Thankful this Thanksgiving

I was a little worried about Thanksgiving.  It is one of our favorite holidays.  For our family, in particular, it is a holiday steeped in tradition.  Every year it's at Ludwigland in Malibu.  And we all see the same faces... bringing the same side dishes... to the same kiddie table and adult table... set with the same china and crystal.  So, I was a little bit concerned that this year would be a little tough to be away from it all (especially for the kids).

Thanksgiving Day passed on Thursday without much fanfare here (no one in the UK seems to care about the pilgrims), so that softened the blow.  Then we got to really celebrate on Saturday...

We loved having two families (one South African, one British) over to spend their first Thanksgiving with us.  One family has quickly become dear friends since our arrival, the other we have enjoyed getting to know in the last couple of months through our Life Group at church.  Both jumped joyfully into our Thanksgiving celebration.  We had turkey (okay... I had it catered...), sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce in a can.  We had crafts for the kids and a walk in the rain and our traditional Christmas movie (Elf) to end the day.

They said it was the best Thanksgiving they ever had!  And we were reminded that we have much to be thankful for.

The Thanksgiving Table

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow - Look at that turkey!

The Dales, Us, The Ottos

The Kids Table

Pen for Penmanship

Lane was so excited yesterday to get her PEN!  At the beginning of Year 4, all of the students were told that they would have the opportunity to earn their pens this year - awarded when their handwriting has reached a certain standard.  Lane has been working hard - and you can see the incredible improvement in her penmanship this year.  (And keep in mind that she just started writing in cursive when we arrived, whereas the other students have been doing it since reception!)  She proudly brought home her certificate.  (Apparently, the pen stays in her desk.)   

John's Birthday

Last week was John's birthday.  As is our usual custom... the celebration extended over several days...

- On his birthday, he arrived home in evening (after an overnight in Ireland) to find his two very excited children excited to give him birthday hugs and kisses... and presents!  His "big" gift was an espresso maker from the extended family!
- On Friday, it was date night (no kids)!  John and I checked out The Ferry (a restaurant in Cookham) and went to see the new Bond movie.
- On Saturday night, we had family birthday dinner at GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen - best burger we've found in the UK so far).
- On Sunday, we had friends over for lunch and all of the kids sang Happy Birthday to him and he got, well, sort of a birthday cake...

Welcome home and happy birthday, Daddy!!!

Photo by Lane Ludwig ;)

Happy birthday, HWC John!

School Days

Lane and Aggie walking to class

This was our first week back in school after half term.  Wow... when the house emptied out, I realized that I had a lot of catching up to do!  Yet I am so grateful for these week-long breaks in the middle of our school terms.  School here is rigorous and demanding - with long days and hard work.  (I am shocked when my 6-year-old brings home a spelling list that includes "escaped" and my 8-year-old needs to do math word problems that require complicated division.)  When we get to the half term, we are DONE, and all need a break.  And then, after some family time, travel and a few mellow days of play, we are all ready to be back in the "school days" routine.