Weather -- It's so COLD here compared to AZ! Definitely been in the 50's most of the time. We are wearing long sleeves, pants, and often a jacket. We'll need to learn the art of layering as the weather changes every 10 minutes. The sun desperately wants to come out, but the clouds are thick and solid. It threatens to rain, but has only done so twice. It stays light out until about 10 pm. We heard it's even later in the summer. Wish us luck about that!
Food -- Still learning to navigate the grocery stores. Biggest challenge is finding milk that the kids like. There's buttermilk, whole milk, and half milk. None of which taste like home. Some of the people here have it delivered from a farmer! Everything is very expensive, too. (4 chicken breasts = $10; casual dinner for our family of four was almost $70)
Kids -- They are doing great! Basic needs are being met and we are playing with them a lot. They're getting outside and aren't complaining about the difference in weather. Not sure if we're in a honeymoon phase or not, but their attitudes about being here are very positive. We've been playing at various parks, riding our bikes and scooters and enjoying the sun when it comes out. The kids love Dandelions (new concept for them) and also picking up litter at the park. Nick says Santa will be proud of them! :) Too funny!
Nicholas starts his pre-K class tomorrow. It's at an English speaking International school. There are 3 other Americans in his class of 11 kids. The rest are from places like Sweden, Russia, England, etc. Should be an amazing experience for him. More to come on that for sure!
Friends -- I joined the American Women's Club Brussels (AWCB) and have already met a few women with children my age. One has a daughter in Nick's class; the other has kids that are ages 3 and 4 and invited us for a play date this week. Plus, we met up with the Hamrock's neighbors from Gilbert. They live in Waterloo and had us over for dinner on Thursday night. Also got invited to go running with some other moms. Things are looking up in this category!
Language -- Learning phrase words in French, but hope to take lessons this fall. Paul is going to listen to CD's on his hour commute to work. Can definitely get around with out any French thus far, as long as you don't need to ask someone something (like "Where is the brown sugar?"). The good people at IKEA speak English, but not at the local grocery store . . . Thank God for Hilary's French/English pocket dictionary! Now if I can only remember to bring it! :)
House -- The house is good. The pictures in the slide show are so funny of how bare bones we are living right now. I'll take pictures again once our shipment arrives in Junee. We've gotten a lot of basics like cleaning supplies, filling up the pantry, trash cans, etc. Imagine starting completely fresh in every part of the house. There's a lot to do! Paul had to buy a lawn mower and mowed our front and back yard on Saturday. He hasn't had to do that in 7 years!
Pictures -- The slide show of pictures (thanks, Heidi for the help!) is from our first week. They start at the resort, move to the plane from Phoenix to Philadelphia, our layover in Philly, waiting for the taxi in Brussels, a tour of the house, and at the various parks we've visited; scroll over the pictures for the captions. Can't wait to explore the country and share those pictures and thoughts as well! :)
