School: Day 1

Today Isabella and Xavier had their first day of school.

It seemed like a good day to make my first post. We've all been anticipating the start of school, thinking of it as a sort of a beginning to our life here. Things have been great thus far, but we've pretty much been living in our own little cocoon. Enjoying our daily walks to buy grocery, training to Bern a couple of times a week, hiking up our little mountain; but all without interacting too much with the people of Ittigen. Ah...but then their was the Carnival celebration this last weekend...

Ittigen, our little town just north of Bern, celebrated Carnival this last weekend. On Saturday afternoon, we gathered in the center of town where the kids made masks, got their faces painted and threw confetti like the rest of the folk. Everyone was very welcoming and we had a great time drinking beer, listening to music and just watching the little bit of craziness.

The next day, Izzi and Xavier also marched in the town's parade. Izzi wore the mask she created the day before and Xavier wore his newly created wizard costume. They got in line with a hundred or more others and marched a 5km route through town. Todd and I followed along and wondered at how Isabella's long-time wish of wanting to be in parade came true so quickly after arriving in Switzerland. We all returned to to the community center and were treated to hotdogs, rolls, beer and soda. The parade bands played and the kids rode the merry-go-round.

SO, a little interacting with the people, but not much talking.

Back to school...the day seemed to go well for both Iz and Xave. Xavier seemed a bit tired but ok, and Isabella greeted me by telling me that she was meeting two friends from class after lunch to play.

So that seemed good. But at the same time that I was feeling relieved that Day 1 seemed to go quite well, I was also realizing that it was no indicator of how the days ahead would be. As I guess is true no matter where you live, or how close you are to dear friends and loving family. As a parent, you spend your time wondering what the day to come will bring for your child. Or am I just a bit neurotic?