our boxing day hike

we've had some illness this week so our "hike" was just up the hill behind the castle in our village. happy boxing day!

carnival and castle

we went to our local village carnival recently.  the girls weren't too crazy about the loud music, cotton candy  or any of it, really.  i think they liked the ride.  we stopped by the castle on the way home for a few photos. 

let's go fly a kite...

a week or so ago, we woke up to beautiful sunshine. we decided to head to the beach for a picnic and some kite flying. unfortunately, by the time we got to the beach, it was dreary and much cooler (we are beginning to understand why many british people often find themselves eating their lunch in their cars). it was great kite weather, though and fun to explore a new beach in our new neck of the woods.

and more amelia joy...

amelia joy

tired but happy mummy

proud daddy

our little family

 

for just a few more days...

on saturday we took the girls to a park and today steve took us all out to breakfast. it's hard to believe that we won't be a family of four much longer! i am so thankful for our little family-it's hard to believe it could be any better. that is grace upon grace!

almost here!

Don't worry, this photo was taken when the sun was shining in JULY.
Lord willing, our new little baby will be here in less than a week. while this hasn't been the easiest pregnancy and there are many things that i hope will quickly fade from my memory, there are a few things i hope i never forget:
the relief of hearing her heartbeat after a scary trip to the hospital not knowing what was going on.
the surprise and joy in the girls' eyes when they felt her move for the first time.
the wonder we all felt when the girls came to see the midwife with me and heard the heartbeat.
these last few weeks of just the four of us.  

a new tradition

it seems that abbie and i have begun a new tradition for our church-baby showers! they are not as popular over here as in the states but our ladies bible study has really gotten in to them! and last night was my turn. i had a few suspicions but overall i was surprised. i didn't have my camera so i just have the photo below of the presents. if i get any more photos, i'll try to post them. it was fun to have the girls come for part of it and see firsthand how the Lord is providing for us.

having a baby in another country far from family, friends and familiar medical care has had its challenges. thanks to a new friend who encouraged me with this verse:
"He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young."
Isaiah 40.11

friday night-pizza night!

just a few photos from last week's pizza night. we made potato pizza and pepperoni pizza. and milkshakes and a movie for dessert!

cousin heather has arrived!

and a trip to the airport isn't complete without a trip to ikea!

heather came bearing gifts...finally gwyneth has a doll to be friends with kit!

thanks for all of the great presents!

8 years

and it just keeps getting better!!
(photo by maggie)

it looks like...

we'll have another cute little girl in our house, come october!

a walk in the country

just a few photos from a walk we took while on our holiday. it seems like ages ago already! we are very thankful for a relaxing time. the girls went to bed late and woke up early but, other than that, things went pretty well=) i'll try to post some more photos in the next few days.

4 years and a day

i never knew it was possible that one person could drive me so crazy and at the same time,
i could love her so much.
happy birthday, margaret bethan. i love you!

happy mother's day to our moms and grandmas!