Egg hunts and more

Hazel and I met up with a friend and attended the Easter festivities on base.  The bouncy castle was a real highlight for Hazel, even when being trampled by the older kids.

And next was Hazel's very first Easter egg hunt.  She was a great hunter, and took the whole event pretty seriously (while collecting more eggs than her allotted amount).

Enjoying the sun

I've mentioned it in previous posts, but the weather here has been beautiful!  It's not typical for the sun to shine for multiple days in a row in England, so lets just say that we've really been loving it.  Hazel especially loves going to the park, and I really enjoy sitting back watching the daddy/daughter duo have a hay-day while I work on my tan.

p.s.  I've never had a tan in my life.

Castles

Today was a perfect day in Suffolk, and so we decided to visit a couple of castles.  The first was Castle Acre.  It's one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England dating back to 1090.  The scenery was breathtaking!

The second castle of the day was the Castle Rising.  It is a ruined castle built in about 1138 by William d'Aubigny.  Much of the castle's square keep, surrounded by a defensive mount, is intact. 

Hazel's favorite part of the day was running around with her doggy on her back, watching the lady bugs, and smelling the sweet aroma of the daffodils.

The Wests join the Fosters

Last night Jonny and Charlotte joined Johnny and me for a feast at the Olde Bull Inn.  This was my second venture there, but Johnny's first.  The food was good, but too pricey for me.  The sticky toffee pudding was heavenly, too bad my piggy-ness didn't allow time for a picture.

Being a mom has its ups and downs

 I love Hazel a lot, but she really can frustrate me with the many daily tantrums, irregular naps, wanting snacks constantly, and the massive messes.  But once I see her sweet, innocent, calm self, sprinkled with her hilarious personality, I'm reminded how blasted lucky I am to have her around.  

(I am however completely stumped with how to entertain this cute little stink for 10-12 hours each day.  This mom is out of ideas.  Suggestions would be beyond appreciated.  Thank you.)

My two loves

Since Johnny was away for two months, Hazel doesn't like to leave his sight.  Each morning, and every hour throughout the day she yells, "Daddy, daddy!"  I have to remind her that daddy's at work.  

Boy is there happiness in this house when the front door opens each day and daddy walks in.  

He sure knows how to make his girls happy.

(Other news:  Hazel unlocked and opened the front door today...)

A day with the boys

Hazel has some pretty cute boyfriends here in England.  The other day she practiced her poor sharing skills, and sensitive behavior.  But at least she was super cute doing it.

Love these kids!

A birthday party

Hazel was invited to, Megan, our next door neighbor's 3rd birthday party.  There were all sorts of fun stuff to play with.  Unfortunately Hazel is extra sensitive, and can't handle anyone wanting to share her toy findings.  We're working on that.

It's a beautiful mornin'

Today the sky is clear, and the sun is out.  Since that doesn't happen very often in England, it's a must to go out and enjoy it when it's around.  So Hazel, doggy, and I went out and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.  

Hazel was reminded how much she loves to be outside and play with rocks, but she was also reminded how much she hates getting her socks dirty.

Hope the sun's shining your way!

Our afternoon stroll according to Johnny's iphone

The sun was shining and begging for us to go out and enjoy the beautiful weather today.  We walked around the Abby garden's in Bury and enjoyed all the spring flowers.  This is what I love about England.

Do you spot the crack?

Hazel walking on a crypt. 

Outings like this help me forget being homesick.  And don't you just want to squish Hazel in that last pic?!