Easter Presents

Today the kids got a package from Grandma Sally loaded with cool things for Easter.  Addison and Harrison both got fluffy flowers, Easter cards and marshmallow bunnies.  Harrison got a cute little Finding Nemo bath book and Addison got these adorable little pink gloves and purse.

Thank you Grandma Sally!

A Gated Level Crossing

Okay...it was one of those days that I felt like taking a different route home so I could see something new and so I did...with no SatNav or anything...just a general idea of which direction to go to end up near home.   Just a little mini adventure but so worth the extra time it took.  I encountered what is called a "gated level crossing" which essentially was a railroad crossing out in a very remote area that instead of the automatic arms, they actually have a person who closes and opens up the gates when trains come and go.  I had read about them when I studied for my theory driving test and was so excited to encounter one.  The sign says "Ring Bell for Gates" so I had to get out of the car and ring the little bell.

It literally took 15 minutes to wait for 6 different trains to pass by and then the guy came out of the little building and opened up the gates.  

Little Prince

My friend Laurie is a very talented and I think she is an up and coming photographer...she takes some pretty amazing pictures.   She has been taking a photography course out of London and asked to use Harrison some time get some practice shooting babies.  

She happened to get some inspiration while he was sleeping on Min's lap at Gwen's birthday party. These are the shots she took and worked up in PhotoShop. She is so amazing and captured some precious moments of my little prince. Thanks Laurie!

Princess Birthday Party

Today Addison went to Gwen Kieser's 3rd birthday party...a Princess Party!!!  All of Gwen's little friends were to dress up as their favorite princess.  We were in luck that Addison got a Cinderella dress up outfit for her birthday, so of course that is who she wanted to dress up as.  To get her more excited about the party,  I let her put on a little blush and we puffed up her hair with a little hairspray.  I asked her to twirl around for the finishing touch.




The party was so wonderful.  The girls looked so cute in their costumes and they all acted like perfect little princesses.

Here is Addison with her little friend Snow White (Kylie R).  

Harrison got into the fun as well by dressing as a British police constable.  Somebody had to keep the girls in line.

A Traditional St. Paddy's Day Meal

I almost forgot that it was St. Patrick's Day today...hard to believe huh since I'm married to an Irishman, but again it's not a holiday that is very widely celebrated in England.  For me St. Paddy's Day is all about celebrating the Irish-ness of our family and a what a better way than to make some traditional Irish food for dinner. Since we've been to Ireland twice now and gotten a good taste for REAL Irish cuisine I thought would make something different than our traditional corned beef and cabbage this year.  My favorite Irish dish ever was the Guinness Beef Stew and brown bread I got at Farrington's Pub in Temple Bar, Dublin and have been dying to find a recipe to recreate it.  Kevin's mom, Sally, had bought me a Irish cookbook while were in Ireland together and it had a recipe for a Medieval Beef Stew with Stout and I hoped that would be the one.  It turned out amazing!!!!  I used real Irish beef for the stew and Kerrymade Irish butter for the bread.  Both were better than what I remembered from Farrington's.   I was so happy to be able to know that I can make this favorite dish any time...not just in Ireland or on St. Paddy's Day.  

A Day at the Park

Today we woke up to a beautiful morning...spring was finally here!  I finally decided that I was sick of feeling cramped up in the house and needed to get used to venturing out with the kids to someplace other than the grocery store and the little park we have in Glinton.  

I decided that it would be a perfect day for us to have a picnic in Central Park since  I also had a few errands to run in town.  We needed to go to the train station to check on tickets for our trip to Belgium and run to the library to pick up some more travel books.  I also emailed out to a few people to see if they wanted to meet us at the park around 11:30 to enjoy the day with us, so I had to time things out to make sure we could get everything done without getting the kids bored with errands and getting to the park as quick as possible to meet whoever could make it. 

To get a little exercise I thought we would park in the ramp and walk the 1/2 mile to the train station.  Well the walk to the station ended up being longer than what I thought it would be because their is not straight shot across with the way the streets flow.  I ended up having to go up the walking ramp, which you would assume would be flat all the way to accommodate strollers and handicapped people but NO...every 4 feet it had a step....yikes!  Poor Harry, with all the ups and downs as we went up and down each side of the sky walk.  

