Hello again all! It's hard to believe it is November 19th already! Somehow time has crept up on me again, and I find it's been several weeks since I last sat down at the keyboard. My excuse this time is the same as I'm sure it will always be-- things have just been very busy! Luckily for me(and possibly unluckily for you, the reader), this means I have lots of juicy bits of info to chew over as I type. Since my last spiel we've had Halloween, Rememberance Day, and International Families Day (explanation to follow), as well as several trips (Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, and Lydiard Park) and family events (Delaney's Brownie Promise and Kate's Rainbow Promise). My computer photo album continues to grow at an alarming rate- I may just have to give in and go get some of the pictures printed off soon.
I'll start with the most recent, as it's still vividly in my mind...Saturday, November 17th was International Families Day at the Academy. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Absolutely incredible. Over 50 countries, each proudly displaying their
culture--complete with food and drink. There was everything from chocolate chip cookies to kangaroo steak, samosas to salami, cheese fondue to curried chicken, falafels to pickled fish. And that was just the food! There was wine of all colors and descriptions, beer from all over the world, ouzo, cider and let's not forget Canadian Moose Milk (see Tom pouring at right)! Mmmmm. What made it even more special as that between the children, Tom and I, we knew someone from almost every stall! It was wonderful to see all of our new friends in their international costume, and it gave us all a chance to show off our pride in our countries. I'm not sure how many people went through, but it was busy all day. The 1500 plus maple cookies we baked were gone, as well as several huge vats of moosemilk, 800 Nanaimo Bars, and large quantities of maple fudge. Kudos to our fearless organizer, A.J. for a job well done, as well as all of the Canadian contingent for countless hours baking, planning, decorating and working the stalls.
I think I'll go back to Halloween now, and fill you in on Halloween in England. It was remarkably similar to what we usually see and do in Canada... just a few less homes participating in trick-or-treating. As per usual I was sewing a costume right up to the day (Delaney's Hermione cloak), but I must admit I cheated a bit, and Kate and Shane's costumes were store bought except for a few finishing touches. We prepared about 80 treat bags (we were unsure of what numbers to expect) and the kids left the house about 5:30. As there is a large international contingent here some of the children we saw seemed to be a bit confused about it all (we had several wee ones knocking on the door wearing no costume, holding a plastic shopping bag), but the general spirit was one of fun and festivity. Our children's bags were full at the end of the evening and all of our 80 treats were gone by about 8:00. Our well sugared children were in bed just a little later than usual, their trick or treat mission complete. Mom and Dad took a deep breath, ate a few candies and put their feet up to recover from the day. 
Kate's class had a field trip to Lydiard Park in Swindon (check out http://www.lydiardpark.org.uk/ ) on November 4th. I had volunteered to go as a parent chaperone and so off we went in two large coach buses. It was a lovely day in a lovely spot. Kate was in my group of four little ones, which made the day even more special. Lydiard was built in the 17th and 18th Centuries, and has a very old church, lovely gardens, and a beautiful old manor house on the grounds. There is also a large playground for the kids to explore. The field trip was meant to expand upon their current unit on the Victorian era, and we were guided through the house by a wonderful lady who explained to the children all about how children and families would have spent their days in Victorian times. There were even Victorian childrens' toys which they were allowed to play with, and dress up clothing for them to try on. I think I enjoyed the trip as much as Kate did! For Rememberance Day this year, Tom had been invited (or 
should I stay volun-told) to lay a wreath for Canada at a memorial site in Stratford-upon-Avon. Although it's only a little more than an hour's drive from here, we decided to make a weekend of it, and booked a B&B room for both Friday and Saturday nights. We stayed at the Eastnor House (http://www.eastnorhouse.com/ ) as it had a room which would sleep us all (most hotels in England will NOT allow you to book a room for more than 4 people- you have to book two rooms!), it was walking distance to most of the major attractions in Stratford, and it was a great opportunity for the kids to have their first real B&B experience! Our hosts were very friendly, and they recommended a perfect local Italian restaurant for supper which I know we would never have found on our own!
should I stay volun-told) to lay a wreath for Canada at a memorial site in Stratford-upon-Avon. Although it's only a little more than an hour's drive from here, we decided to make a weekend of it, and booked a B&B room for both Friday and Saturday nights. We stayed at the Eastnor House (http://www.eastnorhouse.com/ ) as it had a room which would sleep us all (most hotels in England will NOT allow you to book a room for more than 4 people- you have to book two rooms!), it was walking distance to most of the major attractions in Stratford, and it was a great opportunity for the kids to have their first real B&B experience! Our hosts were very friendly, and they recommended a perfect local Italian restaurant for supper which I know we would never have found on our own! The ceremony Tom took part in was at a beautiful cemetery where over 90 Canadian airmen 
were buried during the world wars. It was very sobering to see the headstones as most of them were younger than 25 years old when killed. The Stratford Air Crew Association were our gracious hosts for this event. The ceremony was simple, as only 5 wreaths were laid-- the City ceremony was to be held the following day. After the ceremony we went to the Falcon Hotel (see photo of Delaney in the window) for a small reception (see http://www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacy-thefalcon/home.asp for info). It was a beautiful Hogsmeade like building with huge fireplaces dripping with history. We got to chat with some wonderful people, including some who had trained in Canada. We also got to meet the Mayor, Cllr Donna Barker. See the town council website at:http://www.stratforduponavontowncouncil.com/mayoral.php for pics and info. She was very welcoming, and even invited our family to come for a tour of the Town Hall! Unfortunately we had already planned on heading out early the next day and couldn't take her up on the offer. Perhaps the next time we are in town... Anyway, a big thank you to Cllr Barker for her kindness and generosity. It was greatly appreciated!
