tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35629945823890318442024-03-15T18:09:45.084-07:00Along the Yellow Brick RoadJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-85278992068763429432012-08-25T22:56:00.000-07:002012-08-25T22:56:10.501-07:00Moving on, Moving HomeThe past week has been quite a whirlwind! We moved out of our house, and into a hotel while we wrapped up all the loose ends of our life in England. We found time to say goodbye to friends and schedule final playdates and sleepovers.<br />
And then we boarded an Air New Zealand flight (which was so nice I might devote an entire post to it) and found ourselves back in Los Angeles.<br />
After 3.5 years of living overseas, our time is up. As they say, all good things must come to an end. I've had a lot of mixed feelings about moving back, and I think that's why I haven't mentioned it here before.<br />
I loved being an expat. I loved the travel and the cultural experiences. I loved meeting new people and trying new things. And I feel so fortunate to have had these opportunities.<br />
I love California too, and it feels like home to be back in America. We're living in our own house and my big kids started school today. And everything seems <i>normal</i>. <br />
But I know that <i>I</i> have changed. I made more of an effort to introduce myself to the other parents standing outside the kindergarten classroom today. And when I heard a mom with a French accent I felt and instant kinship with her- this stranger in a strange land raising third culture kids. I know what that's like. I've done it, too.<br />
And so begins the journey of settling back in and making a home in our homeland. I'm sure there will be some adjustments, but so far, it is good to be home. <br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-33017148491087017582012-08-13T13:16:00.000-07:002012-08-13T13:16:07.365-07:00An Olympic FinalePersistence sure pays off! After weeks of fretting about how I was unable to get tickets to <i>any </i>event inside the Olympic Park I hit the jackpot last week when I scored 2 tickets to the Closing Ceremony!<br />
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I still can't believe I was there to see it all. A once in a lifetime experience for sure. </div>
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I am so impressed with how London has prepared for these games. Hot pink signage is all over the city and thousands of very friendly and helpful volunteers are available at every turn to offer their assistance.<br />
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We set off early expecting crowds and delays but found just the opposite. We easily made it to the park and collected our tickets with nary a queue.<br />
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Into the Olympic Park we go! </div>
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The show was simply amazing. The sets, music, lights, fireworks, vehicles and special effects were phenomenal.<br />
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The musical acts featured old favorites (Spice Girls! George Michael! The Who!) and some new stars, too (One Direction!). There were also a few acts I had never heard of before but the (mostly British) crowd was singing along so they must have been big name stars.<br />
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A real highlight was the Parade of Flags and the entrance of the athletes. I thought the Americans looked dashing in their Ralph Lauren ensembles (while most other countries wore track suits).<br />
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The production was over the top. A giant octopus rising from a psychedelic bus, the Spice Girls atop lighted taxi cabs, and even a human cannonball. And the fireworks showering over the stadium were truly incredible.<br />
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We saw the men's marathon winners receive their medals, and then the handover of the Olympic Flag to the next host city- Rio de Janeiro. <br />
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And finally, after all that celebrating, the Olympic Flame was extinguished and the games declared closed.<br />
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I was sad to see the festivities come to an end. I have enjoyed every moment of these Olympic Games and I feel so lucky to have been able to take part as a fan and a spectator. It was an amazing two weeks. Well done, London. It was, in a word, brilliant!<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-86901143937117226572012-08-11T14:05:00.000-07:002012-08-11T14:05:17.313-07:00Olympic Gold<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh what a night!</div>
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Thursday, 9 August 2012.</div>
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Wembley Stadium</div>
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Women's Gold Medal Football Match</div>
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USA v Japan</div>
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We were there! And it was amazing! </div>
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We arrived early and found our seats. We watched the teams warm up and gathered up our signs and pom poms and giant flag. I tried to ignore the sideways glances from the less than enthusiastic British couple seated next to us. There were plenty of Americans with so much pride and team spirit. It was definitely a great night to be an American. I was shamelessly patriotic.</div>
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There was some pre-game fun with giant soccer balls and a huge banner that went right over our heads! </div>
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In come the teams. How wonderful to see the American flag and proudly sing along as our anthem was played.</div>
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The game begins and next thing we know- GOAL! Right in front of us. So exciting! </div>
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It was pretty intense. I have a whole new level of respect for soccer after watching it at the Olympics. It is a really aggressive, physical sport. And so much fun to watch. </div>
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McDonald's has a clever series of ads displayed around London called "We all make the games." I was a "nervy peeker" and a "come on, come on, come on er" throughout the game!</div>
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There were heaps of Americans in the 80,000+ crowd. Many showing their spirit with flair.<br />
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We cheered and clapped and gasped and yelled and when the time ran out it was USA on top! Gold medal! The crowd erupted. They played "We are the Champions" and it was really a thrill to see how much this win meant to the players and the fans. </div>
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The players were so gracious- walking around and waving to the crowds. What wonderful role models for all our young girls. They really will "inspire a generation" (as this Olympics hopes to).</div>
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And then out comes the podium and in come the medalists. Unfortunately we were seated behind the podium but the players did turn around and flash us their medals.</div>
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I still can't believe I got to stand and watch out flag being raised above our gold medal team while the national anthem was playing. What a once in a lifetime experience.</div>
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Way to go Team USA! Thanks for making me and our whole country proud. A truly great Olympic night for all.</div>
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<i>But we're not finished yet! More Olympic moments to come!</i></div>
<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-75759185841294549772012-08-08T16:24:00.000-07:002012-08-09T16:25:28.454-07:00Olympics at Eton DorneyI'm still coming up empty handed in my quest for tickets to <i>any</i> event that will get me into the Olympic Park. I'm not giving up hope just yet, I mean there are still four days left!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the somewhat creepy one eyed mascot</td></tr>
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In the mean time, we enjoyed attending an event in our own neck of the woods, the canoe sprint. The rowing and still water paddling events are taking place at Eton Dorney, near Windsor. The kids and I headed over earlier this week to watch some of the heats.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into the venue</td></tr>
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Even though there was only one American racing, we all cheered loudly for her!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There she is!</td></tr>
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Our tickets were "general admission" which means we had no assigned seat. Kate perched atop a rubbish bin to catch a glimpse of the action while I held Reid on my shoulders. The littlest one was stuck in the stroller, but at least he can say he went to the Olympics!<br />
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The venue was really nice, very organised with so many helpful volunteers. I am so impressed with the way the London 2012 committee has put this event together. Well done!<br />
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Now we're gearing up for our big Olympic moment Thursday when we will watch Team USA play for gold in women's soccer. Stay tuned for more on that . . . <br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-758185080523399932012-08-06T00:58:00.002-07:002012-08-09T16:25:54.123-07:00Olympic FootballSaturday we finally made it to an Olympic event! Men's football (soccer)- Mexico vs Senegal at Wembley Stadium.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray clouds couldn't dampen our excitement</td></tr>
