Big Day!

Yesterday was (finally!) Greta's first day of school! I absolutely cannot believe that she has been off school since the beginning of June, this is surely the longest summer holiday that she has ever had. She looked so pretty in her dark green uniform and new backpack (thanks, Grandma), and went off bravely. It would be hard enough to enter a new school in a new country, not knowing anyone or any of the routines, but to also have to do it three weeks after all the other students had started seemed particularly difficult. But all went very well. She took the bus there with Steven, and he left her with her guidance counselor to take some evaluative tests, then she went to all of her classes and had lunch in the canteen, before taking the bus home on her own.

We had gone last week to meet again with the admissions folks and to get Greta's schedule sorted out. She convinced them to let her take French, even though she'll be in a class full of students who have had French for the past four years and she has never taken it. But she was determined, as she's wanted to learn the language forever (it's never been an option, so she has only ever taken Spanish). They were concerned that it would be too difficult, but she really wants to do it, and she said last night that she really likes the French teacher, so I think that she's going to be fine. It will be a good excuse for me to practice the language, too, and maybe brush up on my verb conjugations. I am so very proud of her.

The school has a Visual Arts specialization, so there are separate studios (they call them pavilions) for art classes, and the work they do looks very cool. It really feels like Greta is where she is supposed to be. And I know that there was much patience involved in her getting this placement, but I also firmly believe that it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't hounded the Admissions Board. And this really makes me feel for the many parents who don't speak the language well, or don't understand the system or paperwork, or perhaps need to work all the time and so don't have the time and energy to be so vocal on their child's behalf. What about those kids? It really does seem unfair, but I am feeling incredibly lucky. And of course, there is a certain amount of luck involved because there are loads of "helicopter parents" trying to control every little thing in their child's academic career, and even they are complaining furiously that they can't get into the schools they want. Strange.

It was wonderful to hear, too, about Loyal Heights winning a national award for their academic excellence, and we're so thankful for the brilliant education and wonderful environment that both of our girls experienced there. Franny is loving her school and her new routines, but she definitely misses her friends from home. She, more than any of us, is a real homebody and so she talks about her room in Seattle and missing having friends over. We'll need to plan some playdates here soon, too.

So, yesterday was a very big day, but it looks like everything is working out well. Greta will definitely post soon with all of her school news. And Steven left last night to visit Grandma for a few days, as she hasn't been doing very well and I think will be quite glad for the company and the help. This week we're supposed to get some sunny days reaching 80 degrees, so it should be lovely out in Wiltshire. I heard an older fellow at the pool this morning say, "It sounds as though we're having an Indian summer this week; then a Russian winter soon to follow!" We'll see, but the girls are certainly hoping for snow at Christmas.

Oh, one other reason that yesterday was a big day: I had a two hour job interview that was much like the "X-Factor." The good news is (maybe?) that I made it to the finals. Now you'll have to wait to hear more about that one...