Saturnalia 2013

I'm kidding. We don't really call it Saturnalia. We aren't that dorky (ok...maybe we are.) Saturnalia is a great Pagan Holiday, but we aren't Romans.
Anyway, this was likely our last Christmas in England. It was a nice, quiet day with lots of fun gifts. The kids (ahem...EMMETT!) was awake at 5, allowed to wake Augi at 530, and the gifts were unwrapped by 6. We had a great Christmas dinner with the Kookes (alias). I am so happy we have friends who are great cooks. We would never get a good meal if it weren't for them!

 Augi's wishes came true...Zoomer the robotic dog, a story making kit, Maom sweets, and lots of girly accessories. 

 Emmett was happy to get the Hot Wheels Race track...the classic from when I was a kid! He was also hoping for SnapCircuits...an electrical engineering kit. His squeal of excitement and the giant hug that followed opening snap circuits was priceless. I want to remember that moment forever.

 Em's spy disguise has reached a new level. Awesome. These were inspired by his cousin Dayton and he is pleased as punch to be like Dayton.

 I don't know why, but HotWheels brand cars actually work better than other brands on this track!

 The post snap circuits hug...

 I have been disappointed by robotic toys in the past, but this one really is cute. Augi was pleasantly surprised that she got her wish...

 Phiz wasn't left out...

We received a lot of wonderful gifts and cards in the mail from those of you across the ocean who couldn't spend the day with us. Thank you so much! You helped make our holiday even better.

Creepies

Emmett loves zombies, monsters , and general villians. However, a boy must have his limits. These toys have been deemed "creepy" and he has asked me to "delete" them.

Cocoa and scones

I took the day off to spend with the kids. They have an entire month off for Christmas.  It was pouring out so we ran to a little cafe we've never tried. The scones were "meh" but the cocoa was awesome. 

UK VISA

Latest visa photos...third in a year and probably the last for the UK. I am so done with this process.

Remember the Elves?!

We have these elves come stay with us  each year as part of the Elf Holiday Placement Program. Once they are finished with their important North Pole work they are sent to people homes to relax and have fun. (Benefits of the Elf Unionization Movement) They arrived last week and have been nothing but fun. They brought gifts, hung unders on the tree, tried driving the car, and now they have baked regular marshmallows into gingerbread shaped chocolate marshmallows!  We love our elves.

2013 End of Year Letter

Happy Holidays!
Here we are at the end of 2013 and it is time to review the year.
This will be our last full year in England. I have mixed feelings about our future. I am excited to begin a new adventure, but heartbroken to leave the friends we have made on this side of the Atlantic.
*2013*
School Awards. Growing. Good Friends. Meeting Family. Visiting Utah. Making Plans. Remembering Values.
Chris has started volunteering his time as an attorney on the AF base. It has gotten him back into the field and he has found it to be fun and stimulating. Most of his spare time...when not making dinner and transporting children...is spent training Phiz.
Jessi (that's me!) finally decided to settle in England. Then, it was all disrupted with a crummy contract offer. I am thinking about our future and I would like to grow roots somewhere for the kids' sake...we just aren't sure where that will be. I am practicing living in the moment.

 This is what life is all about.

Emmett finished his Reception Year this summer and has started Year 1. We were a little worried that his teacher was going to be too strict. Luckily, she is perfect. Just the right mix of firm and kind. He celebrated his 5th birthday in May with a Monster Bash. He continues to be a smart, active little boy. He has a few besties at school, namely Heidi and Fareed. He talks about wanting to be a robot maker someday. He is beginning to read and he is a math whiz!

 Augi is mature beyond her years! Once again she was awarded for her good behavior at the end of Year 3...she was given the school award for upholding the school values of caring, sharing, and daring. She celebrated her 8th birthday with a fun and sleepless sleep-over. She has a new bestie...Maria...and her other bestie Bellsie. She reads like a champ but continues to prefer art over other subjects. She is ready to begin exams in violin! 

 Phiz. Grrr. She is a great dog but I have learned why English Staffies can be such a tough breed. She is extremely friendly and outgoing, but she is a ball of energetic muscle. I am glad we have her in our lives though. 

2013 in Pictures

When we came to England I wanted to give my children a love of travel. Instead, they have a love of home. This is why...

15 Years!!

 

   

Here is to a wonderful new year!