No later than 2 months....

Isabella is coming!

Ok...so today has been hot...well not so hot but it's a lot hotter when there is no air conditioning in your house and these nasty wheat bugs and green flying bugs just stick to you. The four of us had a picnic at the park after church and played frisbee. Yeah...that was pretty fun....minus the fact when Dan would throw it where I would have to run and jump. He knows I'm competitive...we have this point system....and I have to be frisbee champion. Dan did get the title although, I think I really deserved like 5 extra points for the mad dash and leap I made for one of my catches so therefore I am CHAMPION!

We then came home and the girls were so sticky and hot that we let them turn on the sprinkler and play in it. The neighbors joined too. When it was time to come in and take showers, Madison looked at me and told me she didn't need one...she was already wet. I told her we still needed to take the kind where we use soap and shampoo. They got in their shower....they now take showers....so exciting...no more bending down, and then Dan read to them and they passed out in less than 5 minutes. That was pretty amazing for Madison.

I'm hoping this weather stays nice at least for two more days. Dan and I plan to go down to Cambridge on Tuesday to go punting. Tomorrow...a day where Dan needs to bring the crib in from the garage and clean the bird cage before I "accidentally" let him fly out the window because I'm so OVER having this bird....I know....I have been saying that for awhile. I think we are just not pet people. We like animals but the whole taking care of it thing...like I need pet to clean up after and feed. Next time Dan suggests a new pet, my answer...NO! I think I need to record myself saying this...since I do tend to cave. We have had so many animals since being married....a mouse, guinea pig, 2 cats (ok...but one was seriously crazy and suicidal), salt water fish (I hate remembering how much money we spent on that thing) a dog and now this bird. The only one I regret giving away is the dog. Well, and our mouse was pretty special...I never held it but it was out traveling buddy from Utah to Virginia Beach....then he died a couple weeks after we moved in...poor Squeak.

Isn't it funny

How kids can remember certain things that don't even cross your mind. Today while shopping at the Commissary, we were passing the dairy aisle when Hannah yells, "OH MY GOSH! My grandma Nancy has those. We must buy some!" She held them the whole way home.

Will it ever go away?

For the last 30 hours I have had this migraine that has made me just want to lay down and sleep. Luckily, I was able to take the girls to school and then pick them up and I would go back to my spot on the couch as soon as I got home. Madison was ever so sweet as to come and check in on me and rub my head, Hannah would rub my feet. They can be so cute.

They were also so excited to find some strawberry plants with some ready strawberries. What was even better was when Dan asked if he could have some they told him no, these are for mom. I was going to have Dan take a picture but then my memory card was upstairs and I didn't want to walk up those stairs to get it. The girls then played outside in the neighbors front garden with the sprinkler and got soaked. It's actually been kind of hot here. I think what makes it seem even warmer are a couple of reasons, it usually is rainy and cloudy and pretty much nothing has air conditioning. I'm not complaining though...it's nice to feel like it's summer.

Done...well nearly...

After Dan and my long drive we were talking and it dawned on me that I could be having this baby in 9 weeks! I kind of freaked out a bit thinking...there is still so much to do. I have had this play room issue and my kids just have too many things. I try and rationalize and say to myself how they play with it all but it was just getting to insane. Plus, I needed to move their toys to their bedroom...something I have never had to do. They have always had a playroom. So I finally tackled the rest of the playroom today...and after these + 3 more I have already thrown away:
There is this:

Now just to finish up the stuffed animals that are going to go under the bed in a bin as well as the trains and put up the purple black out shade so we can take down the foil and hand up the pictures I have for above the dresser, we're all set to decorate the baby room!

Bath

Dan and I were able to get away Friday night and all day Saturday since the wonderful Murphy's said they would have a sleep over with our girls. Thanks so much you two! Dan and I left and drove the long drive with a few freak outs. I drove the beginning and while on the freeway, I noticed I was one in few cars going down it and then saw signs saying freeway closed, Formula 1 speedway. I was freaking out and woke up Dan thinking cars were going to be speeding down. Luckily he took over and we were okay. The freeway wasn't closed just yet...it was going to be a little later. I was also getting mad at our Garmin....she led us the long way to Bath....I was so mad when I saw one of the freeways I know that would have made more sense to take in the first place, but no, we went up, down, around and down again. Still we made it just before 8 and that was with hitting some traffic. Can't complain too much.

