tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55753045970472484332012-02-04T15:00:33.024-05:00Moving to America from UK with 2 young children. What we get up to and how I occupy my time being a stay at home mom! All content is © by Sarah German.Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.comBlogger3281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-89516066470297456502012-02-04T14:58:00.001-05:002012-02-04T14:58:57.751-05:00

K spent Thursday and Friday performing in front of a large crowd. She wasn't shy or reserved about it at all. (The complete opposite of me) On Thursday she was in her schools 1st Grade concert. She had to go to the mike at the end and say "We really do live in a wonderful world". She was losing her voice and managed to ilicit a big 'aww' from the audience. On Friday she was in the Cheer

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-56190095434452472042012-02-02T12:02:00.000-05:002012-02-02T12:02:10.365-05:00

I can't work so I find other things to occupy my time and one of the things I do is go on Twitter, Facebook, Klout and sites like those. I have gotten a few freebies from companies that I have crossed paths with on those sites. The latest freebie comes from Yoplait Yogurt. This is what I got today! A t-shirt and a travel cup. :)

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-81529818667779483692012-01-30T09:31:00.000-05:002012-01-30T11:58:09.327-05:00

I like watching The Ellen DeGeneres Show and I mentioned to K last week that Ellen was doing a Dance Dare challenge and K said that she wanted to do it. We went to the Super Bowl Village in downtown Indianapolis yesterday and when we were wandering around and looking at people go over head on the zipline, K decided that she wanted to do her dance challenge! Here is her attempt. It was windy so

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-8858873477892420072012-01-19T14:05:00.001-05:002012-01-19T14:05:47.649-05:00

Ben has been gone Monday to Friday for the last 3 weeks as he completes his training at his new job in South Carolina. At the start of every week we go to Indianapolis International Airport to drop him off for his flight to Charleston and I drive home again with the kids. On Friday evening I drive back to the airport and we pick him up again. I will be glad when we get home on Friday evening as

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-33500147060945618162012-01-10T18:06:00.002-05:002012-01-10T18:06:22.801-05:00

I am going to try my hardest. I have enjoyed Christmas/New Year far too much and piled on more weight. So as a result, cut to January 2 2012 and I am registering to join WeightWatchers again! I bought some hand weights and a Biggest Loser workout DVD. I went back to WeightWatchers on Monday this week for my 1st weigh in since joining and I had lost 2.4lbs. Yay! I just hope I can keep it up! I

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-87167451730046462072012-01-10T17:59:00.003-05:002012-01-10T17:59:56.887-05:00

I have been wondering where winter is recently. This time last year we had the ice storm and snow. This year not so much. However, I just checked the Weather Channel app on my iPhone and this is the 10 day forecast for here in Carmel and for Mt Pleasant, SC where Ben is.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-30453670014789655092012-01-10T17:39:00.001-05:002012-01-10T17:39:02.396-05:00

...and it begins with a fab party and then almost immediately Ben leaving for South Carolina to undergo a month of training for his new job. He will be away Monday to Friday for around 3 weeks and then will work remotely from Indiana. We have to find somewhere to live in South Carolina that is affordable and in a good school district. (We have been lucky with the Carmel Clay School district and

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-57722804279785378582011-12-31T23:55:00.000-05:002011-12-31T23:55:00.736-05:00

I hope that 2012 is a great year for you. There will be lots of changes for us. We will be leaving Indiana and heading South to move to South Carolina. It will be bye bye ice storms and frigid winters and hello milder weather but we will be very sad to say goodbye to all the lovely friends we have made in Carmel/Fishers. I aim to keep the blog going and hopefully we will settle quickly and

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-18395372757040342732011-12-23T13:20:00.000-05:002011-12-23T14:15:55.556-05:00

Along with Z & K, I would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Fabulous New Year! (Not taken a pic of Ben with a Santa hat on...yet!)

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-4984861588758731242011-12-22T12:24:00.003-05:002011-12-22T13:15:32.885-05:00

Been a while since I last posted something here. Apologies for that. We have been getting ready for Christmas and sending cards and packages back to the UK. I sent some school photos of Z & K to their grandparents and uncles via 1st class international Airmail on December 5th and they have yet to arrive! I am getting a bit worried as they cannot be replaced! We ordered a special gift for our

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-46176076539294448402011-11-29T16:15:00.001-05:002011-11-29T20:29:34.743-05:00

Our wedding anniversary was on Thanksgiving Day this year. As it was  our 10th anniversary we decided to go with the kids to Canada. Niagara Falls to be more specific. I was last there about 17 years ago so I was looking forward to going again. We left right after the kids got out of school on the Wednesday and stayed in a hotel in Cleveland, Ohio for the night before continuing on to Canada

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-21568142923104692812011-11-19T21:04:00.001-05:002011-11-19T21:23:08.648-05:00