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We had been warned that getting to the event would be very difficult. But after researching our options we decided to go against the grain and <i>drive</i> to the stadium. This is definitely discouraged. In fact, there is no official car parking at the stadium. We were shocked that there was virtually no traffic, only minor road closures and minimal frustrations involved with driving. We made it there in about half the time it would have taken on public transport. So I'd say getting there was a success!<br />
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Security was a quick pat down and a bag check and then we were in. We were notified in advance that no liquids could be brought into the stadium. Next time I will definitely be bringing empty water bottles to fill up inside. (When you purchase bottled drinks inside they remove the cap- which is pretty annoying). There was also some confusion about which types of cameras would be allowed inside. Rather than risk it, I didn't bring a camera (just my iPhone). I did see plenty of people with dslr type cameras so apparently they are allowed inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowds still pouring in as the match begins</td></tr>
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Our seats were up in the rafters. I purchased one of the cheaper categories because in those seating areas kids tickets are priced according to age. So a ticket for a five year old is only £5. What a bargain!<br />
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We could see the whole pitch and thought the seats offered a great view. We were in the shade and covered by the partial roof which was a real bonus when it started <b>pouring</b> rain. (A "proper English summer" according to the gentleman seated next to me).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcEDC61fIHmm8J8NLw3cWaHf93Ifv2HXXHJeesLV6ASCAQYTrSQcQMAYbSDnlz_bq2fUqfxrJJxLarazjgKEjUaLWYWFe5fUZ2HqYKYoNU4m3cx0BeMBqPcJTCGuk_EwGInNnWYNZX30/s1600/Rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcEDC61fIHmm8J8NLw3cWaHf93Ifv2HXXHJeesLV6ASCAQYTrSQcQMAYbSDnlz_bq2fUqfxrJJxLarazjgKEjUaLWYWFe5fUZ2HqYKYoNU4m3cx0BeMBqPcJTCGuk_EwGInNnWYNZX30/s640/Rain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can actually see the rain coming down in sheets!</td></tr>
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The game was pretty exciting and even went into overtime. In the end, Mexico came out on top. (And since we're from California it was practically like our home team winning). <br />
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And even though the stadium was packed with over 80,000 fans in attendance, everything went very smoothly and we were out of the stadium, back in our car and home surprisingly quickly.<br />
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We'll be back at Wembley next Thursday to watch the women's final. Crossing our fingers that defending champions Team USA will be there to bring home the gold. We can't wait to cheer them on!<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-8566337234885032512012-07-31T08:34:00.002-07:002012-07-31T08:35:03.099-07:00Olympics Fever<div style="text-align: center;">
We've all got it around here- Olympics Fever. It's all Olympics, all the time!</div>
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There are over 20 different BBC channels covering all the Olympic events. While I do miss some the the US television coverage highlighting the American athletes, I am amazed by all the events that are aired here in the UK. Yesterday my 5 year old and I were captivated by table tennis, and today I watched the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, win her first Olympic medal in the equestrian events. And even though we are enjoying all this TV coverage, I can't wait to see some of the action live and in person.<br />
I'm sure you've heard about the frustrations, disappointments, and confusion surrounding the ticketing process. I tried to get tickets through the public ballot last year with no success. I was lucky enough to score football (soccer) tickets when they became available in January, and have managed to grab a couple other events in the last few weeks. Never mind that I had to google "canoe sprint" to figure out exactly what I would be attending, or that I will be spending next Saturday morning watching race-walkers (the very sport I remember ridiculing as a pre-teen). This is the Olympics, taking place in my adopted city and I'm going to be part of it!<br />
So far I have come up empty-handed in my quest to get tickets to an event in the Olympic Park. <br />
I'm not giving up yet. Apparently, more tickets will be released each night as the organizers attempt to get as many fans in the seats as possible. So I plan to spend the evenings on my computer, repeatedly hitting "request tickets" until I get lucky. <br />
And until then, I'll be watching on TV and hoping the US women's soccer team ends up in the final so we can be there to cheer them on to another gold medal. It's going to be a fun couple of weeks!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Anyone else planning to attend the games?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">What's your favorite event?</span></div>
<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-35516195138637162672012-07-28T15:34:00.000-07:002012-07-28T15:34:44.361-07:00Punting on the River Cam<div style="text-align: center;">
Took advantage of a rare sunny day to visit the lovely town of Cambridge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShCPTkJTTv21seMgcTMujD4P3z6KnxoL4_IcsXwQj-Kx2CMLi_O7Rk7E_A1l3FdprO0AJSC36EFi5s6TUUa2taI-MmiMQ81tcjaLkdqvJoWpwlts8_A0-QtwH9l5PD_7zReBgtWq15Ho/s1600/DSC_6973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShCPTkJTTv21seMgcTMujD4P3z6KnxoL4_IcsXwQj-Kx2CMLi_O7Rk7E_A1l3FdprO0AJSC36EFi5s6TUUa2taI-MmiMQ81tcjaLkdqvJoWpwlts8_A0-QtwH9l5PD_7zReBgtWq15Ho/s640/DSC_6973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Toured the chapel at Kings College. Awesome (in the truest sense of the word).</div>
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Enjoyed a guided punt on the river Cam. The river was crowded with boats; it was all quite festive. There was a bit of bumping and banging, and a few close calls.<br />
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I was very glad we had a guide to navigate and share some interesting stories about Cambridge as well. <br />
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One of my favourite tales of the day was about Prince Charles, who was a student at Cambridge in the 1960s. Apparently, he had the same bodyguard with him through all 3 years at the college. The bodyguard had to attend all classes and lectures with the Prince. At the end of the 3 years, the guard felt he should be allowed to sit the final exam. The royal family wasn't too keen on that idea, but the college decided it was only fair. The bodyguard took the exam and, as it turns out, got a higher score than Prince Charles!<br />
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I especially enjoyed the stories about all the pranks carried out by
Cambridge University students over the years. From Santa hats and traffic cones being placed upon the spires of the chapel, to unsuspecting first year students being ushered through a phony "fire exit" door and ending up right in the river- these young people have come up with some pretty creative tricks. We even bought a book on the subject at the campus bookshop!<br />
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The whole family enjoyed the beautiful views of the colleges from the river. Such a fun thing to do on a sunny summer day.<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-78086485022006046142012-07-20T05:25:00.000-07:002012-07-20T05:25:07.435-07:00The Ceremony of the Keys<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmiuoqOLtTMJAOgG8Rgr2iE-5JxJ2OonPDLaNlVMYZRX3a-L6BAiAhaGxF9F0m5tmttlbN0jFF8EHNJ7cVIUgEoB7YEwLUChjN9DJ97ovAB-whboINXVg6KSYUSNScn1FL5ktcoCtKwc/s1600/ceremony_of_keys1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmiuoqOLtTMJAOgG8Rgr2iE-5JxJ2OonPDLaNlVMYZRX3a-L6BAiAhaGxF9F0m5tmttlbN0jFF8EHNJ7cVIUgEoB7YEwLUChjN9DJ97ovAB-whboINXVg6KSYUSNScn1FL5ktcoCtKwc/s400/ceremony_of_keys1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No photos allowed- so this one is from Google</td></tr>
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No one does ceremony and tradition like the British. Every night, for over 700 years, the guards at the Tower of London have held a special ceremony to ensure the safekeeping of the Tower, its residents, and, of coarse, the Crown Jewels. A small number of people are allowed to witness the ceremony and we were lucky enough to have tickets for last weekend! <br />
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At 9:30 we were escorted inside. Of course, it started to rain. We were drenched, but it did add to the spooky atmosphere of the Tower at night. The Yeoman Warder (commonly called a Beefeater) explained the specifics of the Ceremony and reminded us to be perfectly silent throughout. He escorted the children to the front for a better view, and then it began. There was marching, a lantern, the slamming of the huge doors, the jingling of giant keys. And then the highlight: An armed guard shouting, "Halt! Who comes here?"<br />
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It was pretty exciting. I was amazed that this exact ceremony is held every night, and has been for so many centuries. It is the oldest surviving military ceremony in the world. As an American, it's hard to even comprehend a tradition that dates back so many years. <br />
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After the gates were locked I noticed my five year old looking a bit scared. He was wondering how we were getting out. Thankfully, the guests are allowed to exit through the Lion Door (which is an ancient "doggie door" used when lions used to stay at the Tower).<br />
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It was such a fun night- made even better because we were able to share it with our dear Australian friends who were on holiday in London.<br />
