A visit from Nick, Helen, Alex, Ben and little Micah

Well, after Gammy came, we hosted an English family that we first met in Kenya. Wish I had those pictures with me--Micah was 18 mos., their Alex and Ben were 3 and 11 mos. respectively. Now, we have added a Micah to their family and Emma Shae and Mallory to ours.

The kids got a long great--it was hard to say good-bye, but generously, they are hosting us as we leave England via London.

Some highlights from the visit

-hearing Alex read the night time Bible story to all the kids

--Hearing the Lord of the Rings read in proper accent by Nick--wow, that was totally awesome!

-Alex, Ben and Little Micah (he's 5) introduced Micah (and sort of Emma Shae) to the wonderful game and hobby of Match Attax--the football (soccer) player collecting game. It has now become a family favorite--I just want it to be know that even though I had no idea what I was doing or even what a striker is--I slaughtered Micah on the first and last time I played the game!! No wonder the kids are so competitive :) A pack of cards is 50P or pocket money as they like to say and you can pick them up in most news stands--they are very popular and we actually have only been able to buy them once, even though we are trying to follow our friend's tradition of once a week pocket money purchase... hmm... at least we are trying If you can click on Match Attax, you can take a peek at what we are talking about!

--Visiting Anfield, the Liverpool Football Club stadium

We also took a great hike and relaxed on the infamous Red Squirrel Reserve--did not see any red squirrels, but had a great time!

Mallory, Little Micah and Emma Shae after a picnic--the reserve is on the edge of a beautiful beach.

Big Micah, Alex and Ben plotting to take over the world!

Little Micah and Mallory building sand castles.

Emma Shae and beach rope extensions--lovely!

Helen reading to the girls--she is a GREAT reader as well as Nick and it was funny to hear her reading ballet books right when she is used to reading "boy" books!

It was such a good visit--Nick and Helen also introduced us to our first Balti--when the English are getting Indian take out--they say something like, "shall we go for curry?" So, we went for curry and found a new love--Indian take out!

It has been so great to keep in touch with these guys over 8 years! and to see them in their home culture --like specimens.... ha! Just kidding, but it was one of the "extras" we were really hoping for in coming to England! They are some of our heroes and still are!