Two and Two Half-Pints: Autumn finally sets in

6 Oct- 17 Oct

Had a relatively quiet birthday-- babysitter was away on holiday so we celebrated as a family-- at the Moscow State Circus. Having been to the circus only once before in my lifetime (the spectacular Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus), I prepared Bryce for what I remembered-- tigers and horses and elephants and such. I now understand why RBBBC is called the "Greatest Show on Earth." There were no animals at all, only boring hula-hooping, juggling, rope-skipping humans. Oh well. Bryce was entertained anyway-- mostly by his multi-colored flashing sword which I reluctantly purchased after an incredible amount of whining. He now sleeps with his sword flashing next to his face and I wonder how he stays asleep with a disco just on the other side of his eyelids. Anyway, we left a bit early to stroll over to the pub and have dinner before he melted down-- steak & Abbott Ale pie with sticky toffee pudding for afters, my favo(u)rite.

The following weekend we were pleased to have a visit from Kath & Oliver Schlieben and their delicious son, Rocco. (For those of you who don't know her, Kath is my dear friend from college and NYC who I have missed terribly since she relocated to London for work, fell in love, got married, and settled in Fleet with her gorgeous family of 3.) We managed to catch up between toddler-wrangling sessions and had some nice walks about Cambridge, though the sidewalks were much more congested with the students back! We had our first really Fall-ish weekend and were thankful to come back from our crispy walk on Saturday to the Guinness Stew on the stovetop. Took a gamble and it turns out that it tastes just as good when cooked on the stove as in the slow cooker-- whew!

Last week was dominated by Bryce's stomach bug which I hope Rocco did not catch. I am so so thankful to have a washer in the house this time. So I had a reason to finally register with the NHS at our local surgery (The Red House Surgery) which was completely painless, by the way. By Thursday we were able to get out of the house without Bryce losing his breakfast and by Friday he was 100%-- just in time for our trip to see Auntie Steph & Uncle Robert in Andover.

We rented a car, which turned out to be a Toyota Auris, a hybrid that got like a million miles a gallon. We drove to and from Andover (2 1/2 hours each way) and used like 1/4 tank of gas. It was great, except for that part where Stephen turned right into oncoming traffic. In his defense, it was late and we had just come off of the motorway.

Steph arranged for a spa morning on Saturday for the girls-- 1 1/2 hour facial with head, neck, shoulders, back, arm, hand, foot, calf massage. It was decadent. Haven't done anything like that in a long time. Must have managed to relax because I woke myself up snoring. Met the boys and Milly (the niece-dog) for tea and took a scenic walk back to the house in time to feed Bryce and put him down for a nap. Sunday, we went out for a Full English and strolled the Garden Centre with Bryce before driving to the village of Stockbridge where we took a nice stroll along a creek to a lovely meadow where there were a few horses and Milly could run off the leash. Bryce soaked up his surroundings and had a good time throwing the tennis ball for Milly until she knocked him over in excitement. Stopped for a quick spot of tea / coffee / biscuits / cakes at the sweet, talented, and hospitable Mavis & David Duke's (Steph's parents'), then scooted home for some drumming, packing, pizza & goodbyes, and headed back to Cambridge. We are all really enjoying seeing Uncle Robert & Aunt Steph so regularly and we're trying to live in the moment without thinking about saying our goodbyes next year...

Now, some photos and video!!!

The Moscow State Circus tent on Midsummer Common

Mmmmm, popcorn. (Which turned out to be sugary-sweet kettle corn- yum!) No, no Ellis! You can drool all you want, but you're still on purees, sweetheart.

Sir Bryce and his sword.

Rocco looking extra yummy and even a bit naughty (though he isn't at all)

Ellis showing off his babylegs

Auntie Kath baby wrangling

This child is seriously a looker. Lookout ladies, he is going to be a heartbreaker!

Stephen & the Schlieben family strolling the streets of Cambridge (say that 3x fast...)

Passing through Clare College.

The Schliebens crossing the bridge

The Fearnley Family

When you can't get both to look at the camera, get both to look away.

Ellis knows how to ham it up for the camera...

Having tea in Andover

Uncle Robert bought an unhealthy amount (is there such thing as a healthy amount?) of candy "for Bryce" which he and Stephen consumed. I may have helped.