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Tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys are free, but must be requested in writing well in advance. For more information click <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/theceremonyofthekeys">here</a>. <br />
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This was one of the more unique experiences I've had in London and something we will all remember for a long time to come. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Have you been to the Ceremony of the Keys?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What other unique things have you seen or done in London? </i></div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-38476952634406173202012-07-10T13:18:00.001-07:002012-07-10T13:18:40.942-07:00Here Comes the Olympic TorchToday the Olympic Torch passed through our area. We joined the crowd at the Ascot Racecourse to cheer the torch through Berkshire. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting, waiting, waiting from our perch above the Parade Ring</td></tr>
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The Torch Relay dates back to the ancient Olympic Games. Before each Games, the Flame is lit from the sun's rays during a traditional ceremony at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece. It's quite the tradition!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rain came down and the "brollies" went up</td></tr>
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After the Flame is handed over to the host city it is carried by a series of Torchbearers spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. 8,000 torchbearers will carry the Flame through the United Kingdom this year. During its 70 day journey, the Flame will be within an hour of 95% of people in the United Kingdom. Which means many, many people all over the country will have a chance to see it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIKXc_VAlADVBIxQGXRTpEE2HS8-1e2LgQPYE-h5_i3lcEY_qavZDAZg7996dKYRo9fZ4CVDyKMy8LOSa7ixNnAJQHupa5pi4fTdOx56FXlzvUrwST1Z6YlMThyAID7iI6z5E3o4lTrc/s1600/Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIKXc_VAlADVBIxQGXRTpEE2HS8-1e2LgQPYE-h5_i3lcEY_qavZDAZg7996dKYRo9fZ4CVDyKMy8LOSa7ixNnAJQHupa5pi4fTdOx56FXlzvUrwST1Z6YlMThyAID7iI6z5E3o4lTrc/s640/Entrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There it is- right behind us!</td></tr>
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Denise Lewis, who won a Gold medal in Sydney in the heptathlon, carried the Flame into the racecourse and made a lap around the Parade Ring. I love her enthusiasm!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_5YGGtVGet_S8I7FNPvogGqHdE3SVpKWgLuonqIljFM950_dz7s3vjIINp3Q1R4-_VhoiLElJTxrf9uNZfyZ2artfi-XuwqCwM1Xqq5ZPBS7Zv7XYD9f1HTtzR6e6UXRrdmtvLJ30AA/s1600/Denise+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_5YGGtVGet_S8I7FNPvogGqHdE3SVpKWgLuonqIljFM950_dz7s3vjIINp3Q1R4-_VhoiLElJTxrf9uNZfyZ2artfi-XuwqCwM1Xqq5ZPBS7Zv7XYD9f1HTtzR6e6UXRrdmtvLJ30AA/s640/Denise+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise Lewis carries the Flame through Ascot Racecourse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then the Flame was handed off to Frankie Dettori, a jockey famous for winning seven races in one day. His horse was a less enthusiastic participant, and was quite spooked- first by the inflatable "rattles" in the crowd and then by the Flame itself. But once Frankie had the Flame, they took their lap to the cheering of the adoring crowd.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQPg1xiVyUkDRcaFKgInbHP87Q770h1Ou2_4T-8NwXZlT9FwfRHF54kQ48a4fnctXJL0AyLLxZaxxejCPxN29iXVG3kW1W4QD8E-nkw6h6u4uUoaEYDZHYar2MAoMA7DRDIbibhAwAM8/s1600/Frankie+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQPg1xiVyUkDRcaFKgInbHP87Q770h1Ou2_4T-8NwXZlT9FwfRHF54kQ48a4fnctXJL0AyLLxZaxxejCPxN29iXVG3kW1W4QD8E-nkw6h6u4uUoaEYDZHYar2MAoMA7DRDIbibhAwAM8/s640/Frankie+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frankie Dettori carries the Flame</td></tr>
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And after all that waiting, the kids were rewarded with a fun fair and a Mr. Whippy. <br />
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You can follow the route of the torch relay <a href="http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/">here</a>. The Flame will end its journey in 17 days when the last Torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, marking the official start of the Games. I can't wait to watch that on TV! Will you be tuning in, too?<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-57850293948355694122012-07-08T03:39:00.001-07:002012-07-08T03:39:02.578-07:00Fields of Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YajTvcRTs8su9HDrc5pbszCjXS5rjr6kjc4gg5Q9fBOWXZSeLWk8PzrArzsDnJSR6ooE9guQ4DrO4wvtBq7nB9TZGrgVs0q8p6GiyZgjsN0ebj8tM9ug1WNATi33ztcInKifcEMSi6A/s1600/Fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YajTvcRTs8su9HDrc5pbszCjXS5rjr6kjc4gg5Q9fBOWXZSeLWk8PzrArzsDnJSR6ooE9guQ4DrO4wvtBq7nB9TZGrgVs0q8p6GiyZgjsN0ebj8tM9ug1WNATi33ztcInKifcEMSi6A/s640/Fields.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
When I saw <a href="http://crumpetsincamelot.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/purple-haze/">Monique's photo</a> of the beautiful English<a href="http://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/"> lavender fields</a>, I immediately put a visit on my to-do list. There is a very short window of opportunity for viewing these gorgeous fields. They begin to bloom in mid-June and are harvested in mid-July. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvT1shrsYGW6UY-HCAMcna-_90df6v8zgiYdvKGythLFMRwt5_MB9rX1EwS6njlQtIONSHcvs9JM5UVPVD1MsAWGr21RdFiVMp979wfGFcgGfbYXul47NZR3Ou7O1PruRLw1Ebh61yjM/s1600/Leading+lines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvT1shrsYGW6UY-HCAMcna-_90df6v8zgiYdvKGythLFMRwt5_MB9rX1EwS6njlQtIONSHcvs9JM5UVPVD1MsAWGr21RdFiVMp979wfGFcgGfbYXul47NZR3Ou7O1PruRLw1Ebh61yjM/s640/Leading+lines.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
So yesterday we packed up the family and headed 2 hours north to the Cotswolds to see the lavender for ourselves. <br />
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Truth be told, the rest of my family had no interest in seeing blooming purple flowers. But they humored me and agreed to go. <br />
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Predictably, it was wet and rainy. </div>
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We wore our wellies.</div>
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We had 20 dry minutes to walk through the fields before the downpour began. Then we ran at full speed to the gift shop where I gathered some lavender goodies to take home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4ObB4FiW3wFSWaMiIctlbCZ5ZvaAafYW1b2Jl5yaeB5lBXUq6BjClIhMKpIRniCL7mgIbUGXsdNhhcznxtyaR9n4U6MOVE7F752y_kZZfTDTDBOA4K-1wqnFJ66sNm9rPtjGPNoaaXk/s1600/Lavender+goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4ObB4FiW3wFSWaMiIctlbCZ5ZvaAafYW1b2Jl5yaeB5lBXUq6BjClIhMKpIRniCL7mgIbUGXsdNhhcznxtyaR9n4U6MOVE7F752y_kZZfTDTDBOA4K-1wqnFJ66sNm9rPtjGPNoaaXk/s640/Lavender+goodies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was not only quite a sight to see, but quite a scent to smell as well.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Do you have a favorite lavender recipe? </span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-41393024558381518962012-07-05T15:01:00.000-07:002012-07-05T15:01:03.810-07:00Wimbledon on a WhimAttending the Tennis Championships at Wimbledon has been on my London wish list. I applied for tickets through the public ballot months ago, but was not awarded the opportunity to purchase any. I wasn't prepared to spend a small fortune buying Debenture tickets and I had no interest in camping overnight in a park to get tickets through The Queue.<br />
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So I had pretty much abandoned any hope of seeing the tennis this year. And then I read <a href="http://happyhomemakeruk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/wimbledon-queue.html">Laura's post </a>about the Wimbledon Queue. And my hope was renewed.<br />
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In a matter of hours I booked a babysitter and hatched a plan. <br />
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Yesterday we put the plan into action. We traveled by train to Wimbledon station and then boarded the special shuttle bus that goes directly to the tennis club. <i>(From the shuttle bus drop off, it is a loooong walk to The Queue. If I were to do it again, I would just get a taxi from the station directly to The Queue).</i> I was prepared, and a bit excited, to take my place in the infamous Wimbledon Queue, but as luck would have it, there was absolutely no line! They still handed out queue cards and stickers so I guess I <i>technically</i> queued at Wimbledon.<br />
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We passed through security and right up to the turnstiles. Tickets after 17:00 were only £12 each! Once inside, we headed for the resale ticket kiosk. <br />
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As spectators leave for the day, they hand in their tickets which are then resold to latecomers (like us) and the proceeds are donated to charity.<br />
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The queue here was quite long, the the kiosk didn't even appear to be open. No one seemed to know who would be playing next or on which court. About 30 minutes later, as I approached the ticket window, we finally confirmed that Venus and Serena had just started their match. So we bought £5 tickets and dashed off to Court 2.<br />
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We were thrilled to find ourselves in the second row just a few yards from the action. I was afraid the noise of my shutter clicking would disturb the players- that's how close we were!<br />
