****I'm writing this post 19 months after the fact, which is a crying shame, but it is what it is.  So I'll do the best recollection I can.  I really do want these things documented somewhere and blogging is just the format I know best. 

Time spent with the Bird family always includes the outdoors, motorized vehicles and boats and of course good food.  We went water skiing out at Black Canyon in Emmett, where the kids played in the water and tubes and just soaked up their cousin time.  

One morning we drove up to Bogus Basin and Ben took willing participants on a hike.  I stayed back with Amirah who was snoozing in her stroller (she did a lot of that, and in fact it was awesome) and Richard and Simon did a short loop while the bigger kids went with Uncle Ben and his crew.  

We spent a lot of time in Baca and Grandpa Bird's backyard eating BBQ, playing games and chatting.  The kids played, and even slept, in the tent trailer and spent a significant time in the hot tub that functioned more like a kiddie pool. Preston was always the fun uncle, organizing games of dodge-ball and securing the hearts of his nieces. 

There were movies and imaginary adventures in the basement, and one day  we went swimming at Laura's parents pool. This was Amirah's first time swimming and she wasn't exactly thrilled, but the other kids couldn't get enough of the diving board and even Richard can't pass up the chance to do some crazy dives. 

For the 4th of July we went out to Star for their parade, which was a big hit with the kids, as can be expected.  I think Simon and Eli's favorite part were the squirt guns and fire hoses.  (It was a scorcher of a day.) 

We followed up the parade with lunch at Taco Bell, because we were hungry and it was the first place we found and Richard had been craving Taco Bell for two years. 

I grew up without knowing any great-grandparents and had limited time with each of my grandparents so it's always been important to me that my kids spend time with their great-grandparents, so we made a trip over to Idaho Falls to visit Grandpa & Grandpa Wray and Grandpa and Grandma Bird.  It was so great.  Living so far away from family and extended family is so hard- I really treasure these experiences my kids share with these people who adore them. 

We stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Bird's house in Idaho Falls, we ate Grandma's delicious cooking, played Oh Heck and enjoyed countless of their hugs.  Visiting Grandpa and Grandma Wray was both enjoyable and painful, Grandma's dementia has made it impossible for her to remember any of us, but she enjoyed the kid's company anyway, and we had a nice time chatting with Grandpa.  His dry sense of humor is always good for some good laughs.  

We were also able to spend time with Richard's Aunt Janie, Uncle Larry and cousins and their families who are all adults I always enjoy being around, and their kids, who are mostly older than my kids, but are always really playful and inclusive.  

When we flew out to NYC our cups were so full of quality family time and reassurances of the love and connection we have with our people.  We are so grateful for our families and their commitment to developing and nurturing relationships.  Is there a better feeling as a parent than knowing how many people love and adore your children, and have your backs and theirs forever for anything?

I meant to get this up as a Christmas greeting, but alas that did not happen.  This Christmas break has been the most relaxed and unscheduled break I think I've ever had in my adult life.  We stay in our pajamas a lot, we watch movies at night and we sleep late in the mornings.  We go out when we are restless and we stay in when we're lazy.  It's been positively wonderful. 

That's not to say that we haven't missed the excitement of extended family Christmases of years past, or the excitement of traveling that we experienced last year.  We missed our families fiercely this year.  Tears were shed.  But we've made the best of our isolation, and it's been quality family time.  (And a LOT of messes.  Spending so much time at home can be disastrous to order and cleanliness.) 

I asked the kids to each write a little bit about their year, what 2015 was like for them.  A year is a long time for a kid to recall, so take that into consideration as you read. (You can also tell they were copying each other's ideas...) And lest we be hypocrites, Richard and I also reflected on our year. 

In their words.
Simon - 
I loved it when it was my birthday.  I liked playing with my friends at school.  Sports day at school was really hard because I was in Nursery. I was sad this year when I was a little bit missing my mom at school sometimes.  I was really happy when I went on a trip to see the firemen at the school.  My favorite trip was to the Canary Islands because I loved the sand dunes. 