We got to our hotel which was so cute. It was a mansion a wealthy lawyer had built in the 1700's. The room was the biggest I have stayed in since living in Europe. The bed was actually not on the floor wither. We had a lovely English style breakfast with tea (mine was herbal) and that started our early morning of exploring a bit of Bath.
The night we got there and after we checked in, we decided to drive down to the city center just so we could kind of get an idea where things were. It was nice to be in a city with hills and slopes. It reminded us of a smaller Edinburgh a little bit. The country side was absolutely beautiful with the rolling hills. It made Dan miss "home" as in Oregon. I have to admit...I love being over here and going back to the states is so something I don't want to do! I want to do some more exploring. Anyways...so we finally made our way back to the hotel after driving around in circles a few times. It doesn't help when you have this fear of using the "bus" lane because you don't want a ticket.

We parked early in the morning and walked on down to the Bath Abby. It wasn't hard to find....except there is another church that is quite big there too that's in the city center. We walked passed all the quaint shops and walked in a few. A day shopping would be super fun there....maybe next time. Dan really wanted to check the Abby out so we did. It was beautiful inside...although I felt like I was walking and disrespecting all the memorials in there. There were memorials everywhere! On the floor, on the sides....all over. Usually there is a walk way in the cathedrals but not in here. Dan and I are always amazed at the detail that goes into this places. We opted not to take a tower tour....we had just missed the one going on and didn't want to wait. We still got to see a lot though.

Dan is always amazed at the stain glassed windows. We then made a loop around and right next to the Abby were the Roman Baths. This is what I wanted to see. The inside of the entrance to the Roman Baths...I thought it was beautiful even though it is not original to the site.Dan and I both learned that these weren't always discovered. They were lost for a long time since structures were just built on top of them. They hadn't found them until the 18th century. It was cool to go through and see the development of the Roman Baths. I was amazed out how preserved this stuff is. I thought of the movies I have seen with the background I have behind me. It was also amazing to see how the Romans had made this a place of healing and worship. The had saunas back then and then would jump into the "cool pool" that is just below.

We saw the remains of the old rooms they had for different purposes and pools as well. I also learned that they loved bright bold colors and that the stones and bricks had once been painted with bright colors. I thought they had always just been the color I see them as now.
We saw tombs that were discovered, cursed that were thrown into the water that people had placed on others, coins, bits of clothing, tools, pottery, glass, statues, bits of doors and walls and so much more while walking around. We also saw models of how it would have looked back in the Roman times.
The view from the balcony over looking the bath.

Dan and I had great time walking around. There was more to see but we just wanted to hit the couple of things we went down there for. We figured we can always go back. I can now at least check this off my box of places I have been. It was so nice to get to share this together. We had plans to go to Stonehenge on the way home but decided we would just come back down with the girls. We had a nice drive back and even stopped by Toys R Us in Bedford so I could get the girls some puzzles and look at some baby things. We made it home before dinner to pick up the girls and had a relaxing evening with them at home. Dan and I had a blast...but it was nice to be home.

The Fur Coat lives

When I was about 7 or 8, my Grandma Trapp gave me this white fur coat. I was so excited. It was so soft and had a silky lining. Well, to this day I still have the coat! It's been in my closet...I took it from my parent's house a few years ago, after all, it is my coat. Hannah found it this morning and with her big squeal of delight shouted, "Oh my gosh, I love this coat!" I told her she could wear it...that was even better.

Madison already knew about it...but I think she has forgotten about it.

Packages are always fun

Madison LOVES the puzzle my parent's got for her. I think she does it at least twice a day.

We also received my sister's package...well and brother-in-law...I don't want to not include Andrew in this....but she had made the girls blankets. Hannah and Madison both loved it right away. Hannah came upstairs and laid it out oh so nicely on her bed...I had to really try to make her let me pull the covers down and then put the new blanket on her. Like she said when she opened it, "I LOVE MY NEW FUZZY BLANKET!" Christina even put their names on it...so talented. Now she needs to make one for Isabella....

Love

I picked up Hannah from school today and then we were heading to the base to grab some lunch and get some groceries. Our conversation:

"Mom I missed you"

"I missed you even more Hannah."

"Do you know why I missed you? It's cause I love you so much!"

"I love you more."

"I love you this much!" (Holding her arms out as far as she can)

"Well I love you this much." (Holding my arms out as far as I can all super fast so I don't kill us since I am driving.)

"I love you to the sky."

"I love you to the moon, Hannah."

"Momma, well I love you all the way to Jesus! Beat that!"

And I couldn't....I just sat there with a huge smile on my face thinking...I seriously am so blessed with the cutest kids. It still makes me smile.