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At one point we had a brief rain delay which is all just part of the Wimbledon experience.</div>
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As you can see, there were many empty seats. I think most people (including Wills and Kate) were watching the Centre Court match between Murray and Ferrer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg238mCV-Ek8XHY0qk1WgWtTLlWRPS3Pq99EwyZZN7cpc0xwtxo8eX-kyp97XFFIHUUywZzxBW8iqWirvuwwacqpaqub85woxiJ_wl7c4L9L6IXVH7Chcs99knSDEmImLqJi_LYrroqCiA/s1600/BigScreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg238mCV-Ek8XHY0qk1WgWtTLlWRPS3Pq99EwyZZN7cpc0xwtxo8eX-kyp97XFFIHUUywZzxBW8iqWirvuwwacqpaqub85woxiJ_wl7c4L9L6IXVH7Chcs99knSDEmImLqJi_LYrroqCiA/s640/BigScreen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many spectators watch the Centre Court match on TV from the grass</td></tr>
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After the match we checked out the famous strawberries and cream, had a Pimms, and hit the gift shop (the only place at Wimbledon that accepts credit/debit cards).<br />
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It was such a fun evening. I'm so glad we had a chance to experience this English tradition!</div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-51185627954384458482012-07-03T08:45:00.000-07:002012-07-03T08:45:15.444-07:00Paris by PlaygroundFor Father's Day we took Tom on a Playground Tour of Paris. In between playgrounds we managed to sneak in a bit of sightseeing, too. Our 9 year old served as our tour guide on this trip. She read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Not-Parents-Paris/dp/1742208177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340885827&sr=8-1&keywords=lonely+planet+kids+paris">The Lonely Planet Not For Parents</a> book about Paris and was able to tell us something about nearly every place we visited. <i> ("Hey, is this the Place de la Concorde where Marie Antoinette was beheaded?" or "Oh, that's a Wallace Fountain!" or "See that flame? It's a duplicate of the one the Statue of Liberty holds.")</i> That girl is a real gem!<br />
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We stayed in a family suite at the recently renovated <a href="http://hotelempereurparis.com/">Hotel de l'Empereur</a>
which was located right behind Les Invalides and within easy walking
distance of many sights, including the rue Cler market and the Eiffel
Tower. We soon learned that navigating the Paris Metro with a stroller and 3 kids is a real challenge, so we did <i>a lot </i>of walking.<br />
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<b>Day 1</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching a glimpse of the Mona Lisa</td></tr>
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After a "quick" tour of the Louvre (the kids used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Visit-Louvre-First-Discovery/dp/1851032304/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340870893&sr=1-2&keywords=louvre">this book</a> as a guide) we made our way across the Seine and added our own padlock to the Pont des Arts. (Read the story of these love padlocks <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_padlocks">here</a>).<br />
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We marveled at the rose windows inside Notre Dame and imagined the hunchback up in the tower.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The center of Paris. In front of Notre Dame.</td></tr>
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Our driver had suggested <a href="http://www.relaisentrecote.fr/">Relais de l'Entrecote </a>for dinner and it was amazing. Diners start queuing up 20 minutes before the restaurant opens. There's no menu, the waitress simply asks how you like your meat cooked. Then
the food comes out- the most delicious salad, frites, and steak. Unlike most French restaurants, it's fast so it was a good choice with 3 hungry kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queuing up for a delicious dinner</td></tr>
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We wrapped up day one with a little playground time, of course!<br />
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<b>Day 2</b> began with a walk through the rue Cler market where we bought the most delicious strawberries to munch on our way to the Eiffel Tower. We ate them so fast I didn't even get a photo- but trust me- they were gorgeous!<br />
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It was a clear, sunny day and the crowds at the Eiffel Tower were huge. The wait for the <b>one</b> working lift was several hours long so we opted to take the stairs (nearly 700 to the second level). If only we had known that you cannot leave your stroller at the bottom! Poor Tom not only had the baby on his back, but the stroller in his arms as well. It was quite a workout but the views from the top were amazing. It was definitely a highlight we will all remember for a long, long time to come!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top!</td></tr>
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We spent the rest of the day recovering with carousel rides, cotton candy, crepes and ice cream cones. <br />
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We tromped through the playground at the Trocadero and bounced on the trampolines in the Jardin des Tulieres. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, some of us bounced.</td></tr>
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<b>Day 3</b><br />
We saved the best (playground) for last. Sure, you have to pay to enter the playground at the Jardin du Luxembourg- but it is worth it. The kids spent hours running around, riding the flying fox, sliding and
digging in the sand. They took a spin on the old carousel and tried to
spear the rings with a wooden sword. <br />
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We strolled through the beautiful
manicured gardens. On the weekends you can sail a toy boat in the pond or go for a pony ride.<br />
It seems everywhere you look in Paris the view is
simply breathtaking.<br />
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Before meeting up with some California friends for our final dinner, we stopped by Les Invalides where we saw the impressive tomb of Napoleon. My daughter remarked, "That's a pretty big coffin for such a small man."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napoleon's Tomb is beneath the gold dome.</td></tr>
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The kids are already talking about the "next time" they visit Paris. I
don't know when that will be, but I am so glad they got to see this
amazing city. It wasn't a weekend full of museums and late night leisurely dinners
at Michelin-star restaurants but it was a weekend full of family fun and
happy kids. It's the kind of trip we do best.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Planning Paris with your kids? Check out these cool <a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Kids-Paris-Adventures/dp/0811861708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340888744&sr=8-1&keywords=paris+city+walk+kids">city walk cards</a>. We found them really useful and fun!</span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-68287558772010536462012-06-27T23:47:00.002-07:002012-06-27T23:47:32.656-07:00We Met The Blue Lilies<br />
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Last month we had our family photos taken by <a href="http://www.bluelilyphotography.com/index2.php">Wendy & Tyler</a> in lush, green Hampstead Heath. Such a lovely way to remember our time in
London.<br />
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I love their story. They travel the world, full time, with their two young kids, taking portraits as they go. They are a beautiful family and they document such precious memories. I'm glad we had the chance to meet them. I will cherish these photos! <br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-20188016848868268332012-06-26T09:57:00.000-07:002012-06-26T09:59:57.549-07:00The Story of a Hat, a Queen, and a Horse Named Black Caviar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crowds at Royal Ascot</td></tr>
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It's been the talk of the town for months. Royal Ascot 2012. An exciting week of horse racing attended by dapper gentlemen, ladies in outrageous hats, and by The Queen herself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT-JoZRExhZSAlsuxxiOmMaMUlMWYJDONHtDrnvjKaEBlCdGgRAaTU_xLOcAamBjiIh-Bkh-EiUtzXpzZKz-gaprytNpwy4hQ_q4E7yPuQT2uN0Buqz0Z_M6Yzh5glGvjH_qcD2wFSsQ/s1600/Queens+View.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT-JoZRExhZSAlsuxxiOmMaMUlMWYJDONHtDrnvjKaEBlCdGgRAaTU_xLOcAamBjiIh-Bkh-EiUtzXpzZKz-gaprytNpwy4hQ_q4E7yPuQT2uN0Buqz0Z_M6Yzh5glGvjH_qcD2wFSsQ/s640/Queens+View.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen's viewing area- filled with her personal artwork and furniture. She even brings her own caterers!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Racing has been held at Ascot for over 300 years. It is steeped in tradition and quite an experience.<br />
We applied for tickets to the Royal Enclosure through the US Embassy. This is basically a VIP section with a variety of restaurants, bars, seating and viewing areas. It also has the most formal dress code.<br />
