Well, here in England it feels as though summer has finally arrived and the crazy thing is that it's still here. Since we have been back from our cruise we have had more sunny days than I even knew was possible. Even the British are wondering what is going on and when our luck will change. Along with the warmer weather, a few more thunderstorms have come but the sun is out and it stays out for more than a few minutes at a time....it is brilliant! I am even happy to announce that my tan from our cruise holiday has actually improved...tan is something I have never been here in England. So before we find ourselves in the dark and rainy days of winter, we are enjoying the weather. We lay out our "beach blanket," as Bella likes to call it, and bring out snacks and toys to enjoy the chirping birds and warm sun...most of the time. At first, it was the perfect babysitter because Ariana was not too keen on crawling through the grass, but once we started adding a little more excitement to our yard ( namely a swing set and paddling pool) she got over her fear and started really exploring and sometimes tasting all that nature has to offer. We made a trip to a local zoological gardens for a weekday outing and than made it to the Colchester zoo with a group of friends on the weekend. Both the girls really love watching the animals and the zoos here are fantastic about including play areas in them as well. We try to make it to story time at the library on base and to Rock tots in Mildenhall village when we can get a chance. We have been visiting parks and doing some play dates and groups as well. Since Nona and Grandma B left, Bella has been very into The Sound of Music and she has a lot of the songs memorized. She dazzles many with her rendition of "Doe a Deer." We are hoping to start her at the local Montessori school for a few mornings a week when we get back from Scotland end of July. Ariana is talking a little and making a lot of noise to keep up with her big sister. She started climbing stairs...gulp and is still not showing too much desire to walk but cruises and climbs like a pro....I even caught her trying to climb up the slide like her big sister.
As for Paul and I, we have enjoyed a few dates out since the cruise to keep the spark going:) We made it out to the golf course and I got to pull out my golf clubs that had been hiding for 3+ years now...it was interesting, but fun. Paul just got promoted to Captain and we had a big Bar B Q at our house for him and some of his buddies that were promoted also. It was quite the event and thankfully we weren't hosting on our own...we had tons of help. The swing set was another big event in itself...buying and putting together. I stayed out of the later leaving it to the boys who got it together just before the bar b q. Paul is still working on his masters classes and gets the occasional kitchen pass to golf twilight hours at some of the local courses....where he actually is now which is why I am on the computer finally posting some blogs. I guess golfing worked in every ones favor tonight...at least until I hear how he shot. I almost enjoyed the US vs Brazil football match the other day. The first half was brilliant, but it all went down hill from there, eh? So, I have tons of pictures and hopefully more to come with the girls' birthday party coming up and our trip to Scotland...no more slacking on posts unless we keep getting this gorgeous weather.
The girls at the zoological gardens
The seal show at Colchester Zoo
Feeding the elephants....very slimy
Ariana...happy baby girl
Watching the birds
Petting the Worlington playground horse
Story time
Sidewalk Painting
The Swing set: 450 pounds and 3 men working 10+ hours....
Smiles on their faces: PRICELESS
Priceless
Sliding
Swimming
Feeding the ducks by the Mildenhall river
Ariana's "not so sure face"