I've really be skeptical everytime I attempt to get train tickets anymore from the train station because the tellers I get always seem to treat me like I'm annoying them by asking them questions and I don't get the same type of ticket each time so I never know what I'm really getting...remember the 100GBP I lost the last time I got tickets because they were non-refundable!!!  Well, the teller couldn't find the cheaper tickets I saw online so I decided not to get them...seemed like a waste of a trip.  Now that it took me twice as long to get to the train station and I had to think of a better way to get back because we needed to get some books and get to the park by 11:30.  We walked up by the other round-about to go under the road this time, but I misjudged the road that I wanted to walk down to get to the library and ended up in a pretty shady neighborhood.  I kept my eyes forward and walked as fast as I could....it ended up being a great workout, but fear is a great motivator to work harder.

No else was able to meet us at the park, but we weren't alone.  There were loads of kids there and both of my little ones had a great time.  Peterborough is a little melting pot of all different types of nationalities and I know we were the only American's there, but I think we were the only ones there that English was our primary language as well.  It's funny to see moms and dads yelling to kids in other languages...even if you don't understand what they are saying, as a fellow parent you know what they are probably saying.

She's Growing Up

Today Addison received a special "belated birthday" package in the mail from Auntie Crystal.  It was loaded up with a new pink purse which at first she thought was a hat because it's knitted...it was so cute to see her try to put it on her head.  She also got some cute headbands which actually poof up the hair she has to make it look like she's got loads of hair.  She also got some Strawberry Shortcake stickers which she loved to stick all over her shirt.  She also happened to bring in the earrings from her Mrs. Potato Head so we tried them on....What a cutie!

Castle Acre Priory and Castle

Today we ventured over to Castle Acre, a small village about 1 1/2 east of us off the A47.  It was an absolutely beautiful day...cool, crisp and sunny!  Castle Acre is known for its old priory and castle remains and of course it is an English Heritage property.  The priory is one of the largest and well preserved monastic sites in all of England.  It was started by a French Monk who came over in around 1090 AD.  Here you can see Kevin and the kids off in the distance as we walked down to the priory.

The daffodils were in full bloom today and the priory and church were so amazing looking.  Most of the buildings are in ruins but the prior's lodging area are very much in tact and you can walk up into the first floor chapels and private chambers.  Most of the rock used on the outside of the buildings was flint that had been cut flat...it's really cool looking.  Guess if you needed to start a fire you could just strike the side of the building.

The church must have been magnificent back in the day.  The monk who built it loved decorations and had loads of ornate carvings done...look at all the arches.  The church was brought to rubble after Henry the VIIIth left the Catholic church and the land that the church was granted to one of Henry's good friends.  In order for the gentleman to keep the land and insure that it didn't fall back into monastic use they destroyed most of the church and other buildings so that Catholic church wouldn't try to reclaim the land.

Inside the church you can see where all the columns used to stand tall and the now grass floor used to be multi-colored marble tiles.

Here we are at the front of the church looking back.  It seems surreal that very holy rituals took place on the very spot we were standing.  I wonder what the monks would have thought about my daughter running around columns during the services back in those days.

I loved this column remain that Addie and I are sitting by.  Either the stone was darker and set up in a checkered pattern or the moss grew in a really amazing way.

There were lots of these worn away windows and I happened to catch Kevin and Harrison through one of them.  There were beautiful fields around the priory and apparently public footpaths because a ton of people were catching glimpses of the priory from the outside of the fence.

I thought this was one of the coolest things we saw here because it was different from anything else we've seen at other old buildings...it's the monk's lou - outhouse - toilets!!!  There were two floors set up...one for main level access and then the upstairs ones were off their sleeping quarters...which incidentally were straw beds with minimal blankets.  The stuff would fall into the little canal they had set up below and it would get carried off by the flow of the water wheel just a hundred yards or so away.

I had Addison sit on these stairs which would have taken you to the upper sleeping quarters. I went around the corner quick to take a picture of one of the small chapels and a few seconds later I heard "Mummy, mummy" really loud.  I came back around and couldn't see Addison...then I looked up.  She had walked all the way to the top and there wasn't much at the top to keep her from falling 12-15 feet.  She scared me to death so ran up to get her.  The few steps on the bottom where in pretty good condition but were rubbled stones towards the top, so it was a bit tricky getting up and down.  She has no fear, I tell you.

Addie sure felt like climbing a lot today.  For the first time, we let her climb up a set of the really steep spiral stair cases.  Kevin was right in front of her and I right behind.  So if it looks scary enough for her little feet to be walking up them, just imagine Kevin and I trying walk up them.  

The upper prior's chambers where very well preserved.  Addison thinks it's so cool to stand up inside the fireplaces in all the places we visit.

