Henry

With sadness, Henry has gone on to little white dog heaven.  Even though I said goodbye to him when we left for London, I still feel sad.  His age and the timing of things meant we had to leave him in Texas.  He was 15.  I understand why my Grandpa said he did not want dogs because you get too attached.  A special thank you to Lael for taking good care of him.  Henry was not photogenic but was very cute and furry with a puff ball tail...

Henry and Mary Kate at the school pet blessing...

Pre-schoolers brought pictures of their pets...

Good Thing #4

The smell of dinner when walking through the front door in the evening. 

Usually on Sunday evenings I go to church with a girl and Brent stays home to make dinner with a girl while the boy sleeps.  Mmmm...

Usually on Sunday mornings Brent goes to church with a girl and I stay home to make chicken every Sunday with a girl while the boy takes a nap.  It is not our first choice but the best solution for this season.  Back to the good thing...

The smell of dinner when walking through the front door in the evening - especially when bacon is an ingredient.  Mmmm....

Term Time

The girls are almost through the first half of the Autumn term!  Flashback to the first day...

Caroline - Year 2M

Mary Kate - Year 4O

Walking to school...

George likes the school run - especially with a baggie of Cheerios...

Lonely at the Top

My mommy has not said anything about me lately.  

I do not like the 54 stairs as much as I used to.  

When I get to the top it is just my parent's boring room.  

I am so good at going up the stairs they do not follow me.  

But I am chicken to come down on my own.  

Then I am stuck at the top in their boring room.  

I scream and carry on but they do not come straight away.  

Sometimes they make me wait 60 whole seconds.  

I find it is lonely at the top.  

I'll try to remember this.  

I am so stinking cute I do not get why don't they follow me...for the 1,000th time up the 54 stairs....

Wales - Section 2

Right...

to continue...

as a self proclaimed foodie I do not photograph food but here is my first go...

Beef and Ale Pie...

A highchair came none too soon...

The girls are drinking little juices at little tables sitting on little chairs...

St. David's Cathedral at St. David's the town...

Ancient burial ground from a distance...

Up close was so much smaller...

Coastal path walking and liking it...

We must get a backpack carrier for the Georgie.

Carreg Cennin Castle....

There were sheep grazing and dropping in and around the castle ruins...

The view...

Wales - Section 1

Over the UK Bank Holiday weekend we went to the southwest of Wales to the region called Pembrokeshire.  The drive was about 4.5 hours from London.

We do not own a car so we rented one from Streetcar.  There are various car scheme companies in the city.  The car is booked on-line by the hour, day or week.  The cars are parked in many places throughout London.  The one closest to us is around the corner about three blocks.  Access to the car is keyless with a card reader.  Wave the card on the reader and voila - the doors open!  Fuel is included in the price.

On to Wales...

We stayed in a converted stable...

The cottage was lovely.  The girls were thrilled to stay in a cottage and a stable!  It was so very quiet.  There were cows grazing just outside.  The pictures on their site do not do the property justice.  I was happy to find it after days of searching.  The owners handle their own bookings.  I spoke with a couple of management companies who could not keep their story straight about costs and availability.  If you are ever in Boncath, Wales - I highly recommend Wernddofn.

The girls and I had a baking marathon before we left - carrot cake muffins, banana bread and oatmeal raisin cookies - almost healthy right?  We also brought groceries and ate dinners in.  The cottage was fully outfitted for cooking and babies.  Rolling a dice with a cup brought a solid 15 minutes of fun to George...

We walked along the Coast Path.  It was very windy the first day...

The experience was breath taking in more than one way.  Caroline took our breath away when we could not find her for a few moments.  My stomach hurts just typing the words.  This sign is not a joke...

Gone Red

Caroline has been extra funny lately....especially tonight....

Caroline:  Mum come quick...something is wrong...my pee has gone red!

Me:  Hmmm....you did not flush the toilet last time you used it.

Caroline:  Ohh...so I am okay?

Me:  yes, brown and yellow make red. 

Giveaway

In case you did not know: giveaways are quite popular in the bloggie world.  I am not having one but my sweet friends over at Mahalo - Handcrafted Treasures are having their first giveway!  Have a look and enter for yourself....

Gameday

Missing OU gameday today. 

Our little cheerleaders back in the day...

Good Things #3

Meals!  Another of my things...taking meals to those in need.  The usual meal recipients come to mind...a new baby (my favorite meal to deliver) or an illness or death.  Recently I read an article and started to think about others who would really appreciate a meal...teachers during the first week of school - one less thing to think about while getting back into the new year.  Another good one is a neighbor after they have been out of town.  How nice to come home to a dinner when you expect the pantry and fridge to be empty.  

A great sight to organize meal support:  Care Calendar. 

My top meal tip:  Give food in containers you do not want returned.  Multiple meals are a blessing but keeping track of baking dishes and bowls to return puts a damper on the good deed.

Photo credit 

4

The number of months we have left in London. We are moving back to America at the New Year. I could stay longer but I am also looking forward to being an American in America again.  Now I feel almost stressed to see the whole of London in the next four months. And as much of Europe as the budget will allow - that pesky budget always causing trouble. Today we ate a picnic on Primrose Hill and visited the London Zoo. I hate to be a check the box tourist but we have to be organized!  

A Bit More George

First time standing solo.

Daygown

Then...

Now...

George's 1st Birthday

George started his birthday with his cupcake and candle.  Brent returns from work after George's bedtime so the lucky boy ate cake for breakfast...

His sisters helped him open presents...



He had his favorite dinner...chicken pesto pasta...

One more of the hat...he did not like it and would leave it on for about 10 seconds...