tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53698421203652678212024-03-04T22:31:54.307-08:00Livin' LifeCharlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02394530270554051901noreply@blogger.comBlogger583125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-24838993155257727942016-06-06T13:16:00.000-07:002016-06-06T13:17:53.356-07:00Visiting the Seaside<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5v6jUHsFGDGA9xeKIcFC9P0Wfruu078jKdNu0R1UxBA2iaWwDQSJa1cplZMsBQV2iWnDZnxXhnz3EyqSu0XgF523igKzjRRU4dMcMLe4k0kHyikWdNZEnOAjRYaQeoL3_6EvLTcy3Mrg/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Due to illness, schedule, and plain old life, we haven't been able to do as much sightseeing as we had hoped when we first bought our car. But we did make it to the seaside a few weekends ago and it was great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFejHXh_fmyZjuthrr3-WgpTisezJ4UiKfgSbRJbJnfLJO8dMm6nfxP63f0ZNQ8gto0-Q57JMpEn3lk6SOMMrFiK0UfWVBBi_Zs9BVV83Mi8BxhIniA05cYMBzaJr_xTaYtR5YrzkXt7om/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFejHXh_fmyZjuthrr3-WgpTisezJ4UiKfgSbRJbJnfLJO8dMm6nfxP63f0ZNQ8gto0-Q57JMpEn3lk6SOMMrFiK0UfWVBBi_Zs9BVV83Mi8BxhIniA05cYMBzaJr_xTaYtR5YrzkXt7om/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We went to Weston Super Mare, which is advertised as a resort town, and it definitely was. Neither of us have ever been, but it fit what we think Atlantic City must be like, minus the casinos. A great place to go once to experience, but also inspiring to try another beach!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5v6jUHsFGDGA9xeKIcFC9P0Wfruu078jKdNu0R1UxBA2iaWwDQSJa1cplZMsBQV2iWnDZnxXhnz3EyqSu0XgF523igKzjRRU4dMcMLe4k0kHyikWdNZEnOAjRYaQeoL3_6EvLTcy3Mrg/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5v6jUHsFGDGA9xeKIcFC9P0Wfruu078jKdNu0R1UxBA2iaWwDQSJa1cplZMsBQV2iWnDZnxXhnz3EyqSu0XgF523igKzjRRU4dMcMLe4k0kHyikWdNZEnOAjRYaQeoL3_6EvLTcy3Mrg/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Helena and her fairy sand castle. You can't see it, but the flag on top is a star sticker flag, something she brought from home. She was prepared.</div>
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Benj is a boy who is very sensitive to texture, so it took him a little while to get used to the feel of the wet sand under the water that he couldn't see...but once he was over it, he had a blast. (And yes, he does have underwear on in this picture!)</div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Helena
rode the carousel while Benj took a nap. There were many other extra
activities you could do as well, but we mostly stuck to the beach.</span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffYGzK64HEYYeBF0zoDSqu85Qy-gZQw49bR6Ojb2vbUTL_9od8Gs_LU-LfbY4BawjW2MbLHIcURPLWCEMcgjg8fw9Go2VfcKO2JPdUHbYyqMTaOjyzB42oAQpMRlaxhiNeVg-zUyRfVWs/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffYGzK64HEYYeBF0zoDSqu85Qy-gZQw49bR6Ojb2vbUTL_9od8Gs_LU-LfbY4BawjW2MbLHIcURPLWCEMcgjg8fw9Go2VfcKO2JPdUHbYyqMTaOjyzB42oAQpMRlaxhiNeVg-zUyRfVWs/s320/IMG_4140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite part was the wall that separated the ocean from our mini beach, called Madeira Cove. The cove was separate from all the hub-bub, there was no sinking sand to worry about, and it was quite shallow so the kids could explore the water a bit.</div>
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But you can walk along the wall, and during high tide, the water will reach the top of the wall (sometimes flood the walkway) on the ocean side, so it's like you're walking on water. There were lots of kids crabbing off the side of it, something our kids desperately want to try sometime.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JU-y6vlkdAaROZbxNWVqPDHWyEwlHUE1fzRSnzCbLvgTAFUQuD5bis045XrDWCNFAj9N5nWn8h1q7OfvXrzLhMTP6K66ScdxY7qBtlgKgO8LF8oCFSXMFlcr8B6DPoaErBg4zPV0OtC1/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JU-y6vlkdAaROZbxNWVqPDHWyEwlHUE1fzRSnzCbLvgTAFUQuD5bis045XrDWCNFAj9N5nWn8h1q7OfvXrzLhMTP6K66ScdxY7qBtlgKgO8LF8oCFSXMFlcr8B6DPoaErBg4zPV0OtC1/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Fancy an ice cream? Have a Mr. Whippy!" These signs were everywhere. A Mr. Whippy is a classic British treat - soft serve ice cream in a cone with a Flake chocolate bar stuck in the top.</div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-37939216862570117002016-04-10T07:41:00.003-07:002016-04-10T07:41:59.867-07:00A Helpful Chart for Understanding Where We Live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LumsAAaDkF5xB7vHqzny_3ELdYWwi6o2bHveeYSpoyL7ry3I2yDEOLIwcSib7dTO64qLKb_HNNiLd8fYJ_-gWAaooEZC-599CuB-bzd2TxLVN0x7XFTctaepSKhVwpPkeSSLdeNpr3ZZ/s1600/british+isles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LumsAAaDkF5xB7vHqzny_3ELdYWwi6o2bHveeYSpoyL7ry3I2yDEOLIwcSib7dTO64qLKb_HNNiLd8fYJ_-gWAaooEZC-599CuB-bzd2TxLVN0x7XFTctaepSKhVwpPkeSSLdeNpr3ZZ/s320/british+isles.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks, Millie, for sharing!</div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-90045634641046073742016-03-21T13:41:00.000-07:002016-03-21T13:43:00.691-07:00Calendar DatesSo there are two ways of writing dates using slashes:<br />
1) month/day/year<br />
2) day/month/year<br />
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In the United States, it is always #1.<br />
In Canada, it is always #2.<br />
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Not a big deal once you know it, unless it's a date like 07/09/2015. This kind of date requires some extra brain computing, as you have to stop and think about where the date is coming from.<br />
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So today I realized there are three ways of stating your birth date.<br />
1) the (day number) of the (month number) - the 8th of the 9th<br />
2) the (day number) of the month - the 8th of September<br />
3) the month (day number) - September 8th<br />
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Brits say it using the first pattern. Americans who have only been in the UK for a short time say it with the third. Americans & Canadians who have lived in the UK for a long time mix the two by stating their birthday with the second pattern. <br />
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Interesting...just wanted to share a little cultural learning I had today at my mum's group!Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-71265171627654538572016-02-29T12:28:00.001-08:002016-02-29T12:28:22.763-08:00Third Time AroundThe news is out - or at least should be out by now - we're adding to our family with baby #3 at the end of June! <br />
