4th of July

We celebrated Henry's second 4th of July here in England. A few weeks ago, I was feeling glum about not having fireworks on my favorite holiday, when posters began appearing throughout the city for "The Big Weekend." Mom mentioned it while she was here, so I checked one out--lo and behold, they were advertising for fireworks on Friday night. The FOURTH!

We had a BBQ with the Brownlows and the Smiths--hamburgers, pork kebabs, hot dogs, fruit, chips and dip, Red White & Blue krispie treats--the works! We had a great time, eating lots of yummy food and visiting. Henry's favorite was definitely the blue berries, stabbing with a fork them all by himself a few times.

After eating and chatting, we met up with the Halls and the Calls on Parker's Piece (with the Josh and Daly) for fireworks!

I found some Monster Sparklers (seriously, they were huge) and we brought a bunch of poppers to share. The kids loved the sparklers. That was definitely the highlight of the day. Henry was completely fascinated by them, while our friend Lydia couldn't take her eyes off them (she's a few months older than Henry). I hate to even think about how many sparklers I could have bought at home for the same amount of money, but I'm so glad I decided to get them!!

The fireworks started around 10:15--the kids were tired, but all of them loved watching the beautiful colors burst in the sky. Henry tried to run up to them and get closer--he was so excited about them. By the time we got home, he was totally wiped and ready for bed.

We had a wonderful Independence Day. We had a laugh about celebrating in the country the U.S. broke away from---good thing our two nations are the best of friends now days. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Favorite photo--definitely. 

The boys got to ride on their Daddy's shoulders on the way home. Lucky!

Memorial Day in Cambridge

We had the amazing privilege of spending this morning at the American Cemetery on Madingley Road. Our good friend Dr. Peter Martland invited us to join him for the service at the Cemetery this morning, escorted by his friend David Liebler who has been in the U.S. Army for over 20 years.

Dressed smart for the occasion, we took a taxi with Peter out to Madingley Road where we met up with David. The Cemetery was flooded by men and women in uniform, many of them veterans. Their families were there, too, taking photos and wandering through the rows of headstones that spread across the vast lawn. When we stepped onto the grounds, an elderly gentleman, with his Army cover on his head spelling out his unit, stopped to rest against the gate. A few Air Force men, currently serving, assisted him, offering their arms to escort him down to the memorial where the ceremony took place at 1100 hours.

Henry hurried across the walkway, down the stairs, and onto the gravel pathway that led up to the memorial. I was pleased to see all the smiles that people gave him, even a few veterans commented on what a "smart lad" he was. The service was just an hour long, with a few speeches by those who manage the  American Battle Monuments Commission, as well as Her majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Cambridge, Mr. Hugh Duberly, who represented the queen. His speech was particularly touching to me, as he addressed the close ties and enduring friendship between Britain and the United States. He expressed his gratitude for those Americans who fought and gave their lives for the preservation of freedom, and the hope that they brought to Great Britain during the Second World War.

I often get emotional at occasions like this--as I did when we all stood together for the playing of both the British and the United States National Anthems. As Americans, we often joke about throwing off Mother England and how proud we are of beating Britain in the Revolution. But far more important than our independence, is our friendship. Our two great nations (the greatest in the world, I think. :) ) cemented our friendship on the battlefield, in the skies, and on the seas. We have fought alongside each other for over a century to preserve the liberty of others. It is a bond that the young men of the United States sealed with their bravery in assisting Britain in the fight against Nazi Germany. A bond that they sweetened with chocolates, oranges, and chewing gum for the children of England. Ask anyone who was a child in Britain at the time of the American Invasion, and I can almost guarantee their memories of the Americans are sweet and beautiful.

I felt so much today as we wandered through the cemetery and the brand new Visitor's Center which opened today. To see the faces of some of the 3,812 men and women who are buried at Madingley, and the 5,127 whose names are inscribed on the Wall of the Missing brought the enormity of their sacrifice home. This cemetery represents just a drop in the bucket of the enormous sacrifice that so many men and women gave during the Second World War.

