Last weekend we got to go visit our friends in Bury St. Edmunds to go to the Christmas Fayre and celebrate Thanksgiving. It was our first weekend away from London and it was all I was hoping for... plus some.
Robert had a really busy week of class, and we left as soon as we could on Friday when he finished.
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| Meg slept on the way! |
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| Ellie played Barbies. |
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| We arrived in just a couple hours - so easy! |
Soon after arriving, we hopped back in the car to get downtown for the Christmas Fayre. Our favorite baby boy, Wesley, came along.
There are hundreds of vendors of every sort lined up together in the heart of the town centre and all through the abbey grounds.
It was so fun. I think it helped heal my sadness from missing the P
eanut Festival this year!
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| We were all wide-eyed walking around. |
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| I was looking for Christmas wreaths... Robert was looking for... "Robert-y" things... |
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| Me & Meg about to enter the abbey grounds to see more booths |
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| I think these were called Donut Balls... Amazing! |
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| Why, thank you, we're glad to be here! |
After perusing all the booths (I did find my wreath!), we headed back to the Jolleys for a Thanksgiving FEAST.
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| What a spread! |
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| Kristen's cooking tasted like my Mom's in some ways - talk about comfort food! |
After thoroughly gorging ourselves, we headed over to the Macintyres who graciously took us in for 2 nights. On Saturday, Robert joined Matthew and Gordon for the day at Presbytery while Kristen and I got to go to an indoor play centre with the kiddos. It was like Chick Fil A x 100 in there!
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| Fun for all ages! |
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| Trying to "hide" in the ball pit |
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| Huge slide the girls rode about 50 times |
Then we headed back to Kristen's for hot chocolate and a movie (or 2...). The girls were utterly devoted to Wesley during our stay!
That night we met up with the boys again back at the Macintyres where Dani made up an incredible English dinner of Bangers (English sausages) & Mash. I think we all had seconds!
On Sunday, we enjoyed a wonderful morning of worship at Bury St. Edmunds Presbyterian Church. There is just so much to love about this gracious and inviting congregation.
Then, somehow still hungry, we had another delicious meal all together before getting back on the road to London.
When we walked back in our door Robert and I looked at each other and said, "It really feels like we're home." And we were! It was so wonderful to have some time away and then come home to the fresh realization of the new home the Lord has given us. Though I've shed some tears missing family over this special time of year, I can clearly see how God hasn't left us stranded. Truly, He's done the opposite by lavishing us with a home and beautiful community to "family" with on this side of the pond.
Thank you, Kim, for another great post. Your comments and the pictures give us a real "feel" for your lives there. What a fun and special weekend away you had and how wonderful to know that you are feeling more at home in your new home. Blessings in Jesus on all y'all as we celebrate His First Advent and anticipate His Second Advent!! Rob
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pastor Rob! We have thought of you all often during this Advent season!
DeleteYou are most certainly apart of the British family, especially when you call them bangers and mash! x
ReplyDelete"...and Robert was looking for...Robert-y things" hahahaha! I love this post. I am glad everyone over there is recognizing the gems they have in your family and welcoming yall into their lives. Just one of many ways that I can see God loving you fiercely as you enter this season abroad. Can the next post PLEASE include a picture of baby bump? Is it too early to see little miss/mister yet? EEEEEEEEEEE babyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you Kim, Robert, Ellie, and Meg.
ReplyDeleteDouble S ;)