In many ways this summer has been uneventful.  We’ve had a couple of great days of outings, but mostly we’ve just enjoyed staying at home and hanging out each day.  I figured that after the past year the kids and I just needed some good relaxed time.  We’ve certainly enjoyed being in our new home..it has much more space and the back garden has been thoroughly used and enjoyed.

Last week I decided to take the kids out for a little walk.  I had some bread that was old so we set off to feed the ducks.  I didn’t take the stroller..this meant we went slow and didn’t really go all that far.  It was a beautiful day and the kids just enjoyed playing and enjoying God’s creation.  Here are a couple of pictures from that day.

So, I celebrated my 33rd birthday this past week.  And Jason took me out today for my present.  The pictures follow.

I got the Scottish thistle because I wanted something from our time over here in Scotland.  I love this land.  But also, it reminds me of my love of nature…and even my love of cooking and domesticity.  The design that I have is based off of a 19th century buttermold.  It was a fun day and I’m thankful to have shared it with my dear husband.  Thank you, J!

This past Saturday we had a wonderful family outing.  Thanks to the Fraser family we had a reliable car to drive.  We visited Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument.  The day started out cloudy and a bit chilly, and turned into a beautiful, sunny, warm day.  We all thoroughly enjoyed our time together.  Jason has been extremely busy this summer including time away to conferences, so this family day was much needed.

Some highlights: The gardens at Stirling are absolutely beautiful!  You’ll see from the pictures that I thoroughly enjoy them.  I also find myself taking pictures of flowers and such for my mother.  She has instilled a great love of nature and gardening.  This is my way of making sure that she doesn’t miss out.  The other aspect of the castle that I really enjoyed was the tapestry’s.  You’ll see pictures of them as well.  I was amazed by them when I first saw them hanging in the Chapel Royal.  I became even more impressed when I learned that they take 4 years to make…and then I even got to see one in progress.  Again..thanks to mom for teaching me the beauty of handmade things.   When we reached the William Wallace Monument we had a bit of an uphill hike in front of us, and then another 200 foot climb up a stone spiral staircase.  It was an interesting experience for us.  Charlie is terrified of heights..he made it to the top and back down.  What a trooper!

Apart from this trip we are just enjoying a quiet summer so far.  It feels good to have no real agenda and to just enjoy fairly relaxing days at home.

I know it has been ages since I’ve written on here.  We’ve been busy people.  In the beginning of June we moved out of our house.  We stayed with a lady from our church until we could move into our new house on the 22nd of June.  Since then I’ve been busy with end of school parties and sports days and with settling into a new house which we hope to be able to live in for the next two years.  So, I’m back now.  And I’ll start with alot of pictures from our trip to London.  We went just a couple of days before we moved into this house.  Jason had a conference to attend, so we made it a bit of a family vacation out of it.  Enjoy!!!

I just had to share these couple of pictures. They were taken just a couple of days ago by Jane of Kendra. I love digital cameras..if for no other reason than to allow my children the fun of taking pictures.

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Happy Birthday, Charlie-Bo!!!!!  What an amazing young man you are.  Even through the difficulties this morning with your attitude I am incredibly thankful for the blessing that you are to me.  I am in awe at how much you have blossomed over the past year.  You have shown amazing strength through a very difficult move.  You’ve worked hard at school and have excelled!  You have very quickly developed a love of reading and drawing.  I’ve so enjoyed watching you at school with all your classmates.  You are such a likable and sweet boy!!!  Now if I could only get you to clean your room!

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On Tuesday night Jason took me out for a date.  It was very impromptu, but we wanted to go out before the car doesn’t work again (which is a whole other story).  He took me to a pub in Anstruther called The Dreel Tavern.  It is from the 17th century.  We had a nice hot meal and enjoyed sitting by the coal fire.  Then it was off for an ice cream cone and a beautiful drive home…with a few pictures taken along  the way.

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DSCN0141 There is much beauty in our own garden.  I just had to share it with you.

momma and her babieshappy girlponies from Grammytea setso tiredthe caterpillar cakeblowing the candleswhat a happy birthday!We enjoyed celebrating Kendra’s birthday as a family.  Another year older and getting sweeter every day.

Happy Birthday my angel!  My baby is three today.  She is the most independent and the funniest of them all.  Jason and I are so thankful that she is a  part of our lives.

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