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So that meant morning suits and top hats for the gentlemen, and formal dresses with hats for the ladies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB5hn8B6tO-ttx_KJqoJeJD5ZIYQe8yHIt5KnZueRzZg-FqT3iZF33he9NXP-2x3PTkrxoWXI7XkakFvTdoym990RB6uMFSKB0L5gnVsAEVS9Z3r_wTVPKyAUuRsusE0Rj5NwHaIVxaw/s1600/TomTony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB5hn8B6tO-ttx_KJqoJeJD5ZIYQe8yHIt5KnZueRzZg-FqT3iZF33he9NXP-2x3PTkrxoWXI7XkakFvTdoym990RB6uMFSKB0L5gnVsAEVS9Z3r_wTVPKyAUuRsusE0Rj5NwHaIVxaw/s640/TomTony.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'd heard all about the "hat lady", Margaret Partington, who has been hiring hats for over 25 years. She has over 2500 different hats in her little shop which is housed in a charming tudor building that used to be a butcher shop in the 16th century. She chose the most beautiful hats for my sister and me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5ynm3_bRpNfiEFR8m5un34KjkbiIEIEbjZqYxM61X-NxVz_lI_QzknEe7ztmA0PbAv_trP4YPFgxy7jKvXnvWhJ5yMcKktIwGsabEHX9BzTq7SiMbeq79ZebjQ1TeDcY_0veMQ4SMhI/s1600/MeMikki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5ynm3_bRpNfiEFR8m5un34KjkbiIEIEbjZqYxM61X-NxVz_lI_QzknEe7ztmA0PbAv_trP4YPFgxy7jKvXnvWhJ5yMcKktIwGsabEHX9BzTq7SiMbeq79ZebjQ1TeDcY_0veMQ4SMhI/s640/MeMikki.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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When the big day finally arrived, the weather was typically English. Which is to say, cold, scattered showers and extremely windy!<br />
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Oh the poor ladies caught trying to hold onto their hats while their skirts blew around (think Marilyn Monroe) darting inside to avoid the sudden rain. Sure made me glad I wasn't wearing a full skirt!<br />
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Each day, the Queen and Prince Phillip arrive at Royal Ascot in a horse drawn Landau carriage. What fun to see them arrive while the band played "God Save The Queen."<br />
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Because of the chilly weather, I spent most of the day inside, sipping champagne and people watching with my sister. But I did brave the cold to watch Aussie favourite Black Caviar extend her winning streak in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. It was such an exciting race! And the Queen just beamed as she presented the cup to the winning trainer.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> My view of Black Caviar crossing the finish line. (above)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Queen in the Parade Ring to present the Jubilee Stakes Cup. (below)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgxYgHtqTY1hUf6S9aFax_qYt8BHvafBo0thsfn_iI_6vK1naaoY_CKpLFoafeTMhjDjz8XTYkOorjyHOxMg3ifv0QtTdjMdVaaxDEvuvkRilANP8X1G9gG6Ifcz2kPvue_ekWSf8RFc/s1600/Queen+Parade+Ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgxYgHtqTY1hUf6S9aFax_qYt8BHvafBo0thsfn_iI_6vK1naaoY_CKpLFoafeTMhjDjz8XTYkOorjyHOxMg3ifv0QtTdjMdVaaxDEvuvkRilANP8X1G9gG6Ifcz2kPvue_ekWSf8RFc/s640/Queen+Parade+Ring.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love the way she stands out in the crowd!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was a fantastic day! As we walked back to the car with sore feet (on the ladies) and sore heads (on the men-those top hats are uncomfortable!), we all felt as though we had experienced something so uniquely English. And I loved everything about it.<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-75848835306792144022012-06-22T12:44:00.000-07:002012-06-22T14:16:37.945-07:00My Birthday With The Queen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X-gUiz0vsRUm1jJYi5o5NJk6nyxUbWE33vSM44sDcIyMFi4oJRtlGghL9vx_2Dk8x9As3oyOBUrOOyXD2V61a2Q_698yNveIZSYXY3XXwo9RHRY1TAS0O3chmHJ3W4davJXhoNmpbMQ/s1600/Waiting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X-gUiz0vsRUm1jJYi5o5NJk6nyxUbWE33vSM44sDcIyMFi4oJRtlGghL9vx_2Dk8x9As3oyOBUrOOyXD2V61a2Q_698yNveIZSYXY3XXwo9RHRY1TAS0O3chmHJ3W4davJXhoNmpbMQ/s640/Waiting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for The Queen in Windsor Great Park</td></tr>
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Today is my birthday, and it is one of the most special birthdays I've had in years. First and foremost, my amazing sister and brother-in-law are here to celebrate with me. What a treat! And to make the day even sweeter, I got a birthday wave from The Queen herself!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5b9JvHTJVnVA1LeofrNXJPWuc3KFrE7s18EaL8eLN67iIXQReKswZAFDjLooF8qg426WgnFpsfdmuM33jO_CJMRN24-PzgeXGrNMQubUSd5SAX1DDivCm74zSZUvwaej_QEpiDXmafQ/s1600/Picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5b9JvHTJVnVA1LeofrNXJPWuc3KFrE7s18EaL8eLN67iIXQReKswZAFDjLooF8qg426WgnFpsfdmuM33jO_CJMRN24-PzgeXGrNMQubUSd5SAX1DDivCm74zSZUvwaej_QEpiDXmafQ/s640/Picnic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & the kids enjoying the picnic</td></tr>
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My dear friend, Nicole, received car park passes from the Crown Estate to park along a private road in Windsor Great Park. There, we had a very windy picnic and waited for The Queen to arrive. Right in front of our picnic spot, she got out of her car and into her waiting carriage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNKB0qQVvU1qL4NZ0qkbKHjTGueHErkrzHVRcP3fx1fAK5jhlgz5o-Boe7OWuYmk58FopI113_ucb2hwa4eOR6aQNeAsRCLo0qvTUlcPqts6E9B-4v9CJs1jYCHcZbnTL-5I2mbjRCCU/s1600/HorsesReady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNKB0qQVvU1qL4NZ0qkbKHjTGueHErkrzHVRcP3fx1fAK5jhlgz5o-Boe7OWuYmk58FopI113_ucb2hwa4eOR6aQNeAsRCLo0qvTUlcPqts6E9B-4v9CJs1jYCHcZbnTL-5I2mbjRCCU/s640/HorsesReady.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ557Ld7rZugitwo6yQsLw1Ul5DrCTqEAwDMEYw6qunlaa-CFdRA8EX1PANietrutkjxARzhdwd95UcvbzegiK0-6esImui5rBwEQ76pArWzEuv2IQhRO25oSlZYewhUebrx2UkDfrXg/s1600/QueenTransfers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ557Ld7rZugitwo6yQsLw1Ul5DrCTqEAwDMEYw6qunlaa-CFdRA8EX1PANietrutkjxARzhdwd95UcvbzegiK0-6esImui5rBwEQ76pArWzEuv2IQhRO25oSlZYewhUebrx2UkDfrXg/s640/QueenTransfers.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There she is!</td></tr>
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Sadly, the weather prevented them from lowering the top of the carriage. But that didn't stop her from giving us a beautiful smile and a friendly wave as she passed by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0b3AjbpOC5Svkt02xAcCTyk5LCdG29GYmu6JIh1vSuCiPdoRugsE8EA096TJTsGdDOMmtlYPqHSAszFNKGgWFkHTNzVGF9qKVyxOMPk3moI24VDI0fJ2YM401m2K0IS9q1Sjf3tyRU0/s1600/TheWave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0b3AjbpOC5Svkt02xAcCTyk5LCdG29GYmu6JIh1vSuCiPdoRugsE8EA096TJTsGdDOMmtlYPqHSAszFNKGgWFkHTNzVGF9qKVyxOMPk3moI24VDI0fJ2YM401m2K0IS9q1Sjf3tyRU0/s640/TheWave.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smile and a wave just for us</td></tr>
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How could she resist when this darling girl was standing there, waving the Union Jack and holding up this cute homemade sign?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt5F5uS2lxzu3z5D6izKEsthnEPGesABFSeIdrYVkUpRohSsklB5aEv5x-ighoeGfpKDCrC2f0L0zrKb2ZONSKpdlduNpSmGahF_dUUQlwDTypDTFsZY6nrCyJOFYm2ZCUrFBCiLHgTA/s1600/Kate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt5F5uS2lxzu3z5D6izKEsthnEPGesABFSeIdrYVkUpRohSsklB5aEv5x-ighoeGfpKDCrC2f0L0zrKb2ZONSKpdlduNpSmGahF_dUUQlwDTypDTFsZY6nrCyJOFYm2ZCUrFBCiLHgTA/s640/Kate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her sign reads "It's my mum's birthday"</td></tr>
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It was a very happy birthday indeed!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/gifted.html">here</a> to see the birthday gift I gave myself last year. I have written in it everyday since then!</span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-27629433660346771182012-06-19T11:10:00.000-07:002012-06-19T11:10:21.567-07:00Union Jack BadgesThe end of the school year came barreling toward us like a speeding train. My daughter wanted to make little gifts to give her classmates to say good-bye. Because she goes to an international school, many children are "leavers" who will be moving on during the summer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2LTLwNsL-5jN56wqahNAscVohoZqfFvOTSLDPB2_h7Tzby1DjnOp7ZUQd6Z4U0l4NCxY8puhg3hz5CoPWRvNHa5LFiYvBJ2Pibtg7pPr1zDgnihMTL5TPizcOxTkhaXMuXO4RMd2Hf8/s1600/UKheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2LTLwNsL-5jN56wqahNAscVohoZqfFvOTSLDPB2_h7Tzby1DjnOp7ZUQd6Z4U0l4NCxY8puhg3hz5CoPWRvNHa5LFiYvBJ2Pibtg7pPr1zDgnihMTL5TPizcOxTkhaXMuXO4RMd2Hf8/s640/UKheart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, we whipped up these little Union Jack badges. They
would look cute pinned on a backpack or jacket. The perfect accessory
for the Jubilee Weekend or the upcoming London Olympic Games. <br />
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We
attached the badges to these felt hearts and added stickers on the back
with her contact information. Hopefully it will remind her friends to
keep in touch during the summer months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcfVB1VehnY7v7zh0Dc5hIw5LuqLMYbjb8wUy4AjbiOT3-V60DSWLbY9H7vV-5ySvw8tCcs-S2tkpzE9IyvuZFJCBO82_30bUwporAE__hOcfkeSuGgyxJsvprI83IFgst_9geo6wC9Q/s1600/heartPins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcfVB1VehnY7v7zh0Dc5hIw5LuqLMYbjb8wUy4AjbiOT3-V60DSWLbY9H7vV-5ySvw8tCcs-S2tkpzE9IyvuZFJCBO82_30bUwporAE__hOcfkeSuGgyxJsvprI83IFgst_9geo6wC9Q/s400/heartPins.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You can download the detailed PDF instruction sheet to make these cute badges <a href="http://ideas4kids.org/activity/ukflagbadge">here</a>. </div>
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<i><a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/how-we-said-goodbye.html">Here's</a> how we said good-bye to our friends in Australia last year.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do your kids give gifts to their classmates at the end of the year?</i> </div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-67082466827200072802012-06-14T14:21:00.001-07:002012-06-14T14:21:14.817-07:00Day Out: DoverOn the coast of England, with a view of France in the distance across the Channel, sits <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/dover-castle/">Dover Castle</a>. The medieval castle was built by King Henry II starting in the 12th century. But the site was important for centuries before that. In fact, a Roman lighthouse and an Anglo-Saxon church still stand on the grounds. <br />