We went to the lighting of the Christmas tree in Carmel tonight at the Holiday on the Square. This is the 3rd time we have been and this is the first time the kids actually got to see Santa. The line has always been super long but we got there a bit early this year so we decided to wait to see Santa. The got their picture taken, told him what they wanted for Christmas and got a goodie bag full

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-56925763738380385342011-11-18T11:38:00.001-05:002011-11-18T12:27:30.930-05:00

People magazine have revealed their "Sexiest Man Alive 2011" and this year it is Bradley Cooper. He is attractive but he wouldn't be on my List. Is the People Sexiest Man Alive list any different to the Maxim Hot 100? As I have been sick this week, and not really feeling up to doing a whole lot of stuff, I started thinking about who would be on my list and so I started compiling one. I think I

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-83550124980323456002011-11-14T10:30:00.001-05:002011-11-14T10:54:10.911-05:00

I have been developing a cold and have been feeling a bit sorry for myself. Hopefully I will be able to shift it before Thanksgiving as I really don't want to be ill on our trip to Canada! To make myself feel better I have been looking at the Coca Cola Christmas Commericals on YouTube. There are some of the Coke Christmas commercials along with the newest one.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-42463236939623796782011-11-12T19:49:00.001-05:002011-11-12T20:00:52.774-05:00

I use the term British Pub Food very loosely! After hearing good things about the Red Lion Grog House in Indianapolis, and quickly reading some reviews online, we decided to go there for lunch. We will not be going again! The menu sounds decent enough and the pictures are ok but my meal did not look like the picture on the menu! Under no circumstances could the fish and chips I had, be confused

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-73880926554434517772011-11-12T19:29:00.001-05:002011-11-12T19:30:09.643-05:00

I got the new iPhone 4S when it came out a few weeks ago. Just recently I discovered a camera app where I can play around with the photos a little bit. I hadn't been aware of Instagr.am or Hipstamatic at that point. The one I have on my phone is camera+. I have been enjoying taking pictures of my kids, me, around Indianapolis and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and playing with the

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-67118148210587855022011-11-12T19:11:00.001-05:002011-11-12T19:11:48.754-05:00

It certainly feels like we have been there millions of times! Luckily we have membership and it has been well worth over cent! Kids still enjoy every visit and always want to look at everything! We saw the Dinosaurs again. We saw the Barbie Exhibit again. We saw the Egypt Exhibit again. We saw the new Frog Exhibit. Bumblebee is still there. Jolly Days opens the day after Thanksgiving. We

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-57091269867801334162011-11-12T18:51:00.001-05:002011-11-12T18:59:59.586-05:00

Last night I went to a Girl Scout pajama party with my Girl Scout troop and met with other Girl Scouts associated with Carmel Elementary School. This was the first time there has been a pajama party at CE and they hope it will be a regular thing. All the girls donated a pair of new pajamas to go to The Pajama Program. K wore a pair of bright pink 'Hello Kitty' pajamas and I wore some

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-1481144630298136062011-11-11T09:06:00.000-05:002011-11-11T09:11:54.958-05:00

On this Armistice Day I want to thank active military serving now, those military veterans who served in the past and those who gave their lives so we could be safe whilst putting themselves in harms way. Thank you.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-37281630951177119422011-11-10T12:57:00.001-05:002011-11-10T13:03:30.590-05:00

I mentioned Christmas earlier today and I mentioned waiting for a copy of my friends book "Home For Christmas" in the mail from Amazon.co.uk. It is an early Christmas gift for myself. I have also had another early Christmas gift as I got my new "Stella & Dot" jewelry in the mail on Wednesday. Today I took delivery of my purchases from World Market that I ordered from the Christmas section on

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-57064372542684888762011-11-10T07:00:00.000-05:002011-11-10T11:40:42.859-05:00

This year will be my 3rd Christmas in the US. It's not even Thanksgiving yet here but already people are decorating their houses, the Christmas ads are on TV and Christmas movies are coming out. The stores have had Christmas goodies in for weeks already! I've been told that I am difficult to buy for. I have to give very specific clues to what I want or just simply write out a very precise list

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-9053974356852035832011-11-09T12:34:00.001-05:002011-11-09T12:34:34.619-05:00

At the end of last week I took possession of my newest purchase. Thanks to some Expat friends I found out about Snowhome and their word map of the British Isles designed by Alison Hardcastle. I ordered the large 70 x 100cm version and after a friend returned from a trip to the UK he brought some back. (Saved on shipping as there was a lot of us wanting some!) Now I just have to buy a frame for

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-82284149500578425792011-11-08T15:26:00.001-05:002011-11-08T15:26:40.739-05:00

It is approaching my 10th wedding anniversary. I do find it hard to believe that I have been married for 10 years. I don’t feel old enough. Don’t mention the fact that I have 2 children, a mortgage and have moved to another country whilst keeping the mortgage. Anyway, I am approaching the 10th year of being married to the man I have known for almost 16 years. I never really thought about

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-35058788689115320712011-11-07T17:46:00.002-05:002011-11-07T17:46:22.069-05:00

