UT Trip . . . It's a Cousin, Cousin World!

Where the Heck to Start (or Finish)?

The summer came and went with a vengeance but what a great one it was.  We had lots of time to enjoy at home in the UK (June-July), then spend the latter part in the U.S. (July-Aug.).  We are very fortunate to be able to return to visit relatives and friends, however, we just wish we had a base, a home of sorts, so that we could rest up a bit between legs.  Oh well, we wouldn't see as many people that way!  I might be more sane, though :)  I will summarize broadly the season's events:  Legoland Windsor, of course, followed by gymnastic classes for Nico and Emma, recreation camps at ACS for Marina, Nico and Emma, a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Fraze, London outings and the Lion King (again for Mom and Emma but a first for the whole family), and concerts with the Script, Paolo, Nickelback . . . yes, you heard correctly and don't deny that you find yourself humming the latter's hooks and melodies subconsciously.

We enjoyed NJ and visits with the Fraze, Cobb, Lentine, Lamb, Stryker, and Allen/James families. Lunch with the Haver girls was a hoot and swimming with Becky's kids (well, her real kids and two baby goat kids) is always a treat.  Mason stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Fraze and delighted in his quiet time away from the younger bro. and sisters.  Later we all camped out at Pop Pop and Grandma Sharon's.  No caged groundhogs this year but the thrill of driving International tractors was all worth it for Nico and Marina.  It was fun to catch up with my brother, Lee, and wife Kim as well as cousins, Syd and Henry.  We are very blessed to have relatives who take good care of us and put up with our masses of luggage and nomadic lifestyle!  We love New Jersey, even if the humidity reduces us to sweaty, stinky people :)

The Acropolis Museum

Mark and I had the opportunity to visit Athens, Greece (me for two days, Mark a bit longer).  He was asked to present at Greece's "Great Places to Work" conference in which Cisco participates.  My mom and Larry flew from NJ to stay with the kids and do a little touring around.  Thanks for parents who were able to rearrange their schedules to help us out!!  It was a hot but beautiful weekend with lots of sight-seeing, street shopping, great food and the like.  I must say we really enjoyed not having to answer to anyone 13 yrs. and under.  We took our time and loved the new Acropolis Museum as well as the requisite Parthenon viewing.  Now we dream of a vacation to the islands . . . some day, perhaps.

The museum was supposed to be open for the Athens Olympics but was delayed due to ruins they kept excavating during construction (see pictures), battles with homeowners in the area, and earthquake concerns.  Better late than never--it's a beautiful place and you can't beat the views!

Where to Start?

Last I posted we had Nico's 7th birthday.  He had wanted an archery party but alas that was not to be with the end of the school year mad rush of bdays and activities.  This is definitely the last year of the inflatable!  His friends and he had a great time, though, and were all well-tuckered out. Mason got an award for outstanding effort in art for the 7th grade.  They keep it a surprise for the parents and kids until their name is called out at the middle school assembly--he knew something was up when he was told to dress up for the occasion :)  Marina graduated from the Lower to Middle School so she'll be a BGOC, big girl on campus, this fall.  I just can't believe how the time flies and my children grow.  We are so blessed to have wonderful kids that are both imperfect and perfect the way nature intended!  They make us proud and keep us busy and laughing.  Nico and Emma continue to mature as they keep up with their siblings in tenacity and curiosity.  They both do gymnastics and look forward to nothing else on the day of their classes!

I took all the kiddies and two of their friends who are moving back to the U.S., Logan and Brinley, to an amusement park not far from our home called Chessington World of Adventures.  They had a lot of fun running around and getting wet!  Nico and Logan hung out as Mason is not much of a daredevil but his friend Logan is.  Marina and Brinley kept each other amused as well with multiple water rides.   The park wasn't too crowded since the British schools are still in session (till mid-July, poor children).  Mason did go on his first roller coaster, the Vampire, so I was proud of his courage, and Nico surprised us by taking on a monster ride with Logan.  It was one of those swirl in circles, zip around corners, go upsidedown roller coasters--he survived and loved it.  Must have gotten Mark's genes to handle that one!