Sunday

We woke up early...I took down the foil covering our master bedroom windows....tacky I know...but it keeps out the sun so Dan can sleep during the days when he needs to. He's working days so I decided to take it down, that and the kids are starting school tomorrow so we need to get back to our routine...although, I'm thinking 7:30 wake up doesn't seem to bad...atleast for the kids. We got ready for church, Dan got ready for work and then we headed to meet him at work at 10:30 so we could give him his lunch and dinner. We rushed to church, made it to the very warm building with hot kids sitting way too close to me. The girls and I came home and decided since it was such a nice day even though it's was a bit windy...we would eat our lunch outside....turkey sandwhiches cut just the way they like...Hannah likes triangles, Madison squares and myself triangles as well...with watermelon and some tasty strawberries.

I think Madison is counting the bugs? Who knows....

I laid out on my lawnchair to try and work on my tan and the girls played so nicely in the back garden. Jumping, making a "road" on the sidewalk with chalk so they could ride their scooters (I have to mention Hannah was going up on the right side and Madison quickly corrected her and told her she was on the wrong side of the road....it's funny how they catch on to things) and now they are eating plums like crazy so they can plant the seeds so they can grow plum trees. What a lovely Sunday afternoon.

WOO HOO!

I'm at 98 days! I feel as though I am such a slacker with this baby. I never know how far along I am, I miss doctor appointments....I so need to reschedule the one I just missed! I guess it's to the point I'm like, I've done this already twice...my kids turned out well....the test's have all gone well...no problems!

Hampton Court Palace

Today we took a day trip down to the southwest part of London to see the famous Hampton Court Palace....home of King Henry the XIII. There are music festivals going on (which I so want to go next year to one) so that's what's up with the metal barriers in the front. It was a pretty nice day...a little humid but it didn't rain. With some minor detours (sometimes the Garmin just isn't trustworthy) we made it by 11.

We first saw the massive Tudor kitchens in the palace but I didn't take any pictures. It smelled of meats, meat pies and herbs. The girls weren't too sure of the place...some parts were dark and dreary so they were thinking it was a dungeon. They are not fans of dungeons.

This was the first room we saw in the living quarters. It was covered with the lavish tapestries King Henry VIII had made. These tapestries were AMAZING as well as the wood work done in the house. Anne and her sister were also walking around the palace talking away. This was just a room that had this painted ceiling. Pretty much all the rooms had paintings like this. There was also a chapel that was beautifully decorated. We weren't allowed to take pictures otherwise I would have some.

The Queen's staircase.
One of the common rooms in the Queen's quarters. I didn't take a picture of it, but they had one of Anne Boleyn's chairs displayed.

The courtyard.

This clock tells the time, month and day. Pretty amazing...King Henry had it put in.


The King's staircase.

The bedroom.

One of his many closets.Such a man's room....it took me a minute to realize that they were weapons. It was pretty cool.The Privy gardens...the girls loved running through the grass. They were stars the whole day.
The girls...we had just come out of the Royal Tennis Courts. Two men were playing a game of tennis.

We had just eaten at this cute cafe they had outside the garden area. The girls enjoyed their ice cream, Dan had the fish and chips and I had the yummy pasta dish.
The girls playing in the wild grass. We had just come out of the maze...my pictures didn't turn out. I was trying to quickly just get my kids without anyone else being in the picture and I just got blurry pictures. I also wasn't on auto which didn't help. Oh well....I think that was the girls' favorite part of the day.

All in all we had a great family day out. We were planning to go down to Stonehenge but the palace took longer then we expected. It was fun just walking through the gardens and occasionally taking a break on a bench watching the girls just run around. It's so nice how these castles and palaces have these huge garden areas that kids can just run through....we CAN go on the grass. I can't wait to see where we go next!

A very nice day

It was a absolutely lovely today. Shorts and t-shirt weather and so the girls and I had a picnic at one of the playgrounds on base. Dan was sleeping since he worked all last night...this way he could sleep better with us gone.

We then came home and the girls played out in the front riding their bikes. Madison is also becoming a very good roller skater.The girls also tried their gardening skills....it was just too cute how well they were playing together....all day....until 9:15 when I finally drug them inside. I think they could have kept playing.

Life really doesn't have to be so complicated

I was told today that Hannah was definitely in at Abbots Ripton. I was super excited. Then I come home and tell Dan the news and he tells me about how the head teacher cornered him asking why we were asking that Madison be transferred to Abbots Ripton. He told her how he preferred her to go to a smaller school and how her sister was most likely to get in and were glad she was since 5 of her classmates at the Montessori school are going there. She kept telling him that Hartford scored high on their test results, which they did this past December and how Madison was now one of the top students in her class. We had no idea she was now one of the top students...we knew she had been progressing but thought she was average. Dan was very pleased to hear that but still told her how he felt strongly about moving her to the new school come this September. I then get a call from the head teacher at Hartford scheduling a time for Dan and I to come in and speak to her and her teacher. I felt so bad and hate this kind of confrontation. I am torn since I know Hartford has done a superb job at catching Madison up and she does enjoy her school. We were having some issues earlier this year so we felt it was best to change schools to the original school we had wanted since we had a very good chance at getting both girls in with Reception having space. They don't like to split up siblings. Anyway...so I kept telling the head teacher how I know they are an excellent school and felt bad because I feel as though she feels we are offending them by wanting to change. So June 4th we have an appointment and we will see although, I think we are pretty set on Abotts Ripton as long as Madison gets in since I don't really want to be driving the two of them to two different schools.

