Change is hard

Things have been going really well here with our move but it's still hard some days to handle the many changes in our lives right now.  There have been tears (I won't name names but let's just say I was so frustrated with my new washing machine that Jeff expected to come home from work to see an appliance sized hole in the side of our house).  And as great as the kids are doing at school they are missing their friends from home.  Internet and home phone aren't set up yet which makes it even harder to keep in touch (thank goodness for my iPad mini and free wifi at Starbucks!).  

It wasn't fun living out of suitcases so it was exciting last week when the truck arrived with our stuff.  I know we teach the kids that stuff doesn't matter, it's important that we are healthy and together as a family...but I missed my bed!  That was the first night in weeks where I didn't wake up to Leah's feet in my face (it's a good thing she's so cute and cuddly).  

The house is still in chaos, every room looks like this.  But that's just a matter of time and patience to get things organized.  The new house is great, I love the layout, it works really well for our family.

Leah has had more changes at school.  She was in an overflow K class in another school with a substitute teacher, then a permanent teacher was hired and Leah was adjusting well.  Then a spot opened up in our home school (where Jillian goes to school).  It was a difficult choice whether or not to move Leah yet again but after meeting the teacher and visiting the classroom, Leah was excited to change.  This is where she can make friends who will move onto grade one with her (not so at the overflow class in the other school), and this classroom is much more like the one she had back at home.  The teacher is fantastic and was happy to have Leah join her class.  This morning Leah was in a great mood as I dropped her off, she was all smiles and within a few minutes she was ready for me to leave.

We found a new paediatrician for the kids, although Jillian wasn't thrilled to learn her and Kyle needed new immunizations (different rules in Canada and US).  But both kids did well at the appointment and we all liked the doctor and clinic so that's another thing checked off the list. 

On the weekend we decided to leave the boxes at home to enjoy a family day in Seattle.

First thing we did was go up the Space Needle...Jillian has been wanting to do this ever since our trip here in the summer.  It was a beautiful day, clear blue skies and views of all the mountains.  

Next was a one hour boat cruise around the harbour.  An entertaining MC with lots of info about the city and a great view of the city from the water, lots of fun.

Then onto the Seattle Aquarium.  The kids loved touching starfish and other sea creatures.  I like watching the jellyfish.  Leah was absolutely terrified of the giant octopus...I swear she thought that thing was about to climb out of the tank and attack her, she wouldn't even go near the stuffed ones in the gift shop.  Clearly being a marine biologist isn't in her future.

We ended the day with another ride to the top of the Space Needle to see the city by night.  

Lots of changes, some good (new city to explore, new house), some bad (changing schools yet again, extra shots for the kids, missing friends).  Through it all I've been impressed with the kids and their positive attitude.

One change I have loved is moving from my ancient flip-style cell phone to an iPhone 5...much nicer!

Next up is getting home Internet, tv and phone.  This will be great because the kids will be able to get back in touch with their friends back home.  And a special treat for the girls...Jillian is on half days this week due to parent conferences, and she did such a wonderful job being calm for her needle so we are having tea at American Girl.  Living near an American Girl store is one change the girls have been happy to see!