Some wintery December photos

Some recent photos:

Rockafeller Christmas Tree

Ethan not liking the snow Part 1

Ethan finding his Christmas present (Mummy needs a better hiding place than behind the sofa!)

Ethan showing me his look of disgust at going running in sub zero temperatures

Trying to get him used to new headphones we've brought him for plane journeys

Hating the snow (part 2)

Our fake Christmas tree which Matt hates!

And finally Like Father like son..

Two months in...

Two months ago our plane touched down on the tarmac at JFK. I can't believe we've been here two months already! Before we came here (and I was worried as two years seemed like such a long time) Mum said not to think of it as two years but 24 months. On that basis we're already 1/12 through our scheduled time here!

It's been a fun two months and we're enjoying the US. Ethan and I are making lots of friends (I've recently been on two girls nights out without Ethan too!) and have a packed schedule with all the classes. We're enjoying spending more time with Matt at the weekend as the advantage of renting is not having any house or garden type chores at the weekend. Matt and I are also getting to spend more time together generally, we are filling this currently with obsessive watching of Sons of Anarchy, a great drama about a motorcycle gang and enjoying having WiFi fast enough to stream tv shows and films from Netflix. On the whole it is a very nice quality of life and one which we are very much enjoying.

We're getting to grips with the different culture. We (wrongly) assumed that the culture was very similar to the UK, but actually it is quite different, the language is probably the main common factor and this draws you into a false sense of security thinking that the US is the same as the UK. It's not a bad culture just different and therefore a great experience.

We obviously miss our family and friends. However with FaceTime and other means of communication the world is a much smaller place. Today I've FaceTimed all the Aspinall's and Matt most the Newnes'. Poor Ethan is getting a little bored of it although its interesting watching his awareness of it change. When we first moved out he seemed confused by FaceTime but now seeing the instant recognition on his face is a pleasure.

We also miss our network of (Ethan) support. For me to go out with friends, it means relying on Matt to get home which as most people know is a challenge! Matt and my date times will be restricted to when we have family to stay, I have considered getting a babysitter but would only leave him in the evening with someone who he has spent time with during the day and has a good level of familiarity. Plus at an average of $15 per hour a trip to the cinema could become very expensive! That said, I am loving all the time I am spending with him and enjoying watching him grow each day. He has settled in well to the creche at the YMCA so I am leaving him there 2-3times a week for an hour at a time so I can do classes which is good.

I can't believe we're a week away from our first trip home. When we moved Christmas seemed like a lifetime away and now its come round quickly. One of my best friends Seetal moved to California in January, when I told her we were going home for Christmas she said 'you'll find its too soon' and I didn't understand what she meant. But now I do. For the avoidance of doubt I CANNOT WAIT to see our family and friends, I've missed people like crazy, but it does feel like we're just getting into the swing of things and a two week break from it all seems like a long time. I worry about all the goodbyes and having to go through the emotional upheaval of leaving the UK again!

So overall it's been a great two months, better than we can have hoped for. We've had some fun times, Boston being a notable highlight, and now are enjoying our first proper winter snowstorm! I'm particularly looking forward to the next few months with February and March seeing the descent of the siblings with Will (Newnes) and Charlotte; Susie (Aspinall) and Matt and Lucy (Aspinall) all with reservations. Personally I'm looking forward to all the lie ins, we did tell you all that guests have early morning Ethan entertainment duties didn't we?!

Fight or Embrace... The basement

I've decided to start a new feature... 'Fight or embrace' where I take a topic/item that is different in the US culture and explain why we are embracing it or fighting it. A bit of light hearted fun and sometimes educational.

I've decided to take an easy one to start with, many of you will have heard me express my view on basements in US houses before I came over.

This is why I hate them...

The window. Yes, the window. The one where the bad guy always gets in whatever film or book you're reading. I won't deny it, I have an over active imagination. These windows freak me out. Before I came over I had no intention of ever entering the basement.

But then I unpacked Ethan's toys. And this is why I have had to embrace it:

The basement is now Ethan's playroom. A great space where he can create as much mess as he likes. And when we host play dates we have a great enclosed space for the kids to play in.

So, I have embraced the basement (well almost, when Matts away I still put a chair against the door!!!)

Thanksgiving weekend in Boston

We arrived in Boston on the afternoon of Thanksgiving, its 185 miles from our home in New York so a perfect weekend get away. We stayed in a hotel in the Back Bay area, an area famous for its Victorian type homes and architecture.

We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner in Capitol Grill, a local steak type restaurant. During this meal we entered the 'entertain your child with an iPad club' keeping a restless Ethan happy with his favourite episode of Bugs Bunny. It became apparent on the walk to and from the restaurant that when people warned us it was going to be cold in Boston they weren't kidding! And very randomly, Matt received am email the following day from a lady from the EY London office who had been in the same restaurant that night and had seen us leaving.

On Friday we set off along 'The Freedom Trail'. This is a 2.5mile walk of Boston which is mapped out by a red brick (or paint in places) trail making it very easy to follow. It covers 16 nationally significant historic sites. It's s great way to see the city, take in some history in a very easy way. Especially if you're Ethan getting carried around by Mummy in a sling! 

About 2hours into a walk, we saw some Boston Bruins fans heading to the game. Realising we were right next to the TD Garden stadium and feeling very cold we went to the Box office and managed to get some tickets. So we watched Boston Bruins beat the New York Rangers 3-2. It was our second ice hockey game and reiterated my view as being my favourite American sport (baseball - too long, basket ball - average, American football - yet to full understand), its fast and easier to understand, plus they have some full on fights which adds to the excitement levels. It was Ethan's first game and he managed to sit through it reasonably well once he understood he couldn't spend the whole game climbing the stadium stairs. He learnt to clap along to the 'lets go Bruins' chant and flirt with the girl sitting behind us. By the third session he was overtired and the noise got too much for him but on the whole we we impressed by how well he coped.

That night we went to a nice Italian restaurant close to our hotel. It is owned and run by an Indian chef which made for a good mix of flavours, I had a pasta 'Indian Fusion Masala Pasta' which was delicious, Matt and Ethan kept it traditional with spaghetti bolognaise. The night was made slightly more interesting by the man at the table behind us passing out and what can only be described as an impressive response time from the emergency services (ladies, an added advantage over here is that the fire service often attend the same calls as ambulances!).

On Saturday we went to the Aquarium. Ethan decided to take his nap in the sling five minutes before we arrived so Matt and I walked round the marina area while he slept. It was such a beautiful aspect of the city and amazing how peaceful it was. In the Aquarium we saw three different types of penguins, seals and some large rays which Ethan was able to touch. A fantastic day out that Ethan really enjoyed. We finished the day with dinner in a local pizza restaurant.

On Sunday we went for a quick drive around Harvard before setting off home. A terrible journey home, 6 hours spent in the car instead of the 3 it should take (that's the Thanksgiving traffic we were warned about!) Ethan only slept for 45 of those 360 minutes so it felt even longer! Relieved to get home and after putting Ethan to bed have just enjoyed a takeaway, well the cupboards were bare!

Some photos from the weekend are below. We had a lovely time and would recommend it as a tag on to a trip out here.

X

An afternoon in the Library

Today I finally discovered what the deal is with Libraries here. This afternoon's Newcomer Club playgroup arranged to meet in the Library as the weather was damp. 'Strange I thought, not sure Ethan will be up for quiet time in a Library'.

How mistaken could I be.

They had a two storey special Children's library. Full of thousands of children's books. A small playroom at the back whether Ethan played with the trains. Some computers with special children's software. A puppet stand with puppets where some older children kindly put on a show for Ethan (he liked the Moose). Tables to do jigsaws on. Overall a very impressive set up full of children spending time on a damp afternoon and will definitely visit again.

Oh, and I forgot the highlight of the visit for Ethan. A disabled access ramp about 15m long connecting two floors which Ethan and his new friend Nolan spent most of their time crawling up and down!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So, today is Thanksgiving. It's the biggest holiday in the USA, bigger than Christmas and people do as we would in the UK at Christmas, get together with families and enjoy a big meal together.

We have chosen to travel to Boston for the weekend (a 3hr drive away), apparently travel is a complete nightmare so wish us luck on the roads!

But what is the history behind Thanksgiving, in an effort to educate me and you, I did some research. I thought 'Thanksgiving history for kids' was probably pitching at the right level and after putting that into Google I discovered...

