Dance Competition

Last night Abigail's Jazz Dance club from school competed in a compition with 8 other primary schools. Each school had to perform 2 dances, one around the theme of 'dances from around the world' and the other was a free style dance.

Abby's group did a dance to the song 'American Boy' and 'Everybody Dance Now!'. They did a great job and danced their hearts out. Unfortunately they didn't win anything but lots of hugs, kisses and admiration from their parents, but they had a great time.

Because of strict laws about gaining parental permission for photos/videos we weren't allowed to take photos/videos of any part of the dances. But here's picture of our girl after the show was over!

Weekend Away Pictures

Sorry it's been a while folks. I thought things were calming down but then all the end of year things have started happening so we've been a little busy.

Here are some of the photos from the Children's programme we did a few weekends ago. It was really a lovely facility and we were blessed with great weather.

There was a giant checkers board on the ground, Sam loves playing 'Draughts' (UK) and managed to play a few games with his Dad - needless to say Sam won because Dean was not giving the game his full attention.

Aleah loved playing with the giant connect four game. Just stacking up the pieces was enough to keep her entertained!

Dean is leading a session with the kids on Philippians.

We took them outside to play some games and let off steam. They all enjoyed playing 4 way tug of war. Thankfully, there weren't any accidents!

Happy Birthday - LC

A great big birthday greetings to Lincoln Cole Bates!
We wish we could be with you to help celebrate!

Summer Musical Recital

The children's school put on a music recital this afternoon. It was showcasing the ablilities of Key Stage 2 (upper primary). Abigail has been taking violin lessons at school for almost 2 years now, and she also sings in the chior. It was a lovely afternoon of music. It started at 3:30 and lasted until 5! Quite long! Dean ended up taking Sam and Aleah home after Abby had done all her bits. Aleah quite enjoyed all the music and especially loved applauding after each performance. Samuel, on the other hand, was quite bored with the whole event and would have much rather played football out in the playground. That's siblings for you! Here are a few pic's. Not the best quality as I was quite far back and the lighting wasn't the best.

Calming down

Things are beginning to calm down here a bit, which is very nice I must say! Dean is not constantly sat a the computer or burying his head in books. The kids are getting used to having Daddy around a bit more. School is back in session...6 weeks and counting! I know all of my American friends and family are already enjoying the summer holidays...we'll get there. This last part of the term is filled with extra things like - Summer Fairs, Dance/Music Recitals, special field trips, Abby's class will even be having an overnight trip in July! Imagine camping with 30 8/9 year olds!! NO THANK YOU!!!

The kids are starting the countdown for our big family vacation to Florida!!! We are all so very excited to be able to spend some time with our much loved and missed USA family. Abby and Sam have started making lists of the cereals they want for breakfast, and the restaurants they want to eat at! (Sound like they don't get fed here in London, doesn't it!?)

The weather is still a bit dodgy here! It rained for most of the beginning of the week, and I had to put the heating back on for a bit. Yesterday was beautiful sunshine and it looks like it's going down hill today. It's OK, 6 weeks until I'm enjoying HOT sun!

Not much else going on right now, but I thought that I'd touch base and let you all know that we are still alive!

Cookie dough fun!

So the kids are off of school for the week (1/2 term), Dean is studying for his final, and I am busy, busy, busy keeping everyone entertained and happy. Today I promised Abigail that after our trip to the market we could bake something. She wanted to make 'Grandma's Speciality'- cinnamon buns, but it sounded like too much work for me. We compromised and made chocolate chip cookies. I had Samuel and Aleah happily playing with playdo at the table (at least for a little while), and Abs and I were getting on with it. I found a baking tray that a friend gave me that makes star-shaped cookies on a stick. They didn't turn out too bad. I could only put the stick in half of the stars because with all the sticks in it wouldn't fit in my oven.

Towards the end, Sam and Aleah became more interested in the cookies than playdo. They each wanted a turn to scoop out some cookies...Aleah also noticed that Abby kept dipping her fingers into the mixture so she thought she would have a go. Then Abby, who was in an incredibly weird mood, stuck a chocolate chip on her nose and of course her siblings followed...encouraged by their Dad who was on a five minute break from studying!

Final Days

Well, it is the final few days before the FINAL! Dean has been very busy over the last few weeks working on his final essays. They were turned in on Friday and he is now hitting the books to study for his Final Exam. Please pray for him that his studying will be fruitful and he will be able to confidently and successfully sit his exam on Wednesday morning!