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There's something for everyone at Dover Castle, which is part of the <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/">English Heritage</a> membership.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmaSYpRUzXXSb6HdD-jaqxNHlE7t7sSnQmGwlKW345tLNXApCu-BE7qv5XZQVZKNnlpxzQm_3hFeZ35lK-ZyrjjfS8HPPrbC5zOL9NHwVQLJlFlrIsd7QbormaQReYXc9vidJng9jf-w/s1600/DSC_5186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmaSYpRUzXXSb6HdD-jaqxNHlE7t7sSnQmGwlKW345tLNXApCu-BE7qv5XZQVZKNnlpxzQm_3hFeZ35lK-ZyrjjfS8HPPrbC5zOL9NHwVQLJlFlrIsd7QbormaQReYXc9vidJng9jf-w/s640/DSC_5186.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun day out at Dover Castle</td></tr>
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We climbed the tower and explored the great hall.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBb1_xXoK_LwG_4v897MqKOrJUUGl6H6yXwn9eT6Fw9k9r1RX53OtKUxzO-WTZZTKYXp5_Wk9E57h2MepqZHD9EwmqO3Uk8Ii5kpIPEOG1eb__OdUW4NxngyP7_0IE3kMRyUxZCe3owU/s1600/DSC_5188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBb1_xXoK_LwG_4v897MqKOrJUUGl6H6yXwn9eT6Fw9k9r1RX53OtKUxzO-WTZZTKYXp5_Wk9E57h2MepqZHD9EwmqO3Uk8Ii5kpIPEOG1eb__OdUW4NxngyP7_0IE3kMRyUxZCe3owU/s640/DSC_5188.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Dover Castle</td></tr>
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The kids loved trekking through the medieval tunnels and poking into mysterious passageways.</div>
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And then there are the secret WWII tunnels to tour. So much history in one spot!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ikDn-rmvrFgrgufoV2qM5uAeWHv-nE30DVwlE0DylvhvomSlYAyu0EA3BzHAi_Zgvqb62nW7VHersaNXUEuGucoFbbRZJGP9xyqifgjysxiKlPBv2Hi_gliRDQHYQJ7x1G3sT3ABinI/s1600/DSC_5191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ikDn-rmvrFgrgufoV2qM5uAeWHv-nE30DVwlE0DylvhvomSlYAyu0EA3BzHAi_Zgvqb62nW7VHersaNXUEuGucoFbbRZJGP9xyqifgjysxiKlPBv2Hi_gliRDQHYQJ7x1G3sT3ABinI/s640/DSC_5191.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy cliff walk</td></tr>
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After exploring the tunnels we headed a half mile up the road for a walk along the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The cliffs are made of chalk, which gives them their striking colour. </div>
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As you can see, the weather turned typically English on us so we didn't get to hike the whole 4 km route. We'll have to save that for a future sunny day.</div>
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Despite the rain, it was a lovely day out with the family. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6cG_GY2LhacVJ01GnB3Pfhn044LLJrVaL80zuoy0aORC5EKWuwUYQ_qHsCT3DxBgtw-zQD_OcCZhw13SBoNtGYSpEpgUj1ZV0K42B67pEN9orRJ88rOjrjXUON-VVVt5qaT1SEkZ5ho/s1600/DSC_5245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6cG_GY2LhacVJ01GnB3Pfhn044LLJrVaL80zuoy0aORC5EKWuwUYQ_qHsCT3DxBgtw-zQD_OcCZhw13SBoNtGYSpEpgUj1ZV0K42B67pEN9orRJ88rOjrjXUON-VVVt5qaT1SEkZ5ho/s640/DSC_5245.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful White Cliffs of Dover<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have you seen the White Cliffs of Dover? It's on the Facebook travel list challenge- so get to it! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-42145440694417991772012-06-12T02:13:00.001-07:002012-06-12T02:22:40.989-07:00Banana Olympics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week I found myself sitting in front of the computer trying to come up with some clever idea for my third grader's end-of-year class party. I'd put it off until the last minute so there was no time to search out any special supplies or equipment. I'd have to get creative.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yMlpt6DRIlHRCCU-VhRwMAPVsEqyFxwsnD_l4hhLk6aFnfCy_QfK1e9b-NlmZ_qrHEWbT9vECb_FFpEAEpvgT-XoC_dwQ8zJRe1dj5oRXmL4huVSleTTIeAtlhqLsAxdFAN4ebZWulM/s1600/IMG_1117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yMlpt6DRIlHRCCU-VhRwMAPVsEqyFxwsnD_l4hhLk6aFnfCy_QfK1e9b-NlmZ_qrHEWbT9vECb_FFpEAEpvgT-XoC_dwQ8zJRe1dj5oRXmL4huVSleTTIeAtlhqLsAxdFAN4ebZWulM/s400/IMG_1117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that's when I stumbled upon the idea of the Banana Olympics. With the Olympics coming to London this year it seemed like the perfect silly party idea. And so I ran with it. </div>
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Our Banana Olympics was so much fun that I have decided to put it out here on the internet so that other frazzled party planners can feel free to copy it. It was the most simple and most fun class party I've ever done. This party lasted one hour and was so easy to plan, execute and clean up.</div>
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Here's the scoop:</div>
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I divided the class into 3 teams. Each team came up with a team name and then used Sharpies to decorate their team banana. I planned 8 different "Olympic" events, each involving the use of a banana. The children competed in the events and scored points based on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place finishes. At the end, we totaled the points and awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals to the teams. Then we all celebrated by making Banana Splits!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2LErfsQU5vAOBmC5NGi3u1hQWxomXSEUvfpy_jCBK4Knbryi8Ja2nBzmQ8SAaLQF5w1O2nDZYwcZmj93KfccStdn7glWJtoKkh1me11-CycOOTTAgxh6zl7CPibAXnlmRSSexv7QfAc/s1600/IMG_1112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2LErfsQU5vAOBmC5NGi3u1hQWxomXSEUvfpy_jCBK4Knbryi8Ja2nBzmQ8SAaLQF5w1O2nDZYwcZmj93KfccStdn7glWJtoKkh1me11-CycOOTTAgxh6zl7CPibAXnlmRSSexv7QfAc/s400/IMG_1112.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Our events were:</div>
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<b>1. Knee Hold Hop</b></div>
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Holding the banana gently between your knees, hop to the cone and then run back. Hand off the banana to your next teammate. </div>
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<b>2. Under Arm Hop</b></div>
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Hold the banana under one arm. Hop on one leg to the cone and back. Hand off to your next teammate. </div>
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<b>3. Wheelbarrow Race</b></div>
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Like a typical wheelbarrow race but with a banana "in the wheelbarrow" (on the player's back). If the banana falls off, the team must stop to pick it up and replace it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpzZ2alR4_yZ3y6bLJxh2Oh4hkkEkzWu6xItPLoQwm5HZ6D6SKBGAsYJ2yniqoNwx-GoeJhT6AsIXQp_nyQTm2Brjg-Oe2VuAt4Vnny_geG2Egs3VXS_-4b-PpKXuObB3cPUFzDCYenc/s1600/IMG_1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpzZ2alR4_yZ3y6bLJxh2Oh4hkkEkzWu6xItPLoQwm5HZ6D6SKBGAsYJ2yniqoNwx-GoeJhT6AsIXQp_nyQTm2Brjg-Oe2VuAt4Vnny_geG2Egs3VXS_-4b-PpKXuObB3cPUFzDCYenc/s400/IMG_1100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Shuffle Toss</b></div>
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Two players toss the banana back and forth while shuffling (side step) to the cone and back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWXSs1tQTx06PLsSWoLUdnuljHoz036TqTn4OhEMCs5sNgu0FfKJufIfPgWxBiX98eqFKRn9WG_5YZGKyasn1Nv2H0XtyMFkdhGsEGbYIi5gI9iskWRf6VvszFXkzTi_HHzqIMoiSasw/s1600/IMG_1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWXSs1tQTx06PLsSWoLUdnuljHoz036TqTn4OhEMCs5sNgu0FfKJufIfPgWxBiX98eqFKRn9WG_5YZGKyasn1Nv2H0XtyMFkdhGsEGbYIi5gI9iskWRf6VvszFXkzTi_HHzqIMoiSasw/s400/IMG_1101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Banana Golf</b></div>
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Each player has a banana tied to a string tied around their waist. Use the banana to roll a tennis ball to the finish line. This was a favorite event for all!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jBt2wyIM5J6KAFWhryf6_jwFCKuw_nvXfDN3cIOCpNjJvYGuBnV4ntxNJykxYeIBHsYMdH2HrBkR__-X3KTzaq3LD7QfVwn5cWcb5mJtMfPXuCXbMzXEVxBOp2sPDSfzJkjkFiSnYsQ/s1600/IMG_4463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jBt2wyIM5J6KAFWhryf6_jwFCKuw_nvXfDN3cIOCpNjJvYGuBnV4ntxNJykxYeIBHsYMdH2HrBkR__-X3KTzaq3LD7QfVwn5cWcb5mJtMfPXuCXbMzXEVxBOp2sPDSfzJkjkFiSnYsQ/s400/IMG_4463.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>6. Long Toss</b></div>
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Toss the banana from a distance while 2 teammates try to catch it in an pillowcase.</div>
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<b>7. Banana Spoon Race</b></div>
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Like an egg and spoon race but with a banana! We used wooden spoons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGshwqFXBwxGsGqFpvixNyY-fSsKVBBoRg0Uo3moRR69Fbd0gN6c3KZSip9S5qNQQirZSMLXJ_NJfrt0-gnVRfrsMHYFlHiii668Jux_Glo-fNwO_D4IwDtRIaO8ZukCPkEUdfhrBbFdY/s1600/IMG_4453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGshwqFXBwxGsGqFpvixNyY-fSsKVBBoRg0Uo3moRR69Fbd0gN6c3KZSip9S5qNQQirZSMLXJ_NJfrt0-gnVRfrsMHYFlHiii668Jux_Glo-fNwO_D4IwDtRIaO8ZukCPkEUdfhrBbFdY/s400/IMG_4453.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>8. Leap Frog Banana Toss </b></div>
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Players line up leap frog style and after they jump over everyone in the line they toss the banana back up to the next jumper. </div>
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I absolutely loved doing the Banana Olympics. It was a great end to a wonderful school year. If you decide to give this party a try, I'd love to hear about it. Just make sure to have plenty of replacement bananas on hand!</div>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-59398252185853861512012-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:002012-06-12T02:23:15.259-07:00Day Out: LondonWe have visitors! Two of my favorite people have arrived- my sister and brother in law. I'm determined to show them a good time while they are here. And that's just what I did today.<br />
