, and will be wrapping up my degree in Sociology early in the new year. This is pretty exciting for me! The last time I was doing school, we ended up making our big move(s) and it was really nuts. Hopefully no curve balls will be thrown this year, and I can just focus and get it all done. Also, I am looking into some graduate programs right now, for my next step! On a lighter educational note, I am going back for more pottery classes, and Jeff and I will both be taking French lessons at the local college. Fun!
In case you’re wondering, I do plan on keeping up here, and sharing just as much as always. In fact, I am looking forward to getting back to the Sundays are for Sharing posts, as well as the What I Love ones on Wednesdays.
I have some big blog news! I was recently asked to join the The Village Green Network! I am really excited about this partnership. I regularly read many blogs in their network, and am thrilled to take part and develop connections with other bloggers who love food and care about health and sustainability. This will also be a nice motivator for me to do more food posts!
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| We’ve seen them coming and going on the ferry, but we really need to get a closer look! |
Amelia’s new school sounds lovely! Our youngest just started preschool for a few hours two days a week. My husband is also looking for time to focus on winter gardening, building planter boxes and enjoying his few hours alone while I am at work (we work opposite schedules).
Your pictures are lovely. Please keep Sharing.
Gabrielle
Hi Gabrielle, thanks for stopping by and sharing your own seasonal changes. Yeah, it’s really nice as parents to get to that stage where we can putter around on our own at times. I remember that it felt like such a luxury to be on my own when Amelia started preschool. I hope your husband enjoys, and that your little one enjoys school.
Take care!
I was just telling a friend that my kids thrived the most at their Montessori school when they were younger. Learning should be fun. And your daughter looks happy & adorable!
As for me, I am starting up tennis again and a watercolor painting class. I do think the new school year give us time to reflect on how we would like to grow and learn too. Good luck on your visa renewal, as we will be going through that process shortly too.
I’m tickled that you’ll be able to join us for ‘Blogger’s Tea’! Please email me so I can send you more details: [email protected]
Have a fantastic day!
Tennis and water color painting sounds really wonderful! Isn’t it nice to have some routine back after the busy-ness of summer?
Hurray for Montessori! I was in Montessori from preschool to 3rd grade and loved it. It really encourages independent thought, creativity, and delving deep into subjects that you’re curious about. I will 100% send my kids (when I have them someday) to a Montessori school too, if I can help it!
Your new routine sounds great. I am really enjoying keeping up with your blog- the start of fall triggers my nesting impulses like crazy as well. Can’t wait to follow you and your sweet family aroung on your autumn adventures~
Thanks! 🙂
Amanda
Hi Amanda! Yeah, Montessori is pretty awesome. Amelia’s first school experiences were with Montessori, and she really thrived. I think the exact opposite approach would be her state school last year– they hardly even let the kids think, they just direct them every minute of the day.
I always love hearing that you are enjoying following along with our lives. Happy Fall!
I’m so happy that the Montessori seems to be a good fit!
Both our kids have always gone to Montessori, and so we are very big fans in our house. Tallulah has been in Montessori since she was 11 months old — we were fortunate to find a wonderful Montessori infant program when I was working full time. Now, she is in grade 4 and Viggo in grade 1. I have to say — they sure kept me hopping over the summer, and I put it down to them being Montessori kids. They are very independent, and are always dreaming up with projects — there is still a camel “piñata” hanging in a tree in the backyard, and umm, salt dough (“Mother, I know what I am doing!”) curing on the back porch (personally, I think it might really be a raccoon deterrent, but…).
Best,
Monika
Monika, it’s so fun to hear what your kids are up to. I am so glad that you were able to continue their Montessori education through your moves, and especially as you are settling back in at home. I love the way that approach feels kind of familial, it makes for a much more peaceful life for children, and I do love the way that they take control of their own education, in many ways. There is nothing better than loving to learn, and keeping a curious mind!