tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220771367578483882024-03-13T15:04:38.979-04:00pond-hopping brownsJessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.comBlogger686125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-9158716898486167862013-09-25T18:08:00.000-04:002013-09-25T18:08:50.002-04:00Juliet at nine months.Juliet.<br />
Juliettie.<br />
Ettie-girl.<br />
<br />
My blue-eyed, gummy-grinned girl.<br />
<br />
You're 9 months old now. <br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/BE416512-62EE-438C-8300-D660F3C41C6A-4520-00000625AF9C22C9_zpsf14063cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/BE416512-62EE-438C-8300-D660F3C41C6A-4520-00000625AF9C22C9_zpsf14063cf.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a>
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<br />
You get up on all fours and rock. Then you push yourself away from your toys. And you cry. You're so frustrated to be going backward all the time.<br />
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Forward movement will come soon, love.<br />
<br />
And for now, I'll keep pulling you out from under the couch.<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6860-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6860-1.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a>
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You like to pull your sister's hair. She is not a fan.<br />
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You're attempting to eat us out of house and home. You plow through baby food. It's a good thing I like to make it at home because otherwise you'd be keeping Ella's Kitchen in business single handedly. And you love Cheerios, Mum Mums, Puffs, bits of bread, and the ends of baguettes. So, you're following after your parents in their love of all carbs.<br />
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Just wait, babe. There are cookies and cakes and donuts in your future. It's pretty special. Your sister learned about macaroons in Paris last weekend. Those are pretty amazing, too.<br />
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You love watching Caroline run amok, gnawing your toys, and pretty much anyone who smiles and talks to you. Although you've got a special place in your heart for your parents. We're thankful for that. And your Mama? Well, you still like to see her (and her... um... feeding equipment) at least once per night. But that's okay. I'm enjoying your winsome baby-ness and am thankful for the ability to care for you. <br />
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And those days where I all-but slam my face into a wall out of sheer exhaustion? (You know, because getting up every night truly and deeply hits me once every 10 days or so.) Well, on those days I'm extra thankful your dad doesn't care too much about how tidy the house is or whether or not there's hot dinner on the table. He's always good with takeout pizza, bless him.<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6717-2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6717-2.jpg" style="height: 315px; width: 315px;" /></a> <a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6604-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6604-1.jpg" style="height: 315px; width: 315px;" /></a>
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Your approach days with curiosity, determination, and wonder. You played in the bath tonight. We have crap bath toys. But to you? That brush I got from the maternity hospital in Ohio almost 3 years ago that I use to scrub the cradle cap away? You sat and looked at that thing for a solid 3 minutes. You put the bristles in your mouth and turned it over and over. Seeing the world through your beautifully innocent and eager eyes gives me a deeper appreciation for what's good and simple and right. Colors. Shapes. Beauty all around. Much to be thankful for.<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6613-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-09/2013-09%20Juliet%209%20Months/0920_6613-1.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a>
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You're sensitive. You hate it when we leave you in a room alone. If you had your way about things, you'd be constantly held, and you'd sleep in our bed every night. That's not our particular style around here, but we still enjoy a good snuggle. And your dad in particular absolutely loves "wearing" you in the Ergo carrier. And you love it, too.<br />
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May God bless and keep you, Sugar Plum. <br />
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Love, MamaJessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-58591299675828506552013-08-28T21:42:00.000-04:002013-08-29T09:03:21.879-04:00What I would like to tell my middle school self.<i>I'm gonna be a mighty king, so enemies beware...</i><br />
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It's a line from<i> I Just Can't Wait to be King</i> from Disney's Lion King. These days I listen to that song over and over and over. It's my two-year-old daughter's favorite, and if I don't have it blaring from my iPhone, she'll take it upon herself to belt it out for the world to hear.<br />
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I remember when it was my favorite song, too. It was middle school for me. I had been invited to a sleepover with some girls that were a lot cooler than me. And there we were, squeezed into a minivan and on our way to someone's house. We were talking about the new movie and our favorite songs from the soundtrack. "My favorite is Just Can't Wait to be King!" I blurted out. "My cousins and I each sing a part."<br />
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*Silence*<br />
<br />
And then, from another girl: "That song is dumb."<br />
<br />
I still remember that feeling, sitting in a dark minivan, thankful no one could see my face. Color rising in my cheeks and tears welling in my eyes. I was mortified. But more than that, I felt I should choose a different favorite Lion King song, and make excuses for my former favorite. My taste in music simply wasn't up to scruff.<br />
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And now, a few weeks before my 30th birthday, I still think back on that and cringe. But not because of the embarrassment I felt, although I do remember that feeling quite clearly. But mostly because back then I didn't think my own tastes and opinions and self good enough. So here's what I want to go back and say to that girl...<br />
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<b>1. Hold your head high and like what you like and be the girl God created you to be. Unkind people will say unkind things, but they usually aren't worth listening to.</b><br />
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And those girls in that minivan? I haven't thought about or talked to or had any non-facebook contact with them in a decade. Probably longer.<br />
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<b>2. The friends that stick don't care how "cool" you are. They don't care about your sense of fashion (or lack thereof). Or your haircut or ugly glasses. And certainly not your musical tastes. </b><br />
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I've never been all that interested in music. I enjoy a smattering of things, but don't have much of a passion for it otherwise. I downloaded an Adele album a few weeks back and I'm pretty sure it's the first music I've bought in years. And I'm fully aware that the album is a few years old. I have no idea what artists are at the top of the charts. Heck, I had to Google Nicki Minaj when she showed up to judge American Idol last season. But my close friends today? While we might share a chuckle about my musical clueless-ness, I know they couldn't care less.<br />
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<b>3. Social politics. Hurt feelings. Awkward moments and hard conversations and humble pie. They don't end when middle school (or even high school) does. But that's a good thing. </b><br />
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Friendships are hard, hard work. At age 29, I'm still learning how to be a good friend. Hopefully I'm better at it than I was at 13, and hopefully by age 45 I'll be a lot better. But I'm a sinful, flawed, selfish person. I can look back on all kinds of occasions where I wish I would have handled things differently. And it's only by God's grace that I've been able to keep the friends I have. And my friends? Well, we've all got issues. So I've learned that sometimes it takes a lot of love and believing the best and grace and humility to be friends long-term. <br />
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I also believe that hard spots in relationships are purposely and lovingly given to me by God for my own refinement. When something is amiss between me and another person, it gives me pause to examine my words and actions. Was I putting that person's needs before mine? Was I treating them with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Col 3:12)? Were my words used for building people up, blessing those who might hear me (Ephesians 4:29)? If, in my lifetime, I was only bumping into people and situations that were pleasant, how would my rough edges get filed down? How else would I know that my words or actions might be offensive or hurtful? And rough patches with people are also an always-needed excuse to seek God in prayer. For peace. For humility. For grace. And an extra dose of His love for another person.<br />
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<b>4. Don't be a social climber. Because you usually have to step on someone. </b><br />
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I remember 6th grade. I had a group of friends in school, but no one super close. If there was a group gig going on, I'd get an invite. But rare was the day when I'd get a call to do something one-on-one. I remember spending an afternoon with one of the other girls in the group. And we admitted to each other that we felt like "last resorts." As in, I've called everyone else and they were all busy so I guess I'll hang out with you. But - hooray - we had each other. We could be LR's together. And we had a great time of it.<br />
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And then she went away for a year. Her dad's job, I think. While she was gone I made new friends. A cool crowd. I even had a 7th grade "boyfriend." We danced to Bon Jovi in my living room and shared popcorn at Mr. Holland's Opus and life was pretty good. But then that girl came back. And I hardly gave her the time of day. She wasn't cool. I was getting there. She was still a LR but this time she didn't have a buddy. I didn't want her to drag me down.<br />
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I've always, always regretted doing that. I pray that God lets our paths cross again so I can apologize.<br />
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<b>5. Make a point of being kind. </b><br />
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I SO wish I could tell that middle schooler me to be kind. As in, befriend the friendless. Or the LR's. Stand up to mean kids. Be the kind of girl in that minivan who would say, "I like<i> Just Can't Wait to be King</i>, too" to mortified little me. And that mean girl? Be extra kind to her too. Even if she hurt your feelings. She's probably hurting, too. Don't participate in malicious gossip. Give of your time and money and agenda to bless another person.<br />
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True loving kindness? The kind that sometimes requires sacrifice - or maybe even just inconvenience? It has lasting meaning. It matters. Kindness shines a light for Jesus in a way that little else can. <br />
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<b>6. God has your life in the palm of His hand. And He has major blessings in store. </b><br />
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Looking back on my life, it's been so very true. God has never left my side. Through doubts and trials, blessings and joys, He has been faithful. And He always will be. He holds my hand and guides me with His counsel. And nothing can separate me from His love. <br />
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I would definitely want middle schooler me to know that God is just as faithful when you're 29 as when you're 13. His love is immeasurably wide and long and high and deep, and His mercy never fails. <br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
As I look back on this list, from the wise old age of 29, I know in my heart that God is <i>still</i> teaching me these lessons. When I'm 45, I may well want to go back and tell the current me some of these same things. It gives me pause. What silly little things do I care WAY too much about right now? (Lion King songs, anyone?) And what don't I care enough about?<br />
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I look up at the list right now and think,<i> yikes, I've got a long way to go in most of these areas.</i><br />
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But the grace of God that carried me back then will continue to do so throughout my life.<br />
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<i>The Lord is my Shepherd...</i><br />
<i>He restores my soul... </i><br />
<i>Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.</i><br />
<i>And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.</i><br />
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Psalm 23:1, 3, 6Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-78806638774878006322013-07-21T16:20:00.000-04:002013-07-21T16:22:01.585-04:00CornwallSimilar to the US, England enjoys a couple of Mondays off of work in the summertime. So they are akin to Memorial Day and Labor Day.<br />
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Unlike the US, the days don't actual celebrate or honor anything, and they have boring names:<br />
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Early May Bank Holiday<br />
Spring Bank Holiday (late May)<br />
Summer Bank Holiday<br />
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But long summer weekends? We'll take 'em! <br />
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In early May we decided last minute to take a trip to Cornwall. Cornwall is the county on the southwest tip of the UK, which is about a 5 hour drive from our place in London.<br />
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It's an area known for dairy farming, surfing, scenery, and little meat pies called pasties, among other things. And it's a very popular vacation destination for the Brits.<br />
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And it's easy to see why. We were totally impressed.<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7048.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7048.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a>
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Cornwall reminded us a little bit of the <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/pacific-northwest-part-3.html">Oregon coast</a>...<br />
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Meets some Cape Cod...<br />
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And then some... Bahamas? (We've never been there!) Hawaii, perhaps? Wherever the water gets amazingly bluey green and the beaches are pretty.<br />
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And then darling English farm houses. Stone walls. And livestock. We were quite charmed.<br />
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A few specific things we enjoyed about Cornwall...<br />
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<b>Land's End.</b><br />
This is THE southwest tip of the country. Someone told us it was only "just okay." We totally disagreed!<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7232.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7232.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a><br />
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For one thing, there was a kiddie farm there where Caroline got to feed the animals.
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And by "feed" I mean stuff food up their noses.<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7326.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7326.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a> <a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7297.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7297.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a><br />
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We strapped the kids on and explored the cliffs.
