Back Online

It's been almost two full weeks of feeling very disconnected from the world. But as of a few hours ago we are back online and life is grand again. If there is one thing the English pride themselves on - it's not fast customer service. If it's the check-out line at the grocery store, plan on at least 10 minutes; if it's getting a cell phone or internet connected plan on at least 2 weeks. It's just the way it goes here.

We are working on getting all settled into our new flat. It's about the same size as our last one, but the lay out lends to a lot more room for running and playing which has been fun for the girls. Plus we have two gorgeous sets of french doors, and our own little balcony. I'll post some pics soon. We are still in the process of getting it presentable. The small fortune we are saving on rent each month came at a price. I don't think anyone had cleaned this place for a long time. Jason and I have spent several hours every evening for the last week deep cleaning the place. As I'm cleaning a line from "Annie" always comes to mind, "You're gonna clean this place until it shines like the top of the Chrysler Building." And that's exactly what we are doing. And by the time we are done, this little space is going to feel just like home (plus I'll have the added satisfaction of handing it back to the landlord in better condition that I received it).

Antalya started school last week. She is loving it. The first day of school she ran almost the entire way there (it's just under a mile away). She comes home every day happy. And her TA is amazed at how much she has changed over the summer. She reports that she is much more attentive during story time, and was amazed when Antalya climbed to the top of the play equipment a couple days ago. I have a feeling it's going to be a great year.

Pictures coming really soon. I promise!