Z and K have started swimming lessons again and for the first time ever they are in the same class. As they are almost 2 years apart in age we have gotten used to them always being in separate classes but as K has been slightly more confident in swimming that her older brother, she has caught up with him and is now in the same level class as he is. Ben and I were worried that they would just

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-63994045271343827532011-11-07T17:39:00.004-05:002011-11-07T17:39:42.956-05:00

Z loves to read books and I am always looking for recommendations. A friend suggested the Hank Zipzer books written by Henry Winkler (aka 'The Fonz'). I am on Twitter so I tweeted something about them asking if anyone would recommend them. I knew Henry Winkler had a Twitter account so I mentioned him in the tweet. I did not imagine for 1 second that he would reply, but he did, twice! Z was very

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-19490995007314972452011-11-06T16:18:00.000-05:002011-11-06T16:18:51.782-05:00

I was invited to a Stella and Dot Trunk Party at a friends house yesterday. I had been to one before but didn't buy anything. I did see stuff I liked though, I just didn't buy anything. Some of the jewelry is very nice and some of it is very definitely not me! I like silver and subtle jewelry. Things that are in your face and really loud do not appeal to me at all. When I went to the party

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-22887186590354268002011-11-02T09:34:00.004-04:002011-11-02T09:34:45.630-04:00

Halloween has been and gone. The candy has been either eaten or unopened bags have been returned to the store. Almost as soon as Halloween was over with, I began to see Christmas ads on television. OK so there have been Christmas/Thanksgiving stuff in stores for weeks but it is now that it actually starts to settle in my brain. After all Christmas is NEXT month! The Weather Channel are even

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-12852969666076034362011-10-31T09:53:00.001-04:002011-10-31T09:53:51.566-04:00

We went to a Halloween party on Saturday night. There was a stipulation that you had to go into costume. So the 4 of us obliged. K chose an outfit that had lights in it! I mean what self respecting 6 year old girl wouldn't want to dress as a Princess with a dress that requires a battery pack?! Z opted for a Ninja outfit as he got to use his Pirate sword that we got when we were in Florida over

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-39275010762945627512011-10-28T13:11:00.001-04:002011-10-28T13:11:22.694-04:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-19657659046560672482011-10-27T14:17:00.004-04:002011-10-27T14:17:52.883-04:00

My kids went to Donuts with Dad and the Scholastic Book Fair at their school this morning. They had $100 to spend as their dad was the highest bidder in a silent auction for a book voucher. This is what they spent it on. In total we spent $99.84 of the $100.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-29221913010456053772011-10-20T23:48:00.002-04:002011-10-20T23:48:48.697-04:00

My phone has been playing up for a while. It had a good run I suppose. I had it for almost 2 years and pretty much used it to death. It was time for an upgrade and the contract expired also. So, Ben took over the contract as his boss was paying for the phones. On Wednesday he went to Verizon with his boss and got us new phones. He has the Revolution by LG as he likes the Android platform. I got

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-79110922614676109222011-10-10T12:41:00.002-04:002011-10-10T12:41:44.174-04:00

We made our 2nd visit to Nashville, Indiana this weekend. We went last year and enjoyed the scenery so decided to go again yesterday. It was a glorious sunny day so we headed south equipped with camera and a little bag of snacks. We did plan on eating out whilst there too though but it is always handy to have snacks on hand, especially with my kids! On the way there and back we went past

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-39110639392385244502011-10-10T12:01:00.000-04:002011-10-10T12:01:12.438-04:00

On Saturday we went to the Pumpkin Patch at IU Health North Hospital. (This is the hospital K goes to for her check ups on her kidney) The kids got a pumpkin each and we all got a hot dog, drink, packet of chips and a piece of pumpkin bread. K & Z also got a new Indianapolis Colts poster as well as a prize from the Indiana Pacers after spinning a game wheel. K & Z also went in a LifeLine

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-91852751824044780162011-10-06T13:15:00.002-04:002011-10-06T13:15:44.172-04:00

Sometimes I just love surprises. This is one that I got today. Huge thanks to my lovely brother and sister in law (and her mum) for getting us it.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-65416483747940626162011-09-30T19:32:00.000-04:002011-10-04T13:49:18.458-04:00

Usually I like to relax at the weekend and chill out with Ben and the kids. Not so this weekend! K needs to be at Badger Field for 8.45am as it is the last football game she is cheerleading at this season. After the game the girls are all being presented with a trophy and are having cookies and a little mini party with the footballers. We will also get K's official cheer squad photos. She has

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-60903164384217537882011-09-16T15:37:00.001-04:002011-09-16T15:39:46.167-04:00

When I was in high school there was not a great deal of school spirit. Don't get me wrong, my school was alright and was by no means a bad school. It just seemed that the students were a bit apathetic. There was no school sports events that could draw huge crowds or have teenagers willingly wander around, out of school, wearing something that had their school name on it. It may have changed

