Portugal Part 1

 We were so blessed this summer to be able to visit the beautiful country of Portugal.  I found a very unusual and very rustic lodge in the middle of nowhere that we stayed at with no tv, Internet, phone, radio, and very few lights (it did have running water tho!)  We were able to spend quality time together without any distractions and it was so wonderful!  Not to mention, we saw, by far, the most beautiful beaches we've seen since moving to England and we had the best pizza at a little local brick oven pizza place that I've EVER had!! 

Alconbury Baptist Church Family Day

These are OLD pictures from this past June of our church sponsored family day.  We spent the morning doing archery and rock climbing and then had a great British BBQ.  This was Bryon's first experience with archery and he rocked it, as you can see from the bull's eye shot!  Molly and Daniel discovered a new love for hula hooping :)  I didn't do much blogging over the summer so as I come upon old pictures I'll keep posting them even though they are late! Better late then never  ;)

Summer flower garden

 These are a few pictures that I could find from our back yard this summer. One of the neatest things about being able to stay at home here in England is how much fun I've had learning about gardening.  Molly has really enjoyed being able to help with growing our own fruits and vegetables watering the plants and flowers.  It is so different than in the States though because here, everyone's yard looks fantastic!!  I know a lady who lives in government housing in the UK and every time I go to her house, I'm amazed that even these houses have well kept and flower filled lawns.  I appreciate the pride the British take in their homes, plus think it is just in the blood of the English people and I love it!

Croatia Part 3 and Bosnia

Daniel enjoying his shade in the heat of the day!  Europe needs air conditioners! for real!!!

Molly's pinochio ice cream treat.

Family shot at sunset.

Absolutely beautiful!!!!

Strolling down one of the streets in Cavtat, the town outside of Dubrovnik, where we stayed.

Group shot with Nana and Grandpa at sunset.

We were so blessed to stay in a place that had our own private chef!  Monica was fantastic!  She created meals like this for us every night from the comfort of our pool side cafe. 

 

 Molly and Daniel had a great time with Nana and Grandpa, as you can see by Molly's super happy and excited face here.

Daniel rubbing Grandpa's bald head.  He STILL does this when he thinks of Grandpa. 

Bryon and I were able to take a day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina because my great parents kept the kiddos for the day.   What a great opportunity to see such a tumultuous place in history.  This picture of Bryon and I is taken in the city of Mostar.

Bullet holes remain in many of the buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina today.

 The bridge in Mostar was destroyed during the war and has since then been rebuilt.  It was interesting to learn that almost all of the industry in the country was totally destroyed during the war so tourism is their primary source of revenue. 

If you can read the sign from the picture, it is a sign we passed with notable cities listed and their distance apart. 

   

  

A traditional Bosnian meal that Bryon and I shared.  Not too bad!

 

Found this stone on the side of a bullet torn building.  Nothing more to say....

Croatia Part 2

  

Dubrovnik City Walls

Daniel being adorable. 

We went on a pirate ship cruise around the outlying islands.  It was so beautiful seeing the lifestyle on the smaller islands and exploring all of the unique beaches.  A really different and neat experience.

 

On the ship.  Let's gooo!!!

Best view around!

Nothing better than time with Daddy.

 

Beautiful island water.  The beaches were nothing compared to the lovely NC sandy coastline.  Most of the people laid towels on these stone walls lining the water.  There was very little sand which I was not expecting.  We did find a nice sandy spot though and Molly had a great time jumping over the waves!

 Pretty as a postcard.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia!  

These are some of the pictures from our fantastic vacation to Croatia with mom and dad!!  The above picture is Dubrovnik from the water.

Pizza at a sidewalk cafe in Dubrovnik.  Molly and Daniel had a margareta but Bryon convinced me to have a 'seafood' pizza which included squid, mussels, and shrimp.  And yes, I actually ate it!

Shop till we drop.  Croatia has sooo many stairs and hills, we definitely got our exercise on this trp!

Exploring Dubrovnik.  Absolutely beautiful old city.

Molly enjoying her banana split treat. Yes, her daddy spoils her :)

Daniel looking very tired, it's hard being a baby!