Orientation

Today, Hannah had her first meet your teacher day at Abbots Ripton. She was super excited. I picked her up before lunch at her nursery school and we then had lunch. We ran home super quick to see if her NEW PINK SCOOTER had come yet, but it hadn't. So off we headed to the little village. I hadn't met her teacher or seen her classroom yet either. When I walked in I only thought of how this is such a Hannah classroom. She's going to love it. Lot's of things to do and ways to be creative which is so Hannah. Her teacher looks about 12 but super sweet and Hannah was instantly fond of her. I let her roam around while I went into the tea/coffee room to chat with some of the parents. It was so how Dan had said he thought the school would be great for Hannah. I think Madison is going to enjoy it as well. The more I visit this school and hear and see things, I know we made the right decision for the girls.

Saturdays...

I loved today. We had a primary activity in the morning we went to and the girls had a super fun time. We sold our car. I went shopping for some food I forgot to get yesterday while I was there....I think I'm at the store at least once a day....came home to kids playing in the backyard with Dan. Dan BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs...then after our tummys were full Dan and I relaxed back in our lawn chairs and read while the girls jumped on the trampoline. It was such a relaxing day minus the part I came into the laundry room and saw the bathroom was COVERED with mud. I freaked out....cleaned it up and then we all went on a cleaning rampage downstairs so I wouldn't be stressing out. Then the neighbors we like came over and the girls played some more outside in the front until Hannah was just having too many melt downs I brought her in and it was bath time. She and I read stories...Dan even came in and cuddled with her and she was out in less than 5 minutes. Now to just put Madison in bed...she's just getting out of the tub and then Dan will come home from his latte run and we will watch our movie and I will get the foot rub I have so longed for all day today.

Finally!

We sold the BMW! WooHoo! Insurance is going down! I will miss the car though...

A purchase!

Yesterday while Dan and I had some time in the morning without the girls since they were at school, we went to the city center and stopped by Costa and then headed toward Mothercare, a baby store, to look at strollers. I have been wanting something compact, Dan wanted something that was comfortable pushing. So we ended up with this:

We got it in black and what was even better was the price! We got last years model which was 50 GBP cheaper! That's like $80 dollars! We still are deciding which fabric we should get to go with the car seat...so many options. Now to firgure out the bedding. My sister emailed me a lady's website who makes custom bedding for a super reasonable price. I have requested a quote for her so we will see what she comes up with...if not, I have a back up. I'm excited to get this baby room done!

It's over!

The long process of the school situation is finally done! Madison is now in Abotts Ripton along with Hannah and all we need to do, well Dan needs to do, is go get the transfer paper from the Head Teacher at Hartford and then it's all done. I had called the Head Teacher at Abotts Ripton last week and she never returned my call...I've heard things about her and they are getting a new one....and so I had Dan call the county and the guy in charge made all the arrangements. They weren't going to let Madison in since they were all full in Year 2 next year but he mentioned how they needed to make room since they have families leaving and we already have a child in. So YAY! I'm so relieved...one less stress in my life.

And Hannah just looked so cute today...I had to take some pictures.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

The day started at 5:45, Hannah came in, I wished her a Happy Birthday and sang. She gave me her biggest hug and kiss. Madison woke up all sneaky and yelled, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!!" She is so cute! Grandma Nancy, Grandpa Gary, Shannon and Ryan sang Happy Birthday to her over the phone. She had her Eggo waffles...she was so excited I had bought some, she had 2, Madison ate 4! Hannah had a full day at school today. I told her I would bring her cupcakes at 10:30 so she could share with her classmates. I had ordered pink and purple ones and the looks on her face and some of the kids when I walked up to drop them off was priceless. Jaws were opened, questions of, "Can we eat some now?" were heard....I was just glad to see Hannah's face with a huge smile.

Hannah came home from school surprised to see all the balloons and decorations. I think she was happy. I think I went a little overboard with presents...oh well...Dan sends me alone every year so he must not mind too much.
We waited patiently for Dan to wake up around 3:30 so we could start our little family party.We started opening up gifts, Madison was all about singing "heavy heavy hang over." I think she was just excited to bop her sister on the head.

He new unicorn....I forgot her name....but she's already made it to the bed...poor teddy was kicked out.
Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Gary got her the "camera I always wanted!" It's full with pictures already. It will be interesting to see what she captured.
There were lots of laughs and smiles.

And Strawberry Shortcake! Woo hoo!!!!
And blowing out those tough 4 candles. (Dan and I were hoping her hair wouldn't catch on fire!) She chose pizza for dinner along with carrot sticks and grapes. I think we all ate too much. Later on the neighbor girls came over and they played with her new toys and there were more laugh and giggles with all the balloons. Thanks everyone for the gifts and phone calls. She loved them...well not so much the calls...she had "other" things to do. She still wants to wear those jellies every day that Nicole sent her. No, we didn't have a birthday party with friends...but I think she had a great birthday just the 4 of us...well plus Bella in womb. She was having her own little party in there....believe me.