At that point the sun came out. <a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7345.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7345.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a><br />
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Perfect hiking.<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7357-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0504_7357-1.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a>
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Pendennis<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6958.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6958.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6939.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6939.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a> <a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6946.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6946.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a>
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It makes me smile to see "Peppa Fairy" in so many of these pictures. Caroline's favorite companions are nothing if not well traveled. Peppa Pig has now seen six countries. She's very cultured indeed!<br />
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<b>St. Michael's Mount</b><br />
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This is an old castle/monastary set out on it's own island. It was given to the Benedictines by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, and actually has a twin of sorts, the better known Mont Saint-Michael in Normandy.<br />
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On low tide days you can walk to it on a little causeway. But as we came on a high tide day/time, we took a boat. Here's a pic from atop the hill on the island and you can see the causeway under water. <br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7015.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7015.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6994.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_6994.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a> <a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7001.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7001.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7008.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7008.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a> <a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7010.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0505_7010.jpg" style="height: 473px; width: 315px;" /></a>
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<b>Tintagel</b><br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0511_0657.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0511_0657.jpg" style="height: 426px; width: 640px;" /></a><br />
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Our favorite castle by far. It's the mythical birth place of King Arthur. And otherwise breathtakingly beautiful. An old ruin set up on the cliffs. Water and caves and rocks and stones all around. Yes, please.<br />
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Those stairs up? Reminded me of the ones Sam and Frodo climbed at the end of Return of the King. Crazy steep with massive drop offs.<br />
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Fabulous!<br />
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Naturally, we had the kids strapped on again. Baby wearing high five! <br />
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I also thought it would be SO cute to get Caroline a little knight costume at the gift shop. What cute pictures, right? Baby knight running around a medieval castle? OMG.<br />
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Wrong. She hated it. Josh had to calm her down with some Cars 2 viewing. And that look on his face above? "I blame you for this one, Jessica Brown." HA!<br />
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Okay. One smile.<br />
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<b>Beaches</b><br />
Maybe this is obvious to you, but we're not really beachy vacationers. We're more of a sight-seeing kind of family. But now that we've had kids I've more fully come to appreciate a good beach. Hours of entertainment for littles! And Cornwall didn't disappoint in this area. The weather in early May wasn't quite warm enough to get everyone's bathing suit out, but we still had a good time.<br />
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One of the beaches we enjoyed was like this - a little inlet between the rocks/cliffs with aqua blue water.<br />
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We actually spied it from our lunch spot (near Josh's head in the picture below) and promptly headed down to enjoy it. <br />
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Caroline, while wading in the sea, got knocked over by a big wave. Now like most two-year-olds, she requests kisses when she gets little bumps or bruises. But when a big cold wave hit her? She laid in the wet sand yelling, "kiss it! kiss it!" Meaning, every part of her very cold little body. Here she is dripping wet. She spent the rest of the afternoon in a sweatshirt and diaper.<br />
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Side note: those teenagers in bikinis were crazy to be out in that water.<br />
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The other beach was a completely different feel, as it doubled as a harbor. Right in the heart of St. Ives.<br />
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England can look like this? We had no idea. <br />
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During high tide, all the boats come up and drop their anchors in the harbor.<br />
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And then as the day goes on, the water recedes out more and more, leaving the boats sitting on the sand.<br />
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All in all, a beautiful spot for an afternoon of play. And with nearby ice cream shops? Perfection.<br />
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<b>Food</b><br />
And then the culinary delights. Since we can hardly go for fine dining with our traveling circus, we get excited when the local specialties are more casual.<br />
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First, the Cornish Pasty. It's big ol' pie/turnover/calzone type deal involving pie crust filled with your choice of meat + vegetables or cheese + vegetables. Cornish tradition dictates that it has to be in a "D" or half circle shape, with crimping along the curve. My favorite is the traditional variety, which includes steak, potatoes, onions, and "swedes" (similar to turnips). This guy was huge and heavy and hot and fabulous.<br />
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And then... Josh's new love.<br />
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The "cream tea." Before we left, one of my British friends recommended we try pasties and cream tea during our trip. You can find several pasty shops around London (not to mention the U.P. of Michigan) so we were already familiar with that treat. But a cream tea? I thought she was talking about a drink.<br />
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Nope. This is WAY better. A "cream tea" is actually just local jargon for scones + strawberry jam + clotted cream. Josh's new favorite English food. Cornwall is known for especially good cream teas, but you can actually find them all over England. Josh will skip normal food and instead get this to eat for any meal, any time.<br />
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And that just about wraps it up. Cornwall, we loved you!<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0506_8175.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/2013-05%20Cornwall/0506_8175.jpg" style="height: 500px; width: 640px;" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-52537526901954114742013-07-16T08:51:00.000-04:002013-07-16T08:51:56.030-04:00Juliet at six months.Our sweet Juliettie-girl has been a delightful addition to our little family. <br />
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Huge, jaw-unhinging smiles.<br />
Eager, thoughtful eyes.<br />
Mischievous expressions. <br />
Grabby hands.<br />
Feet always poised to head into her mouth. <br />
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She's a mama's girl to be sure, but her dad gets the biggest smiles from her when he gets home from work. He's also the best at getting her to laugh. And her big sister is nothing shy of sheer fascination. Juliet finds me boring from time to time, but Caroline? She'll watch that girl play all day.<br />
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She loves to nurse, but she's super quick at it. She's a bit picky about baby food (how DARE we try and give her plain vegetables?!) but if the mixture is just right we can hardly shovel it in fast enough. She enjoys mum mums, despite (or perhaps because of?) the fact that crusty pieces of them end up EVERYWHERE. Puffs are a work in progress.<br />
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She rolls around, and spins in circles on her back. Just like Caroline at this age, she has little inclination to sit up on her own. She'd much rather stand. With you holding onto her hands. And bounce/wobble on your lap. Also, just like big sister, she's a little squirt of a thing, and barely on the charts.<br />
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Unlike Caroline, she's a pacifier girl all the way. She's also much more of a snuggler. We don't usually co-sleep, but Juliet would LOVE it if we did! This girl wants to be held, cuddled, and worn (in a baby sling or pack or whatever) as much as possible. Caroline, by contrast, cried if you held her too much, often preferred to kick around on her play mat, and <i>still</i> doesn't know how to snuggle. So I'm soaking up the snuggles with this baby. <br />
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And she has just finally started to sleep through the night every now and again. Hallelujah!<br />
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So if you've been reading this blog for awhile, you may remember <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/through-weeks.html">Caroline's weekly pictures</a>. Well, I simplified this time around... just a pic per month. Ah, the life of a second child!<br />
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I was shocked last summer when I found out she was on her way. Joy wasn't the first emotion I experienced. But since that day the joy has come by the truckload.<br />
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Thank you Jesus, for this girl! Couldn't imagine our lives without her.Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-20536626134571593712013-07-15T09:49:00.002-04:002013-07-15T11:28:44.920-04:00Visitors!One benefit to living in London it's a destination for a lot of tourists.<br />
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So our friends and family come to see it... I mean us... I mean London.<br />
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WIN WIN<br />
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The month of April in particular was a revolving door around here. And then we got another couple in May. We LOVE playing tour guide around here, and these folks didn't disappoint.<br />
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<b>Round One: My Mom and Grandma</b><br />
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My mom texted me on a Sunday night, asking if she could come and visit. She arrived four days later. And, she came with a stowaway of sorts - my grandma!<br />
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Oh my stars, we went and went and went. Windsor Castle. Hampton Court Palace. Blenheim Palace. The Cotswolds (think charming country towns with little houses topped with thatched roofs). Jersey Boys musical. Bath. We also enjoyed several croissants and some shopping.<br />
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All in just over a week's time. <br />
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Four generations of ladies take London by storm; Grandma meets Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn at Hampton Court<br />
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Peppa Pig Snuggles; shopping with two crying girls<br />
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Grandma meets a Windsor Castle guard; Caroline gets in some reading time with Oma<br />
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My grandma is a talented online scrabble player. And Caroline would NOT let her sit in peace to play her games. Caroline was sure she could help out with the "wetters."<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Blenheim/0413_6546.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Blenheim/0413_6546.jpg" style="height: 400px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
This is Blenheim Palace, a colossal country estate near Oxford. It is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the historic home of the Dukes of Marlborough. Definitely worth a visit! <br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Winchester/0406_6462.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Winchester/0406_6462.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 300px;" /></a>
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We all took the train out to the charming little cathedral town of Winchester. The cathedral itself didn't disappoint - beautiful and grand. And the town? Cobblestone streets, a market, and even a fabulous tea shop? Yes, please.<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Mom%20and%20Grandma%20Visit/photo33.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Mom%20and%20Grandma%20Visit/photo33.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
It was SUCH a joy to see my grandma spending time with the girls. Like any great-grandmother worth her salt, she came bearing gifts: dress-up clothes and a princess book.<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Mom%20and%20Grandma%20Visit/0407_9357.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Mom%20and%20Grandma%20Visit/0407_9357.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
This puts my mom's total visits to London to THREE! Love it.<br />
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<b>Round Two: Sarah, Jason, and Holland</b><br />
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Years and years ago, back when I lived in Indiana and actually blogged consistently, I struck up a friendship with <a href="http://www.shortstopblog.com/">another blogger</a>, who happened to be married to one of my colleagues. And over the years Sarah has become one of my dearest friends, despite the fact that we've never lived in the same place. It was especially fun to both welcome baby girls into the world this past December. So when we found out that Jason had a business trip planned in London, Sarah and I immediately schemed for her and baby Holly to tag along. And it WORKED. Hooray!<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/0418_9025.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/0418_9025.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a>
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<br />
We enjoyed London. We ate a lot. We nursed babies. We shopped for little girls' clothes. We talked and talked and TALKED. It was such a blessing to spend face-to-face time together and love on each others' babies.<br />
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Sarah, if you're reading this, any chance you can come back next year?<br />
<br />
<b>Round Three: Phil and Katie</b><br />
<br />
Phil is one of Josh's oldest and best friends. They first became buddies back in third grade, became buddies again in high school, and still remain close. Phil was Josh's best man, and Josh was Phil's. Phil and Katie had already been planning to take a trip to London before we knew we were moving here. So it worked out really well that they could come stay with us! <br />
<br />
And come to find out, this London trip was also a babymoon for them. Extra exciting! Congratulations to you two!<br />
<br />
We had a blast together. Josh was able to get tickets to a Tottenham Hotspur match (pro football/soccer) which is Phil's favorite team. We enjoyed Camden Market. And Hampton Court, the Tower of London, good food abounding, Richmond, Borough Market, and basically all around downtown London. <br />
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We all also share a common bond with Phil and Katie: we're major Harry Potter nerds. And wouldn't you know, much of the Harry Potter movies were filmed just 45 minutes from our home. So OF COURSE we went on the Warner Brother's studio tour, getting to see movie sets of the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Griffindor Common Room, and Umbridge's office at the Ministry of Magic, to name a few. And an amazingly cool model of the castle they used for filming aerial shots. Fascinating.<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/0427_8666.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/0427_8666.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a>
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Phil and Caroline on the Hogwarts bridge<br />
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Cupboard under the stairs!<br />
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Hogwarts model<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Harry%20Potter/0422_8913.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Harry%20Potter/0422_8913.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a>
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Harry%20Potter/0422_8887.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-04/2013-04%20Harry%20Potter/0422_8887.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
The Night Bus; the Dursley's house <br />
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<b>Round Four: DeeDee and Chris</b><br />
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A few weeks after Phil and Katie left us, we enjoyed yet another visit from old friends. I've mentioned DeeDee and Chris a number of times on this here blog. Most recently <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/splash.html">here</a>. During our years at the University of Michigan, Chris and Josh lived together in a house with some other guys, while DeeDee and I lived four doors down in a house of girls. DeeDee and I actually shared a dorm room as well. So we go way back! And - even better - we've made a point to get together as couples (and now, families!) regularly ever since. Chris and DeeDee didn't let an ocean stand in their way of a visit this time around! But they did leave their boys at home this time.<br />
