Frosty the Snowcar

By the time we got outside to enjoy the snow on Saturday, the rain had covered it with ice, making it impossible to construct a snowman. Undeterred, the girls decorated their grandfather's car with a carrot nose, corn-cob pipe, and button eyes (not exactly true to the song, I know, but the pre-made Frosty kit they got for Christmas didn't come with coal).

First Snow

Having missed the snow that came through in October because we were traveling, the girls are loving the break from class to dance in the snow. Hoping it keeps coming down, but probably it'll stop soon - they weren't predicting much today.

Packing Again

After three months with Somer's parents, we are packing up to move. Four trunks, three duffels, two suitcases, and one fish - a Betta named Freddy. Tomorrow we head to my parents' house for the second phase of our Home Ministry Assignment in Baltimore.

Deep Fried Thanksgiving

Continuing our theme of new American experiences, today we're having deep fried turkey for the first time. My brother built a little porch for the fryer well away from his house. It's out of the pot and we're just waiting for it to be cut!

VA Team Retreat

We spent a weekend down in Virginia with some other couples who are raising money to join us in London. It was a great time of getting to know each other and having some fun. We stayed at a friend's house that was fully equipped with fishing rods, kayaks, and mini-golf clubs.

Learning American Culture

Our girls have grown up with kids from so many other countries, that it's forced them to be more self-consciously American. Which is cool, except that they have never experienced American classics like Baseball and the State Fair. This summer, we remedied some of that.
The girls joined the junior dugout club at the Baltimore Orioles, even meeting the Oriole Bird himself. We also went to the Maryland state fair, where Andi won the water cannon game, and we discovered deep fried Oreos.

Earthquake at Claires

Andi finally decided to get her ears pierced. While waiting her turn, she tried on hats at Claire's. Then the earthquake hit, making an already scary experience that much more traumatic.

London at night

Our friend Simon took me and a couple of visitors from the USA on a night-time tour of London. This was the view from in front of the Tate Modern, according to Simon it's the best place to view St. Paul's. The Millennium bridge is just to the right, which you may recognize from the latest Harry Potter film.

Portrait for my birthday

Now that I'm in my thirties, my perspective on what constitutes a good birthday present has changed a bit. This self-portrait was my present from one of my daughters, and she now proudly adorns the side of the bookcase in our living-room.

Monument

I had a doctors appointment a few weeks ago down in the center of the city. When I finished the appointment, the tube station was closed because of crowding on the platform. Rather than wait for the station to reopen, I found a quiet place to sit and spend some time with God. As I was leaving, I realized that the monument to the great fire of London was nearby, so I decided to go up. I'd never been up it before, and the last time we tried to visit it was closed for repairs. 300+ steps later, and I got to see London at its foggy best. Quite beautiful, really. And the view back down the tower was pretty cool too.

London Snow

We've missed all the great snow in Baltimore. We did get a few inches back in January, and made our way up to Regents Park to enjoy it.

Belgian John

You may have noticed that I'm catching up here on lots of pics I've been meaning to put up. Back in December John, Oli, and I went to Brussels for meetings with the International Presyterian Church. Here's John looking happy.

Funky Jah Punkys

I met these American dudes in one of the bars where we do weekly prayer meetings. They were in Camden for a gig, which I went to. They definitely know how to put on a show.

Bond Street Juggling

Ever the center of attention, Jodie enjoys being part of the show with street jugglers on New Bond Street in central London. This was from around Christmas time.

With God & People - Church Planting Bath

Sometimes I wish church planting were a bit more like taking a bath...but it's usually not that easy. Late last year I went to a church planting conference in Bath. I meant to stick up pics but never got around to it. This was a sticky note from one of our brainstorm sessions that captured the heart of the conference for me. A reminder to be with God and people.

London Rain

Yes, it's winter in London.