Everybody Loves A Parade

Before FIS broke for parent-teacher conferences, the school celebrated Halloween. Early in the week they participated in prepping pumpkin soup, fresh bread and cider that the school kids enjoyed for lunch on the celebration day. 

I thought it was just the kids that would be in costume for the day, but when I walked into school that morning, the entire school was transformed for Halloween, right down to a flying witch at the entrance. Ms. Katie (Nathan's teacher) dressed as a pirate and had the lights dimmed to show off the jack-o-lanterns they carved earlier in the week as a class. 

The parents were invited to school a little early as the grand finale is a Halloween parade! It was all just too cute.

A wizard casting a spell (with a bum leg)

Parents waiting for their ghosts and goblins

Ms. Janitza leads the parade 

Mr. Benson

Nathan was one of many, many Spidermen 

Like herding kittens... 

Caroline is the Assistant Head of School

Ms. Katie 

Nathan loves Teddy because he's "a good guy." :) 

Trick or treat! 

:) sbc

The Incredible Hulk

Today we visited the Mother's Corner Halloween Party. The party (for us) was short-lived because our little chicken is just getting over her bug, while it seems like Hulk might've caught a new one. 

This little chickee is all business 

Loaded up

Where to begin? So many options!

Found some cars (shocker) 

Aliina and Nicole (a teacher from Crazy Caterpillars) 

The kids were so ready to go home...but I had to try for a family shot, have a holiday card to think about!

:) sbc

Oktoberfest

Even our little village in Konigstein has an Oktoberfest celebration. Last year, I was in the hospital having Littles so I missed it. It's not a big to-do, but it's right outside our door and fun, so off we went!

Littles about to discover the magic of quarkbällchen 

A table of wine drinkers at Oktoberfest outside one of the boutiques

Tractors and fresh cider: A winning combo

 :) sbc

Do You Take Requests?

After brunch at Jeff's, we headed out to Luton, where Kyle had business meetings. After one day there, I decided to jump on the express train back into London with the kids (sorry, Luton, no offense, but I couldn't spend another day at your "mall"). 

It was sort of a birthday theme...Kyle's birthday shopping was complete after a visit to Thomas Pink in St. Pancras International Station:

And then we hopped in a taxi and headed to the world famous Harrods Department Store. Since it was Sage's birthday (and very close to Evy's, Sophie's and Heather's birthdays), we asked the little duo outside Harrods if they took requests. YES, we can play Happy Birthday to You!

The girls tried to get Nathan to sing along to Happy Birthday, but he was too shy. Afterwards, they were nice enough to pose for a picture. I tried to get this on video on my iphone to send a birthday greeting to Sage, but I looked down and saw "not enough storage to record video." Epic Fail.

We were all a bit "hangry" (hungry enough to be angry), and what do you know, right next to the very beautiful Georgian Restaurant, Harrods has a Disney Cafe just for kids. Sold. 

A hangry Nathan is no fun

Feeling better after a little lunch

We bought some Christmas ornaments and chocolates and perused the expansive toy displays. Wow...this store is really something. We took The Tube back to St. Pancras Station right around rush hour, and then caught the train back to Luton and waited for Kyle with a well deserved beer. Cheers!

This guy did not take requests, but Nate was on a roll ;-)

"Momma, there are a lot of people on this train."
(and thank you to the young man who gave us his seat!)  

 :) sbc

Mind The Gap

London calling! We fell in love with London immediately...and can't wait to go back. First stop on the hop-on/hop-off bus: The London Eye!

Next, a little jaunt around the neighborhood with a stop for a delicious lunch and Belgian Beer!

After lunch, we visited the Aquarium--Nathan LOVED the sharks.

Finally, we went to Hamley's...the kids were in heaven. 

 Crossing the Tower Bridge on the way back to the hotel.

 Whew, what a day! 

The next morning, we met our friend Jeff for a delicious brunch. Wow. Ham and cheese strata, blueberry pancakes, champagne, lacquered bacon and on and on and on...yum. Jeff shared news of his engagement to his partner Cyril and we met several of their "chosen family." We're very much looking forward to their summer wedding.  Congrats, Jeff and Cyril!

Evy, Kyle, Jeff, Nathan and Cyril

:) sbc