One Month and One Day

We've been here one month and one day.

The last two weeks have been a lot of settling in and trying to establish a routine.  

In some ways I'd say the honeymoon is over with all of the fun of the newness over, but this is just a step in getting used to something different.

Two weeks ago Obi and Athan both had an orthodontist appointment in Salisbury.  Obi currently has braces, and Athan's teeth need some spacing.  Athan was put on return check for 6 months, but does need to have 5 teeth pulled soon.  Obi went back last week to get his brackets off from the Ames orthodontist to have the brackets put on that this orthodontist uses.  Our Ames orthodontist advised us that this may happen; each office has their preference of equipment.  

Last Saturday we purchased another mini van.  Now we have three vehicles, so Cora has a vehicle to drive.  This will be great for her after school practices.  

Gavin has been busy with his swim team practices, and the rest of us are getting used to that schedule as well.  We purchased a family pass to the YMCA where his practices are held.  Phil and the other two boys have been working out, playing in the gym, or using the pool during that hour 4 times a week.

I figured out how to do the school lunch ordering thing.  I chose to make Monday's the day the kids would get the catered lunch option.  Mondays are Chick-fil-A days.  The other days they will continue to bring a lunch from home.

Ballard was able to transfer Cora's National Honor Society membership to Salisbury Christian, so she is now involved with those meetings.  

Athan was so happy to find that a boy in his class lives in our neighborhood, and they have been playing together very well.  

Gavin has been having trouble seeing the board in school, so he goes to see an eye doctor later today. 

This week is homecoming week at SCS.  The week is filled with school spirit activities, and the kids are enjoying being out of uniform.  Friday night there is a block party at the school with several activities for all current and past students.  Saturday night there is a homecoming dance for the high school students.  Cora has the cutest dress for the event!  This weekend is a three day weekend, for there isn't school on Monday.  

Aside from all of the business of daily life we have enjoyed more ocean visits, more crabbing, and more exploring of the area.  

Photos of crabbing in Crisfield, MD

Photos from Cape Henlopen State Park at Lewes, DE

Nanticoke, MD

This place looks to be vacant now, but at one time must have process oysters.

Thanks for reading! 

Jessica

They survived the first week.

The kids had a good first week at their new school.  Tuesday night we had more arts & crafts time covering more textbooks.  All of the kids' books need to be covered.  Since I hadn't done this since at least junior high, I had to watch you tube to relearn the skill.

Wednesday night Cora had her first soccer game of the year.  They lost, but she had a good game and enjoyed herself.

Saturday morning Cora had a fundraising car wash for the girls and boys soccer teams.  That afternoon we went to Assateague State Park.

At the end of our water time we were able to view some wild horses in their natural habitat.

  

Really they were just wandering the parking lot.  They kind of own the place.

Sunday Phil, Athan, and I headed into town to pick up some crabbing supplies.  We returned home, ate lunch, then we all went down to Crisfield to try out a new skill.  My goal for the day was 2.  We ended up with 10.  Everyone really enjoyed the experience.  When we got home Phil cleaned them up so that we'd only cook the legs.  We cooked them, chilled them, and put them in the fridge for this week. 

These were the first two crabs we caught.  We had to throw them back though.  For they were too small, and they were female.  

The first keeper!

Even the kids that don't like crab found it very fun.  I'm going to get some more hand lines and another net.  Next time Phil and I will just sit back and measure for the keepers.  

Thanks for reading!

Jessica

Tuesday, September 6th

Friday night Gavin had his swim assessment and he was offered a spot on the team.  Those practices will start next Sunday.

Early Saturday morning the winds started and it rained off and on until the afternoon.  Nothing severe here.  It reminded me of a winter storm.  I'm not sure how to explain it, other than the winds were random and so was the rain.

Sunday we went to Wellington Beach in Crisfield, MD about 45 minutes away.  We enjoyed the quiet bay and watching people hand line crabbing.  Athan decided to run net for one man.  

About 3:00 an older gentleman came along and explained the incoming high tides to us and other beach visitors.  The storms bring in extra high tides, and with this means all of the inlets flood the road.  Had we not left when we did, we would have been on an island until the tide receded.  There was even about 6" of water covering the park entrance when we left.  The sun was still shining, so we decided to see the effects of the storm on the Atlantic.  We drove just under an hour to Chincoteague, VA.

We passed NASA's Wallops Facility.  We will be returning here for sure.  For there is a scheduled rocket launch the second half of September.  

As we drove through the park, I spotted two wild horses in the distance.  When we got out of the car, the wind was intense.  Every step closer to the water was a noticeable drop in temperature.  The kids were told they could only go in ankle deep.......they mostly listened.  The threat of rip currents was strong and people had been rescued that day.  

Monday morning we prepared school supplies.  Later Phil and the boys went to Ocean City.  They couldn't use their body boards, because they didn't have fins.  The current was strong, the other wise it was very pleasant.  Also they learned that skim boarding is not allowed in Ocean City.  Oops, I guess we'll save that for another beach.  There was still much threat of rip currents, so the kids were only allowed in the water up to their knees. 




Last night Phil and I went on a date to Brew River in Salisbury.  It sit right along the Wicomico River.  The food was great and the atmosphere was nice an relaxing.  There was an exception of one idiot trying to make the most spectacle out of parking a boat.  I'm sure this will become a regular date spot.

Today all four kids are off to school.  They must wear uniforms at this school.  The tops must be purchased from a uniform supply company.  The color options for the tops are maroon, green, or white.  Bottoms must be uniform style, but can be purchased from anywhere.  The color options for bottoms are khaki, black, or navy.    

Also today the much awaited Comcast man comes.  Cora has a sports physical so the she can play in tomorrow's first soccer game.  Other than that, I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet this whole new situation brings.  

First day at Salisbury Christian School

Athan - 3rd grade, Cora - 11th grade, Obi - 8th grade, Gavin - 7th grade

Thanks for reading! 

Jessica