The coast, English style.

Last Saturday we hoped in the car and went on another Lincoln adventure. We went to a small town next to Dover called Deal.

The beaches were covered with rocks and Livvy couldn't get enough of all of the "stones!" It was just what I pictured Anne Elliot (Persuasion) walking along with Captain Wentworth. So pretty.

Then we went and saw a castle. Another castle. It was cool. Big, stone, old. You know the usual castle thing.

This castle however, did have amazing gardens that Livvy loved to run through.

In the end we spent a day walking around the beach and touring two huge castles. It was a nice day to get out and spend time together. I love driving through the windy roads and talking to Lincoln, while the kids sleep.

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This lady is glad that these people are my family. 

Hogwash.

This week I killed 5 bumble bees and one wasp inside my house.

They weren't the California kind of bees. They were GIANT. Big. Black. Furry. 

One day it was beautiful (SUNNY!) and Livvy was running around in the garden. I left her windows open to let some fresh air in the house and to allow me to hear the little miss yelling "Mom are you there?!?!" 

Mistake number 1. 

They don't have screens here in golly ol' England. So even though I only let the windows stay opened for about an hour we welcomed some buzzing friends into the house. 

The scary thing is that we didn't find and kill these friends until the next day and then more the day after that. 

I was laying in bed with Jude snuggled on one side and Livvy crawling under the covers on the other side of me when Lincoln yelled "Vindie come here!" 

...I slowly made my way out of bed and heard his story of hearing a buzzing sound and then ripping off his work jacket to find a bumble bee making camp. 

Big whoop I thought. Glad it wasn't me! 

Mistake number 2. 

Thinking that was the only encounter with a bee. After Lincoln had left for work I walked into our living room to find not one, but two big bees crawling across the carpet and in the curtains. 

Never fear, I manned up and killed both of those tyrants. And continued to kill more the next day. 

Can I please stop having to deal with bugs? I really don't feel the need to get over my fear of them. 

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This American is glad that the US decided screens were a good idea. 

Our first visitor!

Uncle Jon came to visit us! 

Livvy was pretty excited to be able to ride around on his shoulders (and be about 10 feet in the air!) the whole time we toured around Bodiam Castle. 

Bodiam Castle was the first moated castle that we toured and it was pretty amazing. 

Like so many of the sites we've been to, it was surrounded by beautiful countryside. Man I love that! 

Jude met his great uncle for the first time. And loved him just as much as the rest of us. 

After we toured Bodiam Castle we ventured over a few winding roads and crazy roundabouts to the Battle of Hastings Battlefield and Abbey. 

We had a really fun time seeing the sites, but most of all we had a really fun time seeing Uncle Jon! He has been a big part of my life and continues to amaze me with his kindness and love. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have him tell Livvy his famous "Three Little Pigs" story that I heard when I was a little girl. Not only did he come to see us, but he brought a package of goodies from GG (Great Grandma) for the kiddos.  Livvy loved having a box of treats and toys to explore! Thank you Grandma! I love my family and feel close to them even from across the Atlantic Ocean! 

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This girl is glad that I am apart of such a great family! 

The non-weekend snapshots.

Just in case you think all we do is look at the towering spires of old castles and churches  This is my view Monday through Friday.

 Livvy decided she would be Jasmine and Jude could be Aladdin on her magic carpet. (Followed by a conversation about why she could not marry Jude.)

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This momma is glad that my day-to-day "sites" are a giggling baby and crazy toddler. 

Canterbury

I'm so behind in blogging it's ridiculous. Our LoveFilm (UK's version of NetFlix) here has all the seasons of LOST and despite Lincoln's "I will never watch that show with you!" attitude, he keeps asking to "watch one more" each night. So, I have neglected the blog. But, here I am attempting a catch up. 

Two weekends ago we drove 1.5 hours away to Canterbury (as in the Tales) and enjoyed St. Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral, and the bustling high street life . 

 St. Augustine's Abbey (not my favorite site, but Lincoln loves himself some ruins!)

The cathedral was really awesome and we were able to attend the evensong and hear the choir sing. I love listening to the beautiful acoustics in these ancient buildings! 

The town centre was super fun. Tons of people, tons of food shops, and tons of people watching! 

We finally decided to get our first "fish n'chips" dinner at a little family owned hole in the wall. From Livvy's face you can guess what she thought of the experience. Not a big fan. Lincoln and I thought it was pretty good. Not sure if we need to experience it again though. 

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This family is glad we can spend Saturdays together.