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-40829629956662664582011-09-11T22:42:00.000-04:002011-09-11T22:42:05.389-04:00

The kids started their swim lessons today at the Monon Community Center. It has been a while since the last round of lessons and I was hoping they would do well. Swimming with confidence is a great skill to have and as the summers are so long and hot here, swimming in the outdoor pools is a very common occurrence during summer break from school. We also have a community outdoor pool where we

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-65169076258189149502011-09-11T21:46:00.000-04:002011-09-11T21:46:08.793-04:00

I usually have a lousy memory. I am lucky if I remember what I did 3 days ago never mind 10 years ago. I do however actually remember where I was 10 years ago when the 9/11 attacks happened. I was working at Northamptonshire Magistrates Court and had just gone into the canteen for my lunch. I sat down at a table and was ready to watch Neighbours on BBC 1. However the news came on with the

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-82188643841979782012011-09-09T11:54:00.001-04:002011-09-09T11:54:17.129-04:00

K lost her 2nd tooth a few weeks ago and Z lost his 3rd tooth last night. All teeth lost so far seem to be from the bottom set. I think I lost from the top first. Z does have a loose top tooth but he is enjoying teasing us by wiggling it but it is not loose enough to be pulled out...yet.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-80807702012331393962011-09-05T14:20:00.000-04:002011-09-05T14:20:35.556-04:00

We went to Chicago for the weekend. We crammed a lot in over the 2 days we were there. We went to see The Bean and wandered around Millennium Park. We went for a ride on the 'L' Train and around the Downtown Loop. We walked down (part of) The Magnificent Mile and did a spot of people watching. We went to the American Girl Store and did not buy a doll but did buy a little pet. A doll may

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-32371411398640224292011-09-01T13:40:00.003-04:002011-09-05T14:21:01.822-04:00

We are going to Chicago for the weekend and I am trying to workout an itinerary of sorts for the weekend. Z wants to go to Legoland Discovery Center, K wants to go to the American Girl Store (I will admit I am a bit freaked out that the dolls cost $100 and extra clothes are around $35!!), and their dad wants to go to the Museum of Science & Industry and I wouldn't mind just wandering around

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-68336861998013056712011-09-01T13:00:00.000-04:002011-09-01T13:00:28.120-04:00

Now that the kids are back in school, the Boy Scouts have started again and the Pack that Z is a member of had a fishing event on Sunday as a way to get the boys together and possibly recruit more boys to join. We had never been fishing before, well not proper fishing with a pole. Z said he enjoyed it when they were trying to catch fish in the creek last year when we went to a campfire event

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-39658600250550126282011-09-01T12:46:00.002-04:002011-09-01T12:46:35.470-04:00

My baby boy is now 8. I guess I can't call him my baby boy anymore. He got a lot of gifts and some money for him to spend as he wishes. Sharks and dinosaurs were a big feature in the gifts he got. We went to Snapperz in Clay Terrace first. We had planned to spend about 2 hours there but ended up staying for about 4 hours! The kids loved it. They played on all the free stuff and I got a Play

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-54568763388152755762011-08-30T17:22:00.000-04:002011-08-30T17:22:48.832-04:00

K is a cute girl. (I am biased but I don't care!) Anyway, she has a habit that she has had since she was a baby. She sucks her 2 middle fingers on her right hand. She never liked a dummy/pacifier and would spit it out if anyone tried to give her one. A dummy/pacifier can be taken away from a child and they can be made to effectively go 'cold turkey' but it is not so easy when the thing your child

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-13102085192754587542011-08-23T14:27:00.000-04:002011-08-23T14:27:08.516-04:00

I like organizing things. I like to plan stuff so I know what is going on and if I am able to fit in other things. Of course it is nice to just 'wing it' sometimes but other stuff needs forward planning. Especially if kids and a tight budget are involved. I'm currently trying to work out field trips for my Girl Scout Troop (yes we are going to be going out and about this year as the girls new '

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-17375768503385192352011-08-13T18:12:00.000-04:002011-08-13T18:12:58.368-04:00

It is that time again. K is back cheering with the Carmel Dads Club. Her squad this year is Oakland Raiders. The uniform is black and white rather than blue and orange that she had last year. It looks pretty but as it is still very sunny and hot out, black is not a great color to wear whilst jumping around the place! Yesterday she went to a cheer clinic at Carmel High School and met 2

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-52094402629271452492011-08-09T17:21:00.010-04:002011-08-16T11:33:33.886-04:00

SIRIUSXM PRESS RELEASE TUESDAY AUGUST 16 2011. Online only IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH! BRING BACK BBC RADIO 1 TO SIRIUSXM PETITION [PLEASE READ EDITS AT BOTTOM. More information obtained since original posting.] Usually I just blog about my family and our adjusting to life in the USA. I write about my kids and what we get up to. Today however I have been really irritated by something that happened

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-69065869718988279022011-08-09T15:32:00.000-04:002011-08-09T15:32:19.022-04:00