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We once again enjoyed a blissfully hectic tour of London - and beyond. We hit up Borough Market, the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Bath, Windsor Castle, the London Eye, St. Paul's, and a variety of other things I'm surely forgetting. <br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/0515_7978.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/0515_7978.jpg" style="height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a>
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Caroline desperately wanted to ride on the "Wondon Eye" so DeeDee and Chris graciously took her; DeeDee and Juliet about to visit the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London<br />
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All four of us dressed for the part at Hampton Court Palace; Chris, DeeDee, and Juliet meet a Beefeater, Tower of London<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/0514_7982.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/0514_7982.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px;" /></a>
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Chris' request: visit the historic Black Friar Pub; DeeDee and Chris babysat the girls so I could nap (bless 'em!)<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/0511_8072.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img br="" gt="" nbsp="" src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/0511_8072.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></a><br />
We met early in our freshman year at Michigan - almost 12 years ago! And we've been close friends ever since.<br />
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Windsor Castle. If my memory serves me, one or both of my children were screaming, so we moseyed around Windsor while the LeComptes enjoyed the castle in peace.<br />
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<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/jjbrown611/media/2013/2013-05/0512_8018.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/jjbrown611/2013/2013-05/0512_8018.jpg" style="height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a>
DeeDee and Juliet; the four of us Browns (it's nice to have ready-made photographers around so I can actually get in a pic from time to time!)<br />
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Whew! What wonderful memories we made with all of these people. The late nights watching Jim Gaffigan stand-up. The meals out. The tube rides and jokes and my grandma putting a tiny bit of makeup on Caroline's face in the mornings (the day she gets into my makeup I'm blaming you, Ruth Sharpless!)<br />
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But what I remember most about all of these visitors is that they loved on us. All of us. They did our dishes before I realized there were any to do. They played with the kids while we showered. They made meals and took turns baby wearing and helped us clunk clunk clunk the double stroller down the steps to the Tube stations. <br />
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And they really, genuinely, took interest in our girls. Not just in a helping me and Josh way (although that was appreciated!) But they took the time to coerce Juliet to smile and play dollhouse with Caroline. They snuggled the baby and talked Peppa Pig with the big girl. Nothing made me feel more loved than when I saw our friends and family loving on and enjoying Caroline and Juliet. <br />
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In fact, in hosting so many fabulous guests I learned a lot about how to
<i>be</i> a good guest in someone else's home. I can only hope I am as much
an encouragement as these folks were to me. Thank you, each one of you. Your visits meant more than you know. <br />
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Come back anytime. Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-71756162802525194512013-06-03T04:02:00.002-04:002013-06-03T04:02:37.874-04:00Our take on traveling with kids."Oh my gosh, traveling with two little kids? How do you do it?"<br />
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We hear this a lot. And while I know that mostly people are just being nice/complimentary, I think that some folks are thinking, in the back of their minds, "these people are nuts." And maybe we are. But we've signed up to live in Europe for just two years. And we love to travel. So we're going to try and make the most of this opportunity.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934091024/" title="0310_4837 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0310_4837" height="478" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/8934091024_cde42397bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And since we have little kids (Caroline is two, Juliet is five months) right now, taking them along is a part of the deal. And often, it's such a joy.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8933506081/" title="0525_4676 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0525_4676" height="473" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/8933506081_ee775f6069_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934168050/" title="0527_4348 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0527_4348" height="473" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/8934168050_fbab268f4e_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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I asked Josh if I should write a blog post about traveling with kids. His response?<br />
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"Pride goeth before the fall."<br />
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Too true! <br />
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But let me assure you... our thoughts on this matter aren't coming from a place of we-know-it-all. Because most of the time we're just winging it. But we've come up with a few thoughts on the matter since traveling with little ones has become a part of our life.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934097626/" title="0311_4130 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0311_4130" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/8934097626_45d717c80e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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There's a lot of crying in the backseat (Juliet), constantly picking up dropped toys (for Caroline), and our double stroller is the nastiest piece of baby equipment anyone has ever seen. Curious what smashed up raisins mixed with baguette crumbs looks like when dribbled over with milk at the bottom of a stroller? Come our way.<br />
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But here's a glimpse into our Clark Griswold-ish world of roaming Europe with two littles in tow. <br />
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<b>Scheduling: </b><br />
We kiss any notion of sleep schedules goodbye and roll with it, literally. If the kids nap in the stroller, great. We've gotten burned on trying to accomplish true nap times back at the hotel room, so we don't bother trying anymore. By this point Caroline usually falls asleep as she needs to. While we have seen Caroline in complete over-tired meltdown mode, it doesn't happen that often. And it's nothing that a movie on the iPad and/or snacks can't fix.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934079126/" title="0306_4700 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0306_4700" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/8934079126_035ce7950d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Food:</b><br />
We get especially flexible in this category. Meals in general can be difficult. We've found that here in Europe there are fewer "child-friendly" options. While it's helpful to get some travel book/Internet/hotel front desk help in this area, we've sometimes simply struck out.<br />
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One night in Salzburg we found a place that was recommended by a travel book. When we got in, they tried to put us at a large table with two other adult couples. And then both of our children started LOSING it. The couples at the shared table refused to look us in the eye. I couldn't blame them So we left. We tried the place next door. They were only serving ice cream. So Caroline's dinner that night? Ice cream with a side of goldfish crackers. And Josh and I just picked up some cheese, crackers, wine, and fruit at a grocery store and ate it, picnic-style, in the hotel room.<br />
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*Sigh*<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934075672/" title="0306_4678 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0306_4678" height="473" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/8934075672_55aea72d4a_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8933469405/" title="0307_4910 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0307_4910" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8277/8933469405_094262c029_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Don't get me wrong. We ate some great meals at fantastic local restaurants during our trips. It's a favorite part of traveling internationally for us, after all. But it doesn't always work out. Grocery store picnics are a mainstay for our family.<br />
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Lest anyone think our travels are glamorous, we've actually learned to fully embrace McDonald's too as a convenient, viable option. I have new respect for that establishment! There's parking, a predictable menu, and lots of high chairs. And - bonus - McD's has free WiFi. We don't pay roaming charges for 3G-type coverage when we leave England, so free WiFi is a major bonus.<br />
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<b>Lodging:</b><br />
We are just not fancy travelers these days. Maybe you like 5 star accommodations and room service? We do, too! But we don't have an unlimited budget and we'd rather take several small/cheap trips over one super posh one. Just a personal preference. But to that end we've found some great deals on little apartments, guest houses, and B and B's via Booking.com and vrbo.com. We will pay extra for location, and look for options where there is a kitchen involved. Beyond that, we're just going for basic cleanliness. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934106424/" title="0330_5437 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0330_5437" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8934106424_084865fb26_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>This picture has nothing to do with lodgings. It just makes me smile.</i><br />
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I think our last place was less than 50 Euros a night. One bedroom + kitchen + bathroom in Amboise, France. Mismatched furniture and a junky TV. We had to bring our own sheets and towels. It was perfect! Clean and basic and we didn't even need to sleep in the same room as the kids, who slept in the kitchen in pack & plays. We could walk a couple blocks to the main part of town for meals. That's all our family needs.<br />
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<b>Activities:</b><br />
We don't do all that many kid-focused activities. All Caroline needs is a safe space to romp and climb and explore. Palace grounds? The interior of a cathedral? Old-school gardens? Or a playground? All fair game. We just try to see what we want to see, and give her some time and space to run wherever we go.<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<b>Dignity:</b><br />
I was asking Josh about his thoughts on our
crazy travels, and his response? "Just be prepared to throw dignity
out of the window." We pack a lot of snacks and cheap-o toys. We
change diapers anywhere. We're not above handing Caroline one of our
iPhones + some headphones so she can watch Cars 2 while we have a
peaceful dinner.<br />
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Sometimes the kids cry. Or have a tantrum. On the plane. In a museum. In the car. At a restaurant.<br />
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We do our best to <b>s</b>tay calm. Keep a positive attitude. Remember that it will pass. <br />
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I flew solo from London to Salzburg with both girls. Praise Jesus the lady sitting next to us on the flight was a grandmother and held the baby for me a couple of times while I dealt with Caroline. Both kids did great on the plane. I gate-checked the stroller in London, but sadly I couldn't collect until we hit baggage claim in Salzburg. So that meant that my 2-year-old was not contained during the entire passport check line. UGH. She was totally uninterested in holding my hand, and got several time-outs for running away from me. As a result, we were the last ones in line. By the time we finally got through, Caroline had lost it altogether. As we waited for our stroller and suitcase, I was simply holding onto her torso as she flailed all four limbs, screaming. Juliet was mercifully sleeping in her car seat. But the stroller came off of the belt, and I wrestled her into it. And by the time we were in the taxi, the tantrum had ended. And she was great for the rest of the day.<br />
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Looking back on it, 20 minutes of toddler tantrum is a small price to pay for a fantastic time exploring Salzburg and other central European cities. <br />
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My biggest piece of advice? If you want to go, just go. You will figure it out along the way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8933539455/" title="0527_4234 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0527_4234" height="428" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/8933539455_8bc667235c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We treasure our memories of going places with our kids. We'll always remember how Caroline used to serenade us to sleep in our hotel room, and how we explored York with tee tiny 3-week-old Juliet in the Baby Bjorn. And how when we were in France Caroline would say, "I want to go see the chateau, Dada." Caroline has zero understanding about architecture, geography, history, etc. But she enjoys a visit to a castle or cathedral just as much as Josh and I do. Maybe more. Her innocent enthusiasm for exploring new places is a joy to behold.<br />
<br />
Plus, there's something extra special about the family time we get in when we're off gallivanting around the countryside. Josh works long hours, and doesn't see that much of the kids during normal work weeks. But when we're off together, exploring? It's our special chance to bond as a family. <br />
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I wouldn't trade those memories for anything.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8934138680/" title="0526_4431 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0526_4431" height="428" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/8934138680_f6116bf9b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-51962598621326080842013-05-21T11:09:00.000-04:002013-05-21T11:09:30.420-04:00Last but not least, Prague.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8770348774/" title="0315_5008-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0315_5008-1" height="335" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/8770348774_7a96efe613_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
So it's clear that I'm a lazy blogger at best, but for the sake of this online family journal, and because there are a few family members that enjoy reading about our adventures, I suppose I should finish the series about our trip to the "continent" back in February.<br />
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We started out in <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-hills-are-alive.html">Salzburg</a>, then headed to <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/veen.html">Vienna</a>, then spent a few days in Prague.<br />
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My most lasting memories of Prague?<br />
<br />
1. It was colder than crap.<br />
2. The glorified rain coat I'd packed for myself didn't cut it, so I found a knee-length puffy coat on clearance and was a much happier traveler as a result. (Josh thinks I did that on purpose!)<br />
3. The hot chocolate was amazing. (That's probably related to #1.)<br />
4. Between that and Trdelnik (Czech street food pastries) I'm sure I gained 5 pounds.<br />
5. We also enjoyed the goulash that was on every menu. I need to start making that stuff at home.<br />
<br />
(Hmm... lots of food memories so far!)<br />
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6. It was beautiful in a slavic, Eastern European way. Different from anywhere else we'd been.<br />
7. The Charles Bridge is fabulous. Along with Old Town Square. And New Town (which, despite its name, was founded in 1348!)<br />
8. The castle overlooking the city? An uphill workout to get there, but beautiful. And within the walls was a beautiful Gothic cathedral.<br />
9. Caroline serenaded us to sleep each night from the travel crib in the corner of our hotel room.<br />
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And finally:<br />
<br />
10. We arrived in Prague late one evening. Both kids had HAD IT with being strapped in the car all day on the way from Vienna. Lots of crying from the back seat. For at least a full 20 minutes before we even reached the city. Our hotel was located in the heart of a squiggly maze of streets, and each time we tried to get closer to it we hit a dead end or one way street. We kept trying. The kids kept crying. Finally we decided to park ANYWHERE we could legally do so. We drove some more. Made more turns. And by the grace of God found a parking garage. We got the kids calmed down and loaded up in the stroller/Bjorn, and grabbed the 35-ish bags/suitcases we had packed. And finally got into the elevator going up to street level. WHEW.<br />
<br />
And where does it take us, instead of street level?<br />
<br />
A MALL FOOD COURT. At 11pm. With the crabby kids and out-of-control luggage. And it was on the 4th floor. <br />
<br />
It may as well have been the surface of the moon, we were so surprised. We had no idea that we'd parked at a mall. And we couldn't figure out how to leave, because the elevator just took us back to the parking garage.<br />
