Christmas 2008

Christmas here was rather quiet. Santa made a visit, and of course was more than generous. The UK is experiencing a massive Flu outbreak, and unfortunately our dear friends that we were going to spend Boxing day with had the bug there, so needless to say we stayed in . (Did not want to risk getting sick before the big cruise.) Luckily we have more than enough to keep us busy here with all the new toys. Looking forward to being back in the states next year for Christmas!! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!!!

Christmas in the Manley House

1. 
   
   
   

Italy

1. Turin
   

Shroud of Turin


David

Venice

If you look closely you can see Dan and Lane at the top of the tower. Ash and I were there too, just came down ahead of them

Italy

• 
  
  Top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  

Milan










We had a fantastic, yet wet time in Italy. We spent the first day in Milan. The church (duomo) was beautiful. We also happened upon a famous painting of Michelangelo that was on display for a short time. (completely by accident, but a great surprise.) From Milan we went to Venice. Dan and I had a lovely time there two summers ago and really wanted the kids to experience it. This time Venice was flooded and you had to walk on planks through the city. Wet, but amazingly still beautiful. The next day we went to Pisa, and all of us climbed up to the top of the Leaning tower of Pisa. Lots of stairs, yet worth the hike!! After Pisa it was Florence, we made it to see the famous statue of David. Quite a bit bigger then I thought. The city of Florence is breathtaking. Love just sitting in the little pizzeria's and just watching the locals. A suggestion by the hotel clerk at the American base in Pisa led us to a little town called Lucca on the way back from Florence. What a great recommendation. The Italians in each city had little Christmas Markets set up. (of course I love shopping!!!). Our final leg of the trip we spent in Turin. Thanks to Dan's good friend Filippo, we had a good idea of what to do and see. He even had one of his friends show us around a bit. In Turin we saw the Shroud of Turin. (where it is kept in a sealed vault, yet with a life size picture of it AMAZING!!) The shroud believed to have been worn by Jesus after dying on the cross. Turin also has the second largest Egyptian museum (second only to Cairo). They items in the museum such as real mummies vaults etc. Also took a panoramic evaluator ride to the top of the cinema museum with views of all of Turin including the Alps. Wonderful trip, and made even better with Filippo's help!! Now preparing for Christmas and the cruise!!

Offical Start of Christmas Vacation

Today was Dan and the kids last day of work/school. We are packing and ready to travel to Italy for the week. We are extremely thankful for all of Filippo's help in making the arrangements. Lane and Ashlyn had quite a busy week, and are looking forward to a bit of R&R. The school choir sang at Morrison's today (local grocery store), and it was so nice to see Ash sing her heart out for the shoppers. Lane did not join the choir, but did participate in the school church service on Thursday night. Look forward to posting the pics of Italy. Fingers crossed for decent weather. Venice has been flooded, and the kids really want to take a gondola ride. Keep us in your prayers, as we do you!! Merry Christmas!!!

Normandy, Company

The past week has been quite a busy week. The first week in December, Dan went on a Normandy Battlefield Tour with his work. He had a nice time, and although it was his second time going, he felt that he got to see things that he missed on the first trip.

The Friday that he returned home, we welcomed Jorn, Stacie, and Kaylin Pung. The Pungs are our "first Army friends" and although we haven't seen them in 7 years, it felt like we just picked up where we left off. Everyone needs a friend like the Pungs. They only stayed with us for two nights, and we all wished that it was for longer. What a great time!! We made plans to visit them for Spring Break in 2010!! Luckily with the Internet it makes it easy to stay in touch! Look forward to hearing about the arrival of Baby Pung in March!!!

This week is the last week for the kids school, and Dan's work before CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!! We will be leaving on Saturday for a week in Italy. Italy has been my favorite of our European destinations and we look forward to at least 2 more trips there before returning to the States.

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas....or as they say here a Happy Christmas!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving. Sadly just another day here, but it has been a very busy week in the Manley household. Ashlyn had her school pantomime Tues and Wed night this week. (a pantomime is a British Christmas tradition...basically a play with audience participation..quite FUN) The Children did a FANTASTIC job. The Panto this year was Pinocchio, and although Ash did not have a lead, she was in just about every scene. (singing her heart out.)Today was Ashlyn's Ballet recital as well. We have one very tired little girl here.Dan and I managed to go into Bath today for the start of the Christmas Market. Of course any time we go to Bath is a bonus, but also quite nice to see the booths for the market. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that we have quite a bit to be thankful for!!

