Our First Week

We all made it through our first week!  The drive up to Utah went smooth and we spent the rest of the weekend getting settled, running errands, and going to Church.  A big priority on our list was getting the kids their new birthday bikes.  The kids had been very patient waiting to get them until we got to Utah.  It was sad to see Lance go on Sunday but we pushed through and kept busy the rest of the week.

 

On Monday our first stop was to get Kai registered at his new school.  We walked in the school for the first time and headed to the office.  I told them we were there to register and said our last name.  The response was "Oh, Kai.  We've been waiting for you".  It was pretty awesome.  While we were filling out the paperwork the principal came out and spoke with us for awhile also and was very nice.  She told us she had placed Kai in a class based on his past academic record with a teacher that has a GATE certification so we were also happy about that.  As we were finishing the paperwork Kai's teacher also happened to walk through the office and stopped and talked with us for a bit.  She has been teaching for 30+ years and was very friendly and seemed very on the ball.  I was immediately very impressed.  She was on her way to a meeting but directed us to walk down the hall and peak in the classroom.  On the way there we walked past the lunchroom that has the most beautiful view of the whole Salt Lake Valley and a huge stage.  Kai loved it!  Outside his classroom there was a bulletin board up that already had his name on it so we thought that was neat too since we had only just officially registered him.  It was definitely a very different experience than in Vegas where there are so many kids.

Monday night also happened to be a Back to School Night at Kai's school.  Grandpa bravely agreed to watch the girls so Kai and I could just go which was really nice.  The principal spoke to everyone and Kai was on the edge of his seat hearing about all the fun school activities planned for the year.  Then she excused up and we got to go in his classroom and hear a short bit from his teacher about the upcoming year.  When we found his seat we realized that at his table was a little girl from our old neighborhood here.  I'm friends with her Mom and have spoken with her a few times over the last few weeks when we figured out that their kids now went to the school Kai would be going to.  Kai and the little girl had known each other when they were little and I knew she was bright and sweet so I was thrilled to see that.  We also quickly saw that another little girl at the table was from our new Church here.  Her Mom is actually in the Primary Presidency and I had met her briefly the day before so that was also great.  Even though we were starting something new and unknown it was really nice to have some familiar faces around.  There are only 3 second grades and there aren't even buses because all the kids live so close in the neighborhood.  We will be living 1 street away from the school so Kai will be able to walk which is dreamy.  I feel a little like I've stepped back in time in the coolest way.  Kai also loves the fact that he will be going to his Dad's elementary school.  It is pretty cool!

We spent the next few days collecting school supplies, getting school shoes, Costco gathering for lunchbox items etc.  The kids also played a ton outside in the backyard which was heaven after all this time of them not really being able to do that in our old house. 



 Kai started school on Wednesday.  On Thursday we had a meeting at Rori's school to see her classroom and do some evaluations.  There will be 2 Deaf and Hard Hearing Kindergarten teachers at Rori's school.  That day we ended up not meeting with the teacher that will be Rori's teacher because she was in Los Angeles finishing a summer masters degree teacher program at the John Tracy Clinic.  We are so excited about this that we were happy to meet with the other teacher.  In addition to that teacher we also met the classroom aid, and the AVT Speech Therapist.  Everyone was super nice and we ended up being there about 1 1/ hours which was great.  It was so great to talk with them and I might have even teared up at one point in relief  and gratitude in being surrounded by new resources for Rori.  I left feeling very good and excited about this year for Rori.

And then we had made it to Friday and were in countdown to Lance's flight getting in.  Kai and Rori have early dismissal on Friday's so that is another new change for us.  We popped some popcorn and watched a movie that afternoon to celebrate and help pass the afternoon.  It was so great to have Lance back with us after we picked him up.  Knowing we can be with him on the weekends really does make all the difference. 

We had a fun weekend with Lance.  Friday night after we got him from the airport we grabbed some dinner and then headed to the Skyline Football game.  It had sprinkled a little that afternoon so we figured we should probably put everyone in pants and bring some sweatshirts just in case.  It was pretty funny to gather things as we haven't worn pants or sweatshirts since last Spring.  The T. Sorenson cousins were at the game so all the kids were thrilled.  Kai was especially thrilled as he was way in to watching Skyline play.  Saturday morning we drove up in to the mountains and went on a hike.  It was beautiful and so nice to be out in nature with the kids.  Zuri got a free ride in the backpack but all the kids did great and it was an encouraging first Fall hike in UT for our family. 

 

Saturday afternoon brought in a good hard rain storm which we love.  Sunday we went to Church and Kai and Lance and I got to meet with the Bishop for Kai's pre-baptism interview.  Kai was so cute and so super excited.  That afternoon we went down to Temple square and did a little photo shoot of Kai.  The flowers there were amazing as usual and it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  After some dinner it was time to pack Lance up again and get him to the airport.  After the great experiences at the kids new schools this week I've been feeling really good about our new adventure, but saying goodbye to Lance is still really not fun.  Thank goodness for next weekend- and it is even a long weekend!!!