Celebrate on: Fourth Thursday in November

Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November, but many Americans take a day of vacation on the following Friday to make a four-day weekend, during which they may travel long distances to visit family and friends.
The holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts, determined to practice their dissenting religion without interference. After a rough winter, in which about half of them died, they turned for help to neighboring Indians, who taught them how to plant corn and other crops. The next fall's bountiful harvest inspired the Pilgrims to give thanks by holding a feast.
The Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition — not only because so many other Americans have found prosperity but also because the Pilgrims' sacrifices for their freedom still captivate the imagination.
To this day, Thanksgiving dinner almost always includes some of the foods served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pumpkin pie. Before the meal begins, families or friends usually pause to give thanks for their blessings, including the joy of being united for the occasion.

The Friday following Thanksgiving is known as 'Black Friday'. This is the biggest shopping day in the year and shops have crazy sales, often opening on the evening of Thanksgiving and staying open all night. It sounds very similar to our Boxing Day sales at home albeit on a much grander scale.

So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Will update you on our Boston trip next week.

First NY haircut for Ethan

So we've all had our haircuts in NY now. Today we took Ethan to a local kids hairdressers called 'Fun Cuts for Kids'. Children get to sit in fun cars, or watch cartoons. Their website says 'There are so many fun distractions children may not want to leave when their haircut is over'. I'll let you decide from the photos whether we had that problem with Ethan!

Learner drivers again

Although you can drive in NY on your UK licence, once you become resident or buy a car, you need to get your NY Drivers Licence. So today we went to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), filled in forms, passed our written tests and got our learner permits.

Now we just have to undertake a 5hour driving course and do a road test. Lucky us! Although apparently you can do the road test in your own vehicle which is good. The rear parking camera will certainly make things a lot easier!

Look what's covered in our driving licence theory!

Making friends

I know a number of people have been curious about how I would make friends out here. So I thought I'd explain how you go about it.

- Newcomers Clubs - local organisations that are set up for new people moving to an area. I have joined our local one and been added to a weekly playgroup of Mums all with children a similar age to Ethan.

- Expat group - there is a local expat group which we have also joined. They organise monthly coffee mornings and ladies nights out and I have also arranged a play date with another Mum through there.

- The YMCA - we are now doing three classes there and tomorrow I have a play date with a lady I met while we watched our children swim;

- Family contacts - on Tuesday I went to Manhattan to meet Mum's friend's daughter in law for coffee. We had a lovely morning and hopefully her and her husband will be joining is for lunch in the New Year. On Sunday we have some old friends of Ann and Phil's (inlaws) coming to lunch. They are also currently in New York on a secondment.

- meetup.com - put in your area and tells you all the local groups. I joined a couple of parenting/mum type ones and have just put in a request to join a new playgroup when the 'term' starts in January.

- Putting yourself out there - ok so it's a LONG time since I was in the dating game but it feels a little like that. You meet someone you click with. You ask for their number. You arrange a play date!

First visitors

On Saturday Mum and Dad left after a week staying with us. We had a lovely week and managed to squeeze in lots of activities.

They arrived late on Friday night, we had a nice quiet weekend letting them get over jet lag and took them to the local diner for breakfast. The diner is a 24hour diner and is becoming a firm favourite for breakfast (omelattes, breakfast burritos etc.). They enjoyed it so much we had another visit there on their last day. This was the morning after a trip to our favourite Italian family restaurant (which also supplied takeaway pizzas a couple of times that week) so they were certainly well fed during their stay.

On Monday Ethan and I took them for a day in Manhattan. We first headed for the 9/11 memorial which was very humbling. They have created two large pools, one in the footprint of the North Tower one in the footprint of the South Tower. Seeing the c3,000 names engraved in stone was emotional (especially the lady whose name was accompanied by 'and her unborn child'). 

After this we headed up to 5th avenue, not to shop but to watch the Veterans Day parade. Then we walked up to Central Park where we had a house and carriage ride (very much a tourist rip off but quite a good way to see some of park). Then we walked to Times Square and back to Grand Central where we met a family friend so Mum could deliver his toothpaste from the UK. It was a fun day and a good way of giving Mum and Dad a feel for the city. Lots and lots of walking, well apart from Ethan who got carried round in the sling all day!

On Tuesday I took advantage of having help with Ethan and had my hair done. As you can imagine Ethan free time is pretty much non existent now so when visitors come to stay will be taking advantage.

Wednesday saw Dad fly to Bermuda and Mum and I hit the shops after a class with Ethan. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is an hour drive away but worth a trip for the day with some great discounts. On Thursday we had an Ethan focused day, a couple of classes and him catching up on some sleep.

