A's first day of school

Hi All!

Just to let everyone know; A's first day went very well after she

got to school. She had been super stressed about it the night before,
worried about looking so dorky in her uniform, about who she was going
to sit with at lunch since she felt she would be the only new kid among
all the other 8th graders who have been with each other since 6th grade.
She was questioning why she had to go to school at all. She was also
most worried that the bus and classes would be way overcrowded like her
last school here, which was overwhelming to her, and that the teachers
would be mean. When she stood out waiting for the bus, it was very
obvious that she was totally bummed out about having to go to school.
Well, when she got off, she had a totally different aspect. She was
smiling, and looked so relieved. Her first comment was that it was
"fun". She said that the teachers were all very interactive and funny.
All of her teachers are black except for her Spanish teacher who I think
is Peruvian or something. She is getting a kick out of their accents and
mannerisms etc,; she is thoroughly entertained.
The bus was not crowded AT ALL; when I saw her get on, she had a seat
all to herself and she was the last one on. The bus driver watched the
boys very closely. The boys on the bus are all 6th graders, so they are
all smaller than her; I think she was scared of being bullied, and this
is a relief to her.
When her homeroom teacher asked all the new kids to raise their hands,
she looked around and was amazed to see that half the class had their
hands raised!!! She also said she has made SEVERAL new friends; one that
rides on her same route and goes to all her classes except Spanish. She
said everyone dresses the same and they all look just as dorky as her in
the uniform.
Everything is VERY well organized. She is on one of the
highest "teams" in the 8th grade, and they all go to the same classes
together so get to know each other very well, she said they are all very
close (pretty amazing after one day, don't you think?) and know each
other very well. She will be able to join the drama club which is an
after school club; she will just love that.
Needless to say, we are so glad this new school is working out for her.
Next year we will get her into L's high school.

More Manzanillo pics

Below is the patio of a condo of one of J's friends that we visited. Incredible view, no? At left is the pool right next to Js house. We spent a LOT of time in it. That is Jan with her hands in the air and her youngest, D in the pool with my girls.

Pictures of trip to Manzanillo

1). Whole family except me. 2). Getting trenzitas in the local tourist trap market.

If y'all haven't taken a look lately at Dan's blog....

you really should. Em posted a great, super long blog on her delivery.

Also, other updates: I finally just removed the open invites to Jan, Karla, Chad and Jennifer P. as none of them ever responded and I got tired of seeing the no responses yet. If y'all want them resent, let me know.

AC, I reinvited you with your new email, so hopefully it all works out, let me know.

Chad's A: I'm starting to go into withdrawal b/c I haven't seen any Cody Pictures in awhile. Got any you want to share/post/email? :) I'm still planning to use a floating holiday sometime in nov. or dec to come visit-is that okay? My sister: want to coordinate the visit?

And Christmas is on Saturday this year? If I remember correctly, this works out for AC, et al. Isn't that the 23rd or something? What time do we want it? Hor deurves (however you spell them) or what? Let us know!