England

We have been back for a little over a week, we are adjusted back to schedule, Nate is back to work, the mountains of laundry is washed, folded, and put away, we have groceries, and the house is clean.  I can finally sit down, breath and write about our trip.


Our family had the wonderful opportunity to go to England, for a much needed family vacation.  Nate and I have been dreaming about going to England for a while now, and we finally found a justification to make a  guiltless trip over.

Usually we do birthday parties for the kids, well this year we decided to not do that, instead we decided to take a trip to England, and surprise Ian with a trip to Thomas Land - every 3 year old with a disturbing obsession dream come true.

This was the first year since we have been in Germany, that I was not highly pregnant, Nate was not deployed, and I haven't just had a baby for my birthday, so we decided to finally take a trip for my birthday, and with that be combined all our birthdays, splurged and went on an awesome family vacation.  This was the last big vacation for us, since Nate is deploying again, come beginning of next year.

We caught our flight bright and early, this mama didn't think the 06:30am flight through, we made it in plenty of time, without any meltdowns.  This was Hayleigh's first experience flying, and she handled it like a champ [I can't believe at her age Ian has traveled all the way to the States, and to South Africa twice.]  I have to admit, I was little nervous of how the kids would behave, but like always they made me so proud.

We spent 5 days in England, and divided those days into things we wanted to do, we spent 2 days in London, 1 day at Thomas Land, 1 day in Salisbury to go to Stonehenge, and 1 day at the London zoo.

I reflected a lot on this trip, about life, and where I am  in my life, and where I would like to go.  Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be so completely happy with my life.  I would have never thought that I would meet the most amazing man when I just wanted to take a break year, and work in America, never would I have thought that we would fall deeply in love and get married, never would I have thought that I would have this amazing opportunity to live and travel Europe, and never would I have thought that I would have two beautiful babies.  I still can't believe that the Lord has blessed me so richly.

I spend lots of time just watching Nate and the kids, watching them play and interact, and thanking God for my sweet family.  They way the love each other, and they way we want to be together and spend time together is so special to me, I took a lot of mental pictures.

I get so frustrated with people who judge is because we include our children in everything - for anniversaries, we make it family friendly, for birthdays we make it family friendly, for trips we make it family friendly - what can I say - I absolutely love and adore being with my children, creating memories, and nurturing them.  I have nothing against babysitters, we are unfortunately not close to family for the extra help and I have not yet found someone that my kids and I feel comfortable with.  With that being said, we didn't do anything amazing on this trip, like sip cocktails at sunset admiring the view for the London eye, instead we hustled through the city, catching the tube with two exhausted and fussy kids, hoping no one is giving us the eye because my kids are whining, and just want to be in bed.  Still with all the long days, they were troopers and I wouldn't change a thing.

I had a blast walking in London, watching the locals, listening to their awesome accents, and taking it all in.  I love the way the woman dress, and sometimes felt a little insecure with my kid smeared jeans, and my mom hair do, but in the end I decided, what a special time in my life, before I know it my kids are going to be off to college.

Anyway back to the trip.   Like I said we spend 2 days on London, taking in the major sites from the outside of course [two little people and museums are not the most pleasant combination].  I have to admit, I would love to go back to London when the kids are older and go see a show.  But for now I cherish my mom hair do, my kids stained jeans, and everything that comes with the challenge of being a mama of two kids three and under.

I also realized on this trip just how awesome Nate is.  He handles crisis situations like champ [even when I get little agitated, and mean.]  He is super laid back, and just so sweet when he comes to what to do, as long as everyone else is happy and get to do what they want to do, he is happy.  He always put the kids and I first, and sometimes well sadly most of the time, I take it for granted.  I don't know what I did to deserve such a sweet man.

We spend another day in London, but this day we decided to go to the London zoo, I say for the little people, but let's admit it, I love love love going to the zoo, there is a part of me who can't resist googling to see if there is a zoo anywhere near the area we are traveling too.  I have to admit, I was a little disappointed in the London zoo, but after 4 days of walking and catching tubes, to catch trains, it was a nice change in scenery and relaxing change.  I told Nate that we always go to the zoo, and half way in both kids are passed out, and Nate and I roam the zoo like lost souls, with no clue where to go or what to see, because we don't want the kids to miss anything.  Ian loved being able to run and climb and to just be free, in safer environment then the streets of London.

My favorite part of the trip was when we went to Salisbury, I never realized what I sweet little town it would turn out to be.  We had to go to the this town, to catch a bus to go all the way to Stonehenge.  I am so happy we did this part of the trip, even though it was nothing like a expected it to be, I also I had no idea what to expect.  The area out there is just gorgeous country side with rich history, friendly people, and such a relaxing atmosphere.  I could have easily spend another day there just browsing through all the neat little stores, and the somewhat relaxing atmosphere.  Stonehenge was cool, and I am happy we went but a little sad that you stand forever far away from the stones, thanks to the idiot who decided to graffiti on this piece of history!! I hate it when people are stupid and selfish... moving on!
Ian had a blast being free again, running in the open green field, and laughing, having a great time!! I love this little boy so much!!!

Ian is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine.  It is a little ridiculous and somewhat embarrassing at times, but at the same time, it is super cute!  His first sentences and words included some of if not all o the following, Thomas is blue, trains, trains, James, Percy is cross, and many more.  In fact in the Cook house something that is blue is not just blue, it is Thomas blue.  With his obsessions I decided to feed into it and discover that England is home to Thomas Land.  Instead of a birthday party we gave him tickets to little patch of heaven [at least that is probably what he thinks heaven will be like].  At first I regretted the decision, when he had a melt down, but after a while realized he was probably a little bit overwhelmed by the awesomeness.  We had a blast, there were no lines of any sort, he could go on all the rides, and he was the happiest little soul ever.  His face when he came up close and personal with Thomas, was priceless, it was everything and more that I imagined.  I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to make this happen for my little guy.  I will always remember our special day together, and cherish those memories forever!

During this time in England, I decided that I am ok with the mama I am, and am becoming, sure there are always time for improvement in some areas.  I am so done with people making me feel bad about how I chose to raise my kids, for criticizing me for having clean house, for giving me crap because I try my best to give my kids wholesome foods [whole in form, no fat-free stuff], for  telling me I am to young to have wisdom from the Lord.  I am done with all of that! The Lords is taking me on this beautiful journey of breaking free from all of these negative things that weigh me down, and affect me on a daily basis.

I had time with my family just the four of us, in a super small hotel room, but I would not change anything about it, all of us nestled together in bed in the mornings, and I thought this is where I am meant to be, right here at home, raising my two precious kids to the best of my ability.  I had time to spend one on one time with the family, no phones, no internet, no computers nothing, just wholesome conversations and laughter.  I think I want to do it  more often....

I can't believe in a few short months Nate will be leaving us for a little while, and it breaks my heart already to have my babies daddy-less for little while, but we will hold onto these memories, and the things that are good.  We will remember all the good times, and dream about more to come.

All I can do is thank God for my family, and the blessings and mercy he bestowed and still bestows on us daily.  Without him our family would be nothing.  Thank you Jesus!

Happy Wednesday!