Meredith Carson... Across the Pond and Back Again...

Here is a question... Has anyone ever woken up after a night in a sleeping bag, outdoors, in a tent, on uneven ground and said, "Wow!  I slept great!!  In fact I feel fantastic!" I know you happy campers are out there.  You love the sounds of nature in the early hours of the morning.  You equally love the sound of the tent zipper being ripped open in the middle of the night to let a desperate seven year old escape and wee behind a pine tree.  You love being huddled under blankets with chattering teeth and marveling at how "at one" you are with nature and what not.  You also love knowing that there is a strange assortment of bugs flying and crawling around in the tent with you as you shiver and marvel.  God's creatures are so precious.  I know you happy campers love these things, but I happen to prefer a supportive mattress, climate control and perhaps a gourmet meal or two while I'm on vacation. Basically what I am saying is that I am an awe...

Sophie has been super excited about Father's Day for a while now. For the last two weeks every paper and drawing she has brought home from school has been specified "FOR DAD" and has been placed in a special secret hiding place ready for today. So this morning it came as no surprise that Sophie and Emma both were in our bed before 7:00, ready to get the Father's Day festivities going. So much for a Father's Day lie in! Just after 7:00, Sophie brought up the presents and cards. Nothing extreme. George is not terribly bothered with presents so we typically get him some nice chocolates and a "Dad" t-shirt. The girls had also compiled a list of things they love about their dad. The list included lighthearted things like "Dad's fantastic pancakes" and "booty stamps" (best not to ask), but it also included some slightly more profound items such as: "Dad cheers us up when we're sad" and "He talks to us about imp...