Anyway...last night before the kids went to bed, Dan told them he would make them waffles in the morning since he would be staying up all night since he's now on the night shift, and they were excited. They love it when Dan makes waffles...especially Madison. She can wolf down 2 - 3 and they are big. Well I guess Dan was downstairs in the kitchen hugging Hannah and Madison was sitting at the table patiently waiting for him to start. About 2 minutes of waiting for Dan and Hannah to stop, Madison says, "Dad! Start the waffles already!" HAHA! That so sounds like me minus the fact I don't call Dan "Dad." It made us laugh.

Hannah is very sad her little Italian boyfriend, Ludo, is leaving in two months. I was talking to his mom about the two lovebirds and she was telling me how he talks about Hannah all the time. He was telling her about Hannah kissing him! I was like oh my gosh! Well his mom laughed and asked him if he liked it and he says, "YES!" I asked Hannah about this kiss and she told me first it was on the cheek and then she kissed him on the lips. She kills me! Dan and I are going to have trouble with her...I just know it.

Happenings

Dan's grandparents sent Hannah a birthday card using air mail and we received it yesterday (Thanks Claudia and Dow). Hannah was beyond excited since she saw it was for her. As soon as she opened it...like I could keep her from opening it....she was even more thrilled about her $4! She laid them out on the floor and I asked her what she was going to do. She pointed to each one and said, "This one is for a toy, this one for candy, this one for candy and this one for candy." I laughed...that's so Hannah.



I also got my new camera in the mail today. I was so excited. The girls were excited about the stickers, song books and check registers my parents had sent. Hannah was a little disappointed there wasn't a camera in the box for her. She asked if we could share and I told her no, I didn't think so. She then proceeded to tell me how I should just give her my old camera. Nice try Hannah!


Madison and Dan have been walking to school in the mornings. We would have all walked but then we would no way make it in time to take Hannah to school. It's been nice having Dan around to do all these things like picking up the girls and taking them to school.

Hannah and I went to one of her classmates birthday parties. We had fun...although after two hours I was ready to come home and relax. I haven't been sleeping too well....between wanting to stay up with Dan and Bella or "Belly" (Dan calls her that since there is no way NOBODY is calling her Izzy. It's Isabella or Bella (only Dan can call her Belly)) moving around like crazy, we're averaging 4 -5 hours a night. Oh well...I guess I'm just preparing for when Bella does come and we have those sleepless nights.


Last night Dan and I watched "Taken" and I liked the movie but after watching it, I really have no desire to go to France....or let my girls when they get older travel the world unless they are in a HUGE group. I did enjoy the movie though....although occasionally I would think about how his life in real life died and how sad that is.

New Camera

YAY! I can take decent pictures once again.

Not in the mood and just too busy

I have been lacking on updates on this blog thing. I find myself finding other things to do other than sit in front of the computer....it's a good thing. With neighbor kids that irritate me...I find myself playing with my children more. I guess annoying kids coming to my house on a constant basis has been a blessing in disguise...I am more creative and active with my kids after 3 pm. I have been pushing myself to be most energetic from 3-7:30 but once it's bedtime...I am over it and ready for the girls to be in bed!

I have also been enjoying my husband's work schedule. It's been so nice to have him to myself from 9-2:40 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then in the mornings on the other two days. It just depends on the week but this schedule has been no problem for us...I knew we would do fine with it. Today Dan and I had a morning of pampering. He had a fabulous massage and I had a facial and pedicure. This facial thing is going to be a regular thing...it was FABULOUS! I hadn't brought flip flops so we also hit the shoe store and bought some new sandals.

The girls are doing great. Hannah is more then thrilled with my tummy "getting so BIG" and talks to Bella every day and kisses the belly whenever we drop her off for school. Madison is thrilled about having a new baby again....she's over the girl thing and is excited to buy some clothes for the baby. The two have been getting along great and that makes life so nice.

Bella is moving like crazy....Dan is amazed how much she moves. Caffine is not good...I don't drink it at all...but the other day I caved and had half of a half can of Dr. Pepper and goodness it affected her. She was nonstop for hours. It's fun though...makes me excited to meet this little girl.

My new camera is in the post so I will be able to put up pictures once again. Woo Hoo! My old camera still works but it's dying as you can tell by the previous pictures.