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Helena & Benjamin are incredibly excited. Helena asks me questions regularly about the baby - 'How long is the baby's hair?' or 'Do you think she'd like to sleep in my room? I will take care of her at night.' Benjamin is currently all about pretending the baby is crying and then coming over and hugging & kissing the baby. John is elated to be having another girl, yet he & Benjamin have already made their own family boy's group called 'Team Snuggle'.<br />
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For me, this pregnancy has been a really different experience. While very happy about having another baby, I just didn't feel excitement. But I think I've figured that out - from almost the beginning, we were pretty sure we were going to find out the gender; then when we did find out, it was like someone had hit the excitement switch because immediately I was so excited. I think knowing that we were going to find out caused me to unconsciously put everything on hold until the 20-week ultrasound. It's now 18 weeks to go and I can't wait!Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-31781518012332560182016-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:002016-01-23T13:20:44.661-08:00Cakes vs. BiscuitsTwo things we learned rather quickly:<br />
1) Biscuits (a.k.a. cookies) are a necessity in England, and they are almost never homemade.<br />
2) Cake is the overarching word for dessert and it is the dessert of choice; for example, it is what you are asked to bring to lots of different events and it is what the schools sell to earn money (rather than a <i>bake </i>sale).<br />
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What's funny is cakes are not taxed but luxury biscuits are (I think luxury biscuits are defined as those that are at least partially covered in chocolate). Not a huge deal, unless you're the company that makes Jaffa Cakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNOYkrO8JxlCXf5Hfi3SsOBbuXc26Rd4IwbPPXKIw5_8KGodrHAZDEWbCzvcBp1DJkGu_wz_XCY1DvVo8YJK49yENjFlxELyaUax1LYrEPDbJmJCgYiH95xNxF2Q10hEGKkG5HG1OMk42/s1600/jaffa+cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNOYkrO8JxlCXf5Hfi3SsOBbuXc26Rd4IwbPPXKIw5_8KGodrHAZDEWbCzvcBp1DJkGu_wz_XCY1DvVo8YJK49yENjFlxELyaUax1LYrEPDbJmJCgYiH95xNxF2Q10hEGKkG5HG1OMk42/s320/jaffa+cakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The question is, is it a biscuit or is it a cake? Here are the factors <a href="http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/vfoodmanual/vfood6260.htm" target="_blank">HM Revenue & Customs</a> considered when making their decision:<br />
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<li class="filledcircle">The product’s
<strong>name</strong> was a minor consideration.</li>
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><span class="legalq">Cake</span> can be made of widely differing
ingredients, but Jaffa cakes were made of an egg, flour, and sugar
mixture which was aerated on cooking and was the same as a
traditional sponge cake. It was a thin batter rather than the
thicker dough expected for a biscuit texture.</li>
<li class="filledcircle">
<span class="legalq">Cake</span> would be expected to be soft and
friable; biscuit would be expected to be crisp and able to be
snapped. Jaffa cakes had the
<strong>texture</strong> of sponge cake.</li>
<li class="filledcircle">
<strong>Size:</strong> Jaffa cakes were in size more like biscuits
than cakes.</li>
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<strong>Packaging:</strong> Jaffa cakes were sold in packages more
similar to biscuits than cakes.</li>
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<strong>Marketing:</strong> Jaffa cakes were generally displayed
for sale with biscuits rather than cakes.</li>
<li class="filledcircle">On going
<strong>stale</strong>, a Jaffa cake goes hard like a cake rather
than soft like a biscuit.</li>
<li class="filledcircle">Jaffa cakes are presented as a
<strong>snack, eaten with the fingers</strong>, whereas a cake may
be more often expected to be eaten with a fork. They also appeal to
children, who could eat one in a few mouthfuls rather like a
sweet.</li>
<li class="filledcircle">The
<strong>sponge</strong> part of a Jaffa cake is a
<strong>substantial part</strong> of the product in terms of bulk
and texture when eaten.</li>
</ul>
Looking at all the above info, they decided Jaffa Cakes were enough like a cake to be labeled a cake, and thus not taxed.<br />
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-14428539985457776122016-01-19T06:30:00.000-08:002016-01-19T06:30:35.143-08:00IdiomA friend was over today and talking about how chaotic life was at the moment, ending her long list of events with "and the in-laws are having kittens."<br />
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I was surprised at such an ending but commented on how that will be fun. <br />
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Oops! No, someone "having kittens" is a British idiom, or at least one from the North (as that's where she's from and location dramatically affects things like this), which basically means someone is panicking.Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-13667633913295651292016-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:002016-01-18T06:25:01.317-08:00Sweets vs. DessertsHelena usually eats school lunch. There are foods that she's quite used to, like pasta with tomato sauce or fish & chips, but then there are also things like beef rolls or cheese & onion plaits that she's tried and liked. At times, however, she prefers to take a packed lunch (or what she calls a "pot" lunch, as that's how packed sounds to her when spoken with a British accent).<br />
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Last week she asked if she could have dessert in her lunchbox, because there is always dessert with a school lunch. That sounded very reasonable to me, so I added a pack of gummies. When I picked her up that afternoon, she was quite concerned "Momma, I can't bring gummies to school. They are not allowed!"<br />
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So this morning I asked about the gummies. Her teacher replied that they really prefer children not bring sweets to school. I explained that I was happy with that idea, and that the only reason I'd packed them was because there was always a dessert included with school lunches. She then went on to explain that dessert to them is a piece of cake, a biscuit, or a chocolate bar. Those things are fine but not sweets.<br />