On Friday we took Ethan swimming and then went up to Greenwich, Connecticut for some lunch. Greenwich is a lovely place, very upmarket, almost Bond Street like, with a nice feel to it. Mum later discovered that it has a high concentration of hedge funds. In the evening they looked after Ethan while Matt and I went out for dinner trying a new local Italian which served rather tasty cocktails.

Overall we had a lovely week and Ethan enjoyed having family to stay. Looking forward to all our visitors in 2014!

Supplies!

Went to a local shop which stocks UK products, the end result and $40 later!

A follow up interview with Bruno

The first interview with Bruno had such positive feedback we've managed to secure some more time in his diary for a follow up.

Q - How are you enjoying your new home?

It's good thanks. It took me a while to settle in, it's quite different. I've had to have a special collar put on that beeps when I go to the edge of the garden and then gives me a shock when I don't respond. That made me jump at first but now I know what the beep means. And I've not escaped (yet)! Now I like chilling in the garden and all the new smells.

Q - How was your journey?

It was ok. I was in a crate and it was a bit scary on the plane. Daddy got into a row with a man who banged my crate on purpose when he came to pick me up. That made me chuckle! I was very pleased to see him.

Q - How are you enjoying your morning runs?

It's good. I like running alongside Ethan in his buggy. Although it can be hard work pulling Mummy up the hills!

Q - How are you and Ethan getting along?

Really well. He's got really good at stroking me and he likes my ears. He also tries to feed me from the highchair when Mummy's not looking! 

Q - What's your favorite thing about living in the US?

I like the different animals, seeing deer is quite funny on our morning runs. They look at me funny! I also like Ethan's new chair, I like sitting in it and looking out the window. I've been told off now though so I only do it when no ones looking!

The YMCA (not the dance!)

So a number of people will have heard me reference the YMCA so I thought I'd explain more about it. We have joined the Rye YMCA on a family membership. Their mission statement is 'The Rye YMCA is a family orientated community service organisation which welcomes all people and promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body'. It's a non profit organisation and is actually staffed by a large number of volunteers alongside paid employees. The best comparison to the UK is probably like a public leisure centre but one that draws a much more diverse range of people and seems to put a lot more back into the community. In fact their website states that 

'Most importantly, the Y works to ensure that our programs and services remain accessible to all through a variety of on-going philanthropic endeavors. Our primary cause is to strengthen the foundation of community through a focus on three areas: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Rye Y, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Thanks to the generosity of donors, fundraising special events, grants, foundations, and hundreds of volunteers, the Rye Y delivers free, subsidized or sponsored programs and services to thousands of Sound Shore residents each year, ensuring the availability of the Y’s benefits to those most in need'

So what do we do at the YMCA? For me, it's where I'll exercise (on top of the morning runs). I have already tried a couple of classes and so far am very much enjoying them. They have a 'Child Watch' service where I can leave Ethan for a small fee while I use the facilities. Even better, once he's been there a few times I can use the 'Tot Drop' service and leave him for up to two hours while I go off site. As you can imagine without any other form of childcare help this will be very useful, if only to go and eat cake and read a book! Matt can also use it, although he has joined a gym in the city, he plans on using the 'Y' (what the locals refer to it as) at the weekends.

And how about Ethan? This is where it gets really good. We have managed to get into all the classes we requested (they operate a ballot system each term). So on a Sunday Matt can take him to his swim class and on a Wednesday I'll take him to a gym class. Both these classes are free under our family membership. On a Thursday we've got a place on the 'Rock Your World' music class, this one is not a freebie but is substantially less than some of the other music sessions around (I assume it must be subsidised). (So people don't get confused we're also doing other swim classes which I do with him on a Friday at a place called Aqua Tots).

So basically the Y is where Ethan and I will probably spend a fair amount of time. So far everyone there is really friendly and it is a really nice place to spend time.

Trip into the city

Today we went into Manhattan. My cousin Steve and wife Emma were over in the city for a long weekend so we went and met them for lunch at Grand Central Station. After this Matt took us and showed us his office. In the UK Partners don't have offices but here they do. Some photos of Daddy showing Ethan what he does attached. 

