July Adventures

When we were in Canada, Dave bought a bike trailer.  The kids love it, Owen is a little small and Ava is a little big but it still works. I bought Dave and early birthday present.  He is wearing it on his head.  It's called a GoPro and it's a sports high definition, waterproof camera.  He can record all sorts of things and make fun videos.  Most likely the best birthday present I have ever got him.

They stopped at the river side and then the park.

Cheeky monkeys!

Owen started doing so many cute things and really began to show personality through the summer.

1. He learned how to drive

2. learned to read

  3. Re taught himself how to take a bottle 

( he took a bottle for 2 months then just quit, but after returning home from Canada he thankfully started again)

4. and became so photogenic, smiling when I hold up the camera

The weather was really touch and go, raining all the time so we had a camp out in the living room.  That way everyone could stay dry and the clean up wasn't hard.

We enjoyed the park 

and even had fun at the laundry mat.

I had the privilege of hosting a Tea Party baby shower for a special friend, Alexis.

E for baby Emma

Thank you ladies for coming out.  You are all such fun and I love spending time with you.

Sure going to miss you when we have to move!

School's out for Summer

The school year is way longer in England then what I am used to.  July is a full month of holidays in Canada, but Ava's school went until July 20!  We got back from Canada just in time to attend the last week which Ava was excited for.  There was an end of year party, all the kids were invited with their parents.
They played Musical Chairs

 Pass the Present

 And every child received a wrapped story book and certificate.  Ava's certificate had special meaning because it called her a Lovely Pickle.  Miss Sue, the coordinator of the program has a special place in her heart for Ava and they love to call each other sweet, crunchy, sour, green pickles.  Ava loves all the attention!

 Enjoying some after party treats

Kissy lips with mom

 Ava posing with her bestie Esther

 Ava just loves the West Row Preschool and the teachers.  Her favorites are Miss Emma and Miss Sue Pickle.   They truly are amazing teachers. I wouldn't change a thing about the time Ava got to spend with these ladies.

Miss Emma

Sue Pickle

On the very last day of school, Ava was very excited because she had special treats to hand out.

You're an A&Wesome teacher 

Owl miss you this summer

 It was a little bitter sweet because all of Ava's same age friends were moving up to Reception in September and Ava was staying back.  We are relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico in November and she won't qualify for kindergarten in the USA for another year, so signing her up for Reception didn't make sense.

 Owen and Dave were able to pick Ava up on her last day!

Wells Next-the-Sea

Suddenly, right out of the blue we had a streak of beautiful and HOT weather, so we took quick advantage and went to the beach.  This was Owen's first time on a real sandy beach.  He had a bit of a cold which made it a little less fun (wiping sandy boogers) but Ava loved it!  The beach is her favorite place to be.

Good-bye 20's Hello 30's

On July 14 I turned 30! I wasn't nervous, but it is sad to know that you're twenties are gone and you're getting closer to old and grey.  We celebrated with a lot of friends, I think our small house was ready to explode. I wish the weather would have been nicer but such is England.

My neighbor friends bought over a surprise cupcake and balloon.  Gemma and Anna are so sweet!  Owen loved playing with the balloon.

We played a miller family favorite game.  I had balloons tacked to the fence with the words WINNER or DIANE TRIVIA.  Everyone had 3 chances to pop a balloon with a dart.  If they got "winner' then a chocolate bar was given, if they got trivia they had to read something interesting about my first 30 years of life.  Needless to say the boys made a total competition out of it and would just disregard the "trivia' and try again for a winning balloon.

Click on the link to watch a video:

Balloon game video

Dave's Solo UK Tour

While the kids and I were busy in Canada, David was on his UK solo tour. He missed us terribly but it was the warmest months of the year so he got out and did as much as he could.  He was working terrible hours and didn't get much time during the week but the weekends were adventurous!  

He visited (and took all these pictures):

Thorpe Park

Brandon Center Park

Cambridge

Holkam Beach and Nature Reserve

Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee

London Temple and grounds

Bury St Edmunds

Hever Castle

Kings Forest West Stow

RAF Feltwell 4th of July 

Duxford Air Museum