Their views on their first day back to school.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-51196168707353402942011-08-08T15:15:00.000-04:002011-08-08T15:15:26.225-04:00

It's been a while hasn't it?! Thanks to a very talented son of a fellow British Expat here in Carmel, my laptop is now working again and I can blog, tweet, Facebook and so on to my hearts content! (I would highly recommend my friends son, he is a Carmel High School senior as of tomorrow and he knows his stuff when it comes to computers!) Anyhoo, what have we been up to recently? Well we went on

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-75697993076721194102011-07-31T21:39:00.000-04:002011-07-31T21:39:04.991-04:00

(I am currently using Ben's laptop so that is why I am able to post things today!) Kids go back to school in a week! 9 weeks of summer break over already! Only 1 more week and we are back to getting everyone up at 6.30am to make sure everyone has breakfast and the kids and Ben have their lunches prepared for the day. Kids have to be at school for 8am and I hope to go to the gym around about that

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-40048206937029101852011-07-31T21:17:00.002-04:002011-07-31T21:17:59.542-04:00

A part has been obtained that will, hopefully, fix my laptop and enable me to start posting blog entries again. I hope to have it sorted within the next week or so. It has been a long 3 weeks so far without my laptop and regular internet access!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-72887579226947107822011-07-12T21:23:00.000-04:002011-07-12T21:23:48.602-04:00

The little pin thing that I plug the laptop charger into is broken, again. This happened last year and I had to send my laptop off to Texas for repair. Luckily it was in warranty and all we had to pay was one way shipping to Texas repair facility. This year however the warranty has expired. I have just had an online chat with Gateway and have been told that it will cost $199 + tax and one way

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-12043915648650521542011-07-11T16:10:00.000-04:002011-07-11T16:10:44.126-04:00

This is just what you want when the a/c in your car does not work!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-15501702546547179632011-07-11T12:12:00.000-04:002011-07-11T12:12:08.769-04:00

We go on vacation at the end of this week to Florida. A week at Walt Disney World beckons us. I can't wait. I love Florida and Disney World and I am sure my kids will too. I need to take K to get a new Disney Princess dress as she wants to wear one when she meets a princess. Her Snow White one is currently a bit bedraggled and looks more like something Cinderella would be wearing before her fairy

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-52515428748453276532011-07-05T11:15:00.000-04:002011-07-05T11:15:38.321-04:00

This past weekend we had lots of fun! On Saturday we went to the Carmel Farmers Market. On Sunday we went to CarmelFest and on Monday we watched the CarmelFest 4th of July Parade in the morning and in the afternoon we went back to Civic Square and then watched fireworks with a group of friends. Here are the photos of our fabulous weekend!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-40841286635055040562011-06-28T22:53:00.000-04:002011-06-28T22:53:21.009-04:00

Carmel Marathon Championship Weekend registration information Carmel Marathon main information. At K's request we will be taking part in the All-Star 1 Mile Family Fitness Walk. She saw a load of kids with medals and official t-shirts when we went to the Carmel Farmers Market on the day of the marathon/walk this year and said she would like one too. She knows I have done 2 marathons and have 2

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-1377354872146862232011-06-28T15:34:00.000-04:002011-06-28T15:34:01.822-04:00

I know that the UK has had a few hot a sunny days recently. We have had a few really good days here too and it is not going to cool down until about October! For most of the summer I think I'll need to buy a few bottles of sunscreen. To maximize protection I would probably be wise to buy some of this Banana Boat sunscreen! 110 SPF/UVB should do it I think! My dermatologist would be very happy

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-86117396180885444922011-06-28T15:05:00.000-04:002011-06-28T15:05:54.569-04:00

When I was a kid I loved to read. I still do. Z seems to have inherited this love of reading and I am beyond pleased. He can read quite complex words and at his last grading, he was evaluated as reading above grade level. That is always a good thing to hear! He loves to go to the library and to book stores like Barnes & Noble. He knows loads of facts and will quite happily share them with people.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-74890155585206208772011-06-25T17:14:00.000-04:002011-06-25T17:14:23.005-04:00

I came to the USA legitimately. I have the correct paperwork to allow me to be here. I am not allowed to work so I don't. I volunteer and fill my time doing other things. I want to do things properly and do not want to put my future here in jeopardy. Or the future of my children. However, not everyone does it that way and some people get put in a situation that makes doing things the 'right way'

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-15636824252491319222011-06-21T14:55:00.000-04:002011-06-21T14:55:00.351-04:00

We are now into week 4 of 10 weeks of no classes for my kids. Well, no classes in their school classroom. They don't escape learning whilst they are home! I dread to think how they would get on back at school in August if all they did was watch TV and do nothing at all educational! K has got the Summer Bridge Activities: Bridging Grades Kindergarten to First and Z has got Summer Bridge Activities

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-66350279942123199982011-06-20T22:11:00.000-04:002011-06-20T22:11:12.134-04:00

