Back to School!

On Monday, our school year began! 

 

Below are some photos from our first day.



 

Jane, Rory and Claire pose before we head off for their first day at British International School #9 in Moscow.

 

 

Outside our apartment, Rory and Claire show off their new backpacks.  Jane, well... 

Maybe something was in her eye...  : )

 

 

Claire sits by her cubby.  Each day, the students go to the cloakroom, remove their outerwear, hang their backpacks and change shoes (outdoor/indoor).  For Claire, that is new responsibility; so far, she is doing great! 

 

 

Rory, the old pro, has the routine down.  Here, she comforts Jane...who had shed a few tears as she realized she would be seperated from her two big sisters for the day.   

 

 

The photo below shows Claire sitting at her desk in her new classroom; her teacher Ms. Coglan is next to her.  As you can see, Claire was not quite comfortable in her new surroundings.  At one point, she stroked my hand as she tried to hold back tears -- quite heartbreaking, for both of us.  Over the next few minutes, though, Claire was caught up in the hustle and bustle of 'school'.  So, I ventured out to check on Rory, and promised Claire to return before I left.  When I next peeked into her classroom, she was seated on the floor with her schoolmates; I waved, and she gave me a smile.  All was well.

 

 

As I popped my head into Rory's class, activities were well under way.  She had already tromped up the stairs with a group of her friends, and taken a seat in the back corner.  I waved, and she gave me the head nod.  Yep, I got the nod.   

 

 

Perhaps, you wonder, where was Jane in the midst of the hubbub?  In between my classroom hopping, Jane had planted herself in the library; she found a seat, got comfy and grabbed a Berenstein Bears classic.  She would have liked to stay...  But, I had other plans.  : )

 

 

You see, after Jane and I enjoyed a lunch for two, we went shopping -- for presents! 

 

To celebrate the first day of school, each of my growing, sweet girls received a gift (a long-hoped for doll).  Unfortunately, this picture does not capture the exclamation and excitement... In fact, they all look slightly pained... Haha!

 

 

Yet, as I consider the past week, I am grateful for how incredibly smooth and easy the transition has been.  And, although, we got our first taste of illness already, I am very thankful for what this adventure is teaching both me and my girls...

But, I'll save that for another time.  :)