The End of a Chapter

I was going to call this post 'The End of England,' but that just sounds like the title from a war movie. I have decided to call it the end of a chapter because it seems more fitting. You never know what turn life will take, and we might come back to England for another chapter in our book. This is going to be a rather long posting because I have saved up the last 2 weeks for one GIANT posting.

Well, this is my lovely tea set. I have waited almost 3 years to purchase one from the auction. I finally got it and am happy to be bringing most of it back to the states with me. I no longer have a workable creamer because it got smashed into a million pieces. It's a long story, and I don't want to start crying like a baby over it. Let's just say sometimes things get broken. I'm hoping the rest manages to make it back to the USA with me. I don't like cream in my tea anyway.

Our last weekend in out house I told Jake that we should go to the oldest candy shop in England, which is located in Patley Bridge. I have been wanting to go for the past few years and was not going to leave England until I stepped foot inside the store. I was so happy that it was open considering that it was a Sunday, and most things are shut down on Sundays in England. I did want to try and purchase all the candy in the store, but settled on some homemade jam for my crumpets. Reagan was in love with the carousel in the window.

We took her to the park, but she was more interested in running around then playing in the gated playground.

I love this picture! I think she is running for some kids playing football (soccer for all you Americans).

Isn't this the prettiest duck you have ever seen?? Well, I sure think so.

Reagan loved feeding the ducks. They didn't like our pretzels, but thank goodness a nice couple came over and fed the ducks some bread. She was instantly amazed by the ducks.

This was my favorite picture of the day.

This is from Valley Garden's playground. We moved into our hotel in Harrogate on 26th, and have been making daily visits to the playground. I think Reagan is more enthralled in watching kids throw fits than actually playing. I hope this doesn't mean she is learning bad habits.

We're trying to keep Reagan awake on the swings, but she is looking pretty bored and tired.

Checking out the ducks with Dad.

If you squeeze your face between the bars you can see so much better.

She wants to take the picture.

Mummy & Reagan.

Is she already embarrassed when I give her kisses in public?

Denise, Carlotta, Reagan and I decided to walk from our hotel to our walking path. It was only about 8 miles. The girls did amazing and loved seeing the cows.

Some kids love horses, but mine loves cows.

We feed and pet the cows.

I love this little house.

A little Graveley's fish and chips! We had Graveley's as our first meal in England when we arrived. We needed to make sure and have it one last time before we left. For all those back in the states that think Brits eat dog fish are WRONG. We had some wonderful cod fish and chips. Graveyley's is very yummy, but extremely expensive. I think that is the reason we have only eaten at this restaurant twice in almost 3 years.

At the park smelling the flowers.

My Mom wanted me to smile, but this is the face I give her!

Daddy neck kisses are so funny!

Enjoying our last walk with friends.

Reagan loves this walk, and were going to miss doing it. It has been so wonderful doing it with our friends Denise and Carlotta.

Not only have the mommies become great friends, but so have the girls.

Good bye Menwith Hill.

Thank you for the walks Denise. It has been so wonderful to have our girl chats (aka Mummy therapy).

I'm going to miss you walk. I will take every last memory with me. I'm not going to miss the piles of sheep poo though.

Good Bye Glebeside 42 Moor Close. You have been the most amazing home. This is the first place that has ever felt like home. I'm going to miss this place, but I hope the next couple enjoy it as much as we have.

We had to stop and say good bye to Ms. Lorraine. Were sure going to miss you. Thank you for eating all my desserts.

Reagan reading some books while Mommy & Daddy start to get organized for the trip. What a good little girl.

We had our last dinner with our dear friends Jon and Karen. It has been such a pleasure having them as not only friends, but neighbors. Then evening was spend with sum YUMMY wine, amazing food (Karen you're a great cook. I have no idea why you have ever thought otherwise.) The evening was finished off with lots of tears and kisses from Reagan. We can't wait to see you on the other side of the pond. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and being such a major part of Reagan's life. We know this is not good bye, but see you later.

Tickles from Mummy.

Letting the bum hair out. Poor little Reagan has a bad case of bottom rash. I always know when a new tooth is coming in because she gets a bottom rash. It was a hot evening and we decided to let her air out the bottom.

Reagan with Jon and Karen.

It has been one amazing time in England. We have been blessed with a healthy wonderful little girl, wonderful friends and lots of traveling (wish we could have done more). As I sit in our hotel bed in England I think about the memories we have made and wouldn’t change a thing.

As much as I’m sad to leave England, I’m excited for what is in store in the coming chapter of our lives. Stay tuned for what is to come next…

August 4th, 2011