Guess How Much I Love You

This post is for Jacob to read when he is older and having a hard time remembering what it is that he likes so much about his brother...

The boys are on a regular bathroom schedule and it seems this happens generally in the mornings, so we need to be on our toes with Aiden who isn't quite coordinated yet to get the toilet paper where it needs to go (if you catch my drift). Yesterday Tom heard the toilet flush and went in to do his duty since it was his turn. But, instead of seeing Aiden waiting, he see Jacob just finishing up the wipe and stating, "Don't worry daddy, I have it taken care of. I just wiped him myself."

Yep Jacob, you love your brother so much that poo doesn't even matter!

May Bank Holiday Weekend

This weekend we got an extra day - bank holiday here in England. Don't ask me why, but I'm not complaining! With all this great weather we were ready to get out! We decided to do a couple day trips to London.

Saturday we went to Kew Gardens. I expected something a little bigger than Fedrick Meijer Gardens in GR, but it was about 5 times that size! We headed towards the main attraction - the Treetop Walkway. A walkway that is 59 feet in the sky. The floor was grated and you could see right down. Aiden clung to me and I clung to the side, but our bravery improved as the walk went on! We were in line with the tops of the trees and even saw a bird nesting below us! Our next highlight was picnicking with a peacock. At one point I thought he'd eat right out of Jeb's hand! And after that more time spent looking at 200 year old azaleas and of course, the bluebells! The day went on without too much whining about walking and believe me, we walked a lot! The kids were asleep by 7:30 that night and Tom and I were asleep by 8:00. Times sure have changed!

The 59 foot high treetop walkway

Our friend the Peacock

Tom coming out of the azaleas

Jeb was so excited that he could run around!

Monday we headed to London intending to just hang out in Hyde Park and rent a boat on the Serpentine. But, the English weather got to us and we couldn't handle being out in the rain. Luckily we were close to the kids' favorite spot in London - the Science Museum! We got to see the two floors we missed last time and hit the hands-on exhibits again. We headed back on the train, but had a mishap when we got back to Beaconsfield. We failed to listen to Jacob, who was trying to tell us something as we got off. Just too busy getting the kids off the train. When we got out of the station Jacob tried again... "Hey, where's our stuff?" Oh, you mean the backpack with our phone, camera, and KEYS!? On the train!!! So, Tom went back and asked them to call the next station and he'd pick it up if it was still there! Luckily, when we got home there was a small window open that we pushed Aiden up and through so that he could open a bigger window that we could push Jacob into and he went and opened the door. Tom returned home 30 minutes later with our stuff all still there. I don't know what I'm more distraught about - the fact that we left our stuff or that a four year old can break into our house!

Pilot Jacob at the Science Museum

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