Let it Snow!

Saturday morning we woke to a few inches of snow on the ground. As the day progressed, more and more fell and by Sunday lunchtime, Scotland was a winter wonderland. For those trying to travel, work, or get anywhere safely and on time, it has created havoc. For those of us avoiding the grey, cold, rainy days, it has been delightful! The boys played outside all day Sunday and we even built this crazy snowman with other parents in the hood! Muscles and all! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Cambridge, United Kingdom

I want to go back to school. I never knew there was a town quite like Cambridge. I shouldn't have been an Aggie. Did I just say that out loud? I know, I know. I wouldn't have met my husband, or the favourite girlfriends I mentioned in a previous post, but man, does Cambridge blow College Station out of the water.

Ethan had a fencing tournament in Cambridge in early November and we took the opportunity to have a long weekend away as a family. It was delightful. And delicious. And simply brilliant.

According to Wikipedia, Cambridge is the second oldest university in England (and the English speaking world) and the seventh oldest in the world. It is said that the university was founded by scholars in 1209 after they left Oxford following a debate with the townspeople. Academically, Cambridge ranks as one of the world's top universities and it regularly contends with Oxford for the top of the UK league tables. The University of Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges, each with it's own property and income. They are mostly diverse in their academia but give the students a smaller place to call home.

The college buildings are magnificent and the property breathtaking. The town itself is centered around the colleges and therefore has a youthful vibrancy that is unmatched. Everyone is on foot or bike, going to and fro with a sense of relaxed urgency. The River Cam runs through the town and was once a means of transportation and commercial delivery for the colleges. We highly recommend a guided punting tour along the river where you will see the backs (great expanses of green park land) and many of the college buildings.

Sunday we attended Evening Song at the Kings College Chapel and had the privilege of seeing their famous Boys Choir. It was worship like we'd never known. Again, breathtaking and spectacular.

Overall, it was a weekend to remember. The fencing was fun and challenging for Ethan, with 40 boys in his age group. (In Scotland, he rarely has more than 15 in his age group at competitions) It encouraged him to travel to more events next year and we are hoping that they will be in towns as lovely as Cambridge!

Halloween 2010

Charlie is a Stormtrooper, Ethan a rugby player and Christopher a bandit. (Ethan is looks hesitant, don't you think?? - he's grown out of this tradition but dressed up for a party) We went to a neighbourhood party and then did a small amount of trick or treating. In Scotland, you go in the house and the children tell a joke, sing a song or say a poem to entertain the homeowners. Charlie made up a new joke at every house and he had the adults in stitches! Wish I'd had a video camera. Happy Halloween!

Fall Break

We had an unusual fall break this year with everyone going in different directions. Scott was traveling for work, Ethan went to York on a school music tour, Christopher went to Elie in Fife with a friend and Charlie and I held down the fort in Glasgow.

Ethan's music tour included a performance in York Minster. Once in a lifetime! Oh how I wish I was invited to see this.

I have no pictures to make this post more interesting.But everyone had a fantastic time and it was nice to have a break.

Fresh Air

This dear green place is so delightful when the weather is nice. We recently went for a family ride through the forest and boy was it beautiful. The forest service does a great job of maintaining farm tracks for public use. There are countless areas to go for a ride.

Autumn was in the air and even though we were only 45 minutes from home, we might as well have been worlds away.

*This is Scott 2 months post knee surgery. Wahoo!

Confirmation

On the 5th of September, Ethan was confirmed at All Saints Episcopal Church, Bearsden, Scotland. He stood before his family and his church community to profess his faith and his willingness to dig deeper in his relationship with God.

I know we are suppose to be humble, but this mama was PROUD. And tearful. I can remember my own confirmation so it seems surreal to me that Ethan is old enough to be confirmed. Our new bishop is extremely warm and he made the service one to remember.

Ethan, you stand firmly in your faith when the world challenges you otherwise. You love others as Christ loves us and you always stand for the Truth. May God continue to bless you in this wonderful journey we call life.

Birthdays

So birthday season at our house is always busy. Because beginning on August 3rd, we have a birthday every two weeks until the first of October. So it's parties, cake, dinners, special outings, and more cake! Fun, fun and more fun! This year we even squeezed in one more special thing that I'll tell you about in my next post. But for now, it's the birthday pics!

I've already told you about how special Christopher's day was! Man, what a thrill to go to the Porsche races on your 9th birthday! We are so thankful it was such a fantastic day!

Christopher, we are constantly amazed at you sweet boy. You are tender, funny, smart, intuitive, kind, sporty, hard working, an adoring little brother and a thoughtful big brother, and you are always there with a hug. The sparkle in your eyes could light up a room and we never tire of seeing your smile! We are so proud of you and we love you. Happy Happy 9th Birthday!

I happened upon a box of Lucky Charms at Lupe's Deli and thought I would splurge for the 4 birthday boys (it was 12 dollars)! Even the big boy had breakfast that morning. And I was surprised to see that the box was not finished for at least a week. (Sometimes I think the idea of sugar cereal is better that the real thing!)

And Ethan. How can it be? 12 YEARS OLD. Seriously, how can it be? We celebrated your birthday at Jamie Oliver's Italian Cafe and you loved it! You want to be a chef and so food and it's source and preparation are your passion. AND I LOVE sharing the kitchen with you! What a treat that is for this momma that spends most of her time preparing food!

Ethan you are patient, kind, generous, smart, interesting, a leader, focused and you are a fantastic oldest brother! You are a good friend and a pleasure to be around. You are loved and we are so very proud of you too. Happy, happy 12th birthday!