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We headed into London bright and early to catch the procession for <a href="http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/">The Colonel's Review</a>. This is a dress rehearsal for the Trooping of the Colour ceremony which will take place next weekend to celebrate the Queen's birthday. If there's one thing the British do well it is ceremony and pageantry. What a thrill to see the band playing and the soldiers marching. And, oh my, the horses! So beautiful and regal looking with their fancy tack.<br />
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From there we headed over to Oxford Street & Regent Street to do a little shopping. London looks so pretty, still wearing all her Jubilee decorations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen in Legos in the Hamley's window</td></tr>
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After popping into Harrod's (it's a must-see for tourists) we decided to take advantage of the unusually sunny weather and go for a ride on the London Eye. The views were gorgeous and we all enjoyed the slow tour through the sky.<br />
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And it wouldn't be a day in London without spotting something a bit out of the ordinary. So I really should not have been so surprised when over 1000 nude bicycle riders zoomed past us near County Hall. It seems we stumbled upon the path of the <a href="http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/london-naked-bike-ride-article-3067.html">London Naked Bike Ride</a>. I think my nine year old daughter may be scarred for life!<br />
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Never a dull moment! I hope you had an exciting Saturday, too.<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-89561264219272470632012-06-08T08:53:00.000-07:002012-06-12T02:25:02.912-07:00UK Roadtrip: North WalesLast week all of Great Britain celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with a four day weekend. We opted to get out of London and explore another beautiful part of the UK- North Wales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1mtOWc3PZUdyHMF7S4fOfEPreUqPiVkty9_006SBZCLMSZmKg5CThF38YJwPmbzxpYdRGsW5VJqBvcLVbZSoHdkDvGk17bioy2lr2ChXmi6OFjmDOXvmt-Hj4UV_MGPUd12UOmpD5zY/s1600/Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1mtOWc3PZUdyHMF7S4fOfEPreUqPiVkty9_006SBZCLMSZmKg5CThF38YJwPmbzxpYdRGsW5VJqBvcLVbZSoHdkDvGk17bioy2lr2ChXmi6OFjmDOXvmt-Hj4UV_MGPUd12UOmpD5zY/s640/Collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
About 4 hours north of London, this part of Wales is home to the beautiful <a href="http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/home">Snowdonia National Park</a>. We stayed in the charming little village of Betws-y-Coed, right in the heart of Snowdonia. <br />
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Although the weather wasn't perfect (it's COLD up there!), we really enjoyed our long weekend. We spent our time <a href="http://www.castlewales.com/conwy.html">storming castles</a>, riding on <a href="http://www.lake-railway.co.uk/">steam trains</a>, hiking to <a href="http://www.betws-y-coed.co.uk/feature_pages/item/1067/Swallow_Falls_Betws_y_Coed.html">waterfalls</a> and soaking up the beautiful scenery.<br />
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We saw lots of sheep and rock walls and natural slate; rolling green hills and gorgeous old stone buildings. We marveled at the Welsh language (what???). <br />
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And although I was a wee bit sad to miss out on the festivities in London town, I was perfectly happy to watch the Jubilee celebrations on the telly in the warmth of our pretty <a href="http://www.snowdoniahotel.com/">hotel</a> (which had a perfect 2-room suite for a family of 5).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun low ropes course. The harnesses work great- they tested them!</td></tr>
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So glad we got to see this beautiful part of the country. But now that it's nearly the middle of June I'd really like to put the winter jackets away. Is there such a thing as "summer" in the UK?<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-78446937177861247042012-06-01T00:57:00.002-07:002012-06-12T02:25:27.605-07:00The Diamond Jubilee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAQMdTxl73kAC2GRVfFpWVNMe21NLByQQoSgHVgzEw8Qb1G5zUEpCDHo5LtPwNn4536yUuQIhTRKzw-pl-PL1AHZ5QwnrJdexp1wzYDWJgrBoL8jBNkFmwWTqwOCwwtd1qWvD1jGWFa0/s1600/jubilee+teapot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
All of Great Britain is abuzz with preparations for the Queen's <a href="http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/">Diamond Jubilee</a> celebration which takes place this weekend, June 2-5, 2012. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n_0SrFWb6VDz-v-9Fp3BIGRQkJ7FsMwPJ1FcTmJVsjx7WPZddtMo3yM7nWV1uUWoD1PVX2xwjkTuhumm_LoXYt4RowEWlZ4CY2Oi1UgmMIvOB29X0F5Qk_dH9ssiL18uFLZqc5n6S6Y/s1600/Jubilee-Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n_0SrFWb6VDz-v-9Fp3BIGRQkJ7FsMwPJ1FcTmJVsjx7WPZddtMo3yM7nWV1uUWoD1PVX2xwjkTuhumm_LoXYt4RowEWlZ4CY2Oi1UgmMIvOB29X0F5Qk_dH9ssiL18uFLZqc5n6S6Y/s640/Jubilee-Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rosettesdirect.co.uk/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Union Jack bunting is strung through all the villages, street parties have been organized, and flags are flying high.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windsor all decked out in bunting</td></tr>
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I am absolutely in love with the Jubilee <a href="http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/new-for-summer/diamond-jubilee-4-cup-teapot/invt/1jub020104/?htxt=Ur8i4B2XtojBX1VV9q1sCZ%2FXX19%2Box2Xys8%2FVOqj6HJ5WBU%2Flk0tlW5tGD7jyvP%2F%2F7GtkBAgh9wz%0AmvNJh9rjsA%3D%3D&vbmrec=true">teapot</a> I bought for myself to commemorate the occasion. <br />
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Americans who want to get into the Jubilee spirit can shop <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=12971370&camp=em_cpwm:jubilee:wk18:decacc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jubilee&utm_source=decacc&RMID=20120530_WK18_CPWM_DiamondJubilee&RRID=403331">here</a> for their own souvenirs. </div>
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(My personal favorite is the <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2uk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/long-may-she-wave.html">solar waving Queen</a>)</div>
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There will be concerts and pageants royal appearances. It seems that half the country's population will be in London for the festivities, and the other half are using the extra public holiday for a long weekend getaway.<br />
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Can you guess which half I'll be in?<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-39154287251320304552012-05-30T03:47:00.004-07:002012-06-12T02:24:39.425-07:00Provence HighlightsWhat can I say about my <a href="http://www.awbs.org.uk/">women's club</a> weekend in Provence? It was wonderful! It was four days filled with friendship and laughter, wine at lunch and dinner, art and history, beautiful scenery, and shopping. We visited the charming towns of Aix en Provence, Arles, Les Baux, Nimes, Avignon, and Cassis. I practiced my very, <i>very</i> rusty French,, and developed friendships with some wonderful women.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxozPVgSb1_zvaKsEEkRA9-1A1OEwLZiTOtZBAQkeQF2Y6zg49KerEyXNGY4jyYfqK_aRZ_L3Xd9dP85lMEFu30wbbPSfaeD4Se78ra2JdR1-ZNEszeYGUCj8Fyk1Mw6OnCDR6n9haT50/s1600/Market+at+Arles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxozPVgSb1_zvaKsEEkRA9-1A1OEwLZiTOtZBAQkeQF2Y6zg49KerEyXNGY4jyYfqK_aRZ_L3Xd9dP85lMEFu30wbbPSfaeD4Se78ra2JdR1-ZNEszeYGUCj8Fyk1Mw6OnCDR6n9haT50/s640/Market+at+Arles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Market at Arles</td></tr>
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The highlight for me was visiting the sites associated with Van Gogh. I felt as if I had stepped into one of his paintings when I saw the garden he painted at the <a href="http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/88/Courtyard-of-the-Hospital-at-Arles,-The.html">hospital</a> in Arles, and when we ate lunch at the cafe featured in <a href="http://www.vangoghgallery.com/in_his_steps/arles.html">this</a> street scene. And visiting the St. Paul asylum in St. Remy where he painted some of his best known works was really fascinating. I also visited the workshop of Cezanne in Aix en Provence. What a striking difference between the lives of these two men! Cezanne, the son of a wealthy man, worked in his purpose built atelier with a wall of windows looking out over his beautiful garden. Van Gogh had his workshop in a mental hospital which also overlooked beautiful gardens but obviously had a very different feel. It was overwhelming to realize that Van Gogh painted 142 masterpieces during the 13 month period he resided at the asylum. It is absolutely amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndLJnhlP0ZMYR4vhrNNHTEnN6iTBj4b8JwBDrgiOGzu7egYvSAhcyaw7Jg4NNpwKTkVzBqLLLCW-UC-cvwyfsW6GYEScPi1w5TV_s6OwQ12M78YyeAByFQUnwu4XvYY2pE1lh4UdbaNw/s1600/Van+Gogh+at+Arles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndLJnhlP0ZMYR4vhrNNHTEnN6iTBj4b8JwBDrgiOGzu7egYvSAhcyaw7Jg4NNpwKTkVzBqLLLCW-UC-cvwyfsW6GYEScPi1w5TV_s6OwQ12M78YyeAByFQUnwu4XvYY2pE1lh4UdbaNw/s640/Van+Gogh+at+Arles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Gogh in Arles</td></tr>
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The weather only interfered with our plans on the last day when torrential rains cancelled our planned boat trip and we took shelter at a local winery for tasting session. Not a bad way to spend a rainy morning!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFAR2V5I61nfENxujVL9iDDVLNRhSx4XtGODlGZzmm2eGDwtx65HyjmTsQ7cFJBBjVw-ZHvVF2JNDjfdwMmHCBe8WS01hn421K4RIAq3ND1M15ZiKE_XNlve3Ws5mJ6UZCSU3m1dvn4w/s1600/More+Provence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFAR2V5I61nfENxujVL9iDDVLNRhSx4XtGODlGZzmm2eGDwtx65HyjmTsQ7cFJBBjVw-ZHvVF2JNDjfdwMmHCBe8WS01hn421K4RIAq3ND1M15ZiKE_XNlve3Ws5mJ6UZCSU3m1dvn4w/s640/More+Provence.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a beautiful weekend in Provence!</td></tr>