On our way out, an elder gentleman started up the steps. His jacked was covered with patches, the 82nd Airborne embroidered in red on his shoulder. He had a few medals around his neck. We stopped and talked to him for a moment--he was a paratrooper who landed on the beaches of Normandy. He had flown over from Minnesota to attend the ceremony and then cross the channel, again, to Normandy for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. I was pleased to note that his khaki trousers were tucked into his boots and he had bloused them out at the top--in true paratrooper fashion. Just as he was proud of his division in the 1940s, he continued to show his pride by dressing as the paratroopers did when they walked the streets of England.

I wish Henry was going to remember meeting him. Perhaps he is one of the last veterans of World War II that he will meet--perhaps he is the last I will talk to. But we won't ever forget him, just as we will never forget all the others who left the comfort of home to defend the cause of liberty.

Chatting with our friend of the 82nd Airborne

* Interesting information about the Madingley Cemetery, as outlined in the service program:
"The cemetery was established on thirty acres of land which was donated by the Cambridge University and the first burial was conducted on 7 December 1943. At the end of the war there were 5,909 interments and the site was selected by thee AMBC to serve as the permanent WWII cemetery for the United States in the United Kingdom. After the war families were given the option to repatriate the remains of loved ones who were lost during the war. Those who remain buried here in Cambridge today with their fellow comrades do so at the request of their surviving loved ones. There are 3,812 buried here and 5, 127 names listed on our Wall of the Missing."

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!

 I came downstairs this morning and found my Easter basket sitting in the middle of the floor, waiting just for me! The Easter Bunny brought me a HUGE chocolate egg! He also brought some Cadbury Creme Eggs (one of my favorites), a new book about Dogs, and my very own Shaun the Sheep! There were also two pairs of shorts and a new shirt, but I thought that was boring. I think he got mixed up and put those in my basket instead of Mum's--she's the one that really cares what I wear. My favorite part was the plastic eggs. I got to play with them all day. I love to open them up, then Mummy closes them all again and I open them all again right away! I also like to hide them under the couch and in the blankets. I thought it might be nice for Mummy and Daddy to go on a lot of Easter Egg hunts today. I think I will do it again tomorrow, too!

Eggs here in Cambridge are all brown! So we didn't dye any eggs this year, but Mummy and Daddy colored on them! Mummy drew a Shaun the Sheep on one for me! She promised me that next year, when we're back in the USA, we will dye eggs. I can't wait!

Daddy tried dying one of the eggs--he was very sad when it was still brown. 

 

Easter this year was a lot more fun than last year. Last year, all I was allowed to do was lay on the blanket and Daddy brought me an egg or two. This year--I got to hunt for my own!

The Grad Parlour at Daddy's College, Pembroke, invited us to a special Egg Hunt in college! They had hidden hundreds of Cadbury eggs all over, some huge golden eggs, and even one special Golden Bunny. I found lots of the little Eggs with Mummy and Daddy's help, but guess what?! I was the lucky one and found the Golden Bunny first! I was especially excited about him. I found him in one of the hedges by the bowling green. After I found him, I checked every part of the hedge just to make sure there weren't any more bunnies. There weren't any--I found the only one!

Everyone was really nice to me, I think because I was the only one under 21 years old. All the girls told me I was really cute and gave me some of the eggs. What can I say--it pays to be unbelievably handsome.

Can you see the bunny hiding in the hedge? I did!!

All of us took our loot back to the Grad Parlour and compared. I definitely got the coolest prize with the Bunny, but some of the other people found a lot more eggs than I did. That's ok! We also had Hot Cross Buns, a traditional treat for Easter here in England. Some of the Grads toasted and buttered them for us. So delicious. I think we had better have Hot Cross Buns every Easter from now on.

Aimee and Jonathan, our friends from church, invited us over Thursday to have another egg hunt. I'm so excited! I bet I find the most eggs out of everyone!!

--Little Brute--

Happy Easter from the Bruton Family!

Goodbye 2013!

Mummy and Daddy took me on an adventure New Year's Eve: we went to London!

Aimee and Jonathan Smith, our friends from church, came with us. I was really glad, because not only are they lots of fun, but they have a car. So, we drove most of the way and then got on the tube at Gant's Hill. That meant I got to sleep in my car seat on the way there and all the way back!

This is the first time I got to wear pajamas into London! Daddy had me in the tummy pack the whole time, too. I love being in the tummy pack because then I'm up high and I can see everything.