Changes

Thursday night we had an auxiliary meeting and although I found most of it kind of long, I did get one thing out of it that I have taken to heart. It made me think about how I spend my day. I find myself getting so busy with things while the girls are in school that by the time I go pick them up, I am exhausted. I have a shorter temper, I most likely have been out running around so I leave my cleaning until after the girls are home and I have dinner still to prepare. After hearing this talk and how we need to make 3-8 where we put the most effort and have the most energy I have been reevaluating what I need to do so I can be my best for the kids and for Dan the nights he is here. I have been taking short naps and that has been helping a lot. I have more patience and I have been trying to plan things to do with the girls instead of just having them go outside to burn energy and out of my way so I can get things done. So far I must say it's been working. I've been having fun too. This afternoon since Dan was sleeping, we went on base and got Subway and had a picnic at the park. It was a little chilly with the wind but the girl and I had fun and after we were done eating they played on the playground and excused me to go sit in the truck since they could see I was cold. I wasn't dressed for the wind.

The Three Little Pigs

This morning was Madison's play. Hannah and I were able to make it and it was so cute. I love that do they do school plays here. Madison had a small speaking part and there were songs they all sang. Too bad my camera is dying...luckily I have one coming in the mail!

Hannah was a little late to school today since there was no way I could make it back in time for the play if I dropped her off. She has missed yesterday due to an appointment. When we got there...Lindsey her teacher, told Hannah how someone is so excited to see her. Ludivico, the Italian boy in her class that is in love with her, had been pouting yesterday and this morning since Hannah wasn't there. When Lindsey saw Hannah coming up the walk way she told Ludivico Hannah was coming and he had a huge smile. So cute! He waited by the door way while she got ready to go in. What are they going to do when they are in different school next year??!!!

A little bit of Madison

Madison, Hannah and dinner conversation...

While driving home from getting take away Chinese food, Madison made the comment how she would like to kill the bad guy in Kung Fo Panda. I was like, "Madison you don't say you want to kill someone." She answers back, "Mom. I can't really kill him, he's like a cartoon character." All I could do as well as Dan is laugh.



Hannah prayed tonight....those are always so entertaining to listen to and to watch. She's very pensive while she prays. She prayed how I wouldn't sit on Madison and squish her and Daddy wouldn't pull her arms so he could tickle her. As always, baby Isabella is blessed to grow really big so mommy's tummy gets really big and then she can come out.


I would also like to mention how at the dinner table Madison made the comment of how my dad, Grandpa Gary, can do anything and knows EVERYTHING. Madison was telling Hannah how grandpa Gary can use chopsticks since he knows everything, just like Jesus knows everything. Dan gave the look of "where does this kid come up with this stuff?" and I laughed and thought how badly I need to call my dad to let him know how highly my daughter thinks of him...he's compared to a God, or rather a God compared to him. Madison when asking a question and doesn't get an answer because we don't know tends to say, "Well I will just call Grandpa Gary, he'll know."

Hannah uses chopsticks this way.

Madison

Impromptu BBQ

Our neighbor came over yesterday and invited us over to a BBQ later that day. I was like, "YES" since it meant no cooking for me. The girls and I headed over and we had a great time once again. Us women were very impressed....the neighbors wife is out of town so he did it all by himself. So prepared. Food was good, converstaion was always interesting (when Nick and Dan are involved when is it not?) Eventually poker was brought up and 7 of them wanted to play. Dan joined in for a whopping 5 quid (GBP) and I was thinking...good thing it's only 5! I don't know how good Dan is playing or the others. Well after 2 or so hours Dan came home with 50! I gave him a well deserved high five. I had been watching but then all the kids decided to go in my backyard (that's what happens when you have a trampoline) and I had to referee a bit. I also had to get the neighbor kids who weren't at the BBQ to clean up their mess of wrappers and toys in my backyard. My girls were starting to get pretty tired around 9 (they never stay up that late) so we came inside and I cleaned while they watched She-Ra. They had been going non-stop since 3....they needed to chill for a bit. Now to prepare for some company we are having this afternoon....I just hope the weather is nice....not looking like it though.

Mail!

Here in England we still get mail through the door slot. I have gotten use to it...it took awhile. It scared me every time the paper or the mail would come through. My mom tries and sends the girls mail using our home address since she knows the girls get so excited when mail comes through the door. They each received a letter today and were so excited...even better was a dollar bill! Hannah says, "It's a dollar from America!" We do still use dollars here on base so it made me laugh that she was so excited to see a dollar bill.

I have recovered 4 of my dining room chairs....2 to go. This has been an ongoing project....for some reason I find other things to do. I must say...I'm pretty pleased with the red fabric I used.

The biggest like ever!

I don't know what freaked me out more....the HUGE hornet that refused to leave the inside of my house or the fact I have this huge cob web....and I had just dusted two days ago! Ok ok...it was the hornet.