A Star in the Making

Singing Esme from Annie Phillips on Vimeo.

Family Portraits

Here are some photos Amy took of our family. They turned out great, and they only took about five minutes to take. Thanks Amy!

Beachy Head

The sun may have been out on the day we went to Beachy Head, but it was cold! And I can't imagine a windier place on earth. The wind was relentless and so powerful! We bundled up the kids and walked along the cliffs. Amy took these wonderful shots and I was amazed her camera didn't blow away. I love Beachy Head. I love the ocean. And I think this is one of the most beautiful spots I've been.

Jordan & Amy

We were so lucky to have Jordan and Amy come all the way from California to visit! Not only are they our family, they are our friends. It was so fun just to hang out, talk, laugh, joke, and play! They knew right away how to win the children's hearts and were a joy to have around for a week! Plus, Amy took AMAZING pictures of all our adventures!

On their first day in town, we showed them around Horsham and celebrated Penny's birthday. The next day, we took them to Arundel Castle where it was SO COLD! But at least it wasn't raining...

Jordan and Penny (Picture by Amy)

At the church in town. I think they underestimated how cold England can still be in March...

Us at Arundel (picture by Amy)

(Pic by Amy... If you haven't figured it out yet, her pictures are all the ones that look really good.)

Watching the falconry demonstration until it got too cold! (Amy's picture)

Another great family shot by Amy

View from the top (by Amy)

Esmé with Ruby mouse, named after her cousin. (Pic by Amy)

The impressive castle (by Amy)

We finished off the day with some good Indian takeout and deep conversations by the fire. It was a great day!

Penny Turns One!

Penelope had the best birthday this year! First of all, she got loads of pink balloons. Second, she got two fantastic visitors, Jordan and Amy (more on them to come later)! Third, fistfuls of pink cake. Fourth, she got some nice gifts which were promptly commandeered by Esmé for a few days.

Amy took these amazing pictures of our Penny relishing her birthday festivities:

Penelope is a delight! Just look at her, for heaven's sake!

Tub Lovin'

This was one case when Esmé's attempts at affection did not end in tears.

Pure Happiness

It is impossible to look at this and not smile:

Box Hill

 March was cold. Just cold and dark and wet; it mocked us for thinking spring would come. And until today, I didn't believe it ever would. Thankfully, the sun came out. The wind became less bone-chillingly cold. And we dared venture out from huddling next to the radiator.

We went with our friends to Box Hill, which you may or may not know as the spot where Mr. Knightly chastises Emma ("Badly done, Emma! Badly done!"). Box Hill is a hill (obviously) that provides a nice view of the Surrey Hills. We drove to the top and had a look around then ate lunch in a lovely restaurant below the hill. It was beautiful!

I love England and always will, but the truth is, lately I've not been on great terms with it. Mainly because the weather feels like a joke sometimes. A cruel, cruel joke. I'm tired of the cold, the grey, the damp. But today, I rekindled my love. I couldn't help it! The sun on the landscape is like the light through a stained glass window. Colors and life and hope!