Mim - 
This year I loved going to the Canary Islands and playing in the water.  When I acksudently [sic] dropped the harmonica on Eli's eye that made me upset.  The most important time of all is when I listen, be kind, help people, be nice and do the right thing.  At school I loved playing with Eseosa, Isabella and the other girls.  My favorite place to go in the summer time was the playground at Greenwich Park where I played in the big sand pit.  

Eli -  
My favorite memore of 2015 was when I saw the parrots.  This is because my favorite animal is a parrot.  My favorite animal is a parrot because parrots can talk and can fly and are very smart.  There are two things that I thought were very tough this year.  The first thing was the Christmas colouring.  The second thing was sports day.  Christmas colouring was hard because colouring in the lines was hard.  Sports day was had because my legs were not as long as everyone else's.  The happiest time was when it was my birthday because I got presents and we had a fun time. 

Cameron - 
2015 was an exciting but difficult year for me.  It was the year that marked a decade from the year of my birth.  I finished Year 5 and started Year 6 which was a happy but sad thing because I had to leave my old teachers and begin with new ones.  My favourite vacation of the year was "The European Tour".  I loved the Eurocamps and I made friends from Essex; AJ and Dana, (nick-named Minion Boy) who I will always remember.  The hardest part of 2015 was seeing family members have to end their visit. Especially Charlie.  The most annoying part of the year was when I had to spend my whole birthday in a car.  

Jo - 
I suppose it could be said at the end of every year, but this year seemed to stretch me to my limits.  The travel was definitely the highlight of my year, visiting new cities and countries never stops enchanting me.  Experiencing just about every form of transport; airplane, train, gondola, tram, subway, bus, funicular, car, boat, bicycle gives just a sampling of the adventures I enjoyed (and endured).  I feel grateful for new relationships, strengthened relationships, and relationships that barely hang on. This pregnancy brought with it emotional upheaval I've never before experienced, and that has increased my compassion and empathy for the emotionally fragile.  I've faced loneliness and homesickness that seemed to incapacitate me.  And then I've had moments of joy and contentment that were equally overwhelming.  Looking back and pondering over the year's struggles, I still can't help but feel profoundly grateful for all God has done for me in my life, and for all this world has to offer in the form of delicious foods, remarkable scenery and best of all, wonderful, wonderful people.  

Richard - 
The year 2015 was our only full year in London, so making the most of it was one of our top priorities. One of the things that made it possible to do this was that my job was very flexible. Not only was I able to work a standard 35 hours per week during much of the year, but I was also able to use my payroll to purchase an extra week of vacation time, giving me six in total. And, as we're prone to do, we burned all six weeks! There are two things I will remember most about 2015. First, of course, our many travels. We travelled through so much of Europe that I often have to stop and think carefully about all the places we've been or I forget about them. And it was all great (since the memory of all of the stress, weariness, and family fighting fade easily over time). Second, but at least as valuable as the first, would be the many wonderful people we've been able to associate with here. There have been so many eye opening experiences and conversations, all of which have had a significant impact on making me who I am. It wouldn't be overly dramatic to say that 2015 has been one of the landmark years of my life.


We hope your Christmas season has been merry and bright, with minimal stress and drama and maximum love and relaxation.  And we wish you all a Happy New Year! 

** I really wish I hadn't gotten so far behind in blogging.  I wish I had written these posts when the experiences were fresher in my mind.  

It wasn't until the end of the school year last year that I had any real idea of how nervous Cameron had been to start school at Lucas Vale.  And I know some of those nerves returned to him at the beginning of the school term this year as well.  I think he was the most reluctant to go back to school, I don't think he has the same social needs and pleasures that Mim and Simon do, nor does he have the close friends like Eli does.  But I know him well enough to know that even if only on a sub-conscious level, he loves schedules and routines and predictability, and for those reasons I know he appreciated back to school.  

