Monday 24 September 2012

Llangollen, Wales


We were so happy to make a day trip to Wales last weekend.  The geneology information we have from my grandfather's family says they are not completely sure, but they believe that the family was from Llangollen, North Wales.  It also states that the Griffith name is most likley a contraction from the words "great" and "faith." 




















Llangollen is a lovely town nestled on the Dee river.  There are lots of quaint little craft and antique shops, sweet shops, bakeries, and dear little places to grab a meal.  It was a beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed strolling around the town.  We walked the river and then stopped at the Cottage Tea rooms for a nice lunch.  Drew had the traditional local eggs and ham and I had a very rich and meaty beef stew.  Then we split a corned beef pasty from the bakery and a strawberries and cream ice cream cone.    You can see the castle at the top of the hill from the town and the countryside around the village is gorgeous.



We were very happy to be able to make the trip to Wales to see a new part of the UK and visit the original home of the Griffiths!


Sunday 23 September 2012

Elijah's First Birthday Party

We celebrated Eli's first birthday at our house Friday afternoon with several of his close friends (and mine, too!).  It was a pretty typical birthday party, nothing fancy. 












First everyone had a snack. 





Then, the mommies had a nice chat while the babies played (it is so much harder keeping track of everyone now that all the little ones are mobile).   Eli had a great time crawling around from room to room and laughing with all of his little friends.









Then, we put on party hats,
sang the birthday song,
and had cake. 



Eli was very happy to see all of his friends and is very thankful for his new toys, books, and clothes.  It was very special to us to celebrate his birthday with you all.


 We plan to open gifts and cards that family and friends have sent from the states next week on his actual birthday.




Thanks to everyone that came to the party to help us celebrate and for everyone who is celebrating with us from afar during this special time for our family.  We appreciate all the sweet, thoughful gifts and birthday wishes.


 








Wednesday 19 September 2012

Next up, Eastern European Cruise

Our next big adventure is a 7 night Eastern European cruise the first week in October. We will stay a long weekend in Rome and then head out to Messina, Sicily; Athens; Ephesus, Turkey; and Souda, Crete.  If you  have been to any of these places and have any advice on what to see/do or avoid, please let us know.  Also, if you have any tips on cruising with a baby, we'd love to hear that, too.  Thanks!!

Wish us luck and we'll tell you all about it when we get back.

Friday 14 September 2012

Edinburgh, Scotland

The weekend before last, our dear friends John and Abby Kerber hosted us for a long weekend in Edinburgh.  We spent quite a bit of time just hanging out with the Kerbers and did a little sight seeing as well.  John and Drew got to go to the pub for a few pints and to catch the Manchester United game, but only after Abby and I got in an afternoon of shopping!  Unfortunately Abby did most of the picture taking, so she isn't in any pictures!




Alex and Eli had a great time playing together and we could hardly keep up!










One of our big tourist stops was the Edinburgh Castle.  It was really interesting to learn about the history of Scotland through the differnent exhibits at the castle and the views from the hill are amazing!! 

 We also enjoyed some very traditonal Scottish higlights including bagpipes and haggis!  Can you see it here on Drew's plate, complete with tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips)?





Abby was so sweet to remember that Elijah's birthday is at the end of the month and surprised us with a little cake for him and some Scottish slippers. 
 
After the birthday celebration, we watched the firweorks show at the castle from John and Abby's living room window (the little boys were captivated).  And the trip wouldn't have been complete without a screening of Braveheart (the big boys were captivated).
 
 
Thanks to the Kerbers and to Edinburgh for a lovely time.
 


Monday 10 September 2012

OklaHOMa

We did entirely too much while we were home to recap everything.  Suffice it to say we spent loads of time with family and friends, ate a lot of good food (especially Mexican and BBQ), and soaked up the sun while we could. 

Most of all, I wanted to post this blog so that we could take the opportunity to say thanks to all of you who took time out of your busy lives to come spend some time with us (especially those of you who traveled a long way to come see us).  Also, thanks to our parents for hosting us and to all of you who provided or hosted a meal (or part of one) or took care of us in any way.  It was so much fun to be home and see you all and we feel very blessed to have such generous, loyal, and fun family and friends.

We didn't get too many pictures of the trip, but here are a few: