Starting School - Already!

A mere 4½ days after arriving in America, Lucy started school. She had a busy weekend first. After arriving Thursday evening greeted at the airport by Dad, Alice & Molly, everyone went straight to bed and slept well. Friday was a recovery day (with lots of laundry just to stay busy). I also came down with a cold, probably a gift from someone on the airplane. Saturday Lucy got her picture taken so she will be in the school yearbook this year and then she and Alice baked Christmas cookies with the other middle school girls from the church youth group at their youth director's home. Sunday was Lucy's first visit to Sunday School and then the big birthday bash with all her siblings. It was a full house. Monday was a visit to the pediatrician for a general check up and review of her immunizations for school in the morning. Then we had an appointment with the International Student Office to fill out her registration paperwork and get her tested for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)  services. We took a quick tour of her new middle school when we went to pick Alice up and then the 2 girls spent an hour with their private tutor. Monday evening finished with Lucy watching Alice's kung fu class and deciding that she will give it a try too. 

Bright and early (as in 6 AM) this morning, it was rise and shine for her first day of school. I was promptly told that the new pants we bought yesterday were too big and we needed to make a quick change of plans. Otherwise everything went smoothly. I was going to school to make sure everything was in place for her to start, but I gave the girls the option of riding with me or on the bus. They chose the bus.

Here we go!

So much stuff to juggle!

Getting pictures is getting harder. After 2 weeks of being photographed in China, Lucy is DONE with getting her picture taken!

Trying to escape the crazy lady with the camera.

At the bus stop. You can barely make out the one girl helping Alice get her backpack adjusted. I have heard nothing but how helpful other students have been with Alice and I expect the trend to continue with Lucy.

First ride on the school bus.

In the school office, just before heading off to class.

The first sunshine I've seen in almost 3 weeks. A blessing indeed.

Follow up: Lucy went for just 2 class periods and lunch. When I picked her up at 10:30 this morning she was all smiles and said she wants to stay longer. Tomorrow we'll try all day, but she has the option to leave early if it's too much.