apologies

I have been working on a paper. Today, Thomas asked the question: 'What does it mean when you "give" a paper?' I am surprised he has never asked that one before--it's something that comes up enough in this house! Usually Lewis is the one giving the paper, though, at a conference somewhere or other. Tomorrow I have to go all the way to Seminar room B in Abbey House, which is one of the rooms in which I taught all year. So it's not very exotic!

Lewis would remark now, if I were a news reader, that there isn't really any news. That may or may not be true, but it is certainly the case that I haven't been looking beyond my computer screen any more than necessary. I check in with family in California, and try to keep abreast of my Director of Studies tasks and the kids...

There are photos from our weekend walk--a bit of an adventure, it was. Look for them on Thursday!

a spin

Sometimes a spin and a walk before church is just what it takes to get everyone ready to be (sort of) quiet and (sort of) still for 11.00 Mass. Or maybe it was that our own parish priest had returned this week!

Everyone is looking forward to getting back to the school-work routine tomorrow, too!

family walk

Although the children sometimes grumble about taking a walk, they invariably enjoy it.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous--the sun shone, and it was warm enough for short sleeves! Best of all, the kids decided to stick together, mostly on Iain's initiative. He insisted on holding Anna's hand. Apparently it was contagious. Thomas wanted to join in as well.

But that's not all: Iain and Anna must have seemed like they were enjoying it so much that they added another member to their company!

While Thomas threw a stick for their dog, Anna and Iain kept the little girl entertained. Iain related to her the entire plot of Toy Story, and explained that he'd seen horses earlier (which we had). And that there were mongols riding them (which there weren't--but it shows Iain has been paying attention to the book about the Great Wall of China).

It was all fine and good, really, until the little girl decided she wanted to give Iain a hug. He wasn't having any of it--obviously he's not ready for that kind of commitment!

Still, it was a really lovely way to spend an afternoon, though ambling along with Anna, Iain, and their new friend was the slowest I have ever walked in my entire life.

mea culpa

Right, I know I have failed you utterly if you've been checking regularly for updates. Hopefully the photos will help to make amends. If you're on facebook, you can also check out the two videos of Iain I posted yesterday. As our pediatrician observed when Iain was only 3 months old, he is indeed 'Mr Personality'.

Easter break has been looooonng! We're used to the week-long spring break common in the US, which I used to lament: a week isn't long enough really to relax! Well, we've not done a huge amount of relaxing, but we had a great time with my dad, visiting spots near and far: Crook Hall, Blanchland, Newcastle, Whitby--and we even took a ride on the steam train from Whitby to Grosmont. The kids enjoyed the train as much as my dad, and Iain spent the next several days suggesting it as the main activity for the day. If only it wasn't more than an hour's drive away!

Easter term promises to be somewhat less hectic--much less teaching--but still pretty busy, with writing projects underway and deadlines fast approaching. We're hoping for a visit from friends in the US (that's you, Levys: we miss you and would LOVE to see you) over the half-term break, if we can get it organized.

Anna, Thomas and Iain are settled enough to miss their friends at school over the break, and

most especially their friends Lili and Sia (see left), whose father teaches in the theology and religion department with us: Thomas is preparing to make a huge 'welcome back' sign and we're already planning the feast we'll have to celebrate their return from Essex next week! We are indeed fortunate to have such wonderful friends!

Happy Easter!

Crook Hall

Our first family trip of the season to Crook Hall, one of our favorite (or should I say, favourite) places around Durham. The kids love to run through the garden, and Lewis enjoys telling us the names of all the flowers in bloom.

Spring is certainly here, though the chill of winter hasn't yet gone completely. But we're planning to get out into the sunshine again today!