We got off the tube at Holborn, right by the British Museum, then walked down to the River Thames. We found the PERFECT spot on Waterloo Bridge--we could see the London Eye, Canary Wharf, and (most important of all): Big Ben!!

Our View from Waterloo Bridge

We laughed and danced and talked until 9:45---and then I told Daddy it was time for a bottle and sleep! I was so tired--I really wanted to stay up and see the fireworks, but I was just too knackered (as the British would say). We were on Waterloo Bridge...having so much fun....I started to sing...Daddy was so nice and warm....I'm just wanted to close my eyes for a second....



So---Mummy here. Little Brute fell asleep around 10:00 and, unfortunately, missed all the excitement of the fireworks. Daddy and I were so grateful, however, because that meant actually got quite a bit of sleep! Daddy zipped him up in his coat giving him a warm, dark place to sleep. It even muffled the sound. Which was probably a good thing.

All you could see of Little Brute was one foot....awww!

It's long been on my bucket list to spend New Year's Eve with Big Ben in view. When we found out we would be in England for a year, it was one of the first things I mentioned to Daddy---we MUST be in London on December 31st. The Christmas holiday was full of fevers, coughing, chest pain, bad sleep, and more used tissues than I care to mention, so it was looking like my dream might have to be put on hold. Luckily, by the 31st Little Brute was better and I was the only one battling the chest cold. So, we jumped in Aimee and Jonathan's car and headed for London.

When we got out of the tube at Holborn, I was surprised to see very empty streets. Oh, a handful of people were milling about, making their way towards the Thames, just as we were. Little Brute was chowing down on his first bottle of the night, with Daddy cradling his head as we walked (he's become quite the proficient feeder/walker, that Daddy). When we got to the Embankment, the crowds appeared, though nothing like I had anticipated. Waterloo Bridge was right in front of us and we found a nice spot where we could see Big Ben and the Eye.

I looked at my phone: 8:30. Holy wow--we still had 3 1/2 hours before midnight. In an effort to kill some time, we decided to see how close to Westminster Bridge we could get. Not very close. They had been keeping count of how many people were in specific areas (very smart Fire Marshall) and had barricaded the end of the Embankment by the entrance to the bridge. Oh well--our journey through the crowds burned at least an hour and we still made it back in time to find a fantastic viewing spot on Waterloo Bridge.

Pre-sleep for Little Brute. :)

As the time slowly ticked by, I was incredibly grateful to have the Smiths with us. It's so nice to have great conversation to pass the time! We talked, laughed at the drunken Germans trying to start the wave, took pictures,  danced (ok, just Aimee and me), and looked forward to the 12 dongs from Big Ben himself.

At 11:30---it began to rain. Brollys went up and we huddled together. Luckily the "rain" (it was more a bit of a drizzle), quit coming down around 11:50, just in time for us to get really excited about the fireworks!

And then it happened--10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3..2...1...Big Ben's glorious voice echoed down the Embankment and across the Thames to where we were standing, welcoming in the New Year. Red and gold fireworks exploded the from London Eye and within seconds, our senses were overwhelmed with the smell of sulfur, the beauty of the fireworks, and the music of Britain, welcoming in the year 2014. Daddy and I snuck a kiss right at midnight, careful not to squish our sleeping babe.

The fireworks were spectacular, just as I hoped they would be. The Houses of Parliament quickly faded behind of the smoke and ash as hundreds of fuses were lit, sending red, green, blue, purple, and gold explosions into the night sky.

As I was snapping away with my new camera, the people around me suddenly took several steps back. Daddy quickly retreated to the edge of the bridge--yes, a drunken fight had started. Luckily, it was contained and stopped within a minute and we went back to enjoying the fireworks--but with a wary eye on those around us.

Before the show was over, we started making our way back to the tube--best to beat the crowds and the trampling that often takes place in these events. We left at just the right time--the mad dash quickly followed us as we made it through the gates and onto the streets of London. Our adventure wasn't over, however. We enjoyed the embarrassing antics of drunks, particularly a foreign couple who could barely walk. He made his way down the street kissing any girl who would let him, while his partner giggled and fell over as they tried to get on the tube. Luckily, being sober, we made it down the escalator before they could and secured our place on the Central Line, loosing them in the crowd (there's only two people I'd take a kiss from on New Years, and they were both right next to me. I was glad we avoided that awkwardness). All the while--Little Brute slept on. Completely safe and secure in his Daddy's coat. When we got to the car, we checked our pockets--none of us had been pick-pocketed while we were there. Every camera, coin, wallet, and iphone was still in our possession.

