Babies Blessed!

Jayden and Bryson were blessed yesterday --

Sunday, December 28, 2008.
We were so glad to be able to be here for the blessing and that Robert, Jason, and Matthew
were all able to take part in the blessing!

Jason, Matthew and Robert all bought these British Hats (I have no idea what they are called) and insisted on wearing them in some of the pictures.

Don't they make adorable "British Boys"!?!

We have been able to go to a few castles here in England. Here we are at the Skipton Castle.

This was taken inside the Skipton Courtyard!

The tree we are standing by was planted in 1659 about the same time Robert and my ancestors were leaving England!

Eric, Kennady, & Matthew

in the Skipton Castle.

Robert, Eric, and Jason outside the Skipton Castle!

This is the Bathroom or the "Long Drop" as they called it!

Kennady's favorite room in the Castle was the bathroom or the "Long Drop" -- here she is taking a peek down the hole.

Looks like Matthew also enjoyed this room!!

The Shofforth Castle was another one that we went to see. It was actually destroyed in World War II -- but the boys and Kennady loved exploring the ruins. It was kinda fun trying to figure out which rooms were for what!

Robert, Matthew, Eric, Jason, & Bill

Matthew and Kennady in the Spofforth Castle.

Today we drove over to York to go to the Viking Museum. Everywhere we go we have to take two cars and today we got separated (due to heavy traffic) and never did find each other till we came home to Harrogate. (Andrea and Bill only have one cell phone and they can only receive calls on it -- that cell phone got left home so we had no way of finding each other.) The boys, Bill, Jason, Matthew, and Eric enjoyed their day at the Viking Museum and a few other sites while Andrea, Robert, Kennady, Jayden, Bryson, and I spent our day looking for a parking spot, feeding babies (or waiting for Andrea to feed the babies), walking through an area I would compare to downtown NYC (which Jason and Matthew said it didn't even compare to NYC), carrying babies (including tired Kennady) so by the time we finally found the Viking Museum we were so glad to be able to sit down for the 15 minutes it took to ride a little tour train through the museum we didn't care how "corny" or expensive it was! Kennady loved the Museum, the rest of us could have lived without it!

We arrived back in Harrogate -- got back in the cars and headed to dinner at Joe Rigatoni's. It was an amazingly good Italian Restaurant with more food than any of us could eat! And we could pay in American Money making it a GREAT price too!

I can't believe our time in England is almost over! We will be back on US soil before we know it!

More Grandbaby Pictures!

I'm still enjoying my time here in England. Jayden and Bryson seem to be growing more each day and staying awake a little longer (I don't get to see this too much cuz it's in the middle of the night and all they want is their "Mummy"). We are getting better at telling them apart for the most part! Sometimes we second guess ourselves and realize we had them right the first time.

Bryson & Jayden

(12/17/2008)

Enjoying a swing together!

The Proud Parents!!

At 10 days old (12/12/08), Jayden & Bryson won their first contest at Bill's Squadron Party.

"Best Christmas Sweater Contest"

Prize: $30 BX Gift Card

They were going to give them 1st and 2nd Prize but Andrea said "No, We come as a pair!"

Kennady loves to play in her little brothers' carseats!

We are amazed that she can actually get in!

(12/18/2008)

Kennady looked so cute I just had to take a picture!

She is growing up so fast! She has been sleeping with Grandma each night since I got here -- we are a little afraid what will happen when Grandpa gets here!

(12/11/2008)

No pictures of Taylor this time -- she is off to Boise to stay with her mom for Christmas. She should make it today -- after a delay in London they (Katie Crawford & Taylor) missed their connecting flight in Chicago -- but they should be in the air to Boise at this moment. Taylor and I decided that she should WAVE at every airplane she saw on her way home just in case her Grandpa and Uncles were on one of them! They could possibly be -- cuz they are on their way to England today (they may pass in the air)!

Hope everyone wherever you are have a Happy and Safe Christmas!

Artichoke Dip

Over on Pam's blog (http://crockettcrew.typepad.com/my_weblog/) it's time for our favorite appetizers. I am in England right now and don't have my recipes with me -- but this recipe for Artichoke Dip that I found off the internet is pretty close to one I have at home.

INGREDIENTS
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 8 oz Pkg. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Combine the artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, cheese and green chilies. Mix well and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped tomato if desired. Serve as dip for tortilla chips or breads! YUMMY!

Pam -- just a note for you -- we are making your Bacon/Water Chestnut Recipe right now. Can't wait to eat them!!

More Cute Baby Pictures!

Bryson & Jayden

(Just a couple days old!)

Kennady loves her baby brothers!

Kennady and baby Bryson!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Bill and Andrea were told that it doesn't snow much here in Harrogate, UK -- but take a look at this! (It kinda melted a bit before I got out there!) Taylor's school had a late start day and the Midwife that was coming to check on Andrea and the babies (yes, a house call) couldn't make it up the street so turned around and came a few hours later.

Kennady and Taylor enjoying the snow!

England and Babies!

Jayden Ray and Bryson James Howard

Born: December 2, 2008

Time: 6:09 and 6:20 p.m.

Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. & 7 lbs. 1 oz.

Kennady, Jayden, Grandma, Bryson, & Taylor

WOW! A lot has happened in the past day! I made it to England and already got to hold my brand new grandbabies! They are so adorable and cuddly and cute! Here are some pictures! Andrea is doing well and is already home from the hospital. I don't blame her for wanting to come home -- there were 7 babies and 6 mothers all in the same room with only curtains dividing them. No wonder people are against socialized medicine (but again -- she could have paid 90 pounds for her own room). I think if she would have had to stay another day -- I would have put up the $150.00 US. I will update again soon but right now I'm off to bed!