Happy Halloween

So, I'm not a big fan of Halloween. However I was given strict instructions by Susie (my sister) that I had to embrace it. So we did. The main activity was a party at 'My Gym', Ethan's baby gym we've joined where Ethan went dressed rather suitably as a 'mischievous monkey'. Plus I did some token house decorations and carved my first pumpkin. Photos attached! (A few extra of the party to give you an idea of what a baby gym involves) 

Reflections on life in the US so far

We've been here for two weeks now (that went quick!). So far life in the US is good. There are some things they do here noticeably better, and others not so. I thought I'd share the things we're impressed with and the things not so...

The good...

- speeding in school zones. In school zones the limit is cut to 20mph and speeding fines doubled. So simple but really effective! Someone please get me the direct line to Mr Cameron!

- accident attendance. We drove past an accident the other day, the fire engines had just blocked the outside lane of the other side of the highway to ensure they could get to the accident quickly rather than having to mess around getting to the right side of the road. Yes, more traffic chaos but quicker in the scene to save lives.

- upstairs washing machine and dryer. No need to carry washing up and down the stairs. Possibly my favourite thing in the house.

- petrol is cheaper, much cheaper. I had to fill up the hire car the other day, I got flustered when deciding how much (knowing we were handing it back that weekend) so opted for $50 thinking that would be enough to ensure we didn't run out but not too much we were wasting it. Cue a hire car going back with a full tank!

- garbage collection. OK it's complicated but we get garbage and rubbish collected twice a week, recycling once a week, from 1 November they do leaf collection, it's basically all very clean.

- visibility of police, they're everywhere!

The bad...

- so most of the above is funded by taxes. And they're high, Westchester County has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Luckily, these are included in the price landlords charge you and as this is being paid for not so bad for us!

- credit card security. No pins and cashiers don't check signatures. I've been using Matts card for a week and no one seems to care!

- chocolate. I don't think I need to expand. Although I did today head to a local shop which stocks Cadburys only to get their and realise wallet at home (this is the second time this has happened in a week with chocolate purchasing, perhaps my subconscious is trying to tell me something?!)

And the ugly...

- the soft water. My hair hates it, really really hates it.

Three deer came to visit

Just sitting at dinner table relaxing after dinner when we noticed three deer on our front lawn! There I was worried about leaving rural living... Never had deer in Luddesdown!

Another busy few days here. We've tried another gym class and Ethan has had his first swimming lesson, very different set up to swimming lessons at home but he still seemed to enjoy himself.

Last night I went to meet some ladies for the 'girls night out' of the local ex pat group which was good, nice to meet some friendly faces. We also now have social security numbers and Ethan's furniture has finally been ordered. Hoping it comes in less time than the forecast 8-12 weeks as travel cots are not very comfortable! Another food shop under the belt where Ethan charmed the entire store. And, getting into the life and dropped Matts shirts off for dry cleaning, at $1.75 a shirt it's well worth saving on the ironing!

Two big achievement milestones met this week. The first is that after a week, I finally took the Hoover out the box and put it together. Couldn't work the bl**dy thing though as couldn't work out how to get it to recline. Was rather relieved though that it took Matt looking in YouTube to work out how to do it, at least I wasn't being completely stupid. The second is I managed to put together Ethan's brio train set. It took a lot of studying trying to work it out, especially while trying to discourage Ethan from taking it apart at the same time. Was slightly disappointed that Matt came home and immediately noticed where I'd gone wrong, nothing compared to Ethan pulling it all apart today though! I imagine that will be a regular occurrence! Hopefully next time I'll be able to put it back together a little quicker!

Bx

Ethan and I go it alone!

So, Ethan and I (and Bruno) have just finished our first couple of days on our own following Matts start at work yesterday.

Yesterday (Monday) was the start of the new morning routine. Dropping Matt at the station followed by a run with the new buggy and Bruno before breakfast. I don't think we're going to be winning any races but we're finding our feet the three of us, although it would be a log easier if Bruno didn't keep needing time outs to do his business or get distracted by other dogs.

We also tried our first trial baby group at 'My Gym'. Baby gym is quite big out here, not gym as in workout but as in gymnastics. Clearly Ethan is quite young, our class was called 'Wobblers' and involved some soft play type equipment, swings and slides but also lots of climbing. Despite being the youngest and one not walking in the class he had a great time.

After trying out another supermarket, Ethan and I went for a walk around a local nature reserve where we saw a deer. Some pictures attached, you may be able to spot the deer!

