Thursday January 25th..Rachel has first bump

Well the first real bump in the road. 

 Rachel is having a hard time adjusting to her new school. The girls are nice to her and her teacher is super, but since there are many differences in what she has learned at home and what has been taught here, the gaps in her learning have her feeling very insecure. 

 She melted down the other night after a Skype session with her GFA class. Bob and I tried our best to talk her through it, but it was a heart breaker. I met with the teacher the next morning and we had a very frank conversation about where Rachel's confidence level usually is and where it is now, and have a game plan. Her teacher was cute, she said, "Please let me know when Rachel is feeling a bit wobbly, it will take her some time to find her feet." It's not one thing with her but more a lot of little things that weaken her and make her feel not so strong - she doesn't know how to play netball, she is not a strong swimmer (never had lessons like these girls have for many years) doesn't know how to write in cursive (or linked letters as they say) doesn't hold her pencil properly, etc. The day is one hour long and the food is not as good as what she had at GFA, so she is hungry, tired, and feeling not so confident. 

 Her teacher says she is very bright and whatever new thing she teaches Rachel, Rachel gets quickly, but there is a few years of gaps to fill in. We are so proud of how well she has adjusted and know she will get through this too..but feel sad for her. Anyway, this was inevitable, just surprised it was Rachel. 

 We had snow here yesterday...our first of the winter and the first one in London in a few years..the kids were very excited. Less than 1/2 inch but very pretty. Mimi and I are jamming through the house..digging out from under piles and boxes and heaps..this place is looking nice..and no arguments, well one small one - a bird in the hand... Miss my dogs a lot..thinking of picking one up here..crazy I know, just a thought. A small Yorky..what is one more? Love to you all...Check out the cheap flights to London from NYC on American Airlines..$300..no excuses!!!