June 2017

Early in June both Rachel and Caron took part in their school's 'residential trip'. This is an overnight trip with their classmates chaperoned by several teachers. Rachel's class went to France and stayed in a lovely chateau. Carson's class went to Kent, England and stayed in a large outdoor activity center. The children were kept busy and challenged with physical activities all day including climbing, boating, archery and lots of games. I was a bit worried about sending them off for a week, but they both came back smiling and had a great time with their friends.

Rachel's class is getting ready to board their coach in the picture below. Yes, they DROVE to France, about an 8 hour drive including time to get through the 'chunnel'.

With the kids both gone for 5 days John and I decided to take the opportunity to climb Mt. Snowdon in Wales. Climbing a mountain with no whining kids in tow - sounds great.

Our Hotel in Wales

Gorgeous scenery! We didn't expect the rugged terrain and steep cliffs of North Wales. What an amazing place. Sheep everywhere. We were lucky enough to have a partly sunny hike up the mountain and a few minutes of clearing even at the top. This is quite unusual - it is very cold, windy and drizzly at the top of Mt. Snowdon, even in June!

We also did some sight-seeing in North Wales. This is Caernarfon Castle, a medieval fortress in Caernarfon.

Back at home, we've started teaching the children how to play cribbage so they can play with their grandparents this summer. So far they seem to be enjoying it!

I had a chance to attend Royal Ascot horse race on a very hot day in June with the American Women's Club. What an amazing day. It is a very formal occasion with a strict dress code and is attended by the queen herself. Hats are mandatory!

Queen Elizabeth is in the yellow hat!

On the sports front, Carson is trying his hand at cricket since that is the summer sport all boys play at his school. We thought it was similar to baseball but now realize it is very different. Carson is a good sport at trying new things and he's doing his best. Below you see the uniform, referred to as 'cricket whites'. They also have a white sweater (called a jumper here) that they put on if it is chilly. They were obviously not thinking of the laundry when they made these uniforms white...

Schools here in England have field day at the end of the year. Each of the 4 houses at the school compete in various track and field events. Below is Rachel wearing her house shirt and PE clothes. This was a race where they had to hold hands with a girl from one of the younger classes while running down the field.

Carson plays tennis on Saturdays and it is quickly becoming one of his favorite sports.

Bumper cars at Goldhill Common? Just down the street from us? Yes, it wasn't just bumper cars but a whole fair just 10 minutes walking from our house. The best part was the petting area where the kids had a chance to hold a cute little bunny.

Rachel learned how to create batik fabric at school and here is the pillow she made in her art class.