Brett's Birthday Party & Papa Pat's Visit

Last week was a busy week with Papa Pat arriving for a visit as well as getting ready for Brett's birthday party. As with all of our parent's visits, we did a ton of sightseeing during their first trip to England -- so during this particular visit, we went to a few sightseeing places but basically just spent lots of time together having fun doing our weekly activities (Gymmies class, swimming, etc.).

Enjoying lunch at the Black Horse in Elton

Brett's birthday party consisted of us renting out Activity World (a large indoor play place) in Peterborough. We figured that since this would be Brett's last birthday party in the U.K., we didn't want to have to pick and choose children to invite -- so rather than leaving anyone out, we invited his entire class of Year 3 and 4 (along with their siblings). ;o) Many of our Caterpillar/Air Force Base friends (from the U.S.) attended the party as well as about 50+ children from Elton School. Most of the day Monday and Tuesday were spent putting together party bags and baking, frosting, and decorating about 110 cupcakes! (Mike was very helpful in putting the party bags together and Pat was a huge help in icing and decorating the cupcakes -- thanks, guys!) The party, itself, was wild and crazy (as you can imagine having almost 85 children together in one area!) but lots of fun! We were very pleased to see such a great turnout! We really have been blessed with wonderful friends living here.







As you can see, the party was wild and crazy!!!


Brett surrounded by all of his birthday gifts!!!


At the Elton School's Celebration Assembly, they recognized Brett for having a birthday and sang to him. ;o)

After recouping from the party on Tuesday night, we visited Stamford and Burghley House on Wednesday and Thursday. Even after visiting Burghley House several times, I still enjoying viewing all of the rooms. It seems that I see new things every time I go there. On Thursday after Brett finished school, we drove to Rutland Water (a park that is about 30 minutes from our house) so the children could ride their bikes. The weather looked quite questionable throughout the day; however held out just long enough for the kids to ride their bikes at the park for about an hour.

As with all of our visitors, we hated to see Pat leave; however are happy that we will be back in the U.S. in about 6 weeks to visit for Christmas! ;o)

Burghley House

Rutland Water

Rutland Water