Re-entry

After a lovely Christmas, we enjoyed a relaxing sunny week in Miami. Decompressing from the emotions of leaving our family and friends (yet again) we were able to work through lots of feelings together and it was time well spent, even if not easy.

Arrived in London on Monday January 5th, to cold and bleak temperatures. Off to the hotel near Hyde Park to get settled. We met some school friends on Monday night at Sticky Fingers and had a very nice time reconnecting and catching up on lost time.

Tuesday was spent organizing school uniforms, a visit with Jaime, shopping at Harrods and looking at cars (another mini?). Bed time was not a huge problem..jetlag seems to be much worse in the morning.

First Days of school for Megan and Rachel were not great. I got a call from Megan's teacher to pick her up early as she was a bit "teary and tired". Rachel was also hungry and grumpy at pickup. Not a great start. Lauren seems to be in better shape.

This morning was not much better with Megan, but its 1:40 and still no call from school - progress.

It has been a surprise to most at the school that we have returned. Rachel's class is about ready to start work on a play about the Magic Flute and Meg's class has started on their multiplication tables.

This mornings assembly was about Philosophy (the study of wisdom) and the reading was:

Keep my body strong, my tongue sweet, my ears keen and keep me from forgetting

It was a timely message and it was cute to see the girls discussing its meaning...

Our hotel is next to the Israeli embassy, and every evening there are ever larger growing crowds in support of the people of Gaza and protesting the Israeli bombings. Last night they were joined by a group in support of Israel, and the police had their hands full. These crowds cause the area to be closed off to traffic and we don't really leave the hotel once they get going. Last night, as the yelling got pretty loud, I held Megan and prayed for our girls not be scared. It made me realize how many children are living in fear, in Israel, in Gaza, in the US, in Mumbai a few weeks ago and throughout history. I know we can't keep our kids in a bubble, but at least we could keep them from fear...anyway....

We hope to be back in our house (camping at least until the furniture arrives at the beginning of February) late next week, and back with Ramsay, who is in Doggy heaven with his friends at the Hamstead Heath every day.

All for now...while I blogged I set up our phone and internet service and still no call from school 2:15..go Megan...

Lots of Love,

Amy