The rest of our day in Stratford was spent sight seeing. We took the kids to go and see the
'Shakespearience' Show (http://www.shakespearience.co.uk/ ) so they could find out a little bit more about the local hero- William Shakespeare. After that we walked up to Shakespeare's Birthplace (see photo and http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/ ). This was very interesting as they had a small exhibition about Shakespeare's life before you went into the house. The house itself was like a living museum, set up as it was during Shakespeare's life. The kids were fascinated. Even though we were the last people through before closing, one of the costumed guides took her time to answer all of the questions the children had, as well as giving us a full tour of the house with lots of extras.
were buried during the world wars. It was very sobering to see the headstones as most of them were younger than 25 years old when killed. The Stratford Air Crew Association were our gracious hosts for this event. The ceremony was simple, as only 5 wreaths were laid-- the City ceremony was to be held the following day. After the ceremony we went to the Falcon Hotel (see photo of Delaney in the window) for a small reception (see http://www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacy-thefalcon/home.asp for info). It was a beautiful Hogsmeade like building with huge fireplaces dripping with history. We got to chat with some wonderful people, including some who had trained in Canada. We also got to meet the Mayor, Cllr Donna Barker. See the town council website at:http://www.stratforduponavontowncouncil.com/mayoral.php for pics and info. She was very welcoming, and even invited our family to come for a tour of the Town Hall! Unfortunately we had already planned on heading out early the next day and couldn't take her up on the offer. Perhaps the next time we are in town... Anyway, a big thank you to Cllr Barker for her kindness and generosity. It was greatly appreciated!The rest of our day in Stratford was spent sight seeing. We took the kids to go and see the
'Shakespearience' Show (http://www.shakespearience.co.uk/ ) so they could find out a little bit more about the local hero- William Shakespeare. After that we walked up to Shakespeare's Birthplace (see photo and http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/ ). This was very interesting as they had a small exhibition about Shakespeare's life before you went into the house. The house itself was like a living museum, set up as it was during Shakespeare's life. The kids were fascinated. Even though we were the last people through before closing, one of the costumed guides took her time to answer all of the questions the children had, as well as giving us a full tour of the house with lots of extras. Sunday the 11th saw our family checking out of our B&B and heading towards Warwick to see 
Warwick Castle (http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/ ). This was one of the best expositions of a castle we've seen yet. It was almost Disney-esque in the different things you could see and do. We arrived shortly before 11:00, and made it to the courtyard just in time to observe a moment of silence, which was announced and closed by rockets being shot up into the air from the castle mound. It was impressive as everyone there stood quietly with their heads bowed for the entire time. 
Warwick Castle (http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/ ). This was one of the best expositions of a castle we've seen yet. It was almost Disney-esque in the different things you could see and do. We arrived shortly before 11:00, and made it to the courtyard just in time to observe a moment of silence, which was announced and closed by rockets being shot up into the air from the castle mound. It was impressive as everyone there stood quietly with their heads bowed for the entire time. 
From that time on though, it was go-go-go, as there was lots to see and do. What was especially interesting about this castle was that Madame Toussaud's wax figures were placed throughout the 
building, dressed in period costume for the time in which that part of the castle was built. As parts of the castle are 1000 years old, it was a lovely way to experience how a castle is more than just a home, it's an ever changing historical monument. We spent some time before we left seeing the grounds. There were peacocks everywhere we went. There was a working trebuchet (like a catapult), a functional electricity generating water wheel, and lovely gardens to see as well.
Bear with me! I'm almost finished! I think these blogs are more like chapters in a book-- but there is so much to tell.
building, dressed in period costume for the time in which that part of the castle was built. As parts of the castle are 1000 years old, it was a lovely way to experience how a castle is more than just a home, it's an ever changing historical monument. We spent some time before we left seeing the grounds. There were peacocks everywhere we went. There was a working trebuchet (like a catapult), a functional electricity generating water wheel, and lovely gardens to see as well.Bear with me! I'm almost finished! I think these blogs are more like chapters in a book-- but there is so much to tell.
Kate and Delaney are now offically members of the British Girl Guiding movement. Kate did her 'Rainbow' promise ceremony shortly before Halloween, and Delaney did her 'Brownie' promise ceremony on the 6th of 
November. I've attached a photo of each so that you can see them in their uniforms. They were both very proud to display their new pins! Unfortunately poor Shane has been patiently (well, for him anyways) awaiting the news that there is a space for him in Beavers. He desparately wants to go, as he hears of all the fun things the girls are doing on a weekly basis. I've bugged the poor leader as much as I can, but he's still on a waiting list. He has been playing lots of soccer though, and is enjoying a few weeks of 'art club' at the school. Both Delaney 
and Shane came home on Friday with 'Gold Book' awards from school. These are like student of the week awards given by each teacher for good behaviour, hard work or acts of kindness. Shane was being rewarded for 'polite and kind behaviour to both teachers and students' and Delaney received her award for 'consistent excellent behaviour, hard work and attitude towards school'. Needless to say, we were very proud!I've progressed to cantering in my riding lessons. Thrilling, but I must admit, I'm alot more cautious about the whole thing than the girls! My instructor is wonderful, and I've learned loads. Tom has been playing rugby with the 'Shags' team-- I know, the word seems a bit vulgar, but apparently it means the more 'mature' second team. They travelled to Salisbury area a week and a half ago and won their game by a large margin. It's a great outlet for him, but I haven't been able to watch a game yet-- the physiotherapist in me has difficulty with the no protective equipment bit!
Well, I think I'll sign off for now. Who knows what adventures await us in the next few weeks! Keep in touch!
Cheers,
B
