2013 in Review

2013 was a great and eventful year. Here's a little recap in case you missed it:

We rang in the year with all kinds of illness, including pneumonia and ear infections that wouldn't quit. 

We played outside and made messes. 

We spent a fun filled weekend in Houston, visiting the zoo and the Museum of Natural Science. 

Jack caught his first fish. 

We became home owners. 

Jack played in his first season of baseball. 

Megan, Jack and Luke spent two wonderful weeks in California. 

Will and Bethany visited for the 4th of July and we showed them the Cajun life. 

Jack turned 4 and became a four wheeling maniac. 

Luke had surgery to put tubes in his ears and to remove his adenoids. He became a whole new man. 

We spent another fun filled weekend in Houston with Andrew, Lacie, and Paris. We visited Galveston, went to an Astros game and toured the Downtown Aquarium. 

Jack started preschool. 

We spent a lot of time swimming and Jack officially learned to swim. 

Dallin spent most of the summer in Monroe, so we made several trips up to visit him and discovered the fun things to do there. 

Luke turned two!

We went on a once in a lifetime trip to England!

And discovered we were expecting baby #3!

Here's hoping 2014 is just as great!

Thornton Abbey and the Prime Meridian

On our final day in England, we visited Thornton Abbey. It was once a monastery, that ended up being deserted and crumbling. 

We were able to climb up inside. 

And encountered some monks to guide us through 

Then we walked through the field of sheep. 

To the remains of the cathedral 

Thornton Abbey

We also visited the Prime Meridian - where east meets west. 

We had a great trip and feel so lucky to have the chance to go!

Our Down Day

We were pretty worn out after our time in London, so we took it fairly easy the next day. 

We did visit a really fun park with a zip line. 

Everyone but Luke rode the zip line. 

Luke stuck to the regular swings. 

We also rode this big amazing see saw. It was so fun that Dallin kept talking about getting one for our backyard!

It was also really windy so we attempted to fly a kite. But, if you can believe it, it was TOO windy to fly!

So we headed back to the house and did some swimming. There was an epic squirt gun battle - Pop Pop vs Dallin, Jack and Luke. It was intense!

It was a great way to rejuvenate!

Kensington Palace and Platform 9 3/4

On our last morning in London, Brian took Dallin and I to Kensington Palace while Lily very kindly watched the boys at the hotel. 

Kensington is home to William, Kate, and baby George. 

It has also been home to William and Mary, Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret, and Princess Diana. 

There were interesting exhibits about William and Mary, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria. 

There was a display of Queen Elizabeth's dresses

And Princess Diana's dresses 

On the way back I had to take the traditional phone booth photo. 

We picked up Lily, the boys and our bags and headed back to King's Cross. We tried to board on Platform 9 3/4, but since we are only Muggles, it was a no go. 

So we got on the regular train and headed back to Grimsby.