very special deliveries...from very dear friends...

Thanks Hadley!!!



Thanks Zack and Carolyn!!



 

Wow!!  It's nice to have friends in the States who are both

thoughtful and giving!!  These special deliveries were a kid's dream...

Oreos, PopTarts, M & M's, etc...all from two amazing families,

The Calzada's and the Bates.  The care packages also included notes from their kids, pictures, and even Nick and Kate's swim trophy.  We all talked and talked about how nice it is to be thought of even though we are so far away.  It's true that "wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world".  My kids got to see first hand just how much a kind gesture can mean to someone.  We've been so fortunate to have friends do so much for us during this journey and the months leading up to it...we can't thank you all enough.  Honestly, it's meant so much.  It's nice to have a little bit of good old America arrive at our front door, even if it is sugary, cavity causing junk food!!...Our kids signed their name with pleasure to accept each package from the States.  Needless to say, they were overjoyed as they dug through the cartons...it was like Christmas morning all over again!!  (Did I mention the postal carrier delivers the mail via bicycle and tosses it thru a tiny slot in our front door?  I still jump everytime...and then it scatters all along the foyer...what's up with these folks?!!!  Btw, this is one of Nick's top five favorite things about London.

Breakfast of Champions awaits tomorrow morning...:)  Thanks guys!!

Also, I must mention Katherine, a close friend since childhood, sent me a book and card that was "my equivalent" of PopTarts and Oreos...not to be redundant, but it was the same sort of kindness aimed at just me.  Nice. Very much appreciated Kath as I'm sure you"re tracking Hurricane Irene this moment....:)  Stay safe.   

Last, but certainly not least, a shout out to more dear friends...The Quigley's who sent us delicious fruits and chocolates on the 4th of July.  A nice patriotic gesture from one American to another, separated only by distance.  Note that I actually feel more American here, than I ever have.  Also, I feel more pride in being American as well.  I suppose it's because I never had to think much about it before, and here we all kind of stand out as we learn to adapt to a new culture.  Not to worry, we're trying to make our best impressions along the way...