Jack... the 4th grader

Jack and Jed started school on Tuesday. Jack is now a fourth grader and Jed is now a first grader. Both boys have American teachers for their homerooms and both teachers are new to Beijing and seem very enthusiastic.

We spent the days leading up to the first day at the pool and the playgrounds so I feel we got the most out of the summer, both in America and in China. The boys are happy to be back into the swing of things, back with their friends. Of course, both boys are nervous about what the new year will bring. Jack starts swimming in PE tomorrow, so they really jump right in to things.

It's back to life as usual here. The expat community is busy talking about the string of bicycle thefts in our area as well as the coming practice traffic restrictions in preparation for next year's Olympics. This Friday-Monday (inclusive) driving will be restricted. Two of the days only even numbered license plates can drive, and the other two days only odd numbered plates can drive. Luckily, diplomatic plates are exempt, so we don't have to worry about it and maybe we'll get to enjoy some blue sky (reduced pollution) days as a side effect!