We Made It!

September 1, 2007

After a sunny drive through the beautiful Lake District, we are here at 5 Inkerman Terrace in Whitehaven. The sun comes and goes so we always enjoy the blue sky. It is much cooler though. Dennis figured out how to get the radiators working, and the fireplace in the den. We’re not used to jackets and long sleeves in August.

The house is on a hill in the city along with lots of other houses. The girl’s room on the third floor has a view of the harbor and rugby field as well as the town. They have been hard at work getting their room settled. The guest room is on their floor as well. Na is on the second floor with us, with his own bathroom. The kids all enjoyed bringing a new comforter from home to make their room feel more like them. The girls chose a lime green, brown stripe comforter while Na chose a navy sports ball theme. Dennis and I have a room on the front of the house with huge windows that overlook the city as well though not as much of a view since we’re not as high as the girls. Our room was furnished with white satiny sheets which looks pretty but you slide all over the place (very impractical). There is a room for an office on our floor as well.

The bottom floor has the den with a huge bay window, black leather couches and some antique wooden pieces and the iPod docking set. The ceilings in the house are very high (maybe 12’) so the walls are screaming for pictures and décor. The very most basic of furnishings are here. I’ve left many suitcases packed because there is no where to put the stuff yet. I counted – we went from a house with 16 closets (upstairs alone) and 5 dressers to a house with zero closets, 3 dressers and 3 wardrobes. It’s going to take some creative planning. We’ve already decided to pack up all the shorts and short sleeve shirts since we obviously won’t be needing those often and they use up valuable space. We’re meeting with the realtor today to talk through what else the landlord will provide before we go buy anything – even trashcans.

The kitchen is pretty- mostly black and white with a redish color solid wood cabinet and very old table.

Thank you for praying for the girl’s tests yesterday. They felt like they went okay though there were phrases and work they did not understand or feel as comfortable in. They got their uniforms too. Each day they will wear to school a plaid skirt, white blouse, tie, v neck navy sweater, navy blazer, navy knee socks and black shoes. They also have uniforms for PE and hockey – little navy skirts with bloomers underneath and rugby type shirts or a sweatshirt. We are leaving this morning to go buy them each a hockey stick and indoor and outdoor tennis shoes. The school has been very kind. We haven’t paid one penny yet and they are already enrolled with uniforms. we have to decide on AC’s electives to be sure they will transfer to Davidson. Their classes here are for two years – one class will be Spanish, one history and the other will either be music or geography.

We just drove by Nathan’s school – it had a gate in front. Russ, you’ll appreciate the fact that the teachers don’t even have to come back from holiday until the day before school starts. They have asked Na to come on Tuesday at 9:45 (4:45am back home) for the first time. J He’s a little bored right now – no toys, no TV, no computer, being dragged around to offices and such.

Dennis and Nathan head to a rugby match tomorrow. The Washington Group is the main sponsor of the team so they get to be in the “box seats” There weren’t enough tickets for all of us this time as many others from the company were already going – but the girls and I may watch a little from their window. We’ll try a church tomorrow as well.

- Julie