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As you might guess, this is one of those things that doesn't completely make sense to my North American mind but I'm happy to follow the rules now that I know them!Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-43405698230863397212015-11-13T06:03:00.000-08:002015-11-13T06:03:02.008-08:00Uncle E & Helena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yo-TQlaZCWzBNLA4_m1WSwnwL8RqwVLkVyLSbq3aFKfXjvWxwVVu795807R0n2skvDppJ99g-pEEP_k9ZaFc6PhmzPdDK-TKwd3kX79hganPSu-UZRJXhLqdvxib_iY2W2IAfFzE87eH/s1600/IMG_20151101_133236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yo-TQlaZCWzBNLA4_m1WSwnwL8RqwVLkVyLSbq3aFKfXjvWxwVVu795807R0n2skvDppJ99g-pEEP_k9ZaFc6PhmzPdDK-TKwd3kX79hganPSu-UZRJXhLqdvxib_iY2W2IAfFzE87eH/s320/IMG_20151101_133236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Helena & Benjamin loved having people around that they knew! It was particularly fun to have Uncle E here without his kids, as it meant that our kids wanted to interact with him rather than their cousins, and he was more available to interact with them! Helena particularly took advantage by walking & talking with him wherever we went. They even shared fish & chips at a restaurant!</div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-70926203616256481392015-11-11T05:57:00.000-08:002015-11-11T23:17:03.649-08:00Blenheim Palace<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNigxNCYrSlo3lmdA8N4403qYXoZTTPCHbB9UNafSgIsHJe6kS9NIgyOLyqGbApLHYkoenHgvAniP89we2OF7A4kaw8I8ALOBIRUv0VGbyzbsy3lG2SxOnlEBgJFcGmZNGK9I8-FoxniM1/s1600/IMG_20151101_094600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>At the end of October, we had our first visitors and visited our first British tourist site.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNigxNCYrSlo3lmdA8N4403qYXoZTTPCHbB9UNafSgIsHJe6kS9NIgyOLyqGbApLHYkoenHgvAniP89we2OF7A4kaw8I8ALOBIRUv0VGbyzbsy3lG2SxOnlEBgJFcGmZNGK9I8-FoxniM1/s1600/IMG_20151101_094600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNigxNCYrSlo3lmdA8N4403qYXoZTTPCHbB9UNafSgIsHJe6kS9NIgyOLyqGbApLHYkoenHgvAniP89we2OF7A4kaw8I8ALOBIRUv0VGbyzbsy3lG2SxOnlEBgJFcGmZNGK9I8-FoxniM1/s320/IMG_20151101_094600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As there's no direct bus route from our village to the palace, our day started off with a 25-minute walk on a public footpath. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jiKILqzeiSjgpFDHJMdI2KIrFdP8-0sBGFQJmvkeHmBDDl-5ohhTcN_ikumUvkgT7sMHsTYqLJpvksoSXhqzd9fYPNdvsRLosH6prP2Uvd99FClB4jT9E_1HpNSeBT2UsgsZJ5pefxlz/s1600/IMG_20151101_110526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jiKILqzeiSjgpFDHJMdI2KIrFdP8-0sBGFQJmvkeHmBDDl-5ohhTcN_ikumUvkgT7sMHsTYqLJpvksoSXhqzd9fYPNdvsRLosH6prP2Uvd99FClB4jT9E_1HpNSeBT2UsgsZJ5pefxlz/s320/IMG_20151101_110526.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeWth6Zze2l_M4K2MXYEyW_N1OwbPWvmCKrQ7bexipgtLOAxI_RJwR0eVo-6_DC9385OJENNBxYHF9ljXu8rHbfic984108zH94fYSPo1u1PNltBKVZwDF8kmqNQVPKB41X9WK1xSEP4j/s1600/IMG_20151101_104248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Helena was thrilled to be at a real-life palace. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN4hdBW9ZS2FNShWeKQxYbIolzWIKQxvgh__QkTlMLRzjY_EkZptidsGTwea7lzhFZD42NwrSDJtkKXn2sGauxyXqKdEMeei3VbumNKNFTdml4tTgbmYLoHVO3G-pAb0LSF1asbclMYeF/s1600/IMG_20151101_112905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN4hdBW9ZS2FNShWeKQxYbIolzWIKQxvgh__QkTlMLRzjY_EkZptidsGTwea7lzhFZD42NwrSDJtkKXn2sGauxyXqKdEMeei3VbumNKNFTdml4tTgbmYLoHVO3G-pAb0LSF1asbclMYeF/s320/IMG_20151101_112905.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The palace was built in the early 1700s. The land and 240,000 pounds were given to the first Duke of Marlborough as a gift from Queen Anne, because he had led the victorious Battle of Blenheim. By the time the seventh duke was in charge, all of the money was gone and it was hard to get more, as dukes were not allowed to work. He sold all the books in the huge library. After the ninth Duke of Marlborough married a Consuelo Vanderbilt and thus her money, he bought books <i>by the yard</i> in order to refill the library. Can you imagine buying books <i>by the yard</i>?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gl40g5e2MUq40CDblkh3MObL-vuJ3mZALxtMJXXP2MVgGtwgxjBtgIhgi-2P19P5oYZGyhMxSDPqEfUj0V-vqRIlIhUsoK4o4lev0Y9Y_dt4P_j1AVimV_3uAYOG48YDJkPpAaKdFNlJ/s1600/IMG_20151101_120657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gl40g5e2MUq40CDblkh3MObL-vuJ3mZALxtMJXXP2MVgGtwgxjBtgIhgi-2P19P5oYZGyhMxSDPqEfUj0V-vqRIlIhUsoK4o4lev0Y9Y_dt4P_j1AVimV_3uAYOG48YDJkPpAaKdFNlJ/s320/IMG_20151101_120657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was the most gorgeous day we've had in the U.K., so exploring the neighboring village and the Pleasure Gardens of the palace was most enjoyable!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXgeSO_vWrJDMwQ5HlwPJIoLyTQuYTc9jFlbbBoC9EhMHsPWxv34vBvMFk-XYl5EeDDmDa6_nBGcrMCzcA0Xp1lxVRyr_FI3VTBHHa1xT6Hla3o395CNvxyv9zEjHe1iiD61scZly-lok/s1600/IMG_20151101_145001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXgeSO_vWrJDMwQ5HlwPJIoLyTQuYTc9jFlbbBoC9EhMHsPWxv34vBvMFk-XYl5EeDDmDa6_nBGcrMCzcA0Xp1lxVRyr_FI3VTBHHa1xT6Hla3o395CNvxyv9zEjHe1iiD61scZly-lok/s320/IMG_20151101_145001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The kids were thrilled to take a train to the gardens. Here's Benjamin waiting for the train to start!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNl5xwIMdvOKhs_dZNNK95NkwhX3vzWvXSW4GUWuEWbV9Hd7a2Q6m0lE3vrQwBLOxhBDEn683-ieo1cjjTsuVvUByWmlHonum5sJhAo8vxZA5wGikEGB_6aEDLkX5MgSgaFI_j7ioFe00/s1600/IMG_20151101_170444708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNl5xwIMdvOKhs_dZNNK95NkwhX3vzWvXSW4GUWuEWbV9Hd7a2Q6m0lE3vrQwBLOxhBDEn683-ieo1cjjTsuVvUByWmlHonum5sJhAo8vxZA5wGikEGB_6aEDLkX5MgSgaFI_j7ioFe00/s320/IMG_20151101_170444708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By the time we were walking back home on the public footpath, the fog was settling back in.</div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-73004570556882246792015-11-10T04:05:00.003-08:002015-11-10T04:05:53.128-08:00The meaning of hockey coffeeWhat is Benjamin referring to when he asks for a hockey coffee?<br />
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A walkie talkie!<br />
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And what about a hooga cake?<br />
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A scuba tank!<br />