K's first loose tooth has finally gone. She has been wobbling it with her finger  and tongue for a few weeks and tonight it finally came out. It was barely hanging on in her gum and, with a little help from her daddy, K managed to get it out. She is now in bed with it under her pillow and is waiting to see what the tooth fairy leaves her. (Personally I think the chances are quite high that she

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-38180054532332517442011-06-20T12:19:00.000-04:002011-06-20T12:19:53.440-04:00

I have been a bit bad recently and have not blogged as much as I should. I have been doing stuff, I just have not been writing about it. So I thought I would tell you about 2 things that happened today. First I went to the gym at the Monon Community Center and I dropped the kids off in the KidZone as they really enjoy going there. I had to drop Ben off at the bus this morning as it was a bit

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-65370843337415660172011-06-09T21:40:00.001-04:002011-06-09T21:40:25.124-04:00

I saw this on a friends Facebook profile today. It has been many years since I last saw it. I had to share it again.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-25473636100894310122011-06-07T08:55:00.000-04:002011-06-07T08:55:43.764-04:00

Bets on how hot July and August will be?!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-36626646711308430272011-06-06T09:23:00.000-04:002011-06-06T09:23:15.430-04:00

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-16416299081027177662011-06-01T20:33:00.000-04:002011-06-01T20:33:15.985-04:00

As we are back in Carmel following our break away from Michigan, and the kids are on summer break, we need to have something to do each day. Today we went to Muldoons for lunch and the kids enjoyed a leprechaun shake alongside their food. Later on we stopped off at the Simply Sweet Shoppe on Rangeline for the first time. It really is like walking into a Willy Wonka factory The range of candy

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-27463125427082092572011-06-01T20:32:00.000-04:002011-06-01T20:32:48.849-04:00

The kids finished at school for summer on Friday and on Saturday morning we went to Michigan for Memorial Day weekend. We had a great time and, as we rented a car, the drive up from Central Indiana was not too bad!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-81326661197328311882011-05-26T21:04:00.000-04:002011-05-26T21:04:45.214-04:00

 Old Navy Debuts Gay Pride T-Shirts For It Gets Better I think these are a fabulous idea and I will be getting one!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-38356871818749158292011-05-26T08:13:00.000-04:002011-05-26T08:13:24.055-04:00

......we had stormy weather. .......my mother in laws connecting flight from DC to Indy was delayed due to storm. .........car broke down at airport when Ben picked his mum up. It is now at a garage between here and Indy. Wonder how much $$ it will cost to fix. Call me cynical but I have a feeling the cost of repairs will be more than the car is worth.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-30375471834465913282011-05-25T15:08:00.000-04:002011-05-25T15:08:42.701-04:00

The kids both took part in the "100 Book Club" at school this year and they got their t-shirts for completing it today. As Z also did it last year, his t-shirt says 200 books. I think it is a great program and a great incentive to get kids reading.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-74407726865312093612011-05-24T16:36:00.000-04:002011-05-24T16:36:54.450-04:00

It was sunny outside when the kids got home from school and K decided to sit outside and draw.  She took some crayons and paper I gave her and sat at a little table.  She was out there for about 20 minutes then came inside again. She went out again a little while later and then came in again to tell me that the "crayons were wet". If I'm honest, I thought she had spilled a drink over them.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-57742343911292564822011-05-24T13:53:00.000-04:002011-05-24T13:53:34.580-04:00

I got a text from Ben yesterday asking me to pick him up from Meijer as it was hailing and he didn't want to skate home. I got the kids in the car and we headed off down Main St towards Meijer. A little way down the road the car seemed to hit something or go over something and I momentarily lost control of the car. The noise that the car had been making whilst moving over the past few weeks

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-66398531651547001152011-05-24T13:31:00.000-04:002011-05-24T13:31:59.409-04:00

Z has progressed up a rank in the Boy Scouts. He got his Bobcat badge and was a Tiger Cub Scout and he is now a Wolf Cub Scout. We went to the Crossover Campfire that his Scout Pack had organized for Saturday and watched as Z got his new badge and book. We are not entirely sure what is going to happen with regards to his den as most of the boys in it are going to another school due to

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-83717004898538608882011-05-20T15:35:00.000-04:002011-05-20T15:35:06.638-04:00

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-86000920159867127812011-05-18T12:04:00.000-04:002011-05-18T12:04:27.497-04:00

As a Brit living in Carmel I am familiar with roundabouts as they are very common in the UK and the ability to navigate around one if part of the British driving test. I do find it amusing when I see locals trying to navigate around the roundabouts here. Last winter we saw tire tracks straight across the middle of a roundabout on Rangeline. It was as if someone was driving along and thought "I'm

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-66532014201675842522011-05-18T11:43:00.000-04:002011-05-18T11:43:39.302-04:00

When I stepped into the Monon Community Center fitness center on it had been a long time since I had last been in a gym for a workout. To help track my progression, besides using scales and a measuring tape, I have been taking pictures of the screen on the equipment I use at the end of my workout so I can see if I am getting faster or stronger. So far I have been doing only cardio but I

