Mama turns Thirty

After months of anticipation (years really), the Flood family has survived what could have been  a horrific event in time - Mom turning another decade older. Yesterday was my official 30th birthday, and August 15th came and went without too much fuss, tears or mental breakdowns.

The day started off with a presentation of my tea in bed in a very funny (not so much!) reminder mug from my loving (and older by the way) husband. Although I find it an annoying reminder of the fact my twenties are behind me, I will always cherish this mug as it perfectly represents my only birthday I'll spend in the UK. 

(Aren't I lucky to have a husband that brings me tea in bed not just on my birthday, but multiple times a week?!?! I love mornings in London living in a small flat where the kitchen is two steps from the master bedroom. I never got served like this at home!)

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful... Play date with a new friend for Avery, trip to the doctors office for the girls check ups (nobody should have to suffer through National Health care on their birthday), frozen pizzas and champagne for dinner, cupcakes...... We kept it low key........

But knowing me, did you really think I was going to let this day in my life go by without using it as a reason to party with my people?!?!?!???? We were relaxed on my actual birthday because we celebrated with all we had a few months earlier when we were home in Columbus for our summer visit.     We (my best mate Morgan who also said goodbye to her twenties this summer), were thrown a fantastic party at The Bogey Inn to celebrate our getting old, not to mention our 20 year friendship. All of our people were there, Morgs sister/my dear friend Ali made the whole party possible with her impeccable party planning skills, and our parents spoiled us with great food and lots of cocktails. It was perfect.

Birthday Girls  

Look at this cake! - Ali's Mother-in-law makes cakes that look this fantastic and taste even better and we were so lucky to have her make one for us!

So many of Morgs and my friends came from far away places to celebrate with us! Cronic (and Camp) made it from Chicago!

For about an hour, there was an absolute downpour that flooded our outdoor party tent area - all of the kids loved it, especially mine! In honor of my thirties I've calmed down and am not going to worry about what exactly my kids are splashing around in from the wet floor of the bar. 

My girls. I wouldn't have survived my youth without them.

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate with me for the big day. Each card, bottle of wine, gift, perfectly planned party detail, cocktail, birthday hug from my girls, and cheeky little mug of tea made my celebration great and was a perfect way to start out my fourth decade.

xoxo
~Lo

Spring Catch Up

It's August, which seems like a great time to do some blog updates... about the spring. We've had a fantastic few months, which means lots of activities outside, trips in and out of the UK,  and little sitting by the computer.

We've learned that spring in the UK means different things than at home. At home come May, the coats are put away, gloves and hats hidden in some remote closet, and flip flops and shorts are predominantly displayed.  Here in the UK,  there were days in which we wore coats ( not jackets, I'm talking lined coats) well into June.  Nonetheless we got out and enjoyed the 60-ish degree, sunny-ish weather when we had the chance.

Here is a glimpse of Spring 2013 as seen in the UK by the Flood family:

Lane & Avery on the National Rail on our bank holiday weekend getaway to Cardiff, