When we landed in LA we did so running (as best you can with 2 children, 3 lots of on board luggage, 3 suitcases and a twin stroller) and only just made our connecting flight to Houston. The kids were getting a bit ratty but all in all were well behaved. They served us lunch on the plane which was a hamburger and salad. Now I don't mind indulging in fast foods from time to time but this was like nothing I had every tasted - it was like I was biting into a burger of lard. My tongue and intestines were thickly coated with grease and stayed with me for too long, ugh.
Once in Houston, Texas (our home state now) we got ourselves a hire car and drove for half an hour to The Woodlands. I think I nearly tore my seat belt/door handle/hair to shreds as Simon drove. Essentially all the principles remain the same however I was surprised at how much driving on the right hand side of the road unnerved me at first. When I started driving (2 days later) I was saying mantras out loud to save me from accidentally heading into oncoming traffic. Things have improved dramatically since then but I don't drive on automatic pilot so much now, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
Anyhow we had booked into a hotel with a mini kitchen whilst we set up in our rental home (which Simon had organised in his previous trip). Jet lag well and truly wrapped its hands around the kids. They would wake between 10pm and 2am for the first 4-5 nights ready to play! Then we dragged them from pillar to post during the day trying to find beds, kitchen supplies, towels etc. Gradually we have acquired a couch, beds to replace the kids lilos, our shipment of personal belongings (and toys - thank god). So whilst very minimalist in feel our place is certainly quite livable at the moment. I'm sure it wont be long before I'm complaining about not enough space!
The Woodlands, where we live, is a relatively new housing/community and as the name suggests, has an abundance of trees. Its actually has quite a tranquil feel about it, the town planning has preserved the wooded nature of the area so when you drive through the main streets the shopping centres, shop signs (incl McDonalds) & marketing are not visible from the road side. We have access to beautiful parks, lakes, playgrounds and community pools geared towards young children (water slides, shallow pools with sprinklers, activities etc). The town centre has a large mall!, great eatery area and feels a bit Southbank like.
We went to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant in the first week. A woman pulled me aside to comment on the kids good behaviour in the restaurant. The next thing I know we've swapped phone numbers, talked baby sitters, had been invited to an Easter Egg Hunt and had arranged a play date at the park with some friends. She had relocated to The Woodlands 2 years prior and knows what its like to be a newcomer to the area. They've invited us to a Wine & Cheese party at their house next month to meet some of their friends which will be good. So whilst it doesn't come close to our friends at home it is at least a start to creating some sort of social network.
Ashley started her 1st week of pre-school (kinder) this week. She moaned, cried and flat out refused to go all the way there. Once inside she was dancing and singing within 2 minutes!! And then further complaints all the way home saying she didn't like it. We think she's aware that the rest of us are all at home and she thinks she's missing out on something. Liam would be in for 2 sessions as well however there are no spots available at the moment.
Anyhow, it has certainly been an eventful 3 weeks. We feel like things are coming together but not entirely sure our heads are bobbing above the surface just yet. So many things are different from the life we've always known however different is not better or worse, its just different. We'll keep you posted with things our end and chat via skype or email otherwise. In postings to come: stupid things Americans have said to us, things done differently to home and the all important Golf update. Ciao Cara xxoo
PS: One of the definites 'ups' is the alcohol. Simon got a 6 pack of Grolsch for $5.84 and I had a beautiful bottle of Mumm champagne for $17. Mmmm Mmmm
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