Aiden Birthday Celebrations!

Well, it’s been a week since Aiden’s actual birthday, but we had to wait to post since he had three, yes three, parties this year! So, we’ll start at the beginning...
Saturday morning, the 18th, we woke up singing “happy birthday” to a very smiley blondie. I don’t know who was more excited to open gifts, Aiden, Jacob or Mommy! Daddy was a bit annoyed that his shower was rushed through, but it was just too exciting!! So, the gifts were opened both from family here and abroad, which made it extra special.

Model village was next. Aiden went on his new scooter; it took twice as long to get there. Let’s just say he needs a bit of practice!! He was really excited to see the miniature houses and castles, but the ultimate was the trains. He and Jeb could have stayed all day watching them! We went home, had some fun and then it was dinner and cake. It was a great day for our now four year old!

The celebration continued on Monday at school. His cake was sent and they had a little party for him – the easiest party for me! But, there are some non-school friends, so Friday was the day to have the official party. So, six of his friends came over and we had a fireman party. I had called the fire department just to see if they could swing by – and they did! The kids got in the fire engine as well as hold the fire hose with water pouring out! This capped off with the fire engine leaving with sirens blaring and lights flashing made Aiden’s day! Food and piñata followed. It was a great day.

Happy 4th Birthday, Aiden! (I can’t believe it!!!)

Visit to Bath

It's a holiday in England on the Monday after Easter, so we hit the road to go to see the sights of Bath. Well, really just one main site - the Roman Baths that were built 2000 years ago and still stand today (well, some of it). It was truly amazing to see the baths as they were back then. Specifically the main bath, which is still intact with the spring water still bubbling. It's easy to see how the Romans truly were ahead of their time when you see the engineering that it took to build these baths and temple over this natural hot spring.

We followed up the visit with a picnic in the park and a visit to another English manor. Got to sit, relax, and even see some deer!

Tom is back to work and we only have a few more non-school days to enjoy. Ah, reality bites!

Happy Easter from the UK!

Happy Easter from the Koops Boys!!

Early morning egg hunt

Jeb isn't so sure what to do with the egg

Easter dinner - Jacob's favorite: lamb w/ yorkshire puddings.

(Ham hard to find here!)

A Day Spent at the Coast

Since Tom had off from work for Good Friday, we decided to take a day trip to the coast. All week had been warm and sunny, so the odds were against us for good weather. The odds were right - rainy and grey when we awoke. Oh well. Seize the day! So, off we went.

Our first stop was at Corfe Castle. The biggest ruined castle in Britain. It was built 1000 years ago and destroyed during the great war when the English overtook the Normans. Wow, they blew it apart as you can see from the picture. The kids loved running about, especially since there was yet another Easter Trail with a chocolate egg at the end. The views were great even with the damp weather and the rain didn't put a damper on our morning. The only thing that did (and just a little bit) was the fact that I left the memory stick in the computer. Thank goodness for disposable cameras! A bit embarrassing as we wound the film after each pic, but it did the trick.

After a picnic in the car we went to Lulworth Cove, the beginning of Britain's Jurassic Coast. Jeb was in the midst of a nap and the boys were itching to go fossil hunting. So, I stayed behind and watched the rain stop withing a half hour. With Jeb in the backpack we took off to find two wet, very happy boys. Jeb was eager to join in, so on went his little wellies and he went straight to the water...thank goodness he still needs a hand to walk so we could hold him back!

Next stop...Durdle's Door. A much easier beach to walk/crawl in due to great little pebbles, which Jacob spent much of his time collecting. The water was blue and the 'door' was actually a cliff that the water had worn through over time. Aiden was wet within 5 minutes of being there. I was prepared with extra socks, but not extra trousers. Noted for next time! Jeb continued to crawl towards the sea while Tom and I took turns dragging him back. A short walk to the chalk cliffs to explore the caves and Jacob was also ready for a change of clothes. You'd think that by now I'd remember that boys get wet and dirty when near the sea!

We got home around 8pm. Most people's children would be dead asleep. Not ours. They needed baths anyway. But, what great memories we made today. Gray skies don't mean much when you are having so much fun!

Days Off

We are on our third day of two weeks off from school and I think the consensus is that we are all loving it! No rushing around in the morning wondering where Jacob's tie is or hastily packing a lunch. Nope, we are gently easing into each day. I keep thinking that this great, 60 degree weather is going to stop. Each day has been filled with sun! Amazing that Jacob has a sun burn in England!

Today was a great day. We had a super appointment for Jeb with his CF doctor. All is well and he is gaining weight nicely - like a normal child! So, to celebrate (ok, it was a bribe to make the boys sit during the appointment) we went to Hughedon Manor (old English estate) where they were having an Easter Trail. Find the clues and get a big chocolate egg at the end. The boys had a great time finding everything and after we picnicked in the daffodils. One bug hunt later and we were on our way home for an afternoon of jumping on the tramp, playing football, and playing in the sandbox - poor Jeb got it in his hair thanks to big bro, Aiden!

I am trying to cherish each moment when they are home. I'm seeing just how fast it's going and it won't be long until they refuse to go on Easter Trails with me and don't want me near the trampoline. So, for now I'll let the floors get a little dirty and the dust pile up. We are having too much fun...

Hughedon Manor and their completed clue sheet

The chocolate reward at the end

Caring...

The last day of term was this past Friday. We were all excited to pick up Jacob and start our two week holiday. Jacob came out of class beaming and held up a little plastic plaque. It was the "Caring Award." It must be something new the school is doing and Jacob received the first award. He said his teacher picked him because he always brings children in for help when they are hurt. I'm more than proud of him, but not entirely surprised. I see his caring side daily. Well done Jacob!