From Across the Pond

One day we received a fun surprise in the post from England! The kids were so excited. Our friends, the Fishers, are always so thoughtful. I received this beautiful Charles Dickens stamp set. The drawings are from the original sketches (with added color). They are so special!

Colin received a book "Saved at Sea", which he promptly read and loved.

Victoria was excited to open her gift to fnd a fun activity book.

Thank you to friends who are so thoughtful. The gifts are special, but the ones who gave them are so much more so!

It Takes a Village

About a month ago we visited Greenfield Village. No matter how many times I go, I always learn new things. Here is the Ford building for you, Dad.

I love the clock!

Cotswold Cottage is my favorite building. It always has been since I was a kid. It is made of stone!

The beautiful English gardens are doing well even in November!

The fireplace.

Up the chimney.

Colin has become interested in taking pictures. He took the one above and the next two. :)

Merry Christmas!!

40

 Somebody turned 40. It wasn't Jason or me. It was someone who doesn't allow me to post pictures of them, so I will have to leave you to your Sherlockian powers of deduction to figure it out for yourself.

 John bought a cake.

 We stuffed as much black in as we could.

 This is the birthday person's hair. It is not gray, it is merely reflecting the flash from my camera. Still, its gray-like appearance suits the occasion.

 Other people tried to jump in on my picture-taking excitement.

 My Dad asked me if I could patch his tatty shirt. Oh, boy. I am all for frugality, but there comes a time to bite the bullet and replace it!

 He wanted to save calories on pizza (eating two pieces instead of twenty), so he ate this sandwich.

 Colin wanted to give the birthday person a gift. He has little money, so he baked cupcakes. They were moist and tasty. Everything was from scratch (except the sprinkles, of course).

 The salad.

 The hat is being modeled by a non-forty-year-old person.

More Victoria Snaps

Isn't she cute as a button! I found another post that never was published. My, how Colin and Victoria have changed!

This was supposed to be her tummy time. So much for lifting her head and building neck muscles!

Aunt Jenny is a little rusty, and Victoria isn't making it any easier on her!

Of Kings and Queens

Here is an old post I found that never was published. I can't believe three years have past! Victoria was just wearing this crown the other day while she was pouring herself some "tea".

Colin has never been successful making a mean face. :)

A Weird Thanksgiving Post

 These are the rolls I am required to bring to every Thanksgiving dinner.

 The next pictures are taken after I finally remembered that I had brought my camera. They are random and desperate in an attempt to document the day.