Christmas Past

Mike came across this video the other night. I can't believe how much they have changed. This would have been Christmas 2007. I love hearing Owen talk, seeing Mackenzie so young, and Samuel's expressions and that he has always been rotten (watch him steal Owen's milk.) Samuel also thinks that I am very young here.

Happy 5th Birthday Samuel!

Samuel's birthday stretched on for a few days. He got his first gifts from the Bennett's and the Capen's and was so thrilled to get a package in the post. A few days later he got a package from Grandma Sandie, Aunt Toby and Aunt Wendy. We went out for pizza with a few of his friends, Ollie and Esme and Ben and Erin. On his actual birthday he had his friend Erin come back to the house for cake and to watch him open his gifts. The cake Samuel requested was an Apple cake with marshmallow frosting. (It was better than it sounds). The day after Samuel's birthday we left for Greece, and upon our return he had another package waiting for him from Grandma and Grandpa Stevens.

A Weekend with Barnaby

Owen's class as a bear that each child will get a weekend to take him to their home and write about all they have done in his diary. Owen loved having the bear and took his responsibility very seriously. He changed his clothes, brushed his teeth, and took him everywhere. During Barnaby's stay we spent the day in Carlisle and explored a new section of Hadrian's wall.

Day out at Dunstanburgh

It was a lovely day, so we headed up North a little ways and spent the day exploring Dunstanburgh Castle and playing on the beach.

Samuel's face meets the pavement

On Samuel's first week of full time school I got called in to get him. He had a bit of a run in with another child and the ground. Our fourth visit to the RVI.

Starting School

Owen starts Year 1 in Mrs. Sanderson's class and Samuel starts reception in Mrs. Barritt's class.

A Fabulous August Bank Holiday Weekend

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend we headed down to the Midlands. We stayed in Kettering and were able to visit some really great places. It was a perfect way to end the summer.

Kirby Hall

Stratford-Upon-Avon

I absolutely could not row this boat!

Holy Trinity Church, burial place of William Shakespeare

Birth place of William Shakespeare

Wrest Park

Wrest Park was newly reopened over the Summer. It was absolutely one of the best properties that we have visited since living in Britain. We spent a whole day exploring the grounds and the pavilion.


Cambridge

Hardwick Hall

Bolsover Castle