Hi friends and families of NSW,
It’s been one of those years.
Well, using ‘those years’ to describe it would suggest we may have experienced these kinds of years before when we all know we couldn’t have possibly fathomed in our wildest dreams what 2020 would turn out like. Further proving that life, however you try and plan it, always seems to have other ideas.
And so as a family we find ourselves in that moment of accepting the unexpected situation we are in. That is, having to make a pretty swift exit from the US and head back to our family in NZ and Australia. While arriving at the decision to head back down under wasn’t without turmoil, the more we’ve thought about it the more we see the positives in the move.
With that realization comes an equal measure of sadness at what will be left behind. At the top of the list is August & Hudson’s experiences and the relationships we’ve built as a family with NSW. The beautiful environment, incredible staff, the children, the special friendships and magical moments created there, packaged up with the complete trust we have felt dropping them off each morning (pre and post covid times) has been a constant source of support we will always grateful for. I think the sign at the door says something like ‘we strive to create a sense of ease, like being at home’, and with NSW being right on our doorstep that’s exactly what it felt like for us.
Witnessing the boys’ personal growth has been so awesome for us to see. Whilst we owe a debt of gratitude to every NSW staff member – Roleen, Susan, Adriana, Amy & Mary, the individual time you have invested in August & Hudson will always be appreciated and recognized. And we will continue to speak of you often (believe me it’s amazing the effect mentioning your names has in many situations!!)
It’s easy to dwell on what we haven’t got to experience this year – like the wine and cheese in the courtyard chatting with other parents, sitting around soaking up the conversation during coffees with Roleen, the traditional get-togethers, the parades, countless play dates, or just being able to hang out INside the school during drop off and pick up, getting a glimpse of what our kids day was like…the most precious of moments. But through all this, we’re reminded that while it’s not what it used to be like, nothing ever is, and evolving and embracing change is what moves us forward. Or due West in our case…
So, with that said will be flying back to NZ in February, and spare a thought for the 5 of us during that 14hr flight followed by 2 weeks of hotel quarantine!! Upside is we’ll have plenty of time to send you all video updates of our experiences and hopefully you can send us back a few messages to keep us entertained – and sane. We look forward to getting out the other side to begin our next chapter, and our plan, for now, is to end up in Brisbane, Australia, around June.
Once this crazy world rights itself and travel feel normal again, our door will always be open, with a cold beer or cup of tea at the ready. Please keep in touch! If this year has taught us anything, it’s that having solid connections with people is one of life’s biggest blessings.
If we’re allowed to have a little farewell shindig before we go you better believe we will do that. It will be great to have a drink together and let the kids enjoy each other’s wild and wonderful ways once again.
Until then, enjoy your holidays and this time spent with your families. We will miss you all terribly.
With Love, The Nicholas Family Simon, Anah, August, Hudson & Noli
Anahnicholas@gmail.comSimonmnic@gmail.com