Lunch.
Jay has BoatSafe class today so he can get his marine drivers license. It is supposed to be approximately 6-noon. This morning while I was feeding Lily at 6:00 AM, Ty came into Lily’s room. He said, “Mom, I just ate my lunch!” I said, “Do you mean breakfast?” “Nope, lunch. Will dad be home now?” Ahhhhhh, such a thinker. Then I asked him what he had for lunch. “Cheeseballs!” Of course. If only he could survive on cheeseballs…

Crumpets.
We decided we better have a proper brekky. The last time we went to the grocery store Ty threw a package of crumpets in the cart. Sure, why not?! I have asked him a couple of times if he wants to eat them and he has said no. Today, though, was the day he wanted to try them. I am not sure what the recommended topping is for crumpets. Ty ate his plain. I put strawberry jam on mine. It wasn’t too bad. It kind of tasted like a mix between an English muffin and a waffle. Ty loved it. Ate every last crumb.

Safe Boater.
Jay passed his BoatSafe course with flying colors! After a couple hours of classroom learning and a couple hours of hands on jet ski and boat training, Jay aced his 80 question exam. In the words of the instructor, “that never happens, mate.” So, he has the book smarts down, now we just need lots of practice. We are hoping to get the mechanical inspection done on the boat this week. In typical Aussie fashion, this is the most drawn out boat-buying process ever…

Christmas Tree.
I figured I better put the Christmas tree away before I go back to work tomorrow. Jay had a great idea to put the tree in a closet, fully assembled, so next year it will be super easy to put it back up. I very carefully carried the tree across the house to the guest bedroom (yay! It didn’t fall apart!) only to find out that the tree is too wide for the closet. I then pulled the tree out of the closet to take the ornaments and 600 lights off of it (not so yay! Started to fall apart). As I was struggling to keep the tree together, Ty came to my rescue to help take off the ornaments. I continued to struggle with the lights. I kind of wish someone had video taped it, as it was not my most graceful de-treeing I have done… 5 hours later (probably) the tree and all Christmas decorations (4 stockings) are put away. Until next Christmas…

Back to Reality.
Mild depression is setting in as it starts to sink in that I have to go back to work tomorrow. And not only that, it is Jay’s month end so I am flying solo in the evenings. Ugh. We have a rental home inspection tomorrow, so I have been trying to get the house in shape for it (although I can’t hide the spot where the bike and the drywall got in a fight and the bike lost).

The kids start in their new classrooms tomorrow at daycare, so this should be interesting. Hoping the change won’t be too much for Ty. Just as the poor kid was getting used to things, he has to start the new year in a new room. It is interesting here that they try to get kids on a school year schedule way before they are in school.

The school years start in January. This is the last year that Ty can be at his daycare. If we are here beyond next December, he will start kindergarten here. I have filled out an application to get on a waiting list at a nearby school that some other expats’ kids go to. Not sure if he will get in. Crazy to think I have to think about this a year in advance.

Which leads me to thoughts about school for Ty when we move back to the states. We live in the Davenport West school district. I think he will go to Buffalo elementary, Walcott Middle, and West High (assuming we stay in the Quad Cities). I am debating looking into private schools in the QC. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions about this, feel free to send me a message. If I go the private school route, do I need to be submitting applications now, or is it not as back-logged at home?

Quiet Evening.
When Ty wakes we will go to the grocery store, cook dinner, and relax before the busy week ahead. G’day mates!