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I've never laughed so hard in my life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8770330166/" title="Prague by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Prague" height="2560" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/8770330166_1684309a59_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-431796239844386172013-03-30T18:48:00.000-04:002013-03-30T18:48:31.950-04:00VEEN<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8604577332/" title="0309_4387-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0309_4387-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8604577332_53cdeff967_z.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a>
Otherwise known as Vienna.<br />
<br />
The city's true name (in German) is <i>Wien</i>, which is pronounced like <i>VEEN</i>. Say it in a loud, deep voice. We did, and continue to do so when we refer to our stop there.<br />
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<i>Vienna</i> sounds so pretty. But <i>VEEN</i>? Considerably less so. It's just so... abrupt. Matter of fact. No nonsense. Gold star to the Anglicized version of the city's name.<br />
<br />
Anyway.<br />
<br />
After leaving Salzburg we loaded up our rental car with our suitcases, our children, and 5,000 snacks for Caroline, and headed down the road to VEEN. It should take a couple of hours, but we thought we'd go the scenic route through the Alps. The backseat was not impressed. But we did get to see this town, which was totally charming. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8604576108/" title="0315_5004 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0315_5004" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8604576108_b7dc1e1e6f_z.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a>
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<br />
A few memorable things about Vienna:<br />
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I could die a happy person if I never left a Viennese coffee shop. Most of them have a stately (if slightly shabby and comfortable) grandeur about them, with marble topped tables and high ceilings. The atmospheres are low key and the servers expect you to stay awhile and enjoy your treats. And they know what to do with espresso and milk. Big time. And the CAKE. Sachertorte is the best known kind... chocolate sponge cake layered with apricot jam, and covered with dark chocolate icing. And then you get a big dollop of whipped cream on the side. So yes, I'd die a fat and happy person if I never left one of those shops.<br />
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Vienna is grand. Old and grand and historic, and it's obvious that it was once the seat of major power and prestige. After Austria found itself on the losing side of WW1, the city no longer holds the kind of status it once did. But the incredible buildings and palaces and squares and churches remain. They're incredible.<br />
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The Hapsburgs (former Holy Roman Emperors and rulers of Spain and Austria) are fascinating. We so enjoyed learning a bit of their history, with the scandals and the wealth and the extraordinary power throughout Europe. Their former home in central Vienna, Hofburg Palace, continues on for forever. Building after impressive building. I think many of them are museums and libraries now, in addition to government-related purposes. What else do you do with such massive and amazing structures when your ruling family gets kicked out?<br />
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And when those Hapsburgs tired of city life each summer? They'd head out to their summer palace, Schonbrunn. With "only" 1441 rooms, it was the smaller of the two palaces, and has really incredible gardens. It's often compared to Versailles in France. But what's funny about it is that it's only a couple of miles away from The Hofburg, still very much in Vienna.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I just can't handle city life any more. So I'm going to walk 20 minutes to my other palace. In the same city.</i><br />
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Aside from power and prestige, the Hapsburgs are also widely known for inbreeding as a way to keep their positions secure. Cousin to cousin. Uncle to niece. And the like. Obviously, over time that can lead to some significant genetic problems. <br />
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Rabbit trail alert: The most serious case of Hapsburg inbreeding came to a head with Carlos II of Spain in the 1700s. I find his story fascinating, and I do realize it has very little to do with Vienna. All eight of his great-grandparents were actually descendents of the same two people, leaving him physically and mentally disabled, and significantly disfigured. His tongue was so big that his speech was difficult to decipher, and he had a major drooling problem to boot! Not surprisingly, that strain of the Hapsburg line ended there. <br />
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All of that to say, we felt that the family symbol, the double-headed eagle, was well chosen. <br />
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Caroline is so young that the historical significance of the Hapsburgs, the grandeur of the palaces, and the various architectural styles around town are completely lost on her. Yes, she's getting these fabulous European experiences. But her priorities are stroller snacks, Hello Kitty gloves, Happy Meal toys, and open space to romp around. To her, the incredible gardens of Schonbrunn are simply another park with grass, pigeons, and the opportunity to get out of the stroller to run around. And she can enjoy Sachertorte with the best of 'em.<br />
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We love that.<br />
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We loved VEEN.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8603477471/" title="vienna by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="vienna" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8603477471_0967abc5af_o.jpg" height="3842" width="640" /></a>
Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-58092722273231526692013-03-24T17:07:00.002-04:002013-03-24T17:07:32.376-04:00The hills are alive...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8587469182/" title="0315_5009-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0315_5009-1" height="341" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8587469182_37f7386f41_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
... with the sound of children crying in the airport.<br />
<br />
Just kidding.<br />
<br />
Sort of.<br />
<br />
(I did fly with the two girls solo. And Caroline did have a full-blown temper tantrum in the airport. But the trip was worth it.)<br />
<br />
As <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/usa-all-way.html">I mentioned</a>, we got back from the States, we re-packed our suitcases and were gone again three days later. This time for a trip to Austria and the Czech Republic. I'm not going to lie... I was initially pretty resistant to back-to-back trips with our two little kids. But Josh won me over. And with the exception of a few minor hiccups, the kids were great.<br />
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Our first stop was Salzburg, Austria. With the Alps as a backdrop and stately baroque architecture throughout, it's a fabulous destination for any tourist looking for a quaint spot in central Europe. But those are not the reasons I've wanted to go there since I was six years old. It's because one of my all-time favorite movies was set and filmed there: <i>The Sound of Music</i>.<br />
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Josh had business to do in town, which left the girls and me with the better part of three days to explore. So what did I do? Embraced my inner-nerd and found as many Sound of Music locations as possible of course! If you follow me on Instagram you'll already know this about me and this trip, since I posted pics like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8586293519/" title="So do la ti do re do. {Also, we totally came across a teenaged tourist girl in her own homemade green damask dress making the rounds on her own tour of the Do Re Mi spots.} by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="So do la ti do re do. {Also, we totally came across a teenaged tourist girl in her own homemade green damask dress making the rounds on her own tour of the Do Re Mi spots.}" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8586293519_d03153ed6f_o.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8586292773/" title=" When you know the notes to sing... by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt=" When you know the notes to sing..." height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8586292773_ba4a5d2a1b_o.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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According to Josh's coworkers, the film isn't all that popular with Austrians. But the Americans tourists can actually book bus tours to see all the sights. The girls and I didn't go that far, although I might have had the girls been older. We actually met an American teenager who had made her own green damask dress and was hunting down the same locations as us.<br />
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Beyond my Sound of Music obsession, our days in Salzburg were glorious. My extremely fond memories of that city are most likely colored by the fact that we experienced three sunny 65 degree days. And that was coming off a trip to the snowy Midwest and a rainy few days in London. No coats necessary during daylight hours! The kids and I shopped, ate ice cream and pretzels, had lunch in outdoor cafes, and played in gutters. Okay, that last one was just Caroline. Salzburg does have a lot of pedestrian-only streets, which was great for letting her out of the stroller. She needs nothing more than an empty water bottle/stick/pretzel and some space to explore, and she's a happy camper.<br />
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And then Josh would join us for dinner and some more strolling around town in the evenings.<br />
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It was a teensy tinesy shame we didn't get to see Salzburg in the summer. All the fountains were covered up, and there was some significant construction going on prior to the beginning of the tourist season. But I guess that's just a reason to go back! <br />
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Here are some pics and more fond memories of our time there:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8586334245/" title="Salzburg by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Salzburg" height="3625" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8586334245_7a854f391b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-8580344154418108952013-03-06T07:25:00.000-05:002013-03-06T07:25:00.057-05:00Kenilworth CastleWho needs
a proper playground when you have castle ruins to climb around on?<br />
<br />
Old ruins like this one have something for each of us. Josh and I appreciate the history (this place was built by the supposed "great love" of Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley, in 1575) and Caroline is more than happy to scamper about on steps, hills, and stones. And Juliet sleeps in the Bjorn. Perfect.<br />
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So when we found ourselves with a free Saturday in early February, we took advantage of the opportunity and took a short drive to find this place.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8532974872/" title="2 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="2" height="3200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8532974872_d8b598f404_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-11057417036599992282013-03-05T08:41:00.000-05:002013-03-05T08:41:19.129-05:00USA all the way.This post is going to fall into the "quick and dirty" category of blog life.<br />
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But then, what doesn't these days?<br />
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We just returned from a fabulous trip to the States on Sunday afternoon, and will embark on a trip to Salzburg/Vienna/Prague on Wednesday morning. I'm fairly sure we're walking a tenuous line between ambitious and just plain crazy.<br />
<br />
But while we're here in the UK we'd like to see as much of Europe as we can possibly <strike>afford</strike> see. And when the girls and I can tag along on Josh's business trips it really helps toward that end.<br />
<br />
So, back to the US of A.<br />
<br />
We spent a fantastic two solid-packed weeks of grandmas and grandpas and cousins, snuggles with our dog Riley, hugs from friends, water parks, and twin baby boys.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528982257/" title="0218_2679 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2679" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8528982257_069c49e3c1.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530094182/" title="0217_2749 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0217_2749" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8530094182_870bda5ca4.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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The kids both did great on both flights, praise God! We dumped Caroline into Juliet's baby car seat both ways and it worked like a CHARM. I'd highly recommend this strategy! The lap belt becomes a game of how crawl out of it. But a 5-point harness? Perfection. Not to mention a nice incline for good sleep. And Caroline may or may not have watched Cars 2 five times over the two flights, so kiddie head phones were perfect. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528990815/" title="0216_2766 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0216_2766" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8528990815_21e0480e1f_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530131398/" title="0303_2514 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0303_2514" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8530131398_0b4a5474c5.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<br />
Miss Juliet got to meet all kinds of family and friends. I'm so glad we were able to travel with her when she was still tiny. She got to meet 6 of her 7 great-grandparents, along with countless other family members and friends who have been loving her and praying for her from afar.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530093858/" title="0217_2748 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0217_2748" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8530093858_c2ae9abe2d_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530094554/" title="0218_2680 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2680" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8530094554_bba5c2ddd2.jpg" width="315" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530095336/" title="0219_2655 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0219_2655" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8530095336_63bee4024f.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8529033591/" title="0217_2725 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0217_2725" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8529033591_c377b06f9a_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<i>My Oma, Ben's girlfriend Annie, my brother Ben, and my cousin Erin with baby Juliet</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8529000917/" title="0219_2658 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0219_2658" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8529000917_f8b2e74bdd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<i>My grandpa and mom</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528993425/" title="0217_2733 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0217_2733" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8528993425_163846bd51.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530106282/" title="0217_2734 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0217_2734" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8530106282_a82acd644b.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530125042/" title="0301_2560 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0301_2560" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8530125042_c97d5ce057.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530103622/" title="0216_2772 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0216_2772" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8530103622_78705b6df3_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<i>My cousin Elizabeth and Aunt Jo, my Grandma (who MADE that awesome quilt as a baby gift for us!), my Oma, and Juliet's cousin Aiydan </i><br />
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<br />
I got to take some pics of Montoya's kids - aren't they cute?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530288029/" title="0220_3626-2 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_3626-2" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8530288029_4530468095_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8531399078/" title="0220_3616 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_3616" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8531399078_d9123a58f7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530288699/" title="0220_3639-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_3639-1" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8530288699_8ac27fdf97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
We threw my two in there for a few shots as well.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530293649/" title="0220_3696-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_3696-1" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8530293649_315edd5e7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530290369/" title="0220_3650-3 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_3650-3" height="512" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8530290369_83b3d8b4b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The only thing getting Caroline through the photo shoot was a sucker! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530291485/" title="0220_3686 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_3686" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8530291485_19f7c3de82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We adults got to catch up with loved ones, too. As much as Skype and
