Old McDonald had a farm.........

We have had such a wonderful day today! Katherine (of Fred and Katherine fame) picked us up this AM to go visit a working farm near Belfast. It was amazing. E got to feed a baby goat from a bottle, see and pet cows, pigs, sheep, deer, rabbits and the like. The most amazing thing to me was watching him very sweetly hold a baby chick. He was so amazing and tender with it. The boys also enjoyed playing in a hay loft and using the slides there. Thanks to K and her amazing boys for taking us along. K also packed an amazing picnic and we were met by their family friends for lunch. In other news, Carol started school today and I've been a bit on pins and needles about that. I also find that I am feeling a bit like an overworried mother thinking about my students today. Without a doubt they are in excellent hands, but it is hard to let go a bit. After Mr. E asking for almost a week we are ordering Pizza Hut for tea tonight. PH here is FAR more expensive then at home so I don't think it'll be a weekly treat by any means. Still, it will be nice to have something that reminds us of home. The woman who did our culture shock class in DC talked about the "honeymoon" period ending after one or two weeks and I think we're there. It's not that things areanything but great here, but I'm really starting to miss home.
Mr E is getting along well and is playing playstation with the little boys from next door. He seems to blend in well where ever we go and another mother commented today about how social he is. He really is a great kid. Last night he had tea with the family next door and then played there for about two hours. I'm glad that he is making friends.
hugs to everyone at home,
ml and bl