British Sports

One of the fantastic opportunities that the children have enjoyed is the sports program at the school. Sports is mandatory for all children, and is considered part of the curriculum. The children travel, or host home matches, and we have brought a bit of the American cheering spirit with us!! (much to Lane's dismay at times.) Lane participates in rugby, football (soccer), hockey, and cricket. He has his cricket whites that really boggles me why they all wear white and then the mum's are left to deal with the grass stains!! He does take private tennis lessons as well. Ashlyn does hockey, netball (comparable to basketball with no dribbling), and rounders (somewhat like baseball, but not really). She also does private tennis lessons, and last year won the Victor Ludorum cup on sports day. A achievement that she is very proud of, because she beat out all the boys!! Typically after a match the children and parents are treated to "match tea" , I find this quite nice, and a good way to have a look inside the other private boarding schools in the area.

British Sports

The weekend has come and gone by so fast. Lane had his friend Jacob spend the night on Friday, and Ash had her best friend Katie over on Saturday. Unfortunately Dan had to work this weekend, so the kids were pleased to have a friend over to entertain them.

The weather is starting to get colder, and as always wet. The leaves are pretty much down, and leave a yucky mess with the rain. I'm not a big fan of snow, but it would sure look great, better than the dead wet leaves!! You can also tell that it is Christmas time, because all of the shops are so crowded!! It really can take the fun out of shopping.

This week is Ashlyns pantomime! She is so excited! (me too) The school does a fantastic job, and you forget that you are watching 7 year old pull off such a big performance. If it were up to Ashlyn, she would have singing and drama all the time instead of her normal classes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY!!!!

Yep, today is Dan's b-day. Sadly for Dan it is quite a busy day, and just hopeful that he will have time for a nice dinner before rushing off to the ski trip meeting.
Ash had her FIRST netball match, and although they did not win, she had a great time. She had been a bit nervous about this match, not too sure on what to do, but as in most sports, she shined!! Quite the athlete.
Lane has a rugby tournament today. He started out a little unsure about the whole sport with no padding, but he has really improved!! He does a FANTASTIC job at tackling. Fingers crossed that he gets a "try" today. (that 's how they score points). His goal from the start of the season is to get a "try".
Plan on going into Bath tomorrow with my dear friend Kirsty. I LOVE Bath and really do not need a reason to have a "mooch" about!!

It has been quite a busy week, and the weekend looks to be just as busy. Lane has a Laser Tag party today, and Dan marches in a parade in Sherborne tomorrow for Remembrance Day. (British Veterans Day). The Abbey in Sherborne where the church service is after the parade is beautiful, so we are taking the kids with this year. (look for pics soon.)
Fireworks night was great. Just told Dan that we are so used to fireworks in July....a bit weird to be bundled up in winter clothes and wellies to watch fireworks. They also had music playing and I kept waiting to hear "God Bless the USA", seems to go hand-in-hand with fireworks. (of course they did not play it~)
Lane did amazing in rugby. He has really improved this year, and gives it his all. (unfortunately they did not win, but good effort.) Ash seems to have God given talent when it comes to sports. It's so fun to watch her play. She is a star on the hockey astro. She had an assist in the only goal...but same outcome as Lane's game.

Not too much new and exciting happening today. Will be quite a busy week. Lane has a Rugby tournament tomorrow in Bath, and Ash has a hockey match on Thursday. A group of the "mums" in Ashlyn's class get together and have lunch before their matches, so that should be fun. On Friday Lane is in the finale round of "Warminster's got talent" at the school, and fingers crossed that he and Jacob pull it off. Also on Friday is the schools big bonfire night. They celebrate Guy Fawkes day. Guy Fawkes planned on blowing up Parliament, but was found out. The whole country celebrates with bonfires and fireworks. They typically throw a stuffed dummy on the fire to represent the burning of Guy Fawkes. (a bit weird!!)

Weekend away to Stratford-upon-Avon (home of William Shakesphere) and York

Getting Started

I know that many of my friends have started a blog, and it seems like a fantastic way to keep everyone up to date! We are currently living in the UK, and loving it. We have been here for 2 years now, and the only major downside is that we miss our family back in Ohio. Lane is now 10 yr old and Ashlyn is 7. Will be adding pictures and updates on our travel. Looking forward to a week in Italy in Dec and our big family cruise in Jan.