FaceTime help us feel close to people back home, it just isn't the same
as sitting on a friends' couch, enjoying breakfast out at with
grandparents, or laughing around a kitchen table over glasses of wine.<br />
<br />
And NOTHING comes close to holding new babies. My BFF and cousin Erin went into labor with her twins two days before we arrived in the States. I was afraid I'd miss their birth all together, but those handsome rascals decided to make their appearance at 35 weeks. I'm confident they just wanted to meet Auntie Jessie. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530095448/" title="0220_2653 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0220_2653" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8530095448_f650e65130.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530094696/" title="0218_2723 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2723" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8530094696_eb12bac669_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<i>Holding hands with Hendrick, handsome Andres. </i><br />
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Since they were tiny, they spent 10-ish days in the NICU. I got to visit them there almost every day I was in town (thanks to my parents, who babysit my kids!) I loved seeing their precious little faces, and even getting to hold and feed them. But I loved getting to see Erin become a mama even more. She's amazing at it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8529002567/" title="0219_2671 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0219_2671" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8529002567_6cd26a06e2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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My mom postponed her annual Valentine's Day breakfast so that we could be a part of it. The tablecloth and the pancakes in particular take me back to my childhood, when she would get up early and make us a special candlelit breakfast complete with heart-shaped pancakes before we went off to school.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530109584/" title="0218_2700 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2700" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8530109584_65795ab69b_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528999125/" title="0218_2702 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2702" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8528999125_daa8d8fe39_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528999897/" title="0218_2704 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2704" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8528999897_3f150f8b76_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528998175/" title="0218_2701 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0218_2701" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8528998175_5d4e8f84eb_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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After a few days in Grand Rapids, we headed up to Northern Michigan (Traverse City) with Josh's parents (who had generously agreed to fly to Michigan from Texas, sparing us yet another flight with the girls) to see Josh's grandparents AND stay at the Great Wolf Lodge, a fantastic indoor water park.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530095762/" title="0222_2644 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0222_2644" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8530095762_a9092e6eae_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8528984149/" title="0223_2608 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0223_2608" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8528984149_b5463b63ae_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530115996/" title="0222_2622 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0222_2622" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8530115996_56a4475e9a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530119170/" title="0222_2631 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0222_2631" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8530119170_50b8999166_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530120882/" title="0223_2598 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0223_2598" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8530120882_3eb61c9242_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<i>Josh's grandparents with Josh and our girls.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8529012049/" title="0223_2611 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0223_2611" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8529012049_1b45e85bd2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><i>Caroline and Josh's mom (Nana) playing stickers. Nana always comes prepared with treats!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8529008327/" title="0223_2597 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0223_2597" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8529008327_484e4f0c03_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530119534/" title="0223_2596 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0223_2596" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8530119534_a5014da816_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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After Traverse City we headed down to Columbus (by way of Ann Arbor for dinner with the LeComptes) for a few days. And I took way too few pictures! But suffice it to say we enjoyed several breakfast, lunch, and dinner dates with old friends. WE MISS YOU ALL!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530096698/" title="0227_2578 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0227_2578" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8530096698_3b22a6e6e5_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530096404/" title="0225_2586 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0225_2586" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8530096404_95be07db4f_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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And then the girls and I were back in G-Rap for a hot minute before we flew back to the UK. But those two days gave us the chance for family fun at my parents' gym, and one more opportunity for me to snuggle Erin's twins (who were home - hooray!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530126972/" title="0301_2568 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0301_2568" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8530126972_4058f40a24_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530126006/" title="0301_2562 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0301_2562" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8530126006_efb72c4e76_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530128008/" title="0301_2570 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0301_2570" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8530128008_299ac5974a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530097976/" title="0302_2544 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0302_2544" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8530097976_d0c43da394_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8530097654/" title="0302_2543 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0302_2543" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8530097654_494a03d402_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
Josh and I spend countless conversations hashing out differences between US and UK life. And in the course of those I like to hand out the "gold stars."<br />
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History. Quaint. Old. Castles. Abbeys. Cathedrals. Medical care post-childbirth. The River Thames. Charming little towns.<br />
<i>Gold Star UK</i><br />
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Restaurants that provide enough ice and ketchup. Oyster Crackers. Goldfish. Barbeque. Low prices. Pay-at-the-pump gas. Pei Wei. Good pizza. Drive-thrus. Low prices, again. Graeters and Jeni's Ice Cream (for Josh). Larger parking spaces. People we love.<br />
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And Target.<br />
<i>Gold Star USA</i><br />
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Suffice it to say we indulged in a variety of old US favorites in addition to spending lots of quality time with friends and family. And as much fun as we're having in the UK, there's truly no place like home!Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-64017319498528144292013-02-03T11:27:00.000-05:002013-02-03T11:27:41.652-05:00Baby love.She's a full 7 weeks old now.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8432244923/" title="0126_1987 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0126_1987" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8432244923_7bcec2ce08_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8432234169/" title="0126_1964-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0126_1964-1" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8432234169_67e1a0dd2e_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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SEVEN!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8433332774/" title="0126_1993 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0126_1993" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8433332774_278dfc30e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Increasingly awake and alert. Cooing.<br />
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And...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8432240253/" title="0126_1971-2 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0126_1971-2" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8432240253_c752765194_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8432237069/" title="0126_1970 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0126_1970" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8432237069_9b6d773631_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Yes, smiling.<br />
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She's gazing up at big sister in this one:<br />
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Melt me.<br />
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Side note: I am a true sucker for baby clothes that are "kimono style" like this H&M shirt. <br />
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The girls and I are settling into life at home during the work week. Lots of diapers and feedings and hugs and "Winnie Pooh" and an awkward combination of nursing and reading picture books to Caroline one-handed.<br />
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Let's just say that with Caroline doing the page turning, not every page gets read. AOK with me when it comes to Cat in the Hat (a current favorite of Caroline's, but not so much mine.)<br />
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Caroline has adjusted to big sisterhood remarkably well, praise Jesus. She's such a happy and busy toddler that I think she's too wrapped up in picture books, her Peppa Pig dollhouse, and spreading small toys around the apartment to give too much mind to a baby around here. But she's always happy to oblige when we ask her to kiss Juliet in the "big sister spot" (forehead.)<br />
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A couple of weeks ago we tried out Juliet on a bottle and Caroline, completely unprompted, bounded up next to Josh, exclaimed "I big sister!" and proceeded to help with the feeding. <br />
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We went in for our six week check last week, and found that Juliet is in the 25th percentile for weight and height. 4.2 kilos! Which is 9 pounds, 4 oz. I've been enjoying the baby thigh rolls. Bring 'em on! <br />
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This child bring us such joy.<br />
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<br />Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-75815758910654470932013-01-23T16:11:00.000-05:002013-01-23T16:17:20.082-05:00Fumbling with the Queen's English and customs...We're almost four months into this British adventure, and different bits of the local culture have been seeping into our lives.<br />
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We eat cottage pies and sticky toffee pudding. We actually have soft spots for both. Spotted dick is on my list.<br />
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There's quite a bit these days that feels normal. We know that a "surgery" is a doctor's office. "Pudding" means dessert. And a "lift" is another (better?) word for elevator. And we're completely comfortable using those words.<br />
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For one thing, it's just inevitable that we start using British terms instead of their American counterparts. When we have to interact with the outside world, it's nice to avoid blank stares. Why make things more difficult than they have to be, when we can just as easily discuss "car parks," "cots," and "holidays" (parking lots, cribs, and vacations)?<br />
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More than that, however, we make a conscious effort to use British words when we're talking to Caroline. She'll probably go off to school in the next 6 months, and we don't want her to be completely clueless about "ice lollies," "nappies," and "rubbish bins" (popsicles, diapers, and trash cans). In fact, she would tell you that she rides around in her "buggy" (stroller) and that Juliet sucks on a "dummy" (pacifier). And "Mummy"? Yes, it's what I hear when she's whiny. Mummy-mummy-mummy-mummy. Just as fun as you might think.<br />
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And when we send her to school? The terms are all different. Instead of preschool she'll go to "nursery." But when she plays with the other young kids while Josh and I are sitting in church? It's call "creche." <br />
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All of that feels normal. But we're still getting used to a few things.<br />
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The spelling trips me up all the time. Typing "water color paints" into the search field at amazon.co.uk
doesn't turn up much. Because of course, they're "water colours." And
then there's "fertiliser." And "tyres" (as in car tires). Since Josh operates within the professional world, he has to deal with this a lot more. Not too many people care about what goes into my email correspondence.<br />
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I learned yesterday via Wikipedia that the "rocket" I'm always eating on sandwiches and in salads is actually arugula. Good to know. Thank goodness for the Internet. I recently had to Google what my English friends meant when they would sign off emails and texts with an "x" or "xx." Like I figured, it just means "kiss." <br />
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And there is quite a bit that's just completely beyond us.<br />
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The catch-all word of "cheers," for instance. It's a bit of a cross between goodbye, thanks, catch-you-later, etc. Heard all the time. And it's a common email sign-off as well. Maybe it's a little too British for us? There's no way we can pull it off.<br />
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Saying "half seven" instead of "seven thirty" to describe the time of day? We can't pull that one off either. <br />
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I also have some vague notion that there are a few definitions of the word "tea," including the beverage, the mid-afternoon snack that involves scones, and an early dinner. And I'm fairly confident that the context of the conversation gives hints as to which someone might be speaking of. But at this point, I'm fairly clueless. <br />
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And the European double-kiss? One kiss for each cheek. Neither of us have mastered it yet. Which cheek do you start on? Are there times when you just kiss one side? Are they always back to back kisses or can you stop in-between for a bit of conversation? Can you see what all this adds up to? AWKWARD. And it's one thing when my girlfriends do it. Completely different when my OB (called a "consultant") greets me that way.<br />
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I'm sure we'll continue to try - and mostly fail - in our dealings with the intricacies of the language and culture of our current home. It's mostly a fun experiment. Here's hoping the double kiss thing gets more comfortable with time. Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-72776375262643536492013-01-10T07:01:00.000-05:002013-01-10T07:01:07.876-05:00Christmas in LondonSo we're well into January. How 'bout a (mostly boring!) Christmas recap? It's more for me than for anyone who cares to read this. But since it was Christmas, and Christmas in a foreign country, no less, I know I'll want to remember how we celebrated the birth of Jesus.<br />
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Get ready for some awful iPhone pics as well. <br />
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So London gets gussied up for the holiday. Everywhere you look you can find huge trees, lights strung up over shopping districts, and Salvation Army bands playing carols on street corners. And lots of craft fairs. I was quite charmed by the whole thing! And you know what? Everyone says "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas" here... no PC "Happy Holidays" for the Brits! Of course, Christmas here in the UK focuses more on "Father Christmas" (A.K.A. Santa) and the commericalization of the holiday more than the birth of Jesus... not unlike the US. But hey, I still enjoy the lights and hustle & bustle and overall merriment of the season.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358571258/" title="1222_0973 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1222_0973" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8358571258_6a3f63945b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357548307/" title="1227_0914 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1227_0914" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8357548307_3cbb3fb2f6_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358608138/" title="1227_0904 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1227_0904" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8358608138_8631085705_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Above: Sloane Square, Chelsea, Left: Jubilee Market Hall, Covent Garden, Right: The Jack Daniel's take on a Christmas tree, Covent Garden <b><br /></b><br />