Kevin and Harrison had a lot of fun hanging out together.  We didn't get much use out of the back pack carrier with Addie, but Harrison does really well in it.  

After we ate the best Sunday roast dinner at the Peacock in town, walked over to the Castle Acre Castle site.  First we stopped by the village Gate.  It's still kind of funny to see these really old gates that have no practical use anymore and are just there.  It's hard to image what things used to look like way back when with all the modern houses built up around it.

The castle site is actually free to gain access to and lots of people seem to have picnics and such there.  There are huge earthen mounds built up on the site as a means of protection for the former castle.  You can still see the remains of the protective wall.

Here are Addie and I standing on the protective wall which is at least 1.5 meters wide and the base of the castle is right behind us.  This was the first level and you can make out the remains of a huge fireplace from the second level just above my head and to the left.

Addison found some placards that showed a pictorial of what some of the other buildings on the sight might have looked like.  You can see the huge earthen mounds behind her which enclose a huge area that would have homed the workings of the people who worked at the castle.

Finally this is one of the structures used as the castle gate.  Addie and I are standing in what would have been a guards station.  It was built into one of the big hills around the castle used to protect it.

We had a great day and can't wait for our next adventure.

English Trifle Lesson

This afternoon the guys headed out to watch the Posh football match (that's the local team in town), so Sarah came over to teach Min and I how to make a proper English trifle.  Trifle's are very popular "puddings" or desserts in England.  They are the type of thing that you learn how to make from your mom and just know how to do as you grow up so she's never had a recipe just to give us.

Today she showed us two different ways to make a strawberry trifle.  First you put down a later of cut up trifle sponges filled with strawberry jam or you can cheat and buy a jam filled swiss roll and cut that up.   Addie wanted to get right into the fun!!!

You put down the layer of sponges down, then sprinkle in a bit of liquer (usually a brandy) but you don't have to put any in at all.  We did though!!!  Next topple in some strawberries.  Sarah likes to used canned strawberries because they are softer.  

Next we make up the "jelly" layer (which we call Jello in the States).  Here the full sugar jelly comes in these little cubes which are like very concentrated jello jigglers at room temperature.  You break up the cubes and add hot water.  Sarah told us that as a child she used to eat the cubes by themselves.  They are quite tasty.

One benefit of using the canned strawberries is that you can use the reserve juice for the cool liquid in the "jelly".

Then you pour the jelly on top and stick it in the fridge to set...usually a couple of hours.  

A few hours later when the boys got back, Sarah came back over and we mixed up custard for the next layer.  Now custard here is much different that what we typically think of it in the States.  Most of the time you serve it warm and pour it over your puddings.  This time we were making it to set up as our next layer in the trifle.  After the custard layer you top it all off with some fresh whipped cream.

It is very, very good and looks amazing in the trifle bowl that I got from my Pampered Chef Party.  Sad thing is that we ate all the trifle before I remembered to take a picture of it so you'll have to make your own to see what it looks like...or I guess I'll have to make it again sometime soon!

Another Crazy Night at the Wong's

Tonight we hung out with the Wong's and the Clayton /Gorman's just to spend some time together after learning about our friends' news about moving back to Singapore.  Eventhough we were still in shock and sad about the news, we had a complete blast and just enjoyed the evening together.  We totally pigged out on my world famous taco dip - I really need to find a larger plate!!!  Then Sarah made this amazing Thai chicken for dinner and Min brought out the strawbery trifle that she made during our trifle lesson with Sarah this afternoon.

We of course had loads of questions for Danny and Min about where they lived in Singapore  and their thoughts about going back.  Danny being the total technology junkie pulled up Google maps on his TV and zoomed in on the apartment complex that they lived and the park across the way.

Then in true Wong fashion, Danny broke out the karaoke.  I love Danny's karaoke collection because they are all Asian collections with pictures of the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries and words in English.

 Addison joins in the fun with her dad who loves to sing.

I even had to join in which I am NOT a karaoke person and never will be, but Harrison helped me out so it was all good.

Then we broke out Guitar Hero World Tour...Addison took on lead guitar...looks like a natural to me.  She loves to play the guitar...maybe I should look into lessons???

Addison loves her "Auntie" Min!!!   We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends and we are excited to go visit them next year.