As we rode the tube to the car park outside the main bit of the city, I couldn't help but stop and think about what an amazing year 2013 was. We welcomed our sweet little boy into this world, moved a few times, Daddy graduated, we crossed the pond, Disneyland....so many things. We have so much to be grateful for. So much that is wonderful in our lives. And on the last night, one of my dreams came true--to be with the family that I love in the best city in the world, on the biggest night of the year.

Happy Christmas!

I was going to let Little Brute tell you all about Christmas, but he has graciously allowed me to do the honors this year. Don't worry, he'll have his own little post about his first Christmas, but I thought I'd give you the overview here on the family blog.

Christmas Eve was less than ideal, as poor Henry was SO sick. After a terrible night's sleep, he woke up around 8:30 and was happy about 10 minutes before he cried, cried, and cried some more. Derek and I tried everything we could think of--playing, walking, drinks, food, bottle---you name it. Poor little guy spent almost 3 hours screaming and crying. Finally, around noon, he laid down on the couch, put his face right into our fuzzy blanket, and fell asleep. For the next few hours he would wake up and cry a little, I'd lay him back down and snuggle him in the blankie, and then he went back to sleep. By the evening, after a few hours sleep, he was a much happier boy.

Happy enough, in fact, to take some great pictures in our Christmas jammies! I was pretty pleased with how our jammies turned out--thank goodness our friend Megan brought her sewing machine, or my favorite Christmas tradition would have been skipped this year!

The flannel for our pyjamas (notice the British spelling there...) came from a duvet cover I bought at Primark. Flannel here is so expensive! I was really glad to find an alternative. Didn't they turn out adorable? Henry even had footies!

Henry is reading the book Nana and Papa sent him--he loves to read!

After our little photoshoot, poor Little Brute was completely worn out again. Luckily, we got him to drink a bottle (he'd been refusing everything most of the day) and then he went down a bit early. Derek and I turned in early too--I was coming down with whatever Henry had, and taking care of a fussy, sick baby all day is exhausting.

Christmas day we woke up much later than I generally deem acceptable on Christmas morning, but Henry needed the sleep and so did we. Around 9:00 we heard him stirring, so we got up and went downstairs. Santa had visited! Henry got two new books from Santa: a touch and feel book about wild animals, and "Dinosaur Roar!" (which is fast becoming one of our favorites). Henry wasn't quite ready for presents yet, so he had a nice warm bottle and Daddy and I enjoyed the light of the Christmas tree. Once Henry had finished his milk (and taken another little nap!), he was a much happier camper and around 10:30 we dove into Christmas!

Of course, we began with our stockings.  We started a new tradition this year with stockings--cans of root beer!! Santa splurged on us this year...I know that root beer is quite expensive!

Henry also got some bath crayons, a little stuffed owl, and some socks in his stocking. Derek and I both got a pair of Union Jack socks (so cool!), I got some Reeses, and Derek got a Cars 2 washcloth! Stockings were minimal this year, but still lots of fun.

Then, we dove in to our presents! Henry got to open his first--the present I have been waiting for over a month for him to open! His teddy bear! We actually let him help pick it out at Hamley's (shhh!!), so I knew he was going to love it. He's a gorgeous little bear that we named "Duxford" after the Air Force Base nearby (the American 8th Air Force was stationed there in WWII--pretty awesome). I think he and Henry will be great friends.

Derek and I both got some beautiful gifts from each other. I bought him a vintage advert of the Cambridge vs. Oxford Boat Race, we exchanged books (as always), and he bought me a beautiful scarf. Henry bought his Daddy a pair of books about hedgehog (a series we have been collecting since before Henry was born) and he bought me a beautiful necklace I've been eyeing at Sainsbury's since we got here.