All done!

I'm done shopping for Hannah and getting everything ready for the birthday she has been counting down since I can't even remember...it's been that long! I was lazy and decided not to do a birthday party this year. We are going to make it up to her somehow...perhaps the zoo or something down in London when Dan is off. The day just crept up so fast and I am a slacker.....but I have big plans for decorating and making her day super special. That and I still have the playroom to finish....I'm still throwing things away. There room does look pretty cute though considering the fact I have never had toys in their bedroom and the room is an awful shape for the furniture we have. We're making it work and the girls like it. Tomorrow just picking up the cake and cupcakes and probably running to Tesco to see if there are any other MUST get her presents.

Now I'm just waiting for the repair man to come fix my shower that has not been working since January. No worries...we do have another bath so we haven't been going stinky the past few months. I really hate these time slots they give you of when they will be here. It ruins my day....well not really since I probably would have ran to the Laundromat to do all my laundry at once and my sofa covers since my washer just isn't keeping up....or perhaps it's the person doing the laundry....

I honestly probably wouldn't have really gone anyway....

A Story by Madison

Madison wrote this for Hannah, Dan and myself. I'm writing it just how she wrote it...she spells phonetically....so read it that way.


Once upon a time there was a prinsus cald Madison and she was gorgise and there was a siliee prinsus cald Hannah and there was a queen cald Bobbie and she was booteful and there was a king cald Dan and he was hansum.

Dad I like your smiole. Mum I like your laff. Hannah I like when you play with me. I love you. Love Madison.


All from a 5 year old! She makes me smile. I'm seriously so lucky to have her.

Burghley House

Dan and I finally made it there on Wednesday. Perhaps it was because Dan asked that morning while we were dropping off kids to school what we were going to do that day and I say, "Burghley House" we made it. Or the fact we took the truck. I don't know. But we can now check off the little invisible box with my invisible list of things I saw while living in the UK.

I must admit...the house was grand and it was very cool to see all the old trinkets the past Burghley travelers had brought back but overall, I felt it was over priced for what I did see. It was nice to have no children...just for the fact we could walk slowly, although, at Hampton Court Palace we had the kids and they were just fine, so I guess I mean just having a day with Dan seeing this Elizabethan age house. Perhaps it was the fact the gardens just weren't all that impressive. I mean there were some super cool rooms in the house, no pictures were allowed so I can't show you, like Dan and I really like "Hell's Staircase" as well as the old Roman style staircase that was original to the house. There was also a grand room with the old books all there along with hidden doors. It was as though you could imagine them putting in tables for a grand party and them all sitting in their fancy dresses in this great room filled with dark wood and this massive fireplace.

This is the part of the house we were able to go in and see. The home is still occupied.

The not so impressive gardens we saw. There were more on the other side of the house but Dan and I were tired of walking and my feet were swelling so we opted not to see the Lion bridge...I think that's what it was called. We attempted the small maze they had and we didn't find the middle....The Brown family just doesn't do mazes it what I have concluded. All in all a fun day although we missed the sun we had been having, just the two of us...well I guess kind of three if I want to get technical.

Kids

It was Madison's turn this past week to bring home "Spots" the class stuffed animal. He has a journal the kids have to write in by themselves. Madison was very good about bringing Spot along and including him in the things she would do after school. Here are a few of the pictures we put in the journal we sent back to school today.

Hannah has been getting presents in the mail from family. She really appriciates them. She and I went to the store the other day since she was dying to spend her money on a toy. We went into the BX and she saw this princess cup and toy phone she bought with the money Dow and Claudia sent along with my parents. With Grandma Wilma's money she bought this baby doll. She has been playing with the things her Grandparent's on the Brown side sent her and the ones from the Trapps are still in the box wrapped up. It's been killing her to not be able to open them but she is convinced one of them is a book.

YAY!

Hannah is officially in at Abotts Ripton! Now to just get Madison in....

I went and had a facial....so relaxing...this is going to be a 1 every two weeks thing I think.

Bella is doing awesome even though I almost missed another appointment....it had only been 7 weeks since the last time I saw the doctor. Heartbeat was at 140. I have been having contractions which is normal since they aren't regular...please let this baby come early like Madison. Really...the 20th of August works great for me....then I'll be fully recovered by the time the girls start school...if only she'll just listen.