The Big Crick in Our 18 Month Journey

It was just 2 years ago Kevin and I committed to take on this overseas assignment two weeks after having our little Addison. We couldn't image in our wildest dreams the experiences we would have and the people we would meet over the past 18 months. Yes, we have made a lot of sacrifices and we thank everyone back home for loving and supporting us over all this time. It really took us a good year for this place to be "home" and our lives have now become normal...Big Ben in London, castles, tiny refridgerators, thatch roofs, the British accent, driving on the left side of the road...it's all normal now.

Okay, now that everything is normal and comfortable, a wrench has to get thrown in our worlds. For the past several months as the world wide economy has tanked, the effects are really hitting home and today I am really struggling. Several of my ISE friends have finished up their assignments and have headed home which was tough, but in my heart I knew that I would be able to hook back up with them when we moved back to Peoria. Today my life felt shattered when Min came over to share with me that they were moving back to Singapore this June or July. Okay, I knew this day was going to come but I really anticipated that it would be next summer. I have developed a very close sister-like relationship with Min truly since we live so close to each other and are going through the same type of experience. She and her family are a part of my and my family's daily lives and the thought of them not being a part of our "normal" life is devastating to think about. After lots of crying that first day I have calmed down and taken the attitude to make the most of each day we have with the Wong's and everyone else we have gotten to know here. Kevin said it best when he reminded me how blessed we are to have been such good friend's with people from half way around the world. He got me even more excited when he didn't completely shoot down the idea of planning a trip to Singapore next year to see them.

It is so hard to watch as other ISEs are being sent home early and to hear of friends who have had to take new jobs because their jobs have been cut. We sit and wonder if our day will be coming which really dampers getting excited about trying to make plans for trips and adventures. Kevin is working on a very important project that is a big focus for CAT right now and we are hoping that this allows us to stay on our assignment a bit longer. We do miss "home" and friends and family, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. We do know that God has a plan for us and we pray every night that we can accept whatever that plan is for us.

Framlingham Castle

Today we started a 15 month adventure... we purchased a membership to the English Heritage which gives us free access to over 400 properties across England.   This morning we ventured off to Framlingham which is about 2 hours east of Peteroborough (about 14 miles from the North Sea and north of Ipswich).  Our quest was the Framlingham Castle which was first built in the 12th century by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk. 

There is a little exhibition inside the Poorhouse that showed how the poor and priveliged Tudors lived.  Kevin, Addie, and Harry check out the big brick oven.

They had some kids activities like this crayon rub that children could learn that the rich people got to eat lots of meat while the poor people at bread and veggies.

Addison loved playing with the giant chess game set up in the middle of the court yard.

Here is Addison inside one of the narrow window slits where castle guards would take position to shoot arrows in attempts to protect the castle.

The remains of the castle are thick walls which have a walkway at the top for visitors to walk around.   Harrison rode on Kevin's back while Addie got to run around and I ran after Addison to make sure she didn't try leaning out some of the big holes in the wall.

Some of the most distinctive points of the castle are it's mural towers and the decorative Tudor style chimneys.  The chimneys were all added after the castle wasn't used as a fortress and the current owner wanted it to look more like a home.

This was my favorite chimney.  Most of them were not functional chimneys...just for looks.  Chimneys were often a sign of wealth so the more you had the more well off you looked.

Here is the poor house where the exhibitions are and where we walked up the tower to get up on the wall.  It was pretty interesting getting the kids up the spiral stone stairs.  

After our castle tour we headed over to the pub for lunch which was not a pleasant experience.  The people there weren't the friendliest and they were not accommodating for young families.  It happened to be that Addison wasn't feeling the best because she was just starting to potty train and said she had to go every time I got to sit down and eat.  We went back to the toilet 3 times in a row and she did nothing.  Then Harrison was horribly cranky because he was tired and had to sit on my lap to eat.  Finally Kevin finished his food and took Harry to get the stroller while I sat with Addie and ate my food really fast.  It so happened that a group of four ladies were sitting next to us and they turned to me and said they totally sympathized with me.  They were all moms of very young children and said they knew what it was like having to eat cold meals when going out.  They reassured me that it will get better as they get a little older.  

After lunch we thought we would take a little walk around the castle.  The castle was built up on these huge earthen works and we assumed that we could walk around the base pretty easily, but we ran into a few tricky spots.

We had to get pretty creative when we hit a huge muddy patch.  I held up the front wheel while Kevin shimmied the back end.  I of course didn't have the right shoes on to be doing much mudding.  I guess in the medieval times they didn't try trekking like this with strollers for a reason.  The muddy patch was just under where an old bridge used to be...you can see the remains of the supports.