First Days of School

If I had to choose one word to describe school in the Netherlands it would be…complicated.  I would choose that word to describe a lot in the Netherlands, actually.  Even though some of my kiddos have been in school for 2 weeks, my little ones first day was today.  It took me a little while to figure out what to do, where to go, for how long, dutch or english, etc.  So, here's the run down:

K - This chick started at the international school 2 weeks ago.  It is taught in English with a sort of British-based curriculum that's pretty different from what I'm used to in the states.  They put her in an older group (because her bday is in September) whereas in the US she went with the younger group.  So, she pretty much skipped first grade.  On top of that, she's in a combination class with 2nd and 3rd graders (even though they call it something different), so she's with way older kids.  I don't love that.  I am working with her at home like crazy to try to get her caught up with the rest of her class.  The bonus is, not many of the other students are native english speakers like she is (they're from all over: korea, france, the middle east, south america, etc) so they are all struggling in one area or another mostly due to language stuff.  It's very individualized, so hopefully at the end of it all, she'll actually come out pretty well rounded.  We'll see, it's going to be a tough year.  She is enjoying every minute so far though, mostly due to the fun extra things they have at her school, like swim lessons and Dutch lessons.  Good thing she's an easy going girl, I'd be scared to death but she is pretty darn happy.  By the way, she insisted on picking out her own outfit this year...

C - This handsome guy has been playing with a Dutch boy pretty regularly since we moved here (the son of one of Ryan's coworkers).  I don't know how they understand each other, but they seem to have a great time playing together.  The boys mother recommended a Christian school not far from our house, and when I found out they could be in the same class together I thought we should give it a shot.  So, Carv has been going to Dutch school for about a week and a half.  I'm interested to see if he'll pick up the language, but so far he just loves playing with other kids his age.  Isn't he handsome, just like his Daddy...

E&A - I have been on the fence about putting the girlies into any kind of school.  I love having my kids at home with me when they're little.  But with the other two, I was able to put them in a co-op that I did with my friends so that they could at least have some regular play time with other kiddos.  When I learned that for 8.80 euros a month they could go to a play group at Carver's school for a couple days a week, I said "SOLD."  They really want to go to school like Carv did last year, and this is a good chance for them to make some friends and hopefully learn a little Dutch.  The school is really great too, they have so many fun resources (water tables, cameras for the kids to play with, kiddie computers, an awesome playground with lots of toys, etc).  I think it'll be a good experience for them.  Here they are this morning, ready to go...

 Cute "packpacks" as they call them...

 Individual shots (since my mom won't have it any other way;)...

So that leaves me.  What do I do with all these kids going to school?  I asked the girls that very question when I dropped them off today.  Aves said, "Laundry, mom!" And if you knew anything about my inefficient European washer/dryer combo I have here, you would know that she is right…Laundry.