Visit from the K Family

We had a great visit from the K family. It was so hard to watch them go! My only regret is not having them here longer! All five kids had at least as much fun as we did. X hasn’t taken off the hat BK gave him. He also keeps studying the book they brought. He has been saying, “I am a big kid”, ever since they left. S even cried watching them leave. I got to cuddle my little (and growing) goddaughter. AK has grown so much, he is making the transition away from being a little boy. He is a great big brother.

We all (excluding VW) spent a day at Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle was very nice. It was originally built in 914AD as a safe place from the Danish invaders. The castle moved from one family to the next passed on via a sister or nephew, etc. It was filled with wax dummies of some of the owners, there was a falcon show and a treboche. The kids enjoyed the playground. We didn't even have time to catch the gardens and mill house.

We went to dinner at the Bradgate, (sorry about the pepper M.) We also spent an afternoon at Bradgate Park (including a nice long hike)! The deer that usual roam everywhere decided to hide on us. Additionally, the adults were able to have a night out in Leicester (VW and I’s first night there as well). VW picked a great restaurant and then we hit a few bars. Ultimately D and I headed home to send off the sitter and chat. A and VW talked their way into the local (closing) Groby pub. VW said it was so much fun talking with the locals and hanging out with A. They showed up around 3 am or so.

I love the Birthday presents D brought me. She knows me so well.

We miss them terribly.

Alnwick Castle

Pronounced Anick Castle

Harewood Pictures

Weekend in Newcastle

So it begins, we decided to pull S from school for Monday so that we could go to Newcastle as a family. VW had a trip there for work. We went up a day early to visit Alnwick Castle 1309, (currently the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, famed for Harry Potter and Robin Hood, the Prince of Thieves) and simply a gorgeous place. The weather was even good to us. It was windy, but didn’t rain until we were leaving.

S was picked as the assistant in a magic show. For a child who can be so shy, she can really perform on stage. We may have an actress in the making (we sure have a drama queen some days! I am sure it comes from VW’s roller coaster personality : ) I am soooo mellow.

We also visited Harewood in Leeds. Harewood was the home of Princess Mary (Aunt of Queen Elizabeth) and the Earl of Harewood. (Currently lived in by the present Earl.) The home was built in the mid 1700’s, funded by wealth created by the West Indian sugar trade and the slave trade.

We had a great time. It has a large playground, planetarium, bird garden, restaurant, the servants life area, several items from Princess Mary (wedding dress, dishes, etc.) and the rooms of the house. I would go back and definitely recommend it to others. We didn’t have enough time to see it all. It would be perfect if the weather was nice.

We also had a nice visit and dinner at the A family’s house. They are also ex-pats on the same program as us. Dinner was great and the kids played so well together. The A family kids were absolutely wonderful.

We will be offline for the next week and half. We have friends visiting and some time out and about planned. I will try and add pictures from the above. Love you! Cheers!

Pictures of Crazy Americans in London

Crazy Americans in London

So, our neighbor thinks we are crazy Americans because we decided to spend one day in London. She asked if we just thought it is only an inch on the map so why not go? She can’t imagine making the trip with less then a three day stay. It is too far in her mind (about 2 1/2 hours door to door including potty stops, pjs on, park and ride and transfer to the tube, etc.) We had a great time. It was a lot of travel, but fully worth it to us. We hope to spend a 3 day weekend there soon.

We spent most of our time at Buckingham Palace. In August and September the family is in Scotland and allows public showings of the castle. They show nineteen rooms in all. My favorite was the ballroom for state dinners. It was really fantastic. They give you a great description of the all the preparation for a dinner. S was in awe. I am always amazed at how long she can study the art and the architecture. X was happiest about the rocks we found in a park afterward. I would recommend pre-booking the tickets if you ever have the chance to go.

You aren’t allowed to take pictures inside, so I don’t have any to share. We had to capture a picture of the royal ice cream. $5.

We walked around Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, the Royal Academy of Arts and had high tea. We spent sometime just being happily lost. Our goal was to learn the ropes and get a feel for the city. Besides, we were feeling a bit ordinary with everyday life and chores and decided we needed to pursue one the significant reasons we came: exploration!