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It's a lot of fun to play Legos with him.Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-5458387388695601932015-11-07T09:27:00.001-08:002015-11-08T11:56:50.205-08:00Benjamin's Latest Word<div style="text-align: center;">
Benj is talking more and more all the time. It's so much fun. Here's his latest word:</div>
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"hockey coffee"</div>
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Anybody want to make a guess for what it means?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaE68wjOlPfWUbmdBhzSPQJBPD6DSQ6RIuxOWXCsK4AChVRpv96zn907pl-Ykf7O4vc3Fo97aF8MrVvT2lh3E6LWgS5PvJe4J1KA4fP0w1nsLcrdyZrWSCNYpggJHjoiQBurimk1fIk-B/s1600/IMG_20151104_123535.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaE68wjOlPfWUbmdBhzSPQJBPD6DSQ6RIuxOWXCsK4AChVRpv96zn907pl-Ykf7O4vc3Fo97aF8MrVvT2lh3E6LWgS5PvJe4J1KA4fP0w1nsLcrdyZrWSCNYpggJHjoiQBurimk1fIk-B/s320/IMG_20151104_123535.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(It has nothing to do with this picture.)<br />
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Hint #2 - It has nothing to do with a drink, so Auntie Katie, it's not hot chocolate.<br />
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Hint #3 - He was looking for something in the pile of LEGOs... </td></tr>
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Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-79423302310742664212015-11-05T12:49:00.003-08:002015-11-08T12:15:09.883-08:00Guy Fawkes DayNovember 5th is Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire Night. There are firework displays and basically just a fun time, all because of a man called Guy Fawkes and a number of other Catholics back in 1605. When James I, a Protestant, became king in 1605, a small number of Catholics protested by planning on blowing up the Houses of Parliament. Luckily an anonymous letter was sent, giving a bit of warning, and the plan was foiled. Guy Fawkes is the famous protester, as he was found with the barrels of explosives, waiting to light the fuse, when the cellar was checked.<br />
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Nowadays it's referred to as Bonfire Night, when there are firework displays and basically just a fun time for all. Unfortunately the fireworks have been canceled in our village tonight due to bad weather, so we'll go to a different display this weekend.<br />
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Helena has been learning about fireworks and "Guy Forks" all week. Here's her rendition of the story:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/wky_c0p_OLw/default.jpg?sqp=CMz_7rEF&rs=AOn4CLAsqHifOAuYLLSD2P-uex37bcGOjg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wky_c0p_OLw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe>Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-83750150160402113212015-10-30T05:00:00.001-07:002015-10-30T05:00:29.216-07:00Walking Paths<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr9KR67KQbWWszM9KbOXIRTsSWtjlnX9TPrVt4efBA0fgLFsEjIb6ydaMxUNjLe1e9oQPVl5dmBD9v1c6VUGaiOpoieaYf24lls2Kq27PD7U1ZwGgiWzE5PhzDwHyAaWQxqNkbjPyY0rG/s1600/IMG_20151021_115032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>One thing that's fun about being a pedestrian in England is that there are always paths off the roads that are just begging to be taken. Sometimes we take one and then have to take it back as we have no idea where it leads, but other times we've found great shortcuts and found nice new places to walk. Here's Helena on on path that we use quite frequently: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnOD1p6JGqF3TokfYaZ9pZcmLriMWRz8hm2Hg0C6Vy_MTArT61QT0k4p0Drj2orCxU0a0SWRFSzcaF5HI5qSuDpzqYQ4MmhqLPUf5R1RsFQL_Ez6mdqM6sQmzePU865p63zfya1OEu2Rc/s1600/IMG_20151026_113901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnOD1p6JGqF3TokfYaZ9pZcmLriMWRz8hm2Hg0C6Vy_MTArT61QT0k4p0Drj2orCxU0a0SWRFSzcaF5HI5qSuDpzqYQ4MmhqLPUf5R1RsFQL_Ez6mdqM6sQmzePU865p63zfya1OEu2Rc/s320/IMG_20151026_113901.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Since the path is so autumn-y, I can't help but post another autumn pic. We have been really enjoying the colors this fall, as they're so much more plentiful than they were in downtown Toronto!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr9KR67KQbWWszM9KbOXIRTsSWtjlnX9TPrVt4efBA0fgLFsEjIb6ydaMxUNjLe1e9oQPVl5dmBD9v1c6VUGaiOpoieaYf24lls2Kq27PD7U1ZwGgiWzE5PhzDwHyAaWQxqNkbjPyY0rG/s1600/IMG_20151021_115032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr9KR67KQbWWszM9KbOXIRTsSWtjlnX9TPrVt4efBA0fgLFsEjIb6ydaMxUNjLe1e9oQPVl5dmBD9v1c6VUGaiOpoieaYf24lls2Kq27PD7U1ZwGgiWzE5PhzDwHyAaWQxqNkbjPyY0rG/s320/IMG_20151021_115032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-42811376080505429912015-10-28T14:45:00.000-07:002015-10-28T14:45:10.645-07:00Shutting the DoorWe're definitely committing all kinds of social faux pas every day without knowing it, but there was one social action different from our North American one that we noticed from day one. Shutting the door when you leave someone's house - you don't do it here! When you walk out of someone's house, you do not shut the door behind you. It doesn't seem to matter who you are, whether a friend or a furniture deliverer, you just don't do it. You let the owner of the home shut the door, even if they're not at the door with you.<br />
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We had observed this action but then I heard a friend tell a story. She was saying how one morning the kids were going absolutely crazy and she just had to leave to go to work. Her husband told her to just go and so she walked out CLOSING THE DOOR BEHIND HER.Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-62174811756900987402015-10-26T07:30:00.003-07:002015-10-26T07:30:39.591-07:00Laundry<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N1jaHdapKlPcDdrmGRIVng0EG-5CqgXgDFaTaUHt8BGCCePqikHIKambEwTz1-IttDGA-iIoXZXFj5u_oxFh_gRReCQa67D6RpoDfk4BhguFWHVKlSNgweqXd1pRhuqlGRfEMbv5SsMK/s1600/IMG_20151026_093535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>John commented this morning that our house is very British. When I asked why, he said, "Because we have towels hanging everywhere!"</div>
