Summer So Far

This summer has been absolutely incredible so far. I can't believe how many fun things we have been able to do, and it is barely July! We've been out and about almost every day, and when we've had a day at home we've been enjoying rollerblades and bike riding. It has really been better than I could have imagined! :)

We spent a day at Rookery Open Farm, where they had a petting zoo, lots of farm animals, fun play areas, and beautiful views. We visited our favorite hedge maze at Blenheim Palace again, and loved our first visit to the butterfly house!

The base has had a few fun activities, like David Cook in concert and a really great 4th of July celebration with lots of rides, games, and parachuters!

We visited Stowe Gardens, which is really close by and absolutely beautiful! So many cool monuments and buildings on beautiful landscapes.

Over the long 4th of July weekend, we went on some day trips to the Cotswolds and to Stratford-Upon-Avon. I just can't get enough of cute little villages, nice pedestrian walkways, and sunny days!

The weather was fantastic in June, and I've loved every moment of being here in England. I think this will be a summer we will never forget! Up next: Italy and then home to Utah to see everyone we love!

30

I turned 30 last week! I've actually been looking forward to it - to a new year, a new decade, a better me. I had a great day with my kids, opened packages sent from family back home, and a fun brunch with sweet friends. In the afternoon, Joseph sent me a message that I needed to be ready to go out at 4:00, with no other information. He came home from work early and surprised me with tickets to see Les Miserables in London! I was thrilled! We dropped the kids off with some friends and took the train into London (which was sooo much better than driving). We ate at a yummy Italian place, and then went to the show!

It was absolutely incredible in every way. I couldn't have loved it more! Joseph knows me so well, and this was such a great way to start my year off right! We had a wonderful evening together and it was such a happy birthday!

Last Days

It is finally summer break! Anna finished her nursery school a few weeks ago, and Matthew's last day of 1st grade was last Thursday. They both did so well this year with adjusting to the move and to a new home and schools. They made a lot of friends and learned a lot and I feel like they both grew up so much since last summer!

We went out to dinner to celebrate the end of the school year. I just can't believe how big these kids are! :) Anna is so excited to be in Kindergarten and join Matthew at his school next year, and she can't wait to ride the bus with him. We made a list of all the fun things we want to do this summer, and we are all really looking forward to it!

Sewn

I've been doing some spring sewing! I have a hard time sewing when I feel like my home or my life are unsettled, so it has taken me a really long time to get back to sewing as regularly as I like after our move. Just in time for the kids to be out of school for the summer! :) Here are a few things I have sewn up recently. There are more details on my sewing blog if you are interested.

We are going to Italy in July and I can't wait to wear this dress there! It will be perfect for the summer heat (which we don't really get a lot of here...).

I love this flowy top, which is pretty much the only type of shirt I wear anymore since they are so comfortable!

Matching shirts with my Anna girl!

Tunics and leggings are my favorite thing for Anna right now - so cute and so comfy.

I'm also working on some quilts for the kids' beds, baby things for my sister, and more summer clothes!

May

May has been pretty great so far. It is amazing how much more you can do when the weather is nice and it is still light after dinner! We've had some gorgeous weather the past couple of weeks and it has been nice to go out walking and exploring.

I've been weeding and planting flowers and herbs and really enjoying my few minutes of time outside every day. I got window boxes for Mother's Day and they make me so happy!

We got to go to a friend's wedding last weekend and Anna had a blast on the dance floor all evening!

There are only a few more weeks of school and we are all really looking forward to the summer! It is going to be a good one! :)

7

Our best boy turned seven years old yesterday! We had a fun weekend celebrating his big day. We spent time at the park and with friends and building with new Lego sets, of course! He is such a happy boy, and we are so glad to have had him in our lives for the last seven years.