A Little Mingle Before the Jingle...

From Crowell Post

Melt the cheese, I know; but I honestly couldn't resist the title!
Abby, Sally, Pod (credit for the overview shot), and Georgie (poor Rory was ill and Henry stayed home to care for him) invited us over for some sponge cake, sandwiches, and minced pies just before we left home for the holidays. Nothing felt so cozy and comfortable. Sitting together for a chat inside a toasty-warm home sheltered from the outside bitter cold made me even more excited for the holidays! Elsie and Grace shared some cake (well, I believe Elsie ate both pieces of cake). Sally made a beautiful sponge cake and shared with us the most delicious minced pies. Honestly, I can not get over them. When Christmas comes around this year, I will be out to get these pleasant little pastries to take home and share with family. Thank you dear friends for the relaxing afternoon mingle and memories.

Jumpin' into 2011

Well, thank goodness we're welcoming 2011 now instead of in June! :) A little jumping with the kids (love E's sock in this picture--used to laugh so hard as a kid when socks would end up this way) and some jive lessons from Graham got us all pumped up to celebrate the new year.

From Crowell Post

Of course, what would the old year be like without a foam fight and some jumping around in the pit?!

From Crowell Post

Thank goodness the girls brought along some trendy clothes (and good food of course) to dress up 2011.

From Crowell Post

What better way to ring in the new year with good friends and family. Cheers to the Crowells and the Holbrooks.

From Crowell Post

Cheers to everyone.

Swingin' in the Rain

A couple weekends ago, Angelika and Ulrich came to London where we met for a day. Passed St. Paul's Cathedral (Elsie was happy to know this is where the lady "feed[s] the birds" on Mary Poppins), walked across the Millennium Bridge, and strolled through the Tate Gallery.

From Crowell Post

We also paid a visit to Tower Hill. Angelika had some great pictures of both Spencer and Elsie, but her camera was either stolen or lost after lunch! :( We felt so sad. We're pretty sure Elsie will always have great memories with "Lika" and "Uli"--especially that of swingin' in the rain.

From Crowell Post

{Heartly} Tempting

From Crowell Post

Why not put up your feet and enjoy a few sugar cookies on Valentine's with those you love anyway?

From Crowell Post

We did. :)

Kisses and Hugs

From Crowell Post

Thanks to my Uncle Steven, I have this sweet shot of Elsie and Spencer. Amidst some of the arm/leg pulling, eye poking, and tummy squashing, there are some tender signs of love. Kisses and hugs.

Pillow Pets and Tunnel Tents

From Crowell Post

Little did we realize just how big these pillow pets were at home! Elsie loved her soft lady bug {lady bird in England}. It made falling asleep on the plane much more comfortable. Soph adored her unicorn, while Graham couldn't enough of his...or at least we think so...

From Crowell Post

Connor and Elsie also had a hay day twirling around in the tunnel tent. :)

Happy Birthday, Dear Corey

From Crowell Post

Yes, folks...Corey turned 31 just this last week and we proudly celebrated his birthday at our very favorite, Pizza Express! Elsie relaxed and enjoyed her fizzy--colored a little, while Spencer became instant friends with one of the chefs! Did he ever have Spencer's attention! Spencer easily mirrored the chef with silly faces and jumping jacks!

From Crowell Post

Ooh, how we love-a la pizza! Elsie is quite traditional when it comes to folding hers before she eats it!

From Crowell Post

After a nice meal, we celebrated big with some white cake with chocolate frosting {a favorite of Corey's}. It was so nice to be accompanied by the birthday choir from the singing cake platter {kudos to our friends, Patrick and Patricia}! We loved it! :) Thank you friends and family for all the birthday wishes and phone and Skype calls! Happy 31, dear Corey.