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When I arrived home on Sunday evening I felt refreshed and relaxed. I was so happy to see my family! The boys had made signs for me and all 3 kids were waiting at the door with the biggest smiles and the biggest hugs. I am so glad I had the opportunity to go away for the weekend, and so glad I have them to come home to. I hope you had a beautiful weekend, too!<br />
<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-63383990219225294722012-05-27T06:08:00.001-07:002012-05-27T06:08:31.825-07:00Thank You!Thanks to all of you SITS girls for stopping by to make my feature day so fun. I've been busy visiting each of your blogs and am really enjoying getting to know you better. <br />
My trip to Provence was lovely. Such a great weekend away with a wonderful group of women. I'm embarrassed to say I haven't even had a chance to get the photos off my camera yet! But I think I have at least a few good ones to share with you soon.<br />
Things have been crazy busy around here and the sun has finally decided to show itself in England (after what felt like months and months of rain) so everyone has been outside enjoying the gorgeous weather.<br />
It's nice to stop and take a breath before sprinting through the final weeks of school. Bring on the summer! <br />
<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-92011320189560465582012-05-16T02:29:00.000-07:002012-05-16T02:29:50.430-07:00Oh Happy DayWhen you were a kid did you ever carefully cut the "Proof of Purchase" off cereal boxes, save them up for months and months and then send them off with the promise of redeeming them for some sort of amazing toy? You'd wait weeks and weeks, checking the mailbox to see if your long awaited prize had arrived. <br />
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Well, for me, that day is here- for two reasons!<br />
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First, I am setting off on a much anticipated ladies-only trip to Provence. I can't wait to soak up some sun in the south of France and I'm looking forward to telling you all about it when I get back next week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDrk0ahqhA4rMbqSeO-Wj7DRDgH8ytwXtFtgOLCH3W3V0FdmvKq5QEEFjAxfRRUuERJ88hs8kXUbwiW2bzEvBFKRxtbGrfKUqY_i2eFV0ZOxacTiKWWgrlYU4DRaI4-AL8rwOyGKK51M/s1600/provence_007p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDrk0ahqhA4rMbqSeO-Wj7DRDgH8ytwXtFtgOLCH3W3V0FdmvKq5QEEFjAxfRRUuERJ88hs8kXUbwiW2bzEvBFKRxtbGrfKUqY_i2eFV0ZOxacTiKWWgrlYU4DRaI4-AL8rwOyGKK51M/s400/provence_007p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/provence/trips/8688/photos/photoview/16513">Photo Credit</a></td></tr>
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And secondly, it's my SITS day! Hooray!<br />
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Months ago I joined this useful site and today is finally my day as the SITS Girls featured blogger. If you're visiting from <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/">The SITS girls</a>, welcome! I'm so glad you've stopped by to take a look around. I hope you'll pour yourself a cuppa and and stay for a bit.<br />
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I blog mostly about my experience as an American Expat living near London. Before moving here I was lucky enough to be an expat in Australia. You can read all about that adventure <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2oz.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a>.<br />
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Sometimes I find myself befuddled by the cultural differences I've experienced. Like when no one eats <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2uk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/bit-about-birthdays.html">birthday cake</a> at the party or when people queue up for hours to have their <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2uk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/this-wouldnt-happen-in-america.html">cars washed</a> (<i>in the rain</i>!), or, wondering why I need to <a href="http://yellowbrickroad2uk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/etiquette-tip.html">serve tea</a> to the plumber.<br />
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We are on a mission to travel as much as possible while living here, and I write about dragging my kids around Europe, one playground at a time. You can have a look at some of our trips over in the sidebar.<br />
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Thanks again for stopping by. I love reading your comments and look forward to getting to know you better by visiting your blogs, too. What a happy day!<br />
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562994582389031844.post-1357154943598755412012-05-14T15:27:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:39:53.283-07:00UK Road Trip: East Yorkshire CoastAfter touring the city of York we were ready to get out and see the country side. Just 2 hours outside the city is the beautiful East Coast of England. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKCFlQGa_ZkW_Lc2a7ATweqc-nWLqoHQFGQR8UXh1w8iiicqp8ZHo7NXlpip9k7HxHIIDjpFoHCmojtQG50RIh3zkuPeS445NPG2gjRt1Kt892-IABJsA8Aj7vmLo72WLNUuU7s3saOQ/s1600/DSC_4195.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
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We stopped in the lovely village of Staithes for a hike and some lunch. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCToQABfCPfq4BOQIuDugtVqwzqYzwDiHbCIK6muz_NVbMejTLtIhohADaZQep8ytC-m-dsJIaSRBkHa8D9qUu87Xl1ykmqIt5iz4NnSs7eEMFp1HFbgYpNF3xdZtlDrtldX1Twfa4udg/s1600/DSC_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCToQABfCPfq4BOQIuDugtVqwzqYzwDiHbCIK6muz_NVbMejTLtIhohADaZQep8ytC-m-dsJIaSRBkHa8D9qUu87Xl1ykmqIt5iz4NnSs7eEMFp1HFbgYpNF3xdZtlDrtldX1Twfa4udg/s640/DSC_4219.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staithes at low tide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyqkhBwa31murP-8uBiI8m89tZttNroDhsG97M_xPHKLgEBaRybVrGKqsMRZEKOiGuK06fjk_7LT-zzq7gbrtm2xDHRcmf5Ggwux0kJTOHkTD-bK9wd0UV8QBam-Eej-fuuIIEd7Xp5c/s1600/DSC_4228.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyqkhBwa31murP-8uBiI8m89tZttNroDhsG97M_xPHKLgEBaRybVrGKqsMRZEKOiGuK06fjk_7LT-zzq7gbrtm2xDHRcmf5Ggwux0kJTOHkTD-bK9wd0UV8QBam-Eej-fuuIIEd7Xp5c/s640/DSC_4228.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Staithes</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6kQJUc-LwBKFHWcGaOzSkpXPyfAq8LSXrziFL5rNcmiTEV8SfTrBurveFPR2i7DoigYAuT96k1SlrathnlX_H2QtxcW07QaGe8fuHCfOdP2IdP3T_3LxCK2nswGNfKwy1HrzWIQ5MMk/s1600/DSC_4222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6kQJUc-LwBKFHWcGaOzSkpXPyfAq8LSXrziFL5rNcmiTEV8SfTrBurveFPR2i7DoigYAuT96k1SlrathnlX_H2QtxcW07QaGe8fuHCfOdP2IdP3T_3LxCK2nswGNfKwy1HrzWIQ5MMk/s640/DSC_4222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then headed south along the coast for some fossil hunting. We didn't have much time as the tide was coming in, but we were able to find quite a few interesting fossils.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKCFlQGa_ZkW_Lc2a7ATweqc-nWLqoHQFGQR8UXh1w8iiicqp8ZHo7NXlpip9k7HxHIIDjpFoHCmojtQG50RIh3zkuPeS445NPG2gjRt1Kt892-IABJsA8Aj7vmLo72WLNUuU7s3saOQ/s1600/DSC_4195.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKCFlQGa_ZkW_Lc2a7ATweqc-nWLqoHQFGQR8UXh1w8iiicqp8ZHo7NXlpip9k7HxHIIDjpFoHCmojtQG50RIh3zkuPeS445NPG2gjRt1Kt892-IABJsA8Aj7vmLo72WLNUuU7s3saOQ/s640/DSC_4195.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Yorkshire Coastline</td></tr>
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The drive along back along the coast and inland to York was so beautiful. I was snapping pictures like crazy out the car window and then we finally found a spot to pull over. Here are a few shots from our roadside pit stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzluMEk2NHmO2o83KWt3NeUbu1FLwqpefRG2B26Unk3phuu7cc-a6FT8fkimXB6nvWi9PsilVSBxtaALGrQeKPJtbRBmJQ_KpTqIVlbjVjdgB8jCZabDPx4IFlR9CF4LCdB05gOWLf7E/s1600/DSC_4244.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzluMEk2NHmO2o83KWt3NeUbu1FLwqpefRG2B26Unk3phuu7cc-a6FT8fkimXB6nvWi9PsilVSBxtaALGrQeKPJtbRBmJQ_KpTqIVlbjVjdgB8jCZabDPx4IFlR9CF4LCdB05gOWLf7E/s640/DSC_4244.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zooming past the most amazing fields of blooming rapeseed. It was everywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMnfkMrXHrLBXEHZnfQMYLFkZ9jj9FkzhCCKRhV0x8oCqDG5nwhfktzBVph2syiKhcC3bbLrUvRE0IbnN0gs6GuKJhyQNAjfmqj0lsQIbkjEzWyVOYx7c4-1I0SYkl-1iWi7-9IdJhmE/s1600/DSC_4269.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMnfkMrXHrLBXEHZnfQMYLFkZ9jj9FkzhCCKRhV0x8oCqDG5nwhfktzBVph2syiKhcC3bbLrUvRE0IbnN0gs6GuKJhyQNAjfmqj0lsQIbkjEzWyVOYx7c4-1I0SYkl-1iWi7-9IdJhmE/s640/DSC_4269.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful views of the country side and the sea</td></tr>
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There is nothing quite like the English countryside. I would love to come back to this part of the country in the summer to see the moors in full bloom, or in August when the heather turns the hillsides bright purple. It must be quite a site to see! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZM3PNK56-SEFcPkGImZBmD6mcxAbIKn1Xv-KpNo4bGOt34inD4QgJ92Pd5vgQ2GQxZWB5ZvIPmX3Qg9Da12RYRNADi1FH-3M4hlqTxeR2R36jbpzAuJFBSSxunQqOcB8G14Gkuo-JD4/s1600/DSC_4252.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZM3PNK56-SEFcPkGImZBmD6mcxAbIKn1Xv-KpNo4bGOt34inD4QgJ92Pd5vgQ2GQxZWB5ZvIPmX3Qg9Da12RYRNADi1FH-3M4hlqTxeR2R36jbpzAuJFBSSxunQqOcB8G14Gkuo-JD4/s640/DSC_4252.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to our next road trip!</td></tr>
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<img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp39/erinmswilliams/Yellow%20Brick%20Road/signature-1.png" />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03085166531956492549noreply@blogger.com19 Surrey, UK51.4025942 -0.576367351.4001177 -0.5813028 51.4050707 -0.5714318