Wrapping up the fall semester before it is over!!

This semester has flown by. With a year under our belts, we have felt more at home in our wee adoptive town and have had quite a few activities on our plate this fall. It has been a little more than we have wanted at times so we are thankful for the end of the semester as well as the beginning of Advent that helps us all to slow down.

 On September 18, a very important vote loomed over our little kingdom and caused a bit of anxiety as we wondered what changes might be in store for this country. The climate set the stage for the collective thoughts and decisions of a nation with a dense fog that blanketed our town for many days that week and especially on the big voting day. Joseph's school was a polling place so he had the day off. We rode into town to take in the history of the moment. Joseph thought people were particularly determined to get out to vote in such weather ;) It was so interesting to watch the political process play out in a different country and we were jealous of the ways they handled it. Once the polls opened, there were no projections or opinions about either side of the coin from the media until the polls closed. Granted, this vote was a very important decision for the people of this country but some regions had 100% of registered voters actually get out and vote. Amazing! Thankfully, we woke in the morning to news that Scotland was still a part of the United Kingdom but what an interesting time it was to be in St. Andrews.

the Cathedral ruins in the fog

We have a beautiful Botanic Garden in walking distance of our house. It is such a great place to visit during warmer weather and we always enjoy the free Harvest festival celebration in the Fall. There are activities for the kids but we mainly spend our time exploring the lovely grounds and finding the fresh squeezed apple juice.

brothers being brothers

sweet boys with pretty flowers

When we came to St. Andrews, a prayer of ours was that I would have time to paint. It's something I've enjoyed in the past and wanted to pursue more but never could find the right class in Starkville. Last Spring, I took a beginner painting course and I continued on with a landscape course this Fall. It has been such a breath of fresh air in my week and a great place of learning as well as just a general good time with a small community of painters that I have come to know. I'm taking a break this Spring but hope to take another class again soon. 

Sunset on my way to art class

Another new development this year has been Joseph and I beginning flexi-school. Joseph stays home on Fridays with me and we get to have our time together of semi-homeschool. We are using the time to make sure he is learning similar things that he would learn in a U.S. 1st grade as well as exploring other areas that are of interest to him. I have really treasured this time with the boys, especially since it is in their early years of school. This fall has been a little disjointed with lots of school and other activities falling on a Friday but we have enjoyed the time we've had and the things we've learned together. 

Roman feast with other flexi-school kids

Also, on sort of whim, I started a small photography business. I've enjoyed photography for a long time since I got my first "big camera" before a Spring Break road trip in college and logged lots of hours in a dark room for a college photography class. I've always just enjoyed taking pictures of my family, documenting our life, and being the resident photographer at family functions. But, when my friend asked me to take some pictures of a vow renewal service on the North Sea, I realized how much I enjoyed capturing moments for people. I've started really small, mainly just letting our little community in St. Andrews know and taking pictures for several families this fall. I don't know what it will turn in to from here but for now it's been an enjoyable creative outlet for me for this season. 

St. Andrews Castle on an amazing day

We ventured out on one of the last warmer, sunnier days to explore a park in Dundee. Scotland parks always put other parks to shame but this one took the cake. So much to do and so much fun to be had! We only wish we had more time. Can't wait to go back in the Spring! 

James, leg raised to increase speed down the staircase slide

probably less than 1/3 of the park

hard workers

James has a new found obsession that is ever encouraged by his joyful father and by his time in his adopted country. He LOVES soccer (er, football) and spends most of his waking hours playing in our hall. He loved to play outside when it was still light enough in the afternoon and counts down the days until he can go to his very own soccer school (Sunday mornings before Church).  He has proudly won the weekly trophy three times and is becoming quite the player. 

James' adidas ad

faking out Dad