Science Experiment #2

While I was cooking away on the Aga, Tom was creating crystals with the kiddos. Joe was excited by the Elmer's glue science kit that taught about water going up hill, mixing colors and creating crystals.

Basic Aga 101

We are the proud owners of an Aga. (pronounced more like Arghargh)In any event, these are quite handy in the London area.

What is an Aga you ask? Well, it is a gas type stove with heaters on the top. Ours is a two oven model.

Ovens: The higher up you get, the warmer it is. So if you wish to keep something warm- crockpot type, use the very bottom. If you wish to broil, top oven, top shelf. And everything else is in between. It is very nice that nothing really dries out. You do have to check often. Ugh, that loaf of bread turned out really crispy!!

Burners. If you wish to saute' some food, right burner. If you wish to boil water, left burner.

This is truly a unique appliance! I thought it an old fashioned stove, but am learning it is much more. It is gas and keeps the kitchen toasty warm- speaking of-- bottom oven, middle shelf.

But wait, there is more, it is not simply an oven, it is a house warmer, as it cuts down on the electric bills. And it is a clothes dryer. (Since ours is the size of a utensil drawer.) I looked on the Aga site and there are cooking classes and special cookware. Who knew? I am still a novice, but learning quickly. :)

To illustrate my point, here are a few pictures of it amazing versatility. Happy New Year!

Marlow

We have been touring the surrounding villages. Today we headed to see Marlow. It is a quaint town along the Thames with a very old, one lane suspension bridge. Good thing Tom was driving. http://www.marlowtown.co.uk/visimarl.html

It was really cold, but we had fun while the sun was shining playing in a park along the Thames River, shopping, exploring the old cathedral and warming up in a cafe. The hot cocoa and cookies (biscuits) were a nice way to thaw out before heading back.

Boxing Day

The Brits are huge on walking during boxing day. So, trying to experience Britain, we did the same. We headed to Kent to visit friends and had a great lunch followed by a visit to Knole Park. (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-knole/w-knole-park.htm) It is huge and has one of the largest inhibited homes in England. There was an "S" on the gate, but alas it was not for Snow. :) Kids had fun running after deer, climbing felled trees and exploring the gardens.

The close of our Christmas Celebration

Here are the last photos from the many goodies that were received. Joe is shaping up to be science/ engineer oriented and Anastasia loves doctoring her babies.

We are separated from our all of you, but feel blessed to be together, have good health, a warm house and a lot of Christmas spirit. (Did you notice our tree decorations? Take a closer look.) Thanks for all of the well wishes, it sure brightened our day.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Christ is born! Glorify him!

Christmas Day

Anastasia finally got a doll with hair- crazy curls like hers!!

Joe and Tom played nerf wii while Ana took a power nap!

Christmas toys

We assembled puzzles, dressed and doctored dolls, and played guitar.

Christmas

Joe woke up bright and early and decided to wake up Anastasia to prove that Santa did visit.

The kids played nicely with the many goodies and opened, assembled and until about 6pm, London time. There were a few breaks, a nap, and various meals.

Christmas Eve

I took the kids to their first cinema experience. It was not quite like the Monaco theater, but they had fun watching Madagascar 2. We went with neighbors, Ellie and James. They tend to dress for the events.

Even more exciting was me driving them there. It was dark and I was driving Tom's british spec car. We made it safely there and back by the grace of God. I was doing quite well until the 6 foot wide stretch that was still two lane. I am used to big, open space between cars.

Windsor

We took our first real outing to Windsor. This is about 15 minutes on a good day from the house. The kids had a great time exploring the castle, seeing the changing of the guards, listening to the band play Christmas tunes and explore the cathederal.

The town is full of neat shops and the tourist were not out in full forces as it was rather cool. The castle was decorated for Christmas. It was really neat. The kids followed along with a scavanger hunt type guide and had to look for certain clues. Their audio was kid friendly, too.

Long Trek over the pond

We flew out early December to the UK. We left Huntsville, AL via Dallas, TX. We boarded a 777 for London, Heathrow. The kids and I did well, thank goodness for the Leapsters, goodies, toys, puzzles and movies. Anastasia crashed, but Joe was keyed up for the adventure.

We arrived safe and sound at 7 am in London.

Baking for the holidays

Anastasia enjoyed baking with her Nana. They made sugar cookies, biscotti and fudge. Some survived the initial taste testing.





Ana met up with her class for a good bye visit with baked goods, before heading to UK.

Santa's Village

The kiddos and I moved in with my folks while Tom headed across the pond. We had a great time visiting Santa's village. Kids met with Santa, read stories with Mrs.Clause, decorated cookies, saw the reindeer and played in the snow.

Halloween

We went to trunk or treat again. Ana was a fierce pirate and Joe was Iron Man. They had fun walking around with Nana and Didi.

Countdown

Mawmaw and Katrina came for a visit. We had a great time.

Flagfootball

Joe is doing great with Flagfootball. He is having fun and catching on. He even scored a touch down!!