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It's true - as soon as we're done with breakfast, we turn off the extra radiator and throw a wet towel on it to help it dry. If the sun comes out and I'm not planning on doing laundry that day, the towels get put on the line to help them dry and to just air them out. After the kids take a bath at night, their towels get hung on the railing upstairs to dry out. Helena commented on the kitchen stinking a couple days ago. Why was it stinky? I'd washed towels but it was raining so they were hung up in the kitchen. There's just nothing like the smell of wet towels - even clean ones! </div>
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But I don't really mind. I'm just loving having a washing machine right in our house. It's so nice not having to take at least 6 elevator rides to do laundry! Plus, I have the greatest helper to hang up the socks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N1jaHdapKlPcDdrmGRIVng0EG-5CqgXgDFaTaUHt8BGCCePqikHIKambEwTz1-IttDGA-iIoXZXFj5u_oxFh_gRReCQa67D6RpoDfk4BhguFWHVKlSNgweqXd1pRhuqlGRfEMbv5SsMK/s1600/IMG_20151026_093535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N1jaHdapKlPcDdrmGRIVng0EG-5CqgXgDFaTaUHt8BGCCePqikHIKambEwTz1-IttDGA-iIoXZXFj5u_oxFh_gRReCQa67D6RpoDfk4BhguFWHVKlSNgweqXd1pRhuqlGRfEMbv5SsMK/s320/IMG_20151026_093535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-39575433918820229122015-10-21T06:34:00.004-07:002015-10-21T06:34:46.544-07:00HarvestCanadian Thanksgiving was last week, American Thanksgiving is next month, but we've been celebrating Harvest for the last three weeks. Harvest was originally a time to celebrate all the food that had been harvested but since the agricultural side of the country is much smaller than it used to be, it's mostly a time to be thankful for the food we have and to contribute food to those who may be in need.<br />
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Helena's school celebrated it by having an assembly to see all the food the students had contributed and to discuss where it was going to go. The above photo was taken when Helena took her mandarin oranges and spaghetti sauce up - it's actually posted with a bunch of other Harvest photos in the entrance of the school. We've now celebrated it at two different churches, where we had a typical service about being thankful but many many flowers. Harvest is seen as one of the 3 big holidays for church flower arrangements (my friend the flower coordinator told me that!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh0bwRY2g-mGv0DqSfp5CGbXgB3IIphfV1yH3kQX_yUAQKOiYt1qgYBdv_Q0GGNeOzxZ2QlEo09DDUqNizORfQVC-qRVoAJY25HfRE1LAZwgV1zqG1_-02nPjgz3VO9RNSmnqWpchBAep/s1600/IMG_20151021_133332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh0bwRY2g-mGv0DqSfp5CGbXgB3IIphfV1yH3kQX_yUAQKOiYt1qgYBdv_Q0GGNeOzxZ2QlEo09DDUqNizORfQVC-qRVoAJY25HfRE1LAZwgV1zqG1_-02nPjgz3VO9RNSmnqWpchBAep/s320/IMG_20151021_133332.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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So we did our own Harvest activity, seen above. We all took turns writing down things we are thankful for and then sticking them to our dining area wall. I was amazed at how much our kids enjoyed it. Can you guess which color was Benjamin's?Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-8629316558709510262015-10-18T08:55:00.000-07:002015-10-18T08:55:43.907-07:00Helena and schoolHelena loves school. I'm having a hard time knowing what else to write! She just loves it. Every day she gets dressed in her school uniform and wears sturdy leather black shoes to school. As soon as she enters her classroom she changes into her plimsolls, a pair of very simple black shoes. Every time she goes outside, she changes her shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8K9ukywKm5jGwAy8u8vGnliHy4vpdjSxNM9_Mme_7XQY3-4SZG2uLcwPSZrtxQhomNqD6hqq_3TJG0AWkmlQQPM_s4fxMXxRZDK5cmzTFKfkrs_8KNDouoxJUwEU7TPsDNa2KXzb6pZY/s1600/IMG_20150928_083031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8K9ukywKm5jGwAy8u8vGnliHy4vpdjSxNM9_Mme_7XQY3-4SZG2uLcwPSZrtxQhomNqD6hqq_3TJG0AWkmlQQPM_s4fxMXxRZDK5cmzTFKfkrs_8KNDouoxJUwEU7TPsDNa2KXzb6pZY/s320/IMG_20150928_083031.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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She's been coming home and telling us about the different words that are used in her classroom than what we use at home: plaits instead of braids, pudding instead of ice cream, biscuits instead of cookies, swap over instead of switch, pants instead of underwear, trousers instead of pants, and bananas (said with a long a) rather than bananas (said with a short a). She hasn't quite caught on to the idea of no school days yet, as every weekend day she has said something like, "You need to take me to school! I'm really late!"Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-41069368288358854602015-10-16T14:06:00.000-07:002015-10-16T14:06:29.088-07:00Livin' a British LifeYes, you read that right. We're livin' a British life because we are now in the United Kingdom. This was not the plan when we drove away from Toronto. We left thinking we'd be buying a house in St. Paul, Minnesota, John would be working, we'd be settling into our native country, and the kids and I would be home for one more year before school entered into our family's life.<br />
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The only thing that is true about our life now, 3 1/2 months later, is that John is working! John was given a postdoc in Oxford, so our plans changed. We are now enjoying life in a rented rowhouse, we're discovering new things every day about this country, and Helena is in school.<br />
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So the blog will continue - but now from Great Britain!Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-66042262222905642472015-10-15T13:52:00.000-07:002015-10-16T13:56:07.946-07:00My Little Brother is Married!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So that's kind of old news - Rob has now been married for 3 months. But the thought still surprises me. How can my little brother be old enough to be married?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKvZoxgPDIfD9ccUR2knKu4DAnNGhTLVNcXzKZw3bwKQVkeuRJs9qJmmdmymnYgY-ZiFk0Ib-Gl9Mo4Tlym_UyWluR_TUOohwf6dW9g6YHMpvp6KDdPxYgyplOph-hvJlF9cwQJuxYWr7/s1600/P1020942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKvZoxgPDIfD9ccUR2knKu4DAnNGhTLVNcXzKZw3bwKQVkeuRJs9qJmmdmymnYgY-ZiFk0Ib-Gl9Mo4Tlym_UyWluR_TUOohwf6dW9g6YHMpvp6KDdPxYgyplOph-hvJlF9cwQJuxYWr7/s320/P1020942.