We promised Nana and Papa we would wait to open presents until we could Skype with them, so I thought we were all done when Derek said "Mommy's not done with her stocking." Yep, lo and behold, tucked under the cuff was a little piece of paper. I was on a scavenger hunt! All around the house I followed the clues, and finally discovered two boxes to open. I honestly had NO idea what was in them!

I have to tell you, I haven't been that excited about a Christmas gift in a long time. When I opened it up and saw what was inside, then I was REALLY excited!

The SLR camera I had been wanting for AGES! I couldn't believe he had bought it for me (as you can see by my face when I opened it). It's something I've been looking into for years, seriously, and I didn't think I'd have one for a few more years. Sneaky Derek!!

We've already taken hundreds of pictures with it and, man, it takes gorgeous photos! I love it.

After that surprise, I was sure it was going to be a great Christmas. We Skyped with both sides of the family, opened Nana and Papa's presents (don't worry--I'm super excited about the matching bow-ties Nana made Henry and Derek! Expect some pictures of them soon!!), and lazed about for the rest of the day. Henry was still not feeling well, and Christmas Day was one of the worst days for me sickness wise.

The beautiful dinner I had planned didn't quite pan out, and we didn't even have our lovely chocolate torte until the next day. Our non-alcoholic Christmas pudding that Peter found for us is still in the cupboard a week later (we just didn't feel up to it and have forgotten about it...we must do it soon though! Perhaps on the Orthodox Christmas....)Before bed, we did do our Christmas crackers, which was nice. Henry did NOT like wearing the little hat it came with, though.

But even with us being sick and missing our families, we had a lovely Christmas. We went for a walk just after the sun went down at 5pm and took some pictures (yay for an awesome camera!) and talked about how extremely blessed we are. We have a beautiful little boy that we adore. We're on an incredible adventure that millions of people only dream about, we have families that love and support us, and, most importantly, we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for all of those things and more--Christmas was just another reminder of the wonderful lives we have--I can't wait till Christmas next year!

Happy Christmas!

Just in case you didn't get a Christmas card from us (we only got a few this year!)

Christmas in London

We went to London again this week (on the 18th)! Mummy really wanted to see the Christmas trees and go to a Christmas Market, so Daddy said we could go back--just three days after we went last time!

This time, the first place we went was Trafalgar Square, to the National Gallery. I was so tired after the train ride, so I decided a bottle and a nap in my stroller was a good idea while Mummy and Daddy wandered around the museum. I did wake up just in time to go outside, though! I got to see the tree that the people of Olso, Norway gave to London as a Christmas present (Daddy read a sign that says they have been giving a Christmas tree to London since 1947. It's a thank you for helping them in World War II) and then Daddy introduced me to the Lions! They were so big. They sit at the bottom of pillar where Admiral Lord Nelson stands.

After we grabbed some hot chocolate from Pret-A-Manger, we walked down the Mall (say the "A" like "Apple". It's not a place to go shopping, Mummy says) and saw Buckingham Palace. That's where the Queen lives! She had a pretty Christmas tree in the front of her house, too.

By then, it was getting dark but it wasn't even 4:30pm yet! So we went down to see the London Eye and go to the Christmas Market that they set up right next to it. On the way, we stopped to see Big Ben (Mummy's favorite) and look at the Christmas tree Parliament put up there.

The market was so fun! We bought some roasted chestnuts because Mummy has always wanted to try them. She and I both decided they are gross! So, we made up for it by getting some roasted Almonds (they had a sugar coating all over them that Mummy let me suck on! I don't have enough teeth to chew it, though). We walked around and looked at all the beautiful things for sale. Mummy's favorite was a stand that had a bunch of wreaths made out of oranges, limes, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. It smelled really good!

My favorite part was looking at the lights on the London Eye. There were some really pretty trees covered in blue lights right at the bottom of it, too. But it was getting cold and I was tired again. So, just as it began raining, Mummy and Daddy took us down into the tube to head home.

Can you see me and Mummy?

We had another really great day in London. I can see why Mummy says it is the greatest city in the world. But man--all that adventuring is exhausting!

Daddy's Party

Last night we went to a party!! All of the people in Daddy's program got together to have a party. There was food, music, lots of people, and...lots of drinks. At first I was really nervous and wouldn't let Mummy or Daddy put me down. But eventually, I realized that all the people there really liked me--that's why they got right up close and said "AWWW!!!"--Mummy said that is actually a compliment.

