Real Life Begins

So we got home from the cruise on Saturday and Monday Sept 7th the boys started school.  We ended up deciding to send them to Campion School, a private British school on the outskirts of Athens.  They were pretty excited for the first day.  We managed to get their 'summer' weather uniforms ready.

We were pretty lucky that Sean had one more day of leave so that he could be there for the first day of school.  Poor Ryan burst into tears as we left.  And I can't really blame him, its his 3 year in a row starting at a different school and this time in a different country!  Of course when before Sean could leave Bryce's classroom he was already standing on a table being a goofball.  At least we are happy to say that we had a big surprise for them when they got home from school.  Our unaccompanied baggage had arrived, so 900 pounds of household stuff, including all their bedding and their lovies!  They got to hug their lovies and tell us all about how much fun they had their first day!  

Day two of their new school meant that they were going to ride the bus to school.  Buses are WAY different here.  All kids school buses have seatbelts and a chaperone!  So the driver just worries about driving and the chaperone helps take care of the kids.  Love it!

By day 4 of school, bus pick up time had become a bit silly!

On Friday Charlotte and I went back to the laiki (farmers market), I tried to get some pictures of just what a huge range of items you can find.

Pants anyone?

 How about some random kitchen items?

 Everyone needs underwear from the farmers market right?

 Of course there is lots and lots of produce.

After that we met a friend for a little playtime.  And I got decorated with stickers.  

 Then she decided that they looked better on her.

 Quick stop in a local chain bakery to check out what kinds of things they have.  I never realized with moving here how amazing all their baking and pastry was going to be.  

 Beautiful cakes and pies for around 15 euro, about 18 dollars, or about half what they would cost in Washington D.C., lol.

 The platia, square, that has lots of restrants and is where the laiki beings.

 Thankfully she decided to walk home so I could use her stroller for all my produce!

 So delicious, fresh and cheap!

On Saturday Sean took the boys to an airshow.  I stayed home with the little lady.  The boys had a blast getting to fly an F-16 simulator!

Sunday we decided to do our first Greek beach trip.  We drove over Penteli Mountain (this is the mountain right behind us) and down the other side.  The views were so amazing!  How did we get so lucky???

Thanks for another great week Athens!

Cruise Part 3

We woke up on September 4th really excited about exploring Naples.  We used our trusty Rick Steves book to get off the ship and head for the metro.  

We had about an hour on the train, and Charlotte make sure to study the book on our way to Pompeii. 

The view from the train as we headed into the countryside was beautiful.

 The train station in Pompeii.  

Our first view of Pompeii.  This city was founded in 600 B.C.  The amount of restoration done was simply amazing! 

Bryce wanted to pose for a picture.

 Then he got silly.  

 Alright, enough sillies now its time to explore. Everyday the citizens would flood the streets with gushing water in order to clean it.  To prevent their feet from getting wet the streets had stepping stones to use to cross.  Of course the kids loved them!  

We stopped in the Forum to get an idea of what we wanted to try and see.

 Reading and discussing what had happened here.

Too bright for anything but silly faces!

 Seeing the houses that people lived in was fascinating. 

 These two have a special connection.

 After walking around for a few hours we were all hot and tired. 

Bryce wanted to demonstrate what that looked like. 

One of two theaters at Pompeii.

 Charlotte let me know that it was time to leave.

We took the train back to Naples and followed Rick's suggestions for getting a great late lunch at Pizzeria Trianon.  We shared bruschetta, margherita and buffalo cheese pizzas.  Some of the best pizza I've ever had!  

After we got back to the ship the boys decided they wanted to spend their last dinner on the ship in the Kids Club.  So Charlotte, Sean and I watched from the balcony as the sun set and we pulled out of port.  

 Charlotte loved the seagulls flying right next to the ship.

After our last dinner, we went to get the boys from Kids Club, they couldn't wait to show us their decorations from the kids parade.  It turned into a dancing party on the top of the ship.

The next morning was a quick breakfast then to the shuttle for the airport.  Quick plane ride back to Athens and we can call an end to our cruise.