We’ve been home in Harare for around 6 weeks now. Eliza started Early Childhood class (EC1) at HIS, so David takes her and Miles to school together every morning. Classes start at 7:15. Eliza has Ms. Gayle (Zimbabwean), and Miles is in Grade 1 with Mrs. Breathnach (pronounced Bre-nok, Irish). They are both great teachers, so we feel lucky and relieved to be just at the start of a whole year with them.
I pick up Eliza every day at 11:45 (yes, still the a.m.!). On Thursdays, I take her to swimming lessons after school, but otherwise, she is usually tired and ready to chill at home with a dvd and then play with Panache, Herbert’s 4-year-old son. Miles finishes classes at 2 but has an activity until 3 MWTh. This year he chose clay molding, stone carving and marimba, a local instrument that resembles a xylophone. He is very happy with his activities.
When Miles gets home, he usually heads for the trampoline, the center of life for all the kids: Eliza, Panache, Miles & Shepherd. Miles usually has 45 minutes of homework (!!) which we start promptly at 4:30...and so begins the night-time routine of dinner, bath, books and bed. Eliza crashes as early as 6:45. Miles goes to bed at 7:15.
Ah, routine.
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| Miles on the trampoline |
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| Eliza, Shepherd and Panache in front of the Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow flowering bush |
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| Eliza convincing the boys to play dress up |
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ReplyDeleteThat last picture cracked me up! Perfect way to end the night!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Miles has has a haircut since I saw him. It looks nice -- not too short. Was so glad to see this update. I like it when you give routines -- and include photos. I know it's not easy without being connected at home -- or has that changed? Thanks again -- sounds like you had a nice birthday on Saturday. Love, Gayle/Grammy
ReplyDeleteAgree with Sara about the photo of Eliza and the 'boys.' I can hear that convincing little voice now. Tell Miles those are some awesome moves on the trampoline. And as always great photo shots by Mommie.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have eavesdropped on the minutes leading up to the dress picture. How did she get them to do that? Hilarious! I too am impressed by those trampoline moves by Miles -- Gayle/Grammy
ReplyDeleteWhen it started getting warmer, the summer nightgowns were discovered, and these became Eliza's favorite after school outfit. All her enthusiasm for them, plus her girlish excitement over wearing the same things as her friends was just too enticing. The boys thought it was fun, and they were dancing all around the garden to the delight of their parents.
ReplyDeleteWith all his practice, Miles is definitely getting more confident on the trampoline. His martial arts moves are inspired by the animated children's series Avatar (boy with blue arrow on head). I'll freely admit I'm a fan of the show myself.