There were so many drinks at the party. Everyone kept offering me drinks, but Mummy said "No thank you" to lots of them. That was ok, because Daddy went and got me some Sprite! I love Sprite!***

I wore my Santa hat and while we were there, somebody put a Santa hat on Daddy! We were twins!

We stayed long enough to get Christmas Crackers (which are cool, but really loud) and exchange our White Elephant gift. A month ago, Daddy sent in 2 sentences about our family without giving away his name. Then, we got a note about our person and had to get something for them. When we opened our present, I was so excited--whoever had our name got me the perfect gift: a stocking!!

Overall, it was a very fun party. But I was definitely ready to go home and go to bed--I'm glad we didn't stay as long as everybody else!

***Mummy's Note: Yes, people actually did try and give our baby wine! Red wine and white wine. They didn't seem to believe me when I said no thanks. One girl even got the cup all the way up to his lips before I could stop her, good thing that was during Little Brute's "not so sure" time and he turned his head away. Seriously!

My First Thanksgiving

Mummy told me my first Thanksgiving was rather unconventional. I don't really know what that word means, but I thought it was wonderful. On Saturday, we got to go over to Dr. Martland's (Mum says I can call him Peter when I'm a grown-up) and had turkey dinner with him and a few of his friends. It was so much fun!

We had turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, and cornbread, which Dr. Martland was pretty proud of himself for making. It was his first time making it. Mummy laughed because it was the boxed kind, but she was proud of him, too. Anyway, Mummy also got some sweet potatoes baked, which Dr. Martland got from the store on the American Air Force Base. Dr. Martland also found some pumpkin pie mix and asked Mummy to make a few pies.

So Friday night after I went to bed, she and Daddy made their first pumpkin pies. I think it turned out delicious, and everyone else thought so, too. Mummy and Daddy said they both don't really like pumpkin pie, but they both ate a piece at Dr. Martland's and didn't seem to mind it. I think they liked it because of the amazing white stuff they put on top--Mummy calls it "whipped cream."

Mummy told me all about the Pilgrims and the Indians and when Thanksgiving first started. She also told me what the true purpose of Thanksgiving is: to show everyone we love how grateful we are for them and to thank Heavenly Father for all of our blessings.

I've thought about it and here are the things I am most grateful for:

Mummy and Daddy
My BYU mobile that Nana, Aunt Chels, and Aunt Sam made me
Daddy's belt (it's so fun to chew on!)
The drawstring on Mummy's hoodie (also fun to chew)
Gingersnaps
The whisk that Mummy sometimes uses to bake
Puff-its (my favorite snack)
My Hedgehog
Crackers
My little Elephant that plays music
Warm milk in the middle of the night (can't get any better than a snuggle with Mummy at 3am!)

I thought Thanksgiving was a great holiday. We got to eat lots of food, play, and we got to see Dr. Martland. Mummy says next Thanksgiving we will be with our family and it will be even more fun. I can't wait!

Me being silly with Daddy at the table. 

This is me and Dr. Martland!! He is so much fun! 

Don't Blink

It's been a while--suffice it to say we have been extremely busy! With the Holiday season come end of term papers and extra meetings with professors, but I can't say we've been busy only with school--we've enjoyed a few holiday excursions, some shopping (for Christmas of course!), and some good, quality play time with our ever growing boy. Henry will no doubt be telling you all about his meeting with Father Christmas as well as putting up the Christmas tree on his blog and all about Thanksgiving Dinner at Peter's, so I'll spare you the repeat.

In the meantime, I'll give you an update on how we are. 

Derek has been rowing like a madman as of late--ok, perhaps not that much, but it seems like it! The Clare Regatta was this last Saturday, something he was really looking forward to. Unfortunately, one of his teammates "caught a crab" and the ended up on the side of the riverbank--literally. Henry and I were right there, just across the shore, and caught every moment of their spectacular fail. The tragic thing is they really were winning! A full length ahead of the Corpus Christi boat. Oh well, luckily they have another race this coming week, the Fairburns. Henry and I are hoping to get up and haul our cookies over to the river to cheer Pembroke on again, but we'll see what time he decides to get up (race is at 9am, I believe). I was pretty proud of our Pembroke boys, however, as they finished the race with dignity and gave Corpus their semi-deserved 3 "Hip-hip-horrays". 