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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But he and Sarah just fit together in so many ways, and I'm so happy for both of them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oTNur4yNsTZQq28bc0k9UZOWSC66Vp0oTACUymySxqHk1XRZGYnJ9N5wXjMwZ3n5Fi289is-BJONPET79dltDaCfCq9NJNHCdZuIktE9Scb70PEBgswx6zLygo2-JrGmMZfphiY3_UZ-/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oTNur4yNsTZQq28bc0k9UZOWSC66Vp0oTACUymySxqHk1XRZGYnJ9N5wXjMwZ3n5Fi289is-BJONPET79dltDaCfCq9NJNHCdZuIktE9Scb70PEBgswx6zLygo2-JrGmMZfphiY3_UZ-/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Helena & Benjamin were both in the wedding, and you couldn't have found a happier flowergirl! Benjamin seemed to be doing well - until he noticed John wasn't walking down the aisle with him. Then he was done. Rob & Sarah had put ring pops on the ring bearers' pillows and in the flowergirls' baskets, and that kept Benjamin happy during the ceremony!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ-gM0wNTi6EzlVOJYAsXz9RvbjyEqcjpWWdlZZdgtSjSSHqORkL6hDrl7pbhfw1kyiqXPg_fFv7G_amOLSwaAOWcNTYFhy179mb4Bn6KIxZkZhK_MTzq9hLmnR5iK7tqh4VGQbQSXHZQ/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ-gM0wNTi6EzlVOJYAsXz9RvbjyEqcjpWWdlZZdgtSjSSHqORkL6hDrl7pbhfw1kyiqXPg_fFv7G_amOLSwaAOWcNTYFhy179mb4Bn6KIxZkZhK_MTzq9hLmnR5iK7tqh4VGQbQSXHZQ/s320/IMG_3509.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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I just love family weddings. And I love you, Rob & Sarah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoner7b1n_DNR1U1LmXJBBE1EVIT12d1KMA3O4gX9KeRQFvi3xytPMGOBGknzBTLenvB55m5Yuy0nh__PrQS2eZhIuI02Zc4bi2t5XyHuwkNukkQ8d3OHsRBgUNZzcSyiVjTBNzD-PtfQy/s1600/P1030017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoner7b1n_DNR1U1LmXJBBE1EVIT12d1KMA3O4gX9KeRQFvi3xytPMGOBGknzBTLenvB55m5Yuy0nh__PrQS2eZhIuI02Zc4bi2t5XyHuwkNukkQ8d3OHsRBgUNZzcSyiVjTBNzD-PtfQy/s320/P1030017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-19526588381650231922015-09-12T09:48:00.000-07:002015-09-12T17:46:05.914-07:00What a full summer we have had!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikGiHVr0aWn8wlkVuQWujGaKUmKxwRA0_lS_izzIDAD0eVJvJWkLdZpRrvd0ubKcTC-RJPMasbJF1AkzUewBllkaia_fqOFjGeDQt15Zy7aOp6N_7d6wHm5uHoPGtmuFuRfhZM4PpicMy/s1600/IMG_20150620_122117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>We left Toronto two and a half months ago now, and the summer has just flown by! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuihMB9jUy5hwnxvtoOYjpjEh-78tl75S3KADzMRtC-OvnKnEWjOavMyBAYtsN4Fo0LQv3BsXSWYesUtN-yeamn9ckYwFDsdBFT1Id7SiNqF78iBLZ1l3BdoW1_xgtAsKo8cP6NtL70Io/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuihMB9jUy5hwnxvtoOYjpjEh-78tl75S3KADzMRtC-OvnKnEWjOavMyBAYtsN4Fo0LQv3BsXSWYesUtN-yeamn9ckYwFDsdBFT1Id7SiNqF78iBLZ1l3BdoW1_xgtAsKo8cP6NtL70Io/s320/IMG_3333.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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John's brother allowed us to be introduced right back in American life by lending us his BIG truck for a few days. A very fun yet funny re-introduction! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF2DTOS00DTYDQ4g1SeG3cIZxTvbSLokdJh3M7j6l2iO_QWQluKdzyGOUm9B28Hvwida_oS6URTqgNZ0pC0tjA8AXsCMG7znqG45RyoOtrCiuhuMpnysEc4HRcoihtkurnAuDj5oqPgb_/s1600/IMG_3354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF2DTOS00DTYDQ4g1SeG3cIZxTvbSLokdJh3M7j6l2iO_QWQluKdzyGOUm9B28Hvwida_oS6URTqgNZ0pC0tjA8AXsCMG7znqG45RyoOtrCiuhuMpnysEc4HRcoihtkurnAuDj5oqPgb_/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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We celebrated the Fourth of July weekend with strawberries, and lots of backyard swimming! </div>
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<span style="color: white;">Then it was up to Bemidji to see everyone on my side and to celebrate my little brother's wedding.</span></div>
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There's just never enough play time with Uncle Rob! </div>
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We had our annual race around the track for a belated Father's day celebration. </div>
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Plus, we got to meet our new niece Avery and our new nephew Carson! </div>
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We stayed in Bemidji for a few weeks after everyone else had to go home, so there was time to ride bikes, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0e6sFpS-yRkNMyHqnqvJ0T4qS8U5ROQVTX7QTnMWfLgYvCo1eFvWC2Zyq-BSCNzbMlSMtXnQbdxZuXlI19KImrm3hvGCqBqEefUU5sjBqtNpGuOWBSa6pYyBlyyNfCwGC6-lmCo7CE6g/s1600/IMG_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0e6sFpS-yRkNMyHqnqvJ0T4qS8U5ROQVTX7QTnMWfLgYvCo1eFvWC2Zyq-BSCNzbMlSMtXnQbdxZuXlI19KImrm3hvGCqBqEefUU5sjBqtNpGuOWBSa6pYyBlyyNfCwGC6-lmCo7CE6g/s320/IMG_3542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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cross the Mississippi River,</div>
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spend time with old friends, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eoixIMWpjoIrp0I5savrlGS1FBhJebpcCpLREdgHX8IyXW0DtyulZThzUnlhT-ktGLw5ZOAZBXmolFJrxNjG81T7bzsf4h3QM3njqiKuKce6E6ZAiW05psggtFqQGSugJLCAgM5GY-w3/s1600/IMG_20150722_201238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eoixIMWpjoIrp0I5savrlGS1FBhJebpcCpLREdgHX8IyXW0DtyulZThzUnlhT-ktGLw5ZOAZBXmolFJrxNjG81T7bzsf4h3QM3njqiKuKce6E6ZAiW05psggtFqQGSugJLCAgM5GY-w3/s320/IMG_20150722_201238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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make homemade ice cream, </div>
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and swim in Lake Bemidji.</div>
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Then back down south for fun with John's fam! We took walks with our babies, </div>
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had a lemonade and donut hole stand (1 donut hole = 5 dollars, 2 donut holes 25 cents!), </div>
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became good friends with cousin Mary Elise, </div>
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read books,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdlRh4VfLQHT40VEwbq6TKBlnwk3c9Pq4cLsoymRl6qmmE6RP8TH0uyvJ_1eqcAoRkKkkFhqH3VuWld0MPUIg4NGcpECWkU5Z7MdWtwMdoAjVL-DOXL73_q783-czcXdhLwBEYQb9nITk/s1600/IMG_20150802_103417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdlRh4VfLQHT40VEwbq6TKBlnwk3c9Pq4cLsoymRl6qmmE6RP8TH0uyvJ_1eqcAoRkKkkFhqH3VuWld0MPUIg4NGcpECWkU5Z7MdWtwMdoAjVL-DOXL73_q783-czcXdhLwBEYQb9nITk/s320/IMG_20150802_103417.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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spent a weekend at a cabin with Grandma and cousins, </div>
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cooked on campfires, </div>
