Happy Anniversary!

Today marks our 3rd year since we stepped off that plane in England as some of its newest residents! We thought we'd be leaving shortly after this day but as usual it's rare that things go according to plan. We may be staying a bit longer than we thought but it's hard to believe in some ways that those 3 years have passed! Austin was 3 1/2, Teagan was 18 months. We had no idea what we were getting into or what our next 3 years was going to be like but were instead excited about the adventure we were embarking upon. Living in a different country, seeing so many historical places, traveling to different countries. We were wide-eyed with excitement.

Well, some months at times seemed to drag on as though our time here would never end and we longed for home and family. Other months have whizzed by and we wonder how it could have passed so quickly.

In the last 3 years we have had some struggles that may or may not be the result of where we live but were more difficult to get through without the familiarity of home and nearby family. The culture here as well as making friends was a big adjustment. Oxford is very transient and a melting pot of international students. We may have met many different people but very few have become our friends.

We struggled through a lot of illness, messy things like lice and bedbugs, terrible things like bike and car accidents and a miscarriage. Living here has definitely been more stressful and trying for us. But we know it is God that has brought us through all of it. If it weren't for our reliance upon him, we would have given up long ago and gone running home.

In the last 3 years we have welcomed our 3rd child to our family (a girl this time!) which has been such a sweet blessing. We found a terrific nanny who has become our closest friend here and a tremendous help to me with 3 kids running around!

We have traveled so many places and countries, and seen so many things that many others don't have the opportunity to. We have been so blessed to have had this opportunity and actually get to see places we read about in our history books in school!

Austin is now 6 1/2 and in 1st grade. We made the decision to teach him at home after issues with the local school and while it often wears on my patience we know it was the right decision for right now. He's doing so well and is reading well! Teagan is now 4 1/2 and we've started teaching him some kindergarten. He listens in when I teach Austin and already knows some addition and subtraction!

Bailey is 18 months already! The time has flown by! She is quite the pistol and thinks she's in charge. She talks a LOT and loves to sing! Her favorite things are princesses and Minnie mouse and playing with her brothers.
So we have 5 more months in this country. (We've been counting down) We are anxious to go home. We are excited to be closer to family. We are excited to live somewhere new. We are looking forward to our future in California and all the opportunities it has to offer. With any move we enjoy the adventure of discovering something/somewhere new or different.

We will miss many things about living in England. The beautiful summers. The history and ease of traveling to Europe. Our favorite pubs, bitters, and Pimms! We'll miss the friends we've made.

The next few months will be busy with school, packing, movers coming and plans for our return to the U.S. The time will go quickly and soon we'll be home!