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<b>The Christmas Market</b><br />
From what I understand, these are a major wintertime attractions in Germany. And copycat markets seem to have creeped over to the British Isles as well (although I understand the ones in the UK have got nothing on the ones you can find on the continent!) Sweet little stands selling everything from mulled wine to knit hats to fake snow. Caroline and I met some friends at one in early December at the Southbank Centre, and it did not disappoint. It's a really pretty spot just down the river from the London Eye, with the Houses of Parliament just across, and boasts a carousel to boot. And the fair-style food? YES PLEASE. I'm already looking forward to going back next year for the warm doughy cinnamon cyclone thing we enjoyed this past year.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357488097/" title="1205_1275 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1205_1275" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8357488097_62b5287e19_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357484709/" title="1205_1284 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1205_1284" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8357484709_37fcd871a4_n.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357484177/" title="1205_1283 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1205_1283" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8357484177_7f8cedf727_n.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<b>Winter Wonderland</b><br />
Hyde Park ramps it up a notch with some pretty intense festivities. Christmas market shops and treats plus all manner carnival rides and ice skating and even a German "biergarten". We made the mistake of taking Josh's parents on a Saturday afternoon. WALL TO WALL people. But fun nonetheless.<br />
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<b>Carol Service at St. Paul's Cathedral</b><br />
This was high on my priority list for the season. I mean, how many times do you get to go to a Christmas service in a gorgeous historic cathedral? Not to mention you usually have to pay to get into St. Paul's, and this event was free. The Saturday before Christmas they offered a family friendly option, so along with my in-laws we loaded up the kids (including 10-day-old Juliet) and took the Tube downtown for the service. We even saw our friends, the Floods, there! And the service was beautiful. Not too long or short, with fantastic music and even a little Christmas message which was preached by someone wearing a donkey costume. Worth standing in line in the rain, to be sure.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358569692/" title="1222_0965 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1222_0965" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8358569692_3254a811de_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358568368/" title="1222_0964 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1222_0964" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8358568368_23163901d8_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358556434/" title="1222_1559 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1222_1559" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8358556434_587a1610dd_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357492763/" title="1222_1551 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1222_1551" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8357492763_7420566408_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<b>At Home</b><br />
Decorations were admittedly basic. A cheap fake tree that stood about three foot high. Homemade (by both me and Caroline) garland. Candles and holly and felt stockings with the kids' initials appliqued on them. But for the first time Caroline was old enough to teach her about Christmas. We read books about the story of Jesus' birth every night. Josh's parents brought her a toy nativity set to play with. And we opened the boxes of an Advent calendar each night. Obviously her understanding of the magnitude of the event is very much limited, but it was fun to hear her point out Mary and baby Jesus as we were reading the stories. I'm looking forward to establishing even more Christ-focused Christmas traditions with the girls as they grow up. <br />
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<b>Presents!</b><br />
Caroline drew on her recent birthday experience and was an old pro at opening gifts.<br />
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PRESENTS! She yelled on Christmas morning as she ran to her stash.<br />
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But we quickly found out that with her, at this age, LESS IS MORE. We opened presents with both Josh's parents (Christmas Day) and my parents (Boxing Day) and learned that she was only interested in the first couple of gifts. And was completely content and excited to play with those first few, leaving the rest in a gift-wrapped heap next to her.<br />
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Notable favorites: a Peppa Pig stuff and an Abby Cadabby (not to mention utterly obnoxious) tea set.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357514497/" title="1224_1526 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1224_1526" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8357514497_0ebdb0493e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358573046/" title="1224_1521 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1224_1521" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8358573046_b6f7ced8df_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357518337/" title="1225_1434 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1225_1434" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8357518337_8dfb24bacf_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358600606/" title="1226_1409 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1226_1409" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8358600606_20cca610d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358598934/" title="1226_1404 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1226_1404" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8358598934_81a2d5c3b8_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357542209/" title="1226_1417 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1226_1417" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8357542209_b57bb7e324_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
Oh, and a three-wheeled scooter. Here in London you find toddlers on them everywhere. Here's hoping Caroline learns how to use it soon. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357543991/" title="1226_1419 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1226_1419" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8357543991_3ac23e1a67_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358607102/" title="1226_1423 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1226_1423" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8358607102_856bffc84e_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
Juliet? She got a stuffed animal.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358578492/" title="1225_1429 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1225_1429" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8358578492_0b9f618741_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358583840/" title="1225_1446 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1225_1446" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8358583840_7c4b9609a5_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
Okay, and an outfit, and a couple of ornaments. She was super excited.<br />
<br />
But I'll just count her as one of MY favorite Christmas gifts of 2012. She's such a treasure to us and we LOVED having her in our arms on Christmas day. <br />
<br />
I tried - and mostly failed - to get a couple of family-ish pictures of us on Christmas. I even dressed the girls in matching outfits two days in a row. Can you tell? Nope, me neither. Such is life with two very small kids! And even though I have yet to achieve that "perfect sister picture" that I have in mind, these shots still make me smile.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358587182/" title="1225_1461 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1225_1461" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8358587182_212c4491ab_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8358597294/" title="1226_1401 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1226_1401" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8358597294_461d901567_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
And my personal favorite:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8357527099/" title="1225_1471 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1225_1471" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8357527099_f75659dd66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Squinty me, who had taken off her festive red sweater to cook and forgot to put it back on for picture time. Yawning Juliet who was apparently "over" picture taking to such a degree that she put her hand in front of her face. And tired/overstimulated/not interested in sitting still Caroline. Yes, folks, this is real life.<br />
<br />
A VERY late Merry Christmas to you all. Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-14825567372075998292013-01-07T10:52:00.001-05:002013-01-07T10:52:05.509-05:00Which baby am I: AnsweredRemember <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/which-baby-am-i.html">this post</a>? I first tried it on Josh, who only was able to figure out which of our babies was which due to external clues like furniture and car seats. Juliet also has a stork bite on one eyelid, which is a bit of a give away.<br />
<br />
But if you're curious, here are the answers:<br />
<br />
A. Juliet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295503562/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8295503562_d5d435094e_z.jpg" width="478" /></a>
<br />
<br />
B. Caroline<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295546294/" title="1208_2851 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1208_2851" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8295546294_a68eb60426_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
C. Juliet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295547280/" title="1217_0613-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1217_0613-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8295547280_a3b29bfb8e_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
D. Caroline<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295542010/" title="1201_2287 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1201_2287" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8295542010_b3875e2f16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
E. Caroline<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8294485459/" title="1201_2412 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1201_2412" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8294485459_00f7b7b865_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
F. Juliet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295548484/" title="1212_0130-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0130-1" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8295548484_4de77aa55b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
G. Caroline<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295536640/" title="1121_1978 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1121_1978" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8295536640_700789f387_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
H. Juliet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295486256/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8295486256_c6d4ef7f5e_z.jpg" width="478" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I. Juliet<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295547880/" title="1217_0600-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1217_0600-1" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8295547880_3f45ec8542_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
J. Caroline<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8294483463/" title="1201_2293 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1201_2293" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8294483463_dee674f9e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-2239655360439143072012-12-21T17:31:00.001-05:002012-12-21T17:31:53.341-05:00Which baby am I?Now that baby Juliet is a week old, we're more convinced than ever that she's the spitting image of her big sister. See if you can figure out which one is which:<br />
<br />
A.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295503562/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8295503562_d5d435094e_z.jpg" width="478" /></a>
<br />
<br />
B.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295546294/" title="1208_2851 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1208_2851" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8295546294_a68eb60426_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
C.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295547280/" title="1217_0613-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1217_0613-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8295547280_a3b29bfb8e_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
D.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295542010/" title="1201_2287 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1201_2287" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8295542010_b3875e2f16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
E.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8294485459/" title="1201_2412 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1201_2412" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8294485459_00f7b7b865_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
F.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295548484/" title="1212_0130-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0130-1" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8295548484_4de77aa55b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
G.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295536640/" title="1121_1978 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1121_1978" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8295536640_700789f387_z.jpg" width="428" /></a>
<br />
<br />
H.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295486256/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8295486256_c6d4ef7f5e_z.jpg" width="478" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8295547880/" title="1217_0600-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1217_0600-1" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8295547880_3f45ec8542_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
J.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8294483463/" title="1201_2293 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1201_2293" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8294483463_dee674f9e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-53972848930447562242012-12-16T10:33:00.000-05:002012-12-17T05:26:05.006-05:00Meeting JulietAnd Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in
God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is
his name.”<br />
<br />
Luke 1:46-47, 49 <br />
<br />
Let's just say that these words from Mary's Song are especially meaningful to me this Christmas season.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8273371912/" title="1212_0122-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0122-1" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8273371912_ebb0d06eaf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The Lord has given us another child. And we couldn't be more in love, more thankful, and more in awe of this special gift.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8277692482/" title="1212_0085-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0085-1" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8277692482_8ef0e2126d_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8276633451/" title="1212_0071-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0071-1" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8276633451_3615f3689e_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8273373116/" title="1212_0129 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0129" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8273373116_17eb7d5b8f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Juliet arrived on the scene just after midnight on Wednesday, December 12th. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8273337958/" title="1211_0211 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1211_0211" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8273337958_a5b72c1e02_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8273336708/" title="1211_0210 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1211_0210" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8273336708_2620299044_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8278079856/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8278079856_63f92e018f_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8278078332/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8278078332_6ff0df691c_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
She came out healthy and perfect, with ten fingers and ten toes and the face that was quite familiar to us. In fact, as her looks have rounded out over the past few days, Josh is convinced we've actually had the same baby twice!<br />
<br />
<br />
Our care at the hospital was fantastic. We were well looked after by a team of midwives along with my OB. I'll never forget the tenderness and empathy those midwives showed me while I was in their care.<br />
<br />
Baby yawns. They melt me.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8277694214/" title="1211_0349-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1211_0349-1" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8277694214_9bfb2834b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