I think Eli was pretty indifferent to school, he was excited to spend time with his friends again, but also schedules and routines are not his cup of tea, so I think he could take it or leave it. ​

Miriam had mixed feelings too, an excitement about seeing old friends and teachers, but a reluctance to do the "work" of school.  She does love social situations, but is also easily tired, and those days can be long for a five year old.  ​

This week hasn't felt much like we are living in another country.  Monday we spent entirely at home, doing laundry and chores around the house.  Sometimes on Mondays I miss work- that day away to talk to adults.  Sigh.  

Tuesday we met the Farmers at a cinema (movie theater) in Greenwich for a discount showing of dated movies.  The movie for the day was Tarzan but it wasn't the Disney Tarzan I was expecting.  It was a German version of Tarzan with the voices of American actors that was probably never released in America.  Having never heard of it, I went back and read some reviews which pretty much summed up how I felt about it.  

"This computer-generated mo-cap version ... turns Edgar Rice Burrough’s loinclothed apeman into a tree-hugger defending his jungle against capitalists."

Aside from an over saturation of cliches and man vs ape violence, it was nice to sit in an air conditioned theatre and relax a bit, and kids aren't usually too picky about their entertainment.  After the movie we went to McDonald's for lunch and then did a bit of shopping.  We rode the bus home and it was brutally hot so when we got back I let the kids put on their swimsuits and spray each other with the hose.  

It was exactly the kind of summer day we might have had in Kuna.  Which felt nice and familiar.  Except not familiar at all because everything here - including McDonald's and movies and transportation and backyards - is totally different. 

Today I planned to stay home all day in the hopes that our belongings would be delivered, but alas no such luck.  When I realized it wasn't likely, I decided to go the library and run a few errands.  We now are the proud owners of a rubbish bin and a broom.  It's been a long three weeks without those two things! 

As some consolation, yesterday I ordered a dozen miscellaneous things on Amazon and they all came today.  Free one day shipping for Amazon Prime!  And virtually free shipping on everything else, even if it isn't Prime eligible.  That's a perk I just can't get over.  

I suppose that some level of guilt is inherent to motherhood no matter where you live. I find myself feeling guilty that we aren't doing MORE to explore this amazing city. I know that two years will go by so quickly and at the end of it I will have regrets about things unseen or undone.  Right now though I feel the restraints of limited energy, patience and finances.  So I try to balance all those factors with my desire to maximize this experience for my children.  I just don't have much confidence that I'm going a good job of it.  

I still wake up sometimes in the middle of the night and feel completely disoriented.  What is this place? What day is it? Where am I? Why am I so sweaty? 

In Kuna when one of the kids would wake me up with their wailing in the dark of the night, I could recognize the voice, check with the child, and be back in bed without hardly opening my eyes.  My subconscious is having trouble making the transition here.  

Our house is so hot.  Very few buildings have central air conditioning here.  And I don't think many homes do.  People are telling us that this is an exceptionally hot summer, but it seems like people are saying that everywhere, and they are saying it about the winters too.   Anyway, we sleep with the windows open and the curtains up to let the air come in.  But that means the room is in full sunlight before 5:00 am and we get the pleasure of the morning noises.  I actually don't mind the noises so much, particularly the sound of women's heels clicking down the sidewalk, or the new birds I've never heard or the chit chat of the neighbors.  I can also recognize the sound of suitcase wheels rolling down the concrete.   Nearly every day someone on my street is leaving or returning from travels.  

Anyway- this post is really supposed to be about the museum.  

On Friday morning we met the Farmers at the Greenwich playground again.  We let the kids play for awhile but rain was on its way so we headed toward the National Maritime Museum which is right next to the park.  

The museum was full of interesting things but we had trouble keeping the kids interested.  Fortunately they had some interactive/playful galleries.  I told Richard we will have to go back with just Cameron and Eli.  Museums are hard to appreciate if you can't read.  