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-63411027591490394752011-05-07T16:09:00.000-04:002011-05-07T16:09:17.465-04:00

Z has a rewards scheme going on at school to help him with his attention, following directions and getting work completed on time. If he does everything he gets 2 stickers from his teacher each day. If he gets 10 stickers in a week then he can choose a reward for the weekend. In the past he has chosen a book, an ice cream, going swimming and going out for lunch. This weekend he wanted to go to

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-38836150947559473662011-05-06T14:32:00.000-04:002011-05-06T14:32:31.227-04:00

 When I was a kid and went to school all I had to take was a backpack and a pencil case with a few pencils, a ruler, eraser and ruler. This is not the case for my 2 kids! Last year, K didn't need a supply kit as she was in Kindergarten but next year she'll be in 1st Grade so both her and Z will need a supply kit. We can order them online and have been given the details from the school. I guess

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-84799423781228979182011-05-04T17:05:00.000-04:002011-05-04T17:05:18.725-04:00

I got this from a neighbors dog a few days ago.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-43714301646767899752011-05-02T13:38:00.000-04:002011-05-02T13:38:39.106-04:00

We go to the public library in Carmel almost every week. Sunday afternoon seems to have become library day. I have 2 kids. One in KG and the other in 1st Grade. Add to the books in the basket, the books that my kids get from their school library and we have over 20 books each week! How many books do your kids get when they go to the library each week? K has also discovered the dvd section of the

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-59412704370619071312011-05-02T12:54:00.000-04:002011-05-02T12:54:47.854-04:00

I complain about my weight and the size of clothes I have to buy. So, I decided to move my backside and do something about it. I joined the Monon Community Center. (I seem to be there a lot recently don't I?!) I am now going to the Fitness Center there 3 or 4 times a week and once at the weekend. I am determined to get fitter. If I can drop a dress size or 2 then that will be a bonus but the

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-30129920700650519262011-05-02T12:45:00.000-04:002011-05-02T12:45:29.489-04:00

Unless you've been living under a rock somewhere, you can't have escaped the fact that Prince William married Kate Middleton last Friday at Westminster Abbey. I was up and out of bed at 6am on Friday and watched some of the coverage on BBC America. I had set the DVR to record it so I watched the build up to the event before the kids went to school. K took a Royal Wedding flag to school as Friday

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-44615396284281767992011-05-02T12:19:00.000-04:002011-05-02T12:19:25.196-04:00

On Thursday I took my merry little gang of Daisy Girl Scouts to the Monon Community Center and we planted 2 grey dogwood trees. It helped them earn their Clover award as part of their "Between the Earth and Sky" Journey. It had been raining for a few days before we went to the event but it was clear skies on the day. Right up until we started digging! It then rained until we were done! The kids

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-70622650813767774782011-04-22T10:07:00.000-04:002011-04-22T10:07:51.052-04:00

sshhhh don't tell the kids, but it looks like we are going here for a week long vacation in the summer! a few details to be worked out yet, but we were looking at deals online last night and found a good one that is within our rather tight budget!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-50403960225186661622011-04-21T22:21:00.000-04:002011-04-21T22:21:36.240-04:00

Today I got a tweet from Holy Cow Cupcakes telling me I should go into the store to pick up a cupcake to taste test for them. Another Twitter user had mentioned a few days before they had seen a cupcake with a Cadbury Creme Egg baked into it and they asked HCC if they would make one and that they thought for sure we could find some Carmel Twitter users who would taste test it for them. For a

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-2601791804486370722011-04-20T08:22:00.000-04:002011-04-20T08:22:29.571-04:00

Yesterday we had a bit of a stormy day. It was rainy with a little bit of thunder and lightening earlier in the day but it kicked off a bit more later in the night. The tornado sirens were going off in Carmel and surrounding towns as the National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a tornado warning for the area. Local NBC station WTHR cancelled the finale episode of "Parenthood" and their FB

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-70677783985210462532011-04-18T14:30:00.000-04:002011-04-18T14:30:45.972-04:00

On Saturday we went to the Spring Family Fling at IU Health North Hospital (formerly Clarian North and the hospital that K goes to for check on her kidney) It was a bit chilly out (well it wasn't in the 70s and was overcast). By the time we got there it was about 2pm and it was finishing at 3pm. We all got a hotdog and a bag of chips and entered the raffle prize draw before wandering around the

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-29995661637534699632011-04-14T11:41:00.000-04:002011-04-14T11:41:24.826-04:00

I saw this today when I was in school to do my volunteer shift in the Kindergarten Parent Center. "The TripI was really excited because my dad told me that we were going to McDonalds. He surprised me and took me to a farm instead. I saw lots of horses. Some were brown. Some were balck. Some were many colors. I got to ride a horse. It was white with black spots. There were lots of baby ponies too.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-47161740136058185772011-04-10T19:29:00.000-04:002011-04-10T19:29:37.696-04:00

Friday was K's birthday and she turned 6. We had a cake that looked like a dog and  had a living room with silver stars all over the floor. (This is courtesy of a gift she got that has lots of little stars in with the wrapping.) She had a ridiculous amount of gifts and we were up watching her opening them at 6.15am! She was very excited and managed to open them all in about 5 minutes! She then

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-52216262055643775292011-04-08T08:27:00.000-04:002011-04-08T08:27:28.662-04:00

Today K turns 6 years old. I guess I can't call her my baby girl anymore. Although she did tell me last night that she will always be my baby girl!