Side note: my OB reminded both of us of a very odd combination of Gilderoy Lockhart (see Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) and James Bond. The quintessential English gentleman type with good hair and a lot of charm and personality! But he took great care of me and Juliet, and for that I'm thankful.<br />
<br />
Big Sister Caroline, along with Josh's mom and dad, met Juliet the next morning. Caroline was interested in the baby for about 60 seconds, but those 60 seconds were extremely sweet.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8277687786/" title="1211_0359-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1211_0359-1" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8277687786_521689ec5b_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8278019660/" title="1211_0360 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1211_0360" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8278019660_7c958e6c8e_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Juliet "brought" Caroline a special gift - a Peppa Pig plush. Caroline and Peppa have hardly been separated since. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8278068858/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8278068858_91861cb1ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Our family of FOUR!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8277690080/" title="1211_0382-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1211_0382-1" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8277690080_c1d2c0c435_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Grandparents!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8279839849/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8279839849_7cc739485a_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8277017423/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8277017423_2653fa472a_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
<br />
By the morning of the 13th rolled around, we were all ready to leave the hospital and begin real life together.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8272311243/" title="1212_0147 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0147" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8272311243_7c78d54667_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-33433715023968306232012-12-14T05:42:00.000-05:002012-12-14T05:42:14.812-05:00She's Here!We're thrilled to welcome this little one into our family:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8272221210/" title="1212_0111-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1212_0111-1" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8272221210_551b3721ba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Juliet Victoria</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7 pounds, 20 inches</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Born 12.12.12</div>
<br />
<br />
She's perfect and healthy and sweet. We can't stop marveling over her every inch, dimple, and finger. <br />
<br />
We're beyond grateful for her. Thank you, Jesus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
More to come soon, but for now I've got snuggles with a newborn to attend to... <br />
Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-37663295684015923452012-12-10T01:54:00.000-05:002012-12-10T01:54:23.309-05:00Finishing up ballet for the term.It was a highlight of our week, each week.<br />
<br />
And each week she gained more confidence. She'd actually take - and use - the sparkled silk cloth one week. Then the next week she'd get up off of my lap and bring the fairy wand back to her teacher at the correct time.<br />
<br />
(Do you get the feeling it was a serious class? Because it wasn't, but was entirely perfect for 1-2 year olds.)<br />
<br />
And in the last couple of weeks, she would actually follow the rest of the class withOUT me being right there. And at the end give her teachers a hug - and first pump - before we left.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8252216928/" title="12-3 Ballet by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="12-3 Ballet" height="3842" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8252216928_0cdc1be078_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-87749283077972916182012-12-07T07:34:00.001-05:002012-12-07T07:34:43.862-05:00New Girl UpdateI'm 38 weeks along now. It's that light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel portion of pregnancy. Whew.<br />
<br />
Why DOES pregnancy last forever and ever? I feel like this kid has been baking for years.<br />
<br />
But praise Jesus for health for both of us and an uneventful ride.<br />
<br />
For the first two months after we moved to London I felt ZAPPED of energy. So tired. Just wanted to stay home - and on the couch - most of them time. But for the past three weeks or so I've felt great. Mostly normal, in fact. If normal can include a bump and the feeling that I'm carrying around a bowling ball.<br />
<br />
Here's me at 27 weeks and 33 weeks:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8251305585/" title="0918_5348 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="0918_5348" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8251305585_f1726da2c3_o.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8252375200/" title="1102_9991 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1102_9991" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8252375200_4ba0ed1772_o.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<br />
I was browsing through <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/baby-bump-progression.html">pics of my pregnancy with Caroline</a> and have actually come to the conclusion that the 2012 bump has nothing on 2010's. The scale says the same thing. I WILL TAKE IT.<br />
<br />
Especially since after I gave birth to Caroline I saw my pre-pregnancy weight ONCE. The day I found out New Girl was on her way. Ah, irony.<br />
<br />
<br />
Is New Girl's nursery all done? Nope. Have we put her car seat in the car? Nope. Will she wear 98% hand-me-downs? Oh yes. But we have a crib, a double stroller, a few baby-wearing devices, and a pack of itty bitty diapers. And like 25 newborn girl outfits (really, how DID they multiply so much since we had Caroline?) <br />
<br />
I can hardly wait to meet this little sweetheart. <br />
<br />
Here's 36 weeks and 38 weeks: <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8251306227/" title="1120_9807 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1120_9807" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8251306227_88807108ae_o.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8250188740/" title="Untitled by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8250188740_fe4ec2dbb7_o.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<br />Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-53890628271184793222012-12-06T09:37:00.000-05:002012-12-06T12:13:11.212-05:00Caroline's Birthday<a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/caroline-at-2.html">She turned two</a> a couple of weeks ago. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243838175/" title="1117_9462 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9462" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8243838175_b90a70a663_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243840857/" title="1117_9476 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9476" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8243840857_5457449809_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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It was her first time opening presents without help, and not surprisingly she caught on quickly. In fact, she's since found a few Christmas gifts I'd wrapped up in advance, and opened those up too.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8250139026/" title="1117_9481 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9481" height="472" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8250139026_5fffc28376_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8250137862/" title="1117_9480 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9480" height="472" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8250137862_a68d3f43b7_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Technology meets expat life meets grandparents still want to celebrate. Thank you Skype and FaceTime... where would we be without you?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243836747/" title="1116_9637 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1116_9637" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8243836747_8fc1121639_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And as the big birthday rolled around, we realized we'd become those parents. The ones who overindulge their children on TV characters (in our case, Peppa Pig!) and organize birthdays around those characters. We bought her Peppa Pig PJs and a shirt. Oma and Opa helped with a Peppa dollhouse and a load of books. And then we took her to the holy grail of Peppa Pig fun: Peppa Pig World.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243855055/" title="1117_9590 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9590" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8243855055_c942b12b29_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The snob in me hangs her head in shame. <br />
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But the mom in me LOVED seeing my little girl squeal with delight and wonder as she ran through Peppa Pig World.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244927186/" title="1117_9614 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9614" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8244927186_4971db4d64_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243844963/" title="1117_9521 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9521" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8243844963_b517c5fe97_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Screw snobby me. My girl loved it.<br />
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"Peppa Kig! Peppa Kig!"<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244911788/" title="1117_9507 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9507" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8244911788_5a3797eab1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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"Peppa Kig House," the most lame exhibit they offered, was a favorite with our girl. The fake pig family moved only slightly and had a repeated conversation about making pancakes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243866433/" title="1118_9817 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9817" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8243866433_11b4f232d9_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244933374/" title="1118_9814 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9814" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8244933374_4c6bd18079_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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We also rode the rides - train, "balloon," and "cloud" along with enjoying the indoor soft play area. Complete with major slide.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243868619/" title="1118_9819 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9819" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8243868619_b150a4877d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244914314/" title="1117_9526 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9526" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8244914314_d0af462a7d_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244924396/" title="1117_9595 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9595" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8244924396_e13e5e9e54_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244918090/" title="1117_9567 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9567" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8244918090_15f9a5611e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244919358/" title="1117_9575 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9575" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8244919358_d287b7cd15_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244920528/" title="1117_9577 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9577" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8244920528_775b595510_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243853789/" title="1117_9583 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9583" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8243853789_fb34e7dfc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And a very fun ball area as well.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244916842/" title="1117_9558 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9558" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8244916842_56629e13f6_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8244915612/" title="1117_9557 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9557" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8244915612_24794d2765_z.jpg" width="315" /></a><br />
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Caroline even got to meet Peppa and her brother, George.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243860717/" title="1117_9618 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9618" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8243860717_36dbd00c50_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243857713/" title="1117_9607 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1117_9607" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8243857713_eb460771d7_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8243862039/" title="1118_9406 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9406" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8243862039_c6820099fb_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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As we won't be a family of 3 for too much longer, and Josh and I savored the opportunity to focus on and celebrate our little toddler girl. We topped off the day with Caroline's favorite treat - an ice cream cone.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8249069741/" title="1118_9853 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9853" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8249069741_373f2ba6d1_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8249069461/" title="1118_9849 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9849" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8249069461_72e7d7cbb1_n.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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What a treasure she is. We're so grateful for her life. Thank you, Jesus.<br />
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Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-85643064447625813122012-11-24T06:20:00.000-05:002012-12-10T01:54:52.494-05:00Trip to Germany: Black Forest, Cologne Cathedral... and FranceI'm a terrible finisher. But maybe I should actually wrap up this series, huh? You know, before baby #2 arrives (due in 3 weeks!) and Christmas is upon us, and we have family visitors, etc.<br />
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On our last full day in Germany, we set out south for the famed Black Forest. Then we, um, went into an entirely different country (France) and hung out there for awhile. That part doesn't exactly fit into the Germany narrative so well.<br />
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We stopped for lunch in Baden-Baden. Darling. Yummy street food. Pedestrian streets everywhere, which were popular with a certain toddler.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8212649607/" title="1119_9195 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1119_9195" height="536" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8212649607_21eddbd582_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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She strolled around like she owned the place. <br />
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These days the bump doubles as a shelf for Caroline to sit.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8193731811/" title="1019_6867 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_6867" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8193731811_02fa6bc442_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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While Caroline took her afternoon nap in the car, we took a drive through the Black Forest. Immense and amazingly beautiful, with rolling hills for miles in all directions. Here's our best quick-take-a-picture-from-the-side-of-the-road-and-hope-the-toddler-stays-asleep shot.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8213735010/" title="1118_9210 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9210" height="429" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8213735010_1aee00943c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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That was when we headed for the French border, to check out a little town called Strasbourg just on the other side.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8194845762/" title="1020_8286 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_8286" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8194845762_39662965c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Cobblestones and street performers and an interesting mix of French and German architecture. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8213735384/" title="1119_9193 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1119_9193" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8213735384_859dca2aaa_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8194839816/" title="1020_6729 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6729" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8194839816_2e4923b835_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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And of course, another cathedral!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8193749735/" title="1020_6739 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6739" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8193749735_069df72e55_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8193744449/" title="1020_6722 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6722" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8193744449_993a90a2f0_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8193748563/" title="1020_6734 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6734" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8193748563_5db3682a25_z.jpg" width="315" /></a><br />