Derek's also been rather busy keeping up with school. He's stayed up well past 11:59pm a few nights this last week completing his assignments and went in to college early once or twice so he could keep up. I'm proud of him and his dedication to getting things done--it's not easy with Henry around (I should know). 

Daddy continually makes his little boy smile and is teaching him all sorts of new, amazing things. Last Sunday, during church, Mr. Squeaky Hedgehog found his home in Daddy's suit pocket. Of course he didn't stay there long, as Henry found that absolutely delightful. It's wonderful to watch Derek in his role as Daddy--certainly makes me love him even more.

Speaking of Henry, he has learned how to turn the turbo on around here. Derek has compared him to the Weeping Angels of Dr. Who: "Don't blink...[he] is fast. Faster than you can believe. Don't turn your back. Don't look away. And don't blink. Good luck.". Seriously, one minute he is right there playing blocks with you, and the next--half way through the kitchen. Yes, keeping up with Henry requires constant vigilance at our house--way too many things to get in to, pull over on top of himself--you know how it is. 

He is still the delight of our home, however fast he is, and I am finding my days with him are wonderful. I must admit I do get a bit frustrated when he wants to help type my homework assignments, or assist me as I try to get some work done (try being the key word here), or when he lets me know that I'm done doing the dishes, even though I'm only half way through. Thank goodness he has started sleeping a lot better and that his two new teeth (yes! two now!) have come through and seem to be staying that way--I felt them just before he went to bed and they haven't snuck back in yet. Whew!

The Holiday season is well underway here in Cambridge. Just this evening (4pm and it was dark!) we took a family walk through the city. The lights are all up, several of the booths at the Market were sporting Christmas items (we bought a real holly wreath for our front door on Friday!), and there are lighted trees in the square. I'm aching for snow, but truly enjoying our Christmas tree, which made its debut on Friday as well. So yes, life is good here in Cambridge. We are incredibly busy--thank goodness the end of Michaelmas Term will be here this week!--but we are enjoying our time here. I'm trying not to blink, because just like Henry, our time here will go faster than we think. 

My Christmas Tree!!

We put up our Christmas tree today! The tree stand came in the mail today, three days before Amazon said it was going to come (by the way, I don't know who this Amazon is, but he sure sends some amazing stuff! Mummy gets a delivery almost every week from Amazon, and it's always really exciting. Thanks Amazon!).

Daddy used his Leatherman to cut the bottom of the tree off. Mummy said she was glad we had a small tree--if it had been as big as she wanted (20 feet I think she said), then it would have taken Daddy much longer.

While I was sleeping, Mummy and Daddy brought it inside and cut the net off. Isn't it beautiful! Mummy thought it was so beautiful that she gave it a hug. Right after I woke up, she let me touch it. I wasn't so sure, but I think that was more because I was SO tired!

 That night, Daddy put the lights on it, and then we got to hang up all the pretty decorations! Mummy found beautiful red beads to hang on it, and Daddy picked out a set of gold baubles (that's what they call ornaments here, at least the ball ones. I love that word! Bauble...bauble...bauble bauble bauble!) and a beautiful gold star! Mummy also wanted some glittery red snowflakes--Daddy lets her get whatever she wants, so we have nine of them.

We have a couple of special ornaments on the tree, too. Mummy says the most important one is mine. It looks just like the baby rattles they had a long time ago. It's silver, and on one side it says "Baby's First Christmas 2013." On the other side, it says "Get ready to have your world rattled." What do you think that means?

The other special ornaments are the one I made (it has my hand print on it), a little hedgehog made out of sticks that Mummy got at the Botanic Gardens, a Postbox with an English Robin on top, and then a really cool Owl Bauble. That's Daddy's favorite.




To be honest, my favorite part was definitely helping Daddy put the tree topper on. I'm so glad he let me help!

It is definitely my favorite part of Christmas so far! Every day I come downstairs and get to see my beautiful Christmas tree. Thanks Mummy and Daddy for getting it for me!