Tenerife, Spain

 

Mid October brought us a "holiday" from school, our first week off.  (Remember, there is no Labor Day, Columbus Day, half days, etc...here in the U.K.)  We chose to head seventy miles from the west coast of Africa to the Canary Islands, which are surprisingly, part of Spain.  We found a terrific hotel on the island of Tenerife and hoped for a great R&R vacation...the beach, sun, and just lazy outdoor days.  Selfishly, we figured it wouldn't hurt to get our last burst of warm sunshine before the cold England winter hits...after all, it'll be here before we know it.  

Turns out it was all that and more.  We had the sunshine, terrific pools, and continued our quest to see new sights.  We took a day trip to Pico del Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and the 3rd highest volcano in the world.  Our rental car took us to it, followed by a cable car/gondola lift.  After that, we were free to hike around and explore.  Something worth noting...it was freezing at the top.  It often snows here in mid summer.  Unbelieveable, especially since we had just come from the beaches below!  Our next day trip was to Loro Parque, where we saw dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales put on amazing performances.  I guess it is similiar to Sea World back home.  The kids loved it and each had their favorite animal.  :)   Other fun things were parasailing while at the same time looking below and seeing wild dolphins in the ocean.  I swear they were meant to put on a show and make people smile! 

To sum it up, it was a terrific family getaway to somewhere we would never have chosen from the States.  Just too far.  In fact, I think it was the farthest the kids have been from the the US and needless to say, we were just about the only Americans there.  Bonus though, we enjoyed the food much better there, than in our area of London.  We ate well, and the sangria wasn't bad either.:) 
One last detail worth mentioning is that our kids got their first taste of "European bathing suits".  As soon as we arrived they ran way ahead to check out the beaches and came running back, all saying the same thing in unison..."the bikinis here are missing the top piece!"  Nick now has a whole new vocabulary...most of which he made up himself and is decriptive to say the least.  Seven year olds can really charm "el senoritas"!  Winthin days, it was just reality and much less of a culture shock.  I must say that I couldn't help but laugh looking out to the ocean seeing my kids swimming beside ladies and their tatas!  Oh well, part of the whole educational process I suppose...I'm sure they all will remember Spain and all it's beauty.  I know Kyle will...:)


Hibachi tonight at" Kamakura"



First October weekend...Sunny & Blue Skies

The weather this week has been gorgeous.  27 degrees celcius....that converts to approximately 80 degrees farenheit.  We can switch the math fast now...experts no less, and we'll take the sunshine anytime.  :)
Two things made this week unique...first you'll notice Kate's sling.  She had a horse riding accident and fractured her arm by her right shoulder.  She's okay now, just cannot play soccer, write, or take PE...and of course, riding is out for at least 7 weeks.  We at least figured out the nearby hospitals, and local doctor offices...getting our first taste of National Healthcare.  On a more positive side, Jack's birthday was Friday!  He turned 11.  He had a birthday cake at school and home, and spent the day with his friends after school.  Happy birthday bud!

On Saturday we decided to visit the medieval Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England.  It was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror.  Many prisoners were held in the dungeons.  The largest catapult in the world sits toward the back of the castle along the Avon River.  It was about a two hour drive and the kids were able to see falconry, warfare, defensive towers, archery, & visit 'The Dragon Tower'.  

Below are pictures from our crop picking day...we went for pumpkins, but also came home with strawberries, rasberries, and corn.  The kids had a quest to find the perfect shapes and colors.  Many were eaten before they hit the basket...just a fun day.  Strawberry shortcake tonight...

The line between two hemispheres

Kate's 4th grade class took a field trip to Greenwich, England to see the Prime Meridian of the World.  Longitude is 0 degrees.  Every place on Earth is measured in terms of distance east or west from this line. The line divides the hemispheres...pretty cool for a nine year old to step on!!  Hopefully a memory (& concept) she'll hold onto.  

An English pastime...

 

 

Meet Henry and Nutty, horses.  Kate and I decided that since we're here in England, we like to learn to ride horses.  There are, of course, differences in saddles...English vs Western.  Overall changes here never truly seem to end.  Is anything standard?!  (All I knew was that there were only reins to hold, no horn.  I hoped to just stay on and not fall off...pathetic, I know. :)  I was just out for an afternoon "hack" as they said when I signed up.  The trainers assigned me to "Nutty", not my first or second choice due to her name only.  Yes, I was judging before I even knew her.  With a name like that I wasn't sure what I had in store. Maybe it was because she was chestnut in color...yup...I was going with that. :)  Anyway, it turned out to be an incredible morning through Great Windsor Park.  We passed deer, sheep, and the Royal Herd.  Very picturesque and I'm glad I went and tried something new.  My adventure was only for one day.

Kate has been taking lessons at Berkshire Riding Center, also in Windsor Park.  She always rides "Henry" and he's a sweet, gentle, old horse. He has no idea just how much he's talked about every week.   Kate counts the days, looking forward to seeing him each & every week.  He's come to expect his apple from her.  Again, this is a new activity for her and she is loving it.  

A fresh, new start...Tasis School, England



Tasis: August 24, 2011



Off they go...

 






So the big day had finally arrived, and the kids were ready for their first day of school.  Tasis, an American school, follows a close curriculum to their school at home.  Jack heading to 5th grade, Kate to 4th, and Nick starting 1st.  Obviously the uniform thing is new for us and even though it's August, the sweatshirts have to be worn...at least until they can ask permission to take it off.  Rules, rules.  Nick left his in the class on his first day...good thing I bought two. :)  The boys struggled with wearing socks and shoes, oh yeah, pants too.  They prefer their year round shorts, tees, & sneakers...oh well, there's no choice so they'll adapt.  

You can see their transportation (no big, yellow school bus)...and pickup at the door...now that's nice.  He'll even wait if we're running behind...who...us late? :)   Now, that's something we all can adjust to.   

First day down, and all survived.  Happy faces and they said they'll go back.  Only time will tell...but we'll take it for the time being... 







Just like home...



"King & the Castle" Birthday toast


My sister's family left, and then Jeff & Paula landed at Heathrow from Atlanta.  This visitor thing is working out well...:)  They flew through the night, took a power nap, and we headed out to nearby Windsor for dinner.
We couldn't wait to spend time with them to catch up and show them our life over here.  Jack, Kate, and Nick were excited to see them as well. The only ones missing were their kids. Maybe next time...

We only had a brief time with them before they headed to the city for the week to sight see and visit Paula's cousin (also doing an expat assignment).  Full agenda!

We can't tell you how great it was to see you both.  Really, our time spent was so much fun and felt like the old days...we thank you for the time we shared. Happy birthday Paula

and happy anniversary too!! 

As they say here, "Cheers!"

Morgan...Kate loved her card and sweet birthday earrings.  She'll be in touch soon. :)  The gum & candy were perfect choices as well.  She misses you!! We were so grateful to spend your mom's birthday with her.  Ask her all about Jack's apartment...she liked it up there. 

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...