Monday, February 27, 2012

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Hay, Hay, Hay





Love the irony of that sign to the right. Hay barns exist to keep neglected children happy.

Birthday Tradition

So, tomorrow I officially enter my late thirties. Huh.

Now, we have our family birthday cake that I always make. And it will get topped with candles (although not 36). But this isn't the tradition that I'm thinking about.

It's the don't-make-plans-because-one-of-your-children-will-be-ill tradition. And we're on track. Graham has been running a fever since Wednesday night -- and now I'm feeling terrible. This is a first. Usually I just spend all day in bed cuddling the miserable one. In fact, one of my favorite birthdays was 2008 when I received three books about England. I spent the day in my big, beautiful, pillow-top, king-size bed (oh, I miss that bed) with Graham. The best moment was looking in his eyes as he drifted to sleep.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay

Whitby is a little Italian hillside fishing village with an English flavor. At least that's what it felt like as we drove into the village. Heidi, an American grad student who loves adventuring like me, had suggested we go and I'm so glad we did. Best fish (cod caught that morning) and chips of my life, eaten on a windy pier with seagulls just a few feet away.

Heidi completely embraces being a tourist (I'm too self-conscious). The kids thrilled at the sea tour we took on this boat. The water was choppy, so I feared that my motion-sickness child would spend the entire time moaning, "Mommy, I need to throw up," but she loved it! Cami & Graham had the happiest faces as they'd stumble around the boat. It was an impulse that I'm so glad we followed!

Whitby Abbey. It was late enough in the day that all I did was park the car, run to the wall, take a few photos, & drive on to Robin Hood's Bay. (Yes, seriously, that is the name of the place -- I love Yorkshire!)
American parking lots have something going for them: wide parking spaces. English car parks have something different: this sky.
I'm trying to figure out it that cliff in the distance is the same place where Keira Knightley stands in Pride & Prejudice. Again, this is just a shot from the Robin Hood's Bay car park. Cami & Heidi went down to the water, while I (frustratingly) hung out in the car with the three munchkins who were tired and cold .

Monday, February 20, 2012

Yorkshire's White Rose




Photos of Rosie on February half-term break.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Yawns' Purpose

Rosie told me today, "When you yawn outside you catch the wind."

Monday, February 6, 2012

10 Minutes Ago...




Yesterday someone told me, "I know you aren't supposed to have favorites, but you have the most beautiful baby here." Flattery that I'm inclined to believe...

Once there Was a Snowman





I like having a back yard. Yes, that is a pineapple top as a "hat." Blame me. It had fallen out compost bucket half-way to the pile. Reuse before it gets recycle.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Happiness Is...

happiness is feeling soothed as you sit in a corner of your favorite cafe with a hot drink, tea biscuit, & a book