{21.SEPT}

By raising five arrows - October 25, 2021

This month was the beginning of a new season. While the younger two continued homeschooling, the older two boys began at one of our local primary schools. There were a lot of nerves and some hesitation, but after a week of it, they both found their feet and really have enjoyed learning along with new friends and teachers. September is kinda like a new year here in the UK - everyone's schedules begin again after a 6 weeks break, so it's a way to begin fresh. A lot started back up, somethings for the first time since Covid hit! So we are back to enjoying life at, almost, the same speed as 2019. Worship team is back in full swing, the kids' evening groups began back, and after school clubs are still getting going, but are slowly begin added to our calendar. But we have set out to be purposeful when adding to our calendar and have guarded our family night, our ministry nights in our neighborhood and our Sabbaths. It's taken a few weeks, but I feel we are slowly evening it all out again.
So far, this new season has had it's share of ups and downs, but we are enjoying it and learning what works and what doesn't.

one of M's first projects at school - WW1 cake

can you smell this photo!??!?!
Oh Yum!! We can and we are enjoying all the apples, cinnamon, and goodness!

just two guys relaxing on Hadrian's wall ...

Housestead's Roman Fort - what a view!

playing in the old drains and sewers.
Yuck. but also kinda cool that they are still around
- don't worry there was no actual waste in them!

All he wanted for his bday was the go see these Roman sites with is family
It was a joy to explore and see these passions with our M!
He is a real historian and has taught us so much about romans.

Happy Bday M! 11 years - WOW!

seriously ... that view!
No wonder this land was fought over so much

in his element!
He told us when he grows up he wants to own a farm and be a historian.

just playing on top of some anciently old ruins...
just an average Saturday! hahaha J/K

this took my breath away!
I love how God arrives and wraps his arms around you thru creation.

more LOVE from MI!
Super thankful for these people and their care and prayers for us.

E has really been into hopscotch lately.
He rocks at it too!

a special after school snack -
we walk to the park down the road, grab some ice cream
and enjoy a little read aloud .

we found another small garden about a 10 minute walk from our house.
the trees were bent over with apples and we enjoyed more free fruit!

this is another amazing reason I love GEM!
I was spoiled via the post with an incredible and
encouraging gift from the GEM's women's ministry.

Forest School ROCKS!

Fall always gets me a wee bit homesick. No matter where I am in the world,
I miss Michigan, football, leaves, bonfires, and the smell of my country home.
This was a little pick me up we found by surprise! And the McD's was an added goodness that made me feel a wee bit closer to home.

Learning about France certainly has it's perk this term!
Pain Au Chocolat!

one of our many nature days ... this time we went on a scavenger hunt!

just walking to the park together ....

the view from our back window

this kid so badly wanted to have a uniform like his big brothers ...
so here he is! He added a bowtie himself.

another street from our neighborhood.
The Red store on the left of the pic is kinda staple store for our streets.

another view from my morning walk.
this red store on the right is another small mom&pop kind of shop
that we have begun going to and are learning the names of those who own and shop at it.

Nature & nourish day in the woods for school.
Signs of fall are everywhere!

while waiting to pick up the boys, some days we go early and spend an hour or so at the park right down the street from their building. it's usually very peaceful and quiet and a great place to imagine for these two!