Schultüte

Here in Vienna, they have a tradition that we thought was a great idea. On the first day of first grade, each child gets to bring a Schultüte to school with them. This is a huge cone shaped box that we as parents get to fill with anything that we want. Some of them are little and some are bigger than the kids! We had to get Carli one of the bigger ones, although hers was not the biggest! We filled it with candy and school supplies, little stuffed animals and other things and then as she was leaving for her first day, we surprised her with it and she took it to school with her. The first day of school was only one hour and the parents went with their children. Then after it was over, everyone got to open their Schultüte. She loved it!

Internet!!!

We finally have internet access in our house!!
It is not the service that we signed up for months ago (still no word from them). We ended up getting a mobile modem thing (ask Josh for details). All I know is that I can check e-mail and post blogs from the comfort of my own home!

So much has happened since the last time we posted that I'm not sure where to begin. Today Josh and I finished our first month of German class. I think that it was a great class and we both learned a lot. Josh's German is so good that he has actually been mistaken for an Austrian! Mine, on the other hand, is just beginning. I will go to a store and try to use my German, and they immediately switch over to English. At least I am trying.
Carli and Caleb are both loving school. They have made good friends and have both been invited into their friends homes. We have been able to have some of their friends into our home as well (besides the usual neighbor kids). They continue to amaze me by how quickly they make friends, even though they cannot speak each others language.

Josh and I are also trying to get to know the people around us. There is a neighbor who really enjoys talking to Josh and I had coffee with one of Caleb's friends mom. One thing that I have been having a hard time with is being so far away from friends. I think God is helping us with that. The language is still a barrier for me, so please pray that I will learn German quickly.

I have many stories to share, so I will start posting them one by one. So make sure you check back often.

Here are a few random pictures for you....





This last one is the view from our bedroom window at sunset. It is so beautiful.

The Unpacking Continues...

We have so many boxes and so much paper from all of the boxes that our kids are having a blast playing in it. The hard part is recycling is a HUGE deal in Vienna. We have to make several trips a day to the Altpapier recycling bin at the end of the street which we also share with half the neighborhood. It is going to be a long time before all of the paper is gone!