Today saw another trial class. This one run by a company called 'Music for Aardvarks'. It saw a man called Evan on the guitar and Colleen on the drums, lots of instruments for the babies/toddlers and lots of dancing and clapping (luckily Ethan has finally mastered clapping!). Another fun class again which Ethan loved which is going to make choosing difficult. However I was brave and traded numbers with a couple of Mums to arrange play dates so hopefully the network will start to grow.

One thing that has become very clear is children's classes here are not cheap. What you would pay c£6/£7 in the UK costs you closer to £20 here. But there is lots of variety.

This afternoon I decided to walk to the local 'cafe' type destination, which is in actual fact a chocolate shop where they make chocolate on site (shame!). Ordered a hot chocolate and cookie only to realise I'd left my wallet at home so once I'd finished I had to walk back home and then return to pay. At least that helped burn off the chocolate!

I've just asked Matt how his two days have been... He said fine. He has his own office which he says is weird. I have been quite impressed he's walked home from the station (20-25m) the past two nights instead of getting a taxi!

The next few days sees more trial classes, going to get our social security numbers tomorrow and our first swimming class on Friday.

And finally, for the family amongst you, a picture of Ethan climbing under the kitchen table today. One thing is for sure, I need the stair gates to arrive ASAP given we have no doors downstairs!

Matt's found heaven

This is a post for the car obsessed amongst our friends and family!

Yesterday we went up to Greenwich, CT to test drive a Lexus (didn't like on appearance didn't even bother trying). Anyway, the road where the dealership was unlike anything seen before. Within a 200m stretch of road they had Ferrari, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Porsche, McLaren and AMG dealerships. And if that wasn't enough Matt's chin hit the pavement when a Pagani Zonda drove past on a test drive courtesy of a new Pagani dealership that had opened.

For some of you this stretch of road may become a tourist attraction when you come to visit!

And we're here!

What a crazy few days. We landed Monday evening and spent the night in an airport hotel. 

On Tuesday we drove up to the house and received our sea freight. Then we sorted out boring admin like insurances, utilities, cable, telephone and Internet. Pretty impressive that we spoke on Tuesday and an engineer arrived on Wednesday to install. Or that the same company can supply your gas, electricity, cable, telephone and Internet! After this with a very tired Ethan in tow (it's been a theme to date) we went to Target for some general household goods. In the evening Matt went to Best Buy to look for electrical appliances.

Wednesday saw installations mentioned above and delivery of air freight (Ethan did get to go to the park with Daddy). Then we went and brought living room furniture and back to Best Buy to get the TV. also started day 1 of the search for Ethan furniture. The evening saw Internet shopping with possibly my biggest amazon order ever!

Thursday we spent all day shopping (yep poor Ethan). We went back to Target for more household stuff (hardest thing to buy was toddler toothpaste, everything was sweet flavoured including a bubblegum flavour.... seriously???) Then Matts card got declined (fraud team were suspicious by spending levels!) so we went to HSBC. Whilst there he asked to change his PIN numbers thinking this was easy. Cue a 30m phonecall by the branch manager the end result being they changed his debit card but not his credit card. I think when I get my cards I'll stick with what I'm given! Then we had our first trip to the Westchester Mall which was LOVELY. Got some clothes for Ethan and some new saucepans and also continued day 2 of search for his furniture.

When we got home I went and did our first food shop (we've eaten out so far). Matt not being one to sit round the house when he has responsibilities for Ethan decided to give his new bike cart a go. Pictures are attached, you can see a very tired Ethan did not particularly enjoy it and spent the whole time trying to take off his helmet! I spent about 90m and $300 in the supermarket. It took a while to work out what products (quorn located thank goodness!), they have a very expensive British section where I brought a proper tin of baked beans for about $2.50! I also brought the American equivalent although not sure yet why I had to buy the vegetarian version (what is in the normal ones!) The only thing yet to be located is a fruit cordial equivalent to Robinsons squash. Matt is sure they have Ribena out here but am yet to locate.

So now it's Friday morning. After a couple of wakings Ethan has slept till 830 so hopefully that's him caught up a little. A slightly quieter day planned, setting up my bank accounts and Matt off to JFK to pick up Bruno. I'm also hoping by the end of the day we may have ordered furniture for Ethan and may even have a home cooked meal! Oh and hopefully unpack!

And we're off!