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learned about hay bales</div>
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and farms,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0M2tR62iFeHhdRNccFVPqrmiYpUzI4C93qdQHM9uvSsnIEaDtcrPB8q-k1pTaQoGhC30pyBMk3aCOcjvpjhoH0FINficK37-zcLiEARYp-aKYJbjfno9iUSQ-2gSPdnKZe0OeJfHt1-o5/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0M2tR62iFeHhdRNccFVPqrmiYpUzI4C93qdQHM9uvSsnIEaDtcrPB8q-k1pTaQoGhC30pyBMk3aCOcjvpjhoH0FINficK37-zcLiEARYp-aKYJbjfno9iUSQ-2gSPdnKZe0OeJfHt1-o5/s320/IMG_3928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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acted like a good uncle should,</div>
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celebrated birthdays,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCmBeYjnCLdPbdHXtvsZkMb_ve0XLVkSp6kRBvnH_eWdrWOP3Y7-IBHAkCMj9VE788lSyk0y3mg2J1G277FP6alWwfXAn6LLkbcTmud27OHMbGbsJR5G0RuD3jj_iAoL3fBrq4S1bV3Bx/s1600/IMG_20150808_182534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCmBeYjnCLdPbdHXtvsZkMb_ve0XLVkSp6kRBvnH_eWdrWOP3Y7-IBHAkCMj9VE788lSyk0y3mg2J1G277FP6alWwfXAn6LLkbcTmud27OHMbGbsJR5G0RuD3jj_iAoL3fBrq4S1bV3Bx/s320/IMG_20150808_182534.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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and painted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ8ZcM1xYABSdLbI4tOvunhC4mQ9iBZMd_JVkG4bxGOOo_sJ14W10u6QW-HyKJ_I-yC9eUmXdzCeg3MZk7vMdcx51c5qpYEvBTS9n752y2zR0dIIQFyphq7-T-LQSkHuwwPwkrtASRlbV/s1600/IMG_20150811_134325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ8ZcM1xYABSdLbI4tOvunhC4mQ9iBZMd_JVkG4bxGOOo_sJ14W10u6QW-HyKJ_I-yC9eUmXdzCeg3MZk7vMdcx51c5qpYEvBTS9n752y2zR0dIIQFyphq7-T-LQSkHuwwPwkrtASRlbV/s320/IMG_20150811_134325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Helena went down her first waterslide, </div>
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and Benjamin had his first horse ride.</div>
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I also got to spend some extended time with my good friend Mandy - time with our families and without!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBLD6iQgfBs6fLuWnpClx-lNzXY44Ns4m-D8O_N80THwuGounRgjqal9Piw_WNj6EPy_ULV2VzBsdMCnNJfQpklVBZY0r32FNuT5CyVwfWqZ9CANGHVAnMA3EnV4QPSJuaS1hsv-p5kmK/s1600/IMG_20150821_163637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBLD6iQgfBs6fLuWnpClx-lNzXY44Ns4m-D8O_N80THwuGounRgjqal9Piw_WNj6EPy_ULV2VzBsdMCnNJfQpklVBZY0r32FNuT5CyVwfWqZ9CANGHVAnMA3EnV4QPSJuaS1hsv-p5kmK/s320/IMG_20150821_163637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then we've closed summer off by being back up in Bemidji, playing with a wubble, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzw5Zgp2xknvHYJpQQfU0j8UV_mdEzCYnUEY4JAl25d3dnhQiyUICU4kxri8k0AvJoZaPP92ZN1_bK74MFaQU5TTC_l1TpiwpJ0cl_zNHsqYR898HX_aEUiY5gZXdtnJ-lMU2mzd1OAPd/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzw5Zgp2xknvHYJpQQfU0j8UV_mdEzCYnUEY4JAl25d3dnhQiyUICU4kxri8k0AvJoZaPP92ZN1_bK74MFaQU5TTC_l1TpiwpJ0cl_zNHsqYR898HX_aEUiY5gZXdtnJ-lMU2mzd1OAPd/s320/IMG_0950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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going on boat rides with friends, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ_fmTvaXK-62zRVDKpHG7yN5XHhv3-D2alDOx3aAbkQDGXMgFRVmnjKiSNmrBcaRx_Cmev7sxaUwGt9d139ttwIEZD968d499CQrK_wIRGic_INIRhOw-xdmkGIPa5m38bb7skL_yig1/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ_fmTvaXK-62zRVDKpHG7yN5XHhv3-D2alDOx3aAbkQDGXMgFRVmnjKiSNmrBcaRx_Cmev7sxaUwGt9d139ttwIEZD968d499CQrK_wIRGic_INIRhOw-xdmkGIPa5m38bb7skL_yig1/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
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snuggling, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs-Fw581DC4wHirj_KuTuWZuxKv-Gc7K7jwMEVn8b_F9Fc98z076jM_9-YggRLa0W0t80Sj38NSsrFtPshqYAVuDklpt3bUTFXokgGvkFL-HuO4-qOIxa3aJhuj-cxfHP5n7EsKCLG6LM/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs-Fw581DC4wHirj_KuTuWZuxKv-Gc7K7jwMEVn8b_F9Fc98z076jM_9-YggRLa0W0t80Sj38NSsrFtPshqYAVuDklpt3bUTFXokgGvkFL-HuO4-qOIxa3aJhuj-cxfHP5n7EsKCLG6LM/s320/IMG_0940.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
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and meeting a real princess! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8dkRvPl7SBXYHp01t3kwcobJgVbAzsCLzv9hagiB0IH-KbdyNmlJTqlQfWjlta-lyFUk19Vpf9N073iQHcU_qjkzVqhF-MU9BCbFwoCd2hQ0ZaufuTQtxx6D32WyFLeISZ6f6ydsywti/s1600/IMG_20150903_171035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8dkRvPl7SBXYHp01t3kwcobJgVbAzsCLzv9hagiB0IH-KbdyNmlJTqlQfWjlta-lyFUk19Vpf9N073iQHcU_qjkzVqhF-MU9BCbFwoCd2hQ0ZaufuTQtxx6D32WyFLeISZ6f6ydsywti/s320/IMG_20150903_171035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The summer definitely wasn't what we thought it was going to be, but it was great. We were blessed to go on all kinds of boats - canoes, kayaks, a pontoon, a speedboat, a row boat, and a sailboat - and our kids really grew in confidence when swimming. Benjamin's language development has grown by leaps and bounds this summer, and it was so fun to share that with the grandparents. So much time with family was nice after being far away and then moving away again. It's been a summer that will definitely stick out in our memories.</div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-87985341732560971082015-06-24T11:41:00.002-07:002015-06-24T11:41:34.602-07:00Japanese Cheesecake<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc2uYcZ79DwzGuM-1azMsprB_6Ni2OKkCzJamPUBpA8gV4R_4u_rrIjcKS5lMsoLB4ZPbPTB3depKLjdx9UsYyuqnDaOxZSkMy7IKmotyfPmS0TQJeq8lpi1PsVKK5SP9k50Hhhd21LuE/s1600/IMG_20150614_075233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>A new restaurant in Toronto that opened up at the end of March always has a line out the doors. It's called Uncle Tetsu's Japanese Cheesecake, and as a lover of cheesecake, I really wanted to try it before we moved. </div>
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Now Benjamin is up at 6:00 a.m. almost every day, so I figured I'd use that to my advantage, and have company while I waited in line. We went on a Sunday morning, and we still had to wait in line for 25 minutes. (They can only make 12 cheesecakes at a time, as they only have 3 small ovens. But 25 minutes was nothing - from noon on the line-up is usually a couple hours long!)</div>
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The restaurant smelled divine, as it was like you were swimming in the wonderful aroma of cheesecake. The cake itself has no crust and is extremely airy. We had a few bites as soon as we got home, as it was still warm from the oven, and it was good warm. </div>
