Time Zones

 Time zones give me a headache. Especially when you add in daylight savings time. China got rid of it in the 80's. I learned that Arizona and Hawaii don't do it either - our new teacher is from Arizona. The time change just happened here this morning, but in the States it was a few weeks ago. 

The girls both sprained their left ankle this week. They both lost the same tooth first. They both have problems with the same new molar that came in. They are nothing alike, most people assume they aren't even related, and then all at the same time they are twins. They are off to a good start with swimming lessons though! Twice a week seems to be working. They also got their report cards and all is well at school. Amélie is average or above average for everything, and Abigail is off the charts for math and spelling.

The weather is finally supposed to warm up for the next few days. Got the table outside ready to go 6 weeks ago when the weather was nice, and now we finally will get to use it again! Just need to get past this cold, windy Sunday. The tomatoes will be happy to spend some time outside!

Naomi cooked a nice dinner.

Digital Living

 I have been getting a lot of headaches lately with all this screen time. Red-shifting everything has helped, but I am looking forward to a lifestyle that doesn't depend so heavily on screens. On the flip side, it is pretty interesting to do business with people on the other side of the world who I have never met in person. 

Yesterday the girls had some fun playing with friends. Abigail went over to a boy's house for the first time. She had a lot of fun. Nice to be able to connect with a new friend. Swimming lessons started up again yesterday, and the girls had some fun in the pool. Hopefully they can continue for a while!

It is kind of working to be back in school. The students really need it. I was shocked to see how much weight one of my students had put on in the last couple months. Sitting at home in front of a screen is really bad for some of them. Others are happy enough with it though.

Abigail lost her first tooth!

The frogs had their yearly party in the pond.

Craft time with Helene.

Abigail got to play with a new friend.

Hybrid Lessons

 I had to go back to school for the first time in about three months this week. It was nice to see people in person again and only half of each class was there at a time. The other half 'follows' the lessons on line. Those small groups that were there were enthusiastic and engaged, a rare treat! I will have to put a lot more time and energy into school now, but I am sure the enthusiasm will be short-lived.

I have been busy with trying to find more Chinese students and setting up our curriculum. Lots of work to do. Also making progress with the house designs. Too much time on the computer!

The girls went with Naomi to Amsterdam yesterday. Naomi tracked down somebody who started a business making nice blankets, scarves and things out of wool, but they went out of business, so Naomi bought up a little bit of the leftover inventory. Then they went to wish Auntie Edith a happy birthday, and had way too much cake. 

Abigail had a sick day, so we went for a walk in Apeldoorn.

Abigail's first loose tooth.

Fun in Amsterdam.

New Students

 Whew, just finished up locking in two new students for our teacher, Brittani. Can be a bit stressful and exciting, but we are making progress. Got one earlier this week as well, so we will send her a contract and officially hire her as our first teacher. One step at a time.

This was my last week of working from home, so that means my time and energy will take a bit hit. That is a bummer, because there is a lot more that I want to do! Still not ready to go back to school, but I guess I really can't complain. I am in the minority. 

We had a lot of fun at the skate park this week. Amazing how much the girls were able to improve their skills in the past few months without actually being at the skate park. Big changes to their balance and confidence. Maybe we can start going to the indoor one at some point!

Not happy about our car being used as a canvas...can it be buffed out or something?

Fun at the skate park.

Our neighbor was watering his garden. Bizzare.