Settling In

We're three weeks into fall term; Pepperdine for me, homeschool & preschool for Carolyn, Michael, and Jack. With the encouragement of friends and statistics, we decided to give non-governmental education a try, although not without misgivings. You feel like you've given up on a certain vision of a world - the "that's not America" variety - so there is definitely a sense of loss, and I hope our goal isn't to produce the most disgustingly talented children on the block armed with every opportunity. So there's a little guilt, too.
Meanwhile, the boys are busy rediscovering all the toys held in storage while away. Jack fancies the trains much more than Michael ever did.

Our driveway proves to be a good scooter ramp.

The big event 2 weeks in planning was the reunion of the Lausanne program with an on-campus BBQ. Fantastic turnout. We've missed each other. Michael has been dying to meet everyone for over 4 months!

Josh (In-N-Out Burger cook), Tim, & Chris work the grill.

Others brought drinks and desserts! The beautifully designed sweatshirts arrived, as well.Carolyn and I certainly loved the opportunity to do "hands on" campus work, added to the teaching. We're all creatively considering how to hang on to aspects of Switzerland, carrying on things we enjoyed without too much nostalgia. Perhaps caravans to our house for an evening.

This grill came PLUMBED TO A GAS LINE! So we're ready to cook.

Local neighbors, although recent movement of coyotes at night suggest that our bunnies may not have long!

A fire broke out and was quickly contained at the top of the canyon. These can spread and wreak havoc, although there is suspicion that last year's fires were also insurance scams, desperate responses to plunging real estate values, such as the famous castle in Malibu...

which sat on the market for years, and then tanked, until...



Locals say the owner showed little remorse.

Lastly, a 9/11 commemorative installation of 3000 flags at Pepperdine's Alumni Park.Can we imagine or express sorrow apart from the nation? At least on the meta-level immediately following 9/11, it seemed to me even the devout primarily derived their comfort from the nation; religious identity seemed secondary.