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That night we ate the rest of it with friends, and we were all a bit underwhelmed. It's only slightly sweet and not at all rich & decadent like a North American cheesecake would be. Was it worth it to stand in line for 25 minutes? Yes, for the joy of trying something new and knowing what the buzz is about! Would I do it again? Sorry Uncle Tetsu, but no.</div>
Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-45559673086766027752015-06-22T19:48:00.000-07:002015-06-22T19:48:00.123-07:0010K - for fun and friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend my friend Christa & I ran a 10K together. Our goals were to not stop running and to make another good friendship memory.</div>
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We reached all our goals easily. It's amazing how quickly time running can go by when you're with a friend with whom you just never run out of conversation.</div>
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Our cheering crew was definitely the loudest and cutest! </div>
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There were all kinds of fun kid activities afterwards. Helena & her friend Holly have just started holding hands all the time. It is so sweet.</div>
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Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-1848909615681915092015-06-21T19:53:00.005-07:002015-06-21T19:54:18.835-07:00Happy birthday to my two guys!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW58o3VFWh8bD5CRoyl4ocx0XJEt5Emc1SeCjZkc7llwNtl9gtNgV0sBDjNvsh3o6agkbSjpsSrEotvgjU6Ws0o9MFFUO7NLoe-LdHL7bv_3iG7FuSL9N5HckkRHjPt9YwJIJZLdESm1TX/s1600/IMG_20150429_154601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Today is the longest day of the year, Father's Day, and John & Benjamin's birthdays! </div>
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Happy birthday to the little boy who is learning new words every day, who would be happy to run everywhere all the time - unless he decides he just must be carried, and who can bring a smile to my face without doing anything.</div>
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Happy birthday to the man who works tirelessly for our family, who can't wait to get home to see his family, and who loves to spend time with his family. You are a wonderful father, John, and a great husband.</div>
<br />Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-75060458711239677742015-06-16T18:06:00.000-07:002015-06-16T18:06:47.051-07:00Second CupSo I am sitting outside the U of T bookstore getting some work done, and I overhear an employee giving directions to a family.<br />
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Employee: "It's over there by the Second Cup."<br />
Dad: "The what?"<br />
Employee: "The Second Cup."<br />
Dad: [pause] "I'm sorry, I don't know what a cup is. We're from the States."<br />
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<img alt="Image result for Second Cup" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="dCs0lsZMxZVCZM:" 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" style="height: 183px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; margin-top: 0px; width: 275px;" /> <br />
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He was looking down the hallway for this mysterious second "cup" that is
somehow large enough to indicate where to find the thing they were
looking for. It's actually the name of a coffee shop. Funny.<br />
<br />
-John Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369842120365267821.post-80507289260678195572015-06-14T10:07:00.002-07:002015-06-16T18:06:27.767-07:00John, a.k.a. Ph.D., The Professor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNpytkfMzWAQEoOK19qrmh6uR_BzkBMN8OzhGOFVSLEUpy5rGZYhPpHYvEakBSMKxkLBywcVhAEvHVYGvDiMcTCcbhCROTBQhFB6qC9y0lp6pjrpNSNf3TSEtns2soC6eZnIht5VURdOA/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNpytkfMzWAQEoOK19qrmh6uR_BzkBMN8OzhGOFVSLEUpy5rGZYhPpHYvEakBSMKxkLBywcVhAEvHVYGvDiMcTCcbhCROTBQhFB6qC9y0lp6pjrpNSNf3TSEtns2soC6eZnIht5VURdOA/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's official - John is 100% completely done with his Ph.D. He has completed his courses, finished his comprehensive exams, written his dissertation, defended his dissertation, and has been through convocation. We can't believe it's over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTCx0Y7K7K7H7xr-DOdxUDmVtOnLCXdmUIEZZu3swzAOiGXlyu7l85aieR9GJrBQQ6R-_4JX7V_S7ki3ioqGZYzvHayfs4LAMa6SW8sZMW5HZ95ARjouJ-s2bt3Sq76lLw2Trw2BgAf0t/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTCx0Y7K7K7H7xr-DOdxUDmVtOnLCXdmUIEZZu3swzAOiGXlyu7l85aieR9GJrBQQ6R-_4JX7V_S7ki3ioqGZYzvHayfs4LAMa6SW8sZMW5HZ95ARjouJ-s2bt3Sq76lLw2Trw2BgAf0t/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately there was no funny hat for John to wear, but he looked great in his robe and hood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFyEsKiy8wE0unauz1wHA1mjVBuhNZ-E0_HBEpATVtVe60KreMfglUxE__2MzbJiCwOsYrtvKZLU5CVhDOsein0EzsWvnRYmqGkKgPMz2n8IFjejktWhM1B7zaNUjps_PKHvSankjIj_e/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFyEsKiy8wE0unauz1wHA1mjVBuhNZ-E0_HBEpATVtVe60KreMfglUxE__2MzbJiCwOsYrtvKZLU5CVhDOsein0EzsWvnRYmqGkKgPMz2n8IFjejktWhM1B7zaNUjps_PKHvSankjIj_e/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were celebrations before and after convocation with family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xgP2MUpEb-MUltmAIN38-vwkQ80DrD7rCLWaoLiJWlkmgMkXFOAJ5uboXsqV7SUAstFfxxqlR3P6t58uTu3U50UmpU8VEsCVpOgoxmo0LwJr2WP6Bu34vzgN4421fDedhaANtPWtGv9s/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xgP2MUpEb-MUltmAIN38-vwkQ80DrD7rCLWaoLiJWlkmgMkXFOAJ5uboXsqV7SUAstFfxxqlR3P6t58uTu3U50UmpU8VEsCVpOgoxmo0LwJr2WP6Bu34vzgN4421fDedhaANtPWtGv9s/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Nice work, honey. I'm proud of you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sQGd55zxEHLqsOcJR1vB1Th_FvLkw9NMb8pn_9YlzTV9fIa0rELYsI3o7I2os_L9oAAUiaEFyDgV75ZLTz-EEIVKD2vGk3mmTQ99lJPlssr9S0bzJqf4ZrVSvugAqQF0LuE94FwOz1ec/s1600/IMG_20150610_160524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sQGd55zxEHLqsOcJR1vB1Th_FvLkw9NMb8pn_9YlzTV9fIa0rELYsI3o7I2os_L9oAAUiaEFyDgV75ZLTz-EEIVKD2vGk3mmTQ99lJPlssr9S0bzJqf4ZrVSvugAqQF0LuE94FwOz1ec/s320/IMG_20150610_160524.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Charlotte and Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16560956860892575038noreply@blogger.com0