Kungfu Chronicles: Welcome to ISB

I was surprised at the number of options there are here for international schools. We found a couple we really liked but you have to apply and be "accepted." I was a little worried at first because we were getting a late start at the game and these schools fill up fast! Luckily things miraculously worked out and we got into the school we really wanted.

The kids started school at the International School of Beijing. It's an American based school and they have to take a Chinese language course every day. It's Awesome to be at a school with such great cultural variety. The kids have friends from Switzerland, Korea, Minnesota, Singapore and China!

Luke is in middle school and started a day earlier than the elementary. His two main teachers are from Singapore and the USofA :) He is on the school soccer team with an Argentine coach, and he is playing the saxophone in band. They each get their own macbook and the electives they offer are amazing - he had about 30 things to choose from. Right now he is in a "grill masters" class and loving it! He was a little bummed that the only sport they don't play is American Football - but there are school badminton and table tennis teams!

Zak's teacher is the coolest guy from Minnesota. He always lucks out with the cool teachers! He has surprised me by wanting to learn to play the cello and wanting to take a candle-making after school class. He is also playing soccer through a company whose coaches have really cool accents (British) so I told him the candle-making will have to wait until next session :) I was most worried about Zak's adjustment to the move but he has taken off with flying colors. He came home from school one day and said - "ask me what I don't like about living in China" so I asked him and he answered "Nothing!!" He does ask about visiting Texas and Arizona when we return for home leaves though.

Keely is just happy and loving and girly as ever! Her teacher is from New Zealand so she's had to get used to the accent :) She's excited to finally have homework this year! She surprised me by wanting to play soccer! And she's loving everything about it except for the uniforms that, she claims, look like a dress (they do drown her though!) She's playing the piano and taking gymnastics and really takes care of her little brother when she's home!