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And a carousel. She thought she was pretty big stuff and did NOT need her mother to hold onto her.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8194843124/" title="1020_6767-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6767-1" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8194843124_318f996ce5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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That night we went back to Erden and watched Michigan beat Michigan State. Yes, it was a successful day for the Browns!<br />
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On our final day in Germany we had a few hours to kill before our evening flights. So we drove up to Cologne to check out <i>their</i> cathedral. Because we haven't seen enough of them in our two months living in Europe, obviously! Actually, we both enjoy the experience so much, and the cathedral in Cologne is widely regarded as one of the most fabulous must-see buildings in Christendom.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8194876724/" title="1020_6780 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6780" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8194876724_6d583d0f7a_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8194848128/" title="1020_6792-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6792-1" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8194848128_1c7dda3689_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Despite the grime and the scaffolding, it really is pretty impressive. Especially inside. Caroline thought that the little benches for kneeling were just perfect for a spot to sit. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8193786229/" title="1020_6810 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6810" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8193786229_0e9cdab859_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8194847182/" title="1020_6789 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1020_6789" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8194847182_c6067c958d_z.jpg" width="315" /></a><br />
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So that concludes our trip to Germany - finally! Despite a sinus infection and exhaustion-inducing pregnancy and not-quite-two-year-old in tow, it will go down as one of our more favorite vacations as a family of three.<br />
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In case you're curious, here are the previous installments to our adventures in Germany:<br />
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<a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/trip-to-germany-mainz-and-rhine.html">Part 1</a>: Mainz and the Rhine<br />
<a href="http://www.joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/trip-to-germany-erden-and-our-rental.html">Part 2</a>: Erden and our rental house<br />
<a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/trip-to-germany-mosel-river-and-burg.html">Part 3</a>: The Mosel River and Burg Eltz<br />
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<br />Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-18897206963950843492012-11-18T12:00:00.000-05:002012-12-06T04:07:29.186-05:00Caroline at 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Caroline Hannah</span>
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2 Years Old</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8190309595/" title="1017_7277-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1017_7277-1" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8190309595_8533e4d51a.jpg" width="334" /></a>
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<b>Favorite Toys:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-572-Stacking-Train/dp/B0000658L5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353190565&sr=8-1&keywords=melissa+and+doug+train">stacking train</a>, baby dolls, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Corner-Wooden-Kitchen/dp/B003KYTT7S/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1353190615&sr=1-1&keywords=melissa+and+doug+kitchen">toy kitchen</a>, anything with small parts that can be distributed in a variety of locations around the apartment</div>
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<b>Favorite Songs:</b> anything off of Wee Sing Bible Songs (requested often), Twinkle Twinkle, Let's Go Fly a Kite</div>
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<b>Favorite Foods:</b> ice cream cones, grapes, nachos, toast with banana slices and peanut butter</div>
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<b>Favorite Activities with Dad:</b> going on adventures around town, sharing an ice lolly (popsicle) after dinner</div>
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<b>Favorite Activities with Mom:</b> singing songs, art projects, ballet class </div>
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<b>Developing Abilities:</b> talking, ballet moves (equal parts hysterical and endearing), playing with other kids </div>
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<b>Favorite YouTube videos:</b> Peppa Pig, Mary Poppins songs, Elmo's World</div>
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<b>Favorite Books:</b> Gina, My First Hymnal, Paddington Bear, Gossie, Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8190308243/" title="1017_7264 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1017_7264" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8190308243_72dc62d7fb_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8212689659/" title="1118_9219 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9219" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8212689659_e4961b47f4_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8213795910/" title="1017_7231-5 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1017_7231-5" height="512" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8213795910_0810d1fccc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Memories We Cherish:</b> "doors closing, where are you?," holding hands walking down the street, books chucked at our heads, peeking into her room late at night and finding her in all kinds of strange sleeping positions, "yeah baby" (just like Austin Powers!), "all done hat on," consistent requests to have baby dolls, Elmo, and her stuffed dog swaddled like newborns, "all done sleeps" </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8191388998/" title="1017_7223 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1017_7223" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8191388998_406cfc6ac5_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8191387656/" title="1017_7182 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1017_7182" height="473" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8191387656_6fba3f3193_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8190303191/" title="1017_7128 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1017_7128" height="428" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8190303191_87473f3527_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Happy Birthday, sweet girl. You're such a joy to raise. </div>
Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-30383114894159676712012-11-05T05:14:00.000-05:002012-12-10T01:55:17.446-05:00Trip to Germany: Mosel River and Burg EltzSuffice it to say we were totally charmed by Germany. You've got the rivers. The hills on either side. The trees turning all gold and red and orange. And
then the vineyards. They were cut right into the hillsides. I guess
that region is known for Riesling, and the reflection off of the water
helps the grapes grow just right. Who knew?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8213773874/" title="1118_9211 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9211" height="429" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8213773874_9568c211f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153452093/" title="1019_8317 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_8317" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8153452093_51a9f430ca_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153478948/" title="1019_8319 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_8319" height="315" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/8153478948_ae152420b2_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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(That's Caroline practicing ballet, by the way.)<br />
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And the vineyards were starting to turn colors too.<br />
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And then every once in awhile, what did we spot on the hilltops? Oh, you know, <i>castles</i>. <br />
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We stared in wonder, driving up the river mile after mile, marveling over it all.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153484540/" title="1018_7067 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1018_7067" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8153484540_fc72aae038_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153499912/" title="1019_8339-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_8339-1" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/8153499912_c58234345b_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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One of our planned pit stops was to stop and explore a famous castle, Burg Eltz, which was located close to the Mosel.
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We followed signs to "park and walk" and had lunch at a little inn where we parked the car.<br />
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Little did we know that "park and walk" meant a full-out hiking trail through the woods. We had an ill-equipped umbrella stroller, while the other tourists had those hiking sticks! And, as luck would have it, we experienced Diaper Explosion 2012 on that muddy hiking path.<br />
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Notice who isn't wearing tights in the castle pics. She isn't wearing an undershirt either, as we THREW IT AWAY. Gratefully it was a balmy 70 degrees, so neither was necessary.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153472821/" title="1019_8352-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_8352-1" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/8153472821_4bdebaf6ae_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153461149/" title="1018_7106-2 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1018_7106-2" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8153461149_98c4417676_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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And when we got to the castle, we found ourselves on a guided tour in 100% German.<br />
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Let's just say we'll never forget that day!<br />
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And the castle itself? Very storybook-ish. Steep pitched roof tops and turrets abounding.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153492604/" title="1019_6825 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_6825" height="471" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/8153492604_25293dc951_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153462469/" title="1018_7121 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1018_7121" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8153462469_50dd423194_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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On our way back to Erden that evening, we stopped at Trier, which is an old Roman town Josh wanted to explore. So he did - while Caroline and I napped in the car!
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Looks like a very charming place!
Maybe I'll get out of the car next time we're in the area.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8153497632/" title="1019_6841 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_6841" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/8153497632_a2db11b6c6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In case you missed it, here's <a href="http://www.joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/trip-to-germany-mainz-and-rhine.html">Germany, Part 1</a>, and <a href="http://www.joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/trip-to-germany-erden-and-our-rental.html">Germany, Part 2</a>.
Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-822077136757848388.post-24714892065349691172012-11-01T08:48:00.000-04:002012-12-10T01:55:17.443-05:00Trip to Germany: Erden and our rental houseBack in <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/birthday-trip-to-edinburgh.html">Edinburgh</a> we found ourselves in a apartment-style hotel that included two bedrooms. It was a totally lovely setup for our family, and we hoped to find something similar in the Frankfurt area in Germany.<br />
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However, we struck out when it came to apartment-meets-hotel-rooms. <br />
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Enter <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/">VRBO</a>, a website we've used to great success a number of times in the past. If you haven't tried it for a vacation, you really should. As the name stands for "Vacation Rentals By Owner" it's clear how it works. You search for where you want to go, check out a variety of properties, and then work out the specifics with the property owners. I quickly found a few in the Mosel River valley, made some inquiries, and booked us a place within two days. While the per-night room charge was slightly more than our hoped-for hotel room rate, we were able to rent a two bedroom house with a kitchen for the same general price range. Not to mention we didn't have to pay those annoying extras like parking and Internet. <br />
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And do you know what? Staying at the rental house was one of the highlights of our trip. We're totally using this method again.<br />
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Hotel rooms are kind of sterile - that's what you're generally hoping for, anyway. But this house had personality plus! It was built in 1661(!) and included all kinds of stairs and low areas and funky little turns. We appreciated that it felt very authentic - because it was! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144438031/" title="1021_8227 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1021_8227" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8144438031_e1c061bedd_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144438283/" title="1021_8228 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1021_8228" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8144438283_7da32b2ce1_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Check out the ceiling beam that was next to the kitchen. We both had some head bangs on that puppy!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144480054/" title="1018_8437 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1018_8437" height="420" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8144480054_583196d694_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144481116/" title="1021_8231 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1021_8231" height="420" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8144481116_5d613fc597_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Living room:<br />
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Erden, where the house was located, is home to all of 400 people, so we felt like we were really getting a unique and not-so-touristy experience.<br />
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The woman that oversaw the property also owned the restaurant just down
the street. Fantastic German food, and totally reasonable. We enjoyed
the fare more than once!<br />
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Not only that, she would take our bakery breakfast order each night, and
the local bakery would deliver fresh rolls/butter/etc every morning!
LOVE.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144437687/" title="1019_8305 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_8305" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8144437687_2e1ce13ffd_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144497868/" title="1019_8303-1 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1019_8303-1" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8144497868_9015e031ab_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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Here are some shots of the town, which is located right on the Mosel river.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144442207/" title="1018_6995 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1018_6995" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8144442207_846e5b514b_z.jpg" width="315" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8213775024/" title="1118_9213 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1118_9213" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8213775024_046740cefd_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144472258/" title="1021_8248 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1021_8248" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8144472258_7ba6883567_z.jpg" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27894514@N05/8144438783/" title="1021_8249 by jjbrown611, on Flickr"><img alt="1021_8249" height="315" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8144438783_ccee60a0f1_z.jpg" width="315" /></a>
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The whole region is well known for wine, and Erden was no exception. Vineyards everywhere! The property owner even left us a bottle of the local vintage in the fridge. I was more than a little disappointed not to be able to partake. <br />
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More to come soon! In case you're curious, here's <a href="http://joshandjessicabrown.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/trip-to-germany-mainz-and-rhine.html">Germany, Part 1</a> (Mainz and the Rhine).Jessica Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10617127125511039582noreply@blogger.com0