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-87489255143346990592011-04-04T14:33:00.000-04:002011-04-04T14:33:44.487-04:00

This is a little look at where I call home now. One of the videos is a re-election video for the Mayor of Carmel. I'm not political and I can't vote but I wanted to share it as it gives a nice peek at the town.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-2824701122748270832011-03-30T13:29:00.000-04:002011-03-30T13:29:27.125-04:00

Last night Ben sent an email to another immigration lawyer for an impartial look at our situation and what possibilities there are regarding our future here. I was given the name of this lawyer by someone I met in the kids school. I was in the office waiting to sign in for a volunteer stint and got chatting to someone who knew a lawyer and gave me her details. Now we have to wait for a response.

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-4515778802915667072011-03-25T12:32:00.000-04:002011-03-25T12:32:45.980-04:00

Today was the wedding of my little brother David to Sara. They have requested that  no photographs of them be posted on social networking sites until they have had a chance to see the official photographs once they get back from honeymoon in 2 weeks. I know this is not a social networking site but I am going to wait before posting any pictures of them. I will post a picture of them in 2 weeks but

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-61768351128623843212011-03-25T12:12:00.000-04:002011-03-25T12:12:39.541-04:00

I decided to be a tourist for part of the day. I met a friend I went to school with for lunch before wandering around Princes Street and taking photographs of landmarks. It wasn't until I left Edinburgh that I appreciated the architecture and beauty that there is to look at in the City Center. It was Ben who pointed out the size of the bricks used to build things in the city. In the evening I

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-92078777441791918892011-03-25T11:58:00.000-04:002011-03-25T11:58:44.311-04:00

Day 6 of our trip in the UK was mainly spent travelling up the motorway from Northampton to Edinburgh. We briefly stopped in Bolton to see some of Ben's family before continuing on to Scotland. We went round to my brother and Sara's new flat and had some dinner with them before finally getting to bed at about 11pm. We had left Northampton at about 9.30am and it was a quite long day but we still

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-25616245150287672092011-03-24T10:00:00.003-04:002011-03-24T10:00:12.100-04:00

Today is the day my little brother David is getting married! Tomorrow is the wedding reception. Congratulations to David and Sara! Here's a pic of me and my 'wee brother' from a couple years ago. I don't have any of him and my new sister-in-law. That will be remedied as I am going to take LOTS of pictures from the wedding and our stay in Edinburgh. [This was a scheduled post]

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-60278061741757872642011-03-21T11:40:00.000-04:002011-03-21T11:40:04.449-04:00

Plans often go awry. I had planned on going to the Borough Council to hand in the forms to enable me to vote from abroad. However, after a call to NBC (Northampton Borough Council not the TV network!), I had to cancel those plans. On the forms for registering to get a postal vote from abroad, it says you need a witness to sign the form. As I would be handing the form in to them in person, I

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-4157844855426101382011-03-21T11:36:00.000-04:002011-03-21T11:36:55.515-04:00

Sunday brought me another pub lunch. We went to the Toby Inn for a Sunday lunch as it was Ben’s dads birthday celebration. (His birthday is the same day as my brother’s wedding so we brought the festivities forward) The kids, and grownups, had their plates piled high with food and we all had desserts that we probably wouldn’t normally have. Z had been going on about having a Sunday for about 2 or

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-83658201438486634492011-03-20T17:05:00.000-04:002011-03-20T17:05:43.593-04:00

As we are here for the wedding of my brother, and it is a Scottish wedding, it is necessary that Z get fitted for a kilt. Unfortunately due to time constraints we can't wait until we are in Edinburgh for him to get measured for a kilt. So, we decided to drag the poor boy into Northampton town center and get him measured at Debenhams and then call my mum with the measurements and sizes he would

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5575304597047248433.post-24036269661576296952011-03-18T16:54:00.000-04:002011-03-18T16:54:39.705-04:00

So, after about 14 hours of sleep I ventured out to meet a friend for lunch at a pub in Northampton town center. We went to The Eastgate (formerly Lloyds) on Abington Street. I had a chicken burger and chips. Good pub chips. I even had malt vinegar on them too. Very yummy. I wandered around the town center for a while after lunch and had a look in  the shops. I saw some of the lions that have

Sarah*G*http://www.blogger.com/profile/11345739249623483549noreply@blogger.com0