Our UK Adventure

We took our first family trip the beginning of October to visit the UK.  We visited our good friends Nora and Alan in Surrey just south of London.  Nora is Campbell's English Mum and a longtime family friend.  So she is also Archie's English "Ama".  


We all went out in Surrey for a lovely walk in the sunny weather...and of course we stopped for  a few pints and some pims and lemonade.

The family then went on to the Dartmoor National Park in Devon.  We were very fortunate that Nora let us stay at her cottage for the week in Tavestock.  Nora's cottage used to be the village Cobbler's Cottage several hundred years ago.  It was a real English holiday and a beautiful place to stay.

View from the garden

 Dartmoor National Park

Ponies on the golf course

Beautiful church next to the cottage

We drove down to the coast to the village of Noss Mayo.  It is a sleeply little fishing village and absolutely gorgeous.  We had some tea and scones and a little walk.

We went on many walks and pub trips in Dartmoor and here are some of the highlights.

"Look, I'm in a Pub!"

Ponies no taller than my waist!

Bad Hair Day!

We then headed back up to Nora's house for one more night.  The Rugby World Cup was on so Campbell was able to visit with our good friend Gillian, from Wales and cheer them on.  Of course that meant going to another lovely pub in the countryside.

After being down south, we went back up to London to spend 2 nights with our good friend Luke (and best man at our wedding) in London.  It was a great time away and a trip we will never forget.  Everyday was filled with tea, scones and clotted cream, pints, walks, and smiles.  Thanks to all our good friends in the UK for spending time with us and caring for us when were there.  We hope to see you again soon.

Summertime at the Lake

Archie has been busy in the last month.  Next week he turns 5 months old.  His hair is growing longer.  It has a strawberry blonde color to it (Campbell says he is not a ginger baby).  He is rolling over a lot and very busy.  He has a very strong will and knows what he wants.....not sure we always know what that is.  He recognizes his name and knows who Daddy and Mommy are by name.  He is very long and growing constantly.  He loves being outside at the park and going for walks in his stroller.  We are loving every minute with him.  He tasted his first "solid" food (oatmeal) and is not sure if liked it.

Video of Archie having his first "solid" food

Archie spent 2 weekends at Lake Coeur d' Alene, Idaho at his Great Grandparents's cabin.  The first time he was able to meet his Uncle Ben, Aunt Cindy, and cousins Dashiel and Oren.

Smiles with Grandpa

Archie and cuddles with Papa Sam (his Great Grandpa)

Ready for a swim

Cousin Traci and baby Ruby

"Whose that baby sitting with MY Mama?!" - Ruby wasn't too thrilled about another baby in her mama's arms.

 Cousins Isaac, Dashiel, Oren, and Marian

Uncle Ben and the kids

We had a visit from Campbell's cousin James who lives in Australia.  We had a great time introducing Archie to him and had a great visit.  He brought a little kiwi friend for Archie.  It plays the "haka" so Archie can learn it when his is a little older.  So cute!

His All Blacks Kiwi

For Labor Day Weekend (last weekend of summer) we went to the lake again.  It was a great time with the Great Grandparents, the Darlings (Cousin Traci's family), Great Auntie Susie (we drop the Great because she is too young for that), and Uncle Josh (back from Afghanistan).  It was great weather and a wonderful time.

Ready for some hotcakes and coffee

See you next time!

Almost 4 months!

Archie had his 4 month check up today (early since we will be away next week).  He is 15 lbs 6 oz and 25.5 inches long.  He has found his voice and started using it. He likes to babble and squeal.  It is very cute.  He is also very happy to stand up and bounce. 

He is a very happy baby and usually greets us with a smile when he wakes up.  His "words" are "Aguuguu" and "Ahhhahhh".  Not sure what that means but he is talking to us.  He has started to roll over both from his back and stomach.  He grabs toys, puts them in his mouth, and likes to suck on his fingers.

He still loves his Bumbo chair and the Octopus is his favorite toy at the moment.

His NZ sheepskin rug is a great place to relax

The last couple months have been busy.  We were visited by Campbell's parents, Jim and Margaret, for 3 weeks.  And at the end of their trip, Nicole's parents arrived, Jane and Fred, for one big family weekend.

Nana time

Campbell with Archie's Great Grandparents (GiGi and PaPa)

Time with Grandpa Fred

At the Ballard Locks

Going to see the Salmon swimming

Hanging out with Jim Bob

Nap with Jim Bob

 Grandma Jane

See you next time!