Huh.

Often, when I'm driving, I think about how Kris wanted me to post pictures of our new car. Sorry I haven't done that. But I will one of these days! Here is what has happened:

We became busy, busy, busy, on-the-go Americans again almost overnight. And I hate it. We promised ourselves we weren't going to do this, but it feels almost unavoidable. With three children who each have several activities, we are too busy.

We do love our life here in America. We miss many things English. More than anything we miss our family and friends. We also miss traveling. We miss people who don't live in a small-town bubble.

But I also miss my veg delivery. And I miss grocery delivery in general. I am not a fan of grocery shopping. Which leads me to say that after living in England for three years, I finally sort of figured out where things in the grocery stores went. At least, I knew the layouts of the grocery stores where I shopped.

Here, though, I get a headache going to the shops. There is so much choice, there are too many options, and the store is so big I feel like I've gotten a workout just walking through the entire store.

We are all still adjusting. I think we've been too busy to even notice, but we are still adjusting. I have to remind myself of that as the kids ask to be home schooled again. The smiles you saw in those first-day-of-school pictures have been replaced by complaints about having to get up so early.

So what are we happy to see here again? Our friends. Our house. Not worrying about not having a chip-and-pin. Not worrying about being too loud.

I feel awkward a lot out in the shops because people keep looking at me and smiling. Just not used to it anymore!

When I'm out running and walking I have the right-of-way again! WOOHOO!

Drive-thru ATM machines. Drive-thru pharmacy at Walgreen's. Aw yeah.

One-stop shopping. Big, FAT parking lots. With wide parking spots for the SUVs and mini-vans.

I guess I'm not having as hard a time adjusting! I do appreciate what we have, and I'm truly thankful. We just miss our English life.

The Blueberry Bombers

It's Aidan's turn this week. He is playing soccer for "The Blueberry Bombers." They played "The Raspberries" today. No joke. Aidan is doing rather well for not having any soccer experience. He runs fast, chases the ball, is getting somewhat adept at turning the ball in the right direction, and has a general understanding of where the ball should go.

I love watching these little ones play. They just want to chase the ball! They don't care who wins (no score is kept), they hardly recognize they are playing another team. It's just fun. Aidan is #1. In more ways than one!

He's Tough

The kid with all his patches, pins, name tags, etc.:

Soccer Rockers

That is the name of Gillian's soccer team this year. Yes, the kids pick and vote on their team name. Which is why Aidan's team is called the Blueberry Bombers.

Gillian's first game was today, and she was as aggressive and quick on the field as we could have hoped after three years away! She is a natural.

Gillian scored the first goal of the game (and season). I did not get video or photos of this great feat, but you can enjoy the few action shots I did manage to get. The 2nd half of the game Gillian played goalie. She, again, is a natural and really stays in the game which is not an easy thing for goalies of this age. We are really, really proud of her.






For my English readers: Girls play soccer here in America as much as boys. In Gillian's league there are over 20 girls' teams just for HER AGE GROUP. I love it!

Things American

We are Americans again, although my heart sometimes aches for the life we had in England. However, can't help what is innate - we are home and it shows.

Here are kids on their first day of school:


Friends:Waiting at the bus stop:And getting on the yellow school bus:

Josh has joined Civil Air Patrol and loves it. He didn't even bat an eye when he was told by his commander he would have to have a "close" haircut. After all that time growing it out! Pictures of Josh in his uniform (these are just his BDUs - and I haven't gotten his patches and pins on, yet - will take more when all the proper attachments are in place). I really wanted to take pics of him in formation but decided that would embarrass him. I might try it next time using my cell phone surreptitiously ...



Soccer pics to come shortly ...

And the Winner Is ...

Not that I didn't enjoy all your witty and comical suggestions. But let's be practical here. We don't have a good time band, my ebony musings are quite private - not for a family blog - and even though I really liked Little House on the Mellor Avenue, I like the sound of Bits and Bobs from the Bolines. So thanks, Kris!

I actually like "Bits and Pieces," but in England, bits and pieces have an entirely different meaning than what you would think. So, it gets to stay in my sub-title, not the title-title.

Now I just hope the blog can live up to it's awesome new name!