I never imagined this day would come, the day I'd send my big girl off to school. Up until now she was homeschooled, and so the whole "regular school" thing is a new experience; for the both of us.
Thank God I didn't haven any problems when I enrolled her in the nearby private school. Homeschooling is not a recognized form of schooling here in Brazil and sometimes it can be a hassle to make the transition.
Aside from being a bit stubborn and not wanting to read, and I quote, a boring little text in Portuguese, Alina did well in the interview. So much so that the coordinator said she didn't have to do a test before enrolling because she was clearly advanced scholastically for her age.
At first she was kind of anxious about going to school and being away from me and home. But then yesterday she was finally excited about this new chapter of her life and looking forward to today, her "first day at school".
I'm still all for homeschooling and would continue doing it if our circumstances were different. But at the same time I'm glad to get a break from teaching, being that I taught for 9 1/2 years. I'll still be teaching her language arts (in English) since she obviously won't be taught that at school.
All ready to go at 6:30 a.m.:
This is Alina's toddler-preschool friend, Tiffas:
The last time they saw each other was almost 4 and a half years ago. I don't how much she remembers, but she sure was happy to play with her. And I'm glad we got to see her and her family again before we left São Paulo.
And this is Tiffa's sister, Alicia, and her mother, Melody. My ex-pupil and friend, respectively.
And these are a few oldies from when Tiffas and Alina were little.
Tiffany's second birthday (she's 6 months older than Alina):
With their friend Nicolas (who is 2 weeks younger than Alina):
Tiffa's third birthday:
And Daddy. And Mommy.
Earlier this month Grandpa took the girls to the zoo. Happily for us, they never get tired of going there.
Maybe it's because they never know which animals they'll see since it all depends on the weather, the time, and the mood the animals are in.
Oh right, they, as in Alina. Laura couldn't care less. As long as she gets to ride in the car she's happy.
That's one thing she never tires of.
Daddy and Laura observing a couple of camels somewhere off in the distance:
Grandpa and Lili:
There were llamas somewhere ...
Paying a visit to the old Nile crocodile:
Such excitement:
An interesting bird:
The lions were out of their dens ... yay!
A toilet was scrubbed:
"Look! Suds!"
A certain grandmother's glasses were stolen:
Poker was played whilst a hookah was smoked:
Delicious bruschetta was made by a loving mother (my mother, that is) to be enjoyed with fine wine:
And other yummy stuff was had:
Gabi, who used to be Alina's teacher, came for a visit a few days before New Year's. She took care of Alina when she was 10 months old until she was 4 and was Alina's favorite teacher/caretaker.
Gabi, her daughter Nataly, and Alina:
Ready to have fun on New Year's Eve:
Tasting the goodies Grandma was preparing:
Busy Moother:
Yum!
Thinking about life:
Giving her little sister a piggy-back-ride:
One of my best friends was in Brazil visiting his family and he spent New Year's with us before returning to Pakistan.
It was sooo very wonderful to see you again Topher!
My younger brother and sister (on the right) with some of their friends:
My Love:
