Transition Time... (July 2014) | Making Storytellers

The weeks before we left Milton were a bit of a whirlwind but it was a supah-wicked-awesome whirlwind. I felt like the logistics manager for a rock band with cookouts, kid get togethers, Audrey and friends get togethers, etc. But I think that these weeks helped highlight for the kids that this year is not about “running away” from anything. There are so many people that they love in MA and we talked a lot about the fact that if they were feeling bummed out about what they were leaving behind that was a GOOD thing…it helped them realize just how much they appreciate all of the friends and family that fill their lives with love and laughter.

Rainy season is also rainbow season...looking at a cool one over the woodshed.

Of course, after so much bonding time with the F&F (friends and family), we were a bit wary about how the first few days of travel were going to go. I was anticipating something between “organ rejection” and “minor family revolt.” But after 48 hours on the ground, Audrey and I are amazed at how well the kids are adjusting. No…they aren’t blissfully rolling along. And yes, they each (to varying degrees) have their anger flare-ups and have moments of feeling overwhelmed by the changes. They talk a lot about who and what they miss. BUT they are finally taking to heart that talking about that is normal…and that now that we ARE away from Milton and on the ground in Costa Rica it is time to make the most of a new situation. And they really do.

Audrey tried to capture the lights of the city in the background...kinda worked!

I have always thought that our kids were a reasonably tight-knit bunch but the way they have bonded in the past 48 hours has been almost emotional to watch as a parent. It’s like they have all decided in their heads “well…we aren’t in Kansas anymore and only the four of us understand that…all for one and one for all.” They talk even more freely than before, laugh together, play together, fight together (wait…that’s not new), etc. If the only thing that comes of this year is that the kids keep building on a strong familial bond, we couldn’t ask for more. We will hope for more, of course. : )

And although it has clearly been crazy busy trying to unpack, shop for necessities, etc. we have still found ourselves with a ton of FAMILY time as well. It’s hard to describe. For example…at home, one parent might run out to the store for some stuff for dinner. The other goes out for something else. Jack is left in charge for an hour. We come back and the kids are scattered around the neighborhood having fun. Dinner is made, then the kids come back and we eat together. We consider ourselves in good shape as a “bonded family” because we ate dinner together.

It wasn't just raining...it was POURING!

But here in these early days while we find our footing, we are ALL going to the store together. ALL commenting on new sights, smells, sounds, etc. on the drive to and from the store. ALL together in the house with kids helping out more making dinner and cleaning up. And ALL hanging out together after dinner (yes…we taught the kids how to play poker tonight). Granted a lot of that will change once school starts, once we know our way around more, etc. But part of why we chose to live up in the hills rather than in town was that it lends itself to more family time and a bit of a slower pace of life.

We have also been happy and impressed with the extent to which the two older ones are starting to step out and try a bit of Spanish. Jack has led the way. Ella is stepping up now, too. The younger ones are still a bit wary. We went to dinner last night and Jack (and Ella a bit) were trying to speak to the waiter. We stopped by the school today and they tried a bit. Etc.

Jack missed this one but gives you a feel for the deck.

Which brings me to our school visit today. Sooooo happy we fit that in before the start of the year. It gave the kids a chance to see the school campus (which is amazing!), meet their teachers (we were taken on an impromptu tour by Miss Anne, the headmistress and each kiddo got to see their classrooms and meet their teachers). Sure, they are still nervous, but all fears of a bogeyman are gone and I think there is even some excitement creeping in. Next Monday is the big day...

I have included a few pics from the past few days. I’ll try to compile them into an album, too. School tour pics, kids jumping on the trampoline in the POURING rain, a cool rainbow that came out after this afternoon’s storms, etc. But internet is still pretty weak (a tech is coming by to check it out next week).

If the past 48 hours are a microcosm of the year to come, we’ll take it. They have had their down moments (annoyances, stresses, “oh boy what next” moments) but these have been far and away drowned out by some incredible memories.