As we left the museum I was stressed and tired and frustrated.  The kids were getting wild and losing control of themselves, as was I.  At the bus stop I lost my cool and told Mim and Si that they would not get ice lollies when we got home and they fell apart.  So Miriam threw fits the whole way home.  I had opted for the bus because the bus stop was right outside the museum, but then the heat and humidity from the rain just made us all more irritable.   Public transportation loses some appeal when you can't let your child have a tantrum in the privacy of your own vehicle.  I didn't get any dirty looks though, even from the patient man sitting in front of Miriam when she kicked the back of his seat in fits of four year old rage over ice lollies.  

We survived the ride home and as soon as we walked through the door I hosed Mim and Si's sweaty and puddle-jumping bodies off in the bathtub and put them down for naps in their underwear.  Cameron and Eli were banished to the garden and I came down from the ledges of my mind in peace and quiet, vowing to never take the kids anywhere ever again. 

POST EDIT** I usually go back through my posts and read them for errors and flow and such.  But this one was so boring I couldn't even read it a second time.  Sorry.  

Part of Cameron and Eli's induction was a school tour, given to us by two "Year Fives".   Bless their hearts, but as I bombarded them with questions I only became more confused.  But this is what I've learned.  

Nursery: For children who are 3 years of age when school begins.  Nursery is comparable to a first year of preschool except it is government funded.  Most or many primary schools (think elementary school) have a nursery too, but there are also a lot of private nurseries/daycares.  The government sponsors 15 hours of nursery each week for children who are three years old.  Some schools are flexible about which hours your child can attend, but at Lucas Vale it is run in AM/PM shifts. I decided to put Simon in the morning shift at Lucas Vale so he will attend school from 8:45-11:45 every day.  He also has to wear a school uniform.  I'll drop off all four kids at school every morning. ! 

Reception: For children who are 4 years of age when school begins.  At first I thought Reception was comparable to Kindergarten, but it's really just a full-time preschool.  It focuses on imaginary play and less structured curriculum and learning.  Miriam will be in reception, which means that when we come back she will in fact be in the same grade/level as she would have been if we had stayed.  Reception is a full school day, 8:45-3:45.  Miriam doesn't start school until the end of September and the first week is just half days.  They also give children the option to stay on half days for a longer transition period if the full days are too difficult.  Miriam wears a uniform and also has PE once a week.   The sad bit for Simon is that he will have a year of Reception (full time/all day school) and then come back to the states and go to part-time kindergarten.  Poor kid.   Or not.  Poor me?  


Nursery and Reception are part of the "Foundation" category and operate under a different learning model than the subsequent years.  I'm not exactly sure what that means but I'm just learning the vocabulary.  Levels 1 and 2 are called "Key Stage 1"  and levels 3-6 are "Key Stage 2."  Like I said,  I'm not exactly sure what it all means. 

Level 1: Children who are age 5 at the beginning of the school year.  This would be the kindergarten equivalent.  So the number of my kids level/grade doesn't match up with the number of the grade they would be at home.  

Level 2: First grade equivalent.  

Level 3:  Eli will be a level 3.  

Level 4: Third grade... you get the idea. 

Level 5: Cameron will be a level five.  The primary schools go up to level six, so thankfully all four kids will all be at the same school for the two years that we are living here.  

This is all really boring but maybe grandparents are still reading. 

The school year is divided into three terms, Autumn term, Spring term, and Summer term.  They get a week of holiday at half term, and a longer break between terms.  (Two weeks at Christmas, etc.)  Their summer break is only 5-6 weeks.  At the induction the school made it very clear that students are not allowed to miss school during term without a Dr. excuse or funerals.   Sadly, we are scheduled to leave London in May of 2016 and so the kids will only get to attend two terms next year.  I kind of have a knot in my stomach over this.  I guess it can't be helped but I wish we had planned better.  

The uniforms consist of black or gray shorts/pants/skirts with a white polo or collared shirt and black shoes.  They are required to wear the school sweatshirt every morning and they also have to have a matching blue backpack with the school logo.  We went back to the school to buy the kids sweatshirts, PE kits, and backpacks and it was a pretty penny.  And that doesn't include the actual uniforms.  (Five days worth of pants and polos for four kids.) But they are all going to look so smart! 

I really liked all the teachers and staff I've met at the school so far.  During the induction we had an interview with two members of the "inclusion team" who were really kind and answered all my questions.  I don't really know what to expect, and I think all the kids (except Simon) are a little nervous too.  But the opportunity for all four of my kids to attend the same school for two years will surely have some fantastic benefits.  

I don't know how to read in moderation.  Just like I don't know how to eat peanut butter M&Ms in moderation.  Or chat on the phone with Lori in moderation.  I can only do these things in excess so I sometimes put them off (Sorry Lori!) for a long time which probably only makes it worse. 

I haven't blogged because I've spent the last three days engrossed in the book These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner.  It was a going away gift from a friend and it gobbled me up.  Then after I've done nothing but read a novel for days my thoughts start to run like prose and my life becomes dramatic fiction all in my head and I feel a little out of sorts and when I hear a British accent out my front window I'm terribly confused because my present moment is in the Arizona territories in 1887.   Such are the joys of a book.  But then the fall-out is a messy house and demons for children because how could I possibly be troubled to feed and discipline them when poor Miss Prine is fighting for her life against Apaches? 

Well to account for the last three days I'll write about the activities I reluctantly squeezed in between reading sessions. 

Friday night we went to Costco.  When we got home, hours later, Richard and I vowed to never forget that a trip to Costco or Ikea is a four hour committment, at least.  And it turns out, not just anyone can get a membership to Costco here.  The woman at customer service kept asking Richard if he was sure we didn't already have a membership from the States that we could use.  "Don't all Americans have a Costco membership?" she asked.  But it also turns out that KPMG has an arrangement with Costco so we should be able to get one if we want.  I think the only reason we seem to believe we can't live without one here when we managed to live without one in Boise is because the portion sizes of groceries in the stores here are so inadequate for a family of six, and we are hoping the Costco sizes will be a bit more like "normal" sizes back home. 

Saturday was cloudy and stormy and Richard took the kids to the church for an activity in the morning.  Saturday afternoon is a blur... I'm not sure what Richard and the kids did...  

Sunday at church I got a calling.  I am now the second counselor in the Young Women Presidency.  There are a total of two young women who attend church regularly and I already adore them.  

Monday morning Cameron and Eli had their induction at school and I asked in advance if I could bring all the kids and they said that would be fine.  We took the bus this time. 

I'll have to devote an entire post just to the school induction and everything we learned.  We went back this morning to buy all the "PE kits", "jumpers" and backpacks.  (There was a word for those too but I can't remember it.)  I felt badly for the kids because everyone kept commenting on how small they are and how Eli must be on the brink of a growth spurt so we better buy a size bigger.  Eli has never seemed to mind being small though and when Cameron looked disappointed the same woman said "You will have a growth spurt too!" 

On Monday after the induction we had to walk home because my Oyster card was broke and you can only top-up at stations or online and I haven't registered to do that yet.  An Oyster card just looks like a credit card and you can use it on the tube, the DLR, the overground, and the rail and  buses when you are in certain zones in the city.  It's really convenient.  It's so fancy that you don't have to scan it anywhere, you just touch it to the electronic pad and it scans it, gives you a green light and tells you your balance.  

Anyway it was really hot and past lunch time so we stopped and had doughnuts on a park bench.  I would say I bribed the kids with doughnuts, but that would have just been bad parenting because they were so naughty at the school they didn't deserve anything.  I forgave them because I wasn't smart to make an appointment at lunchtime and I blame the school for making me fill out pages and pages of paperwork that they could have sent home with me on the day I made the appointment.  

Here we are on Tuesday and I feel like we don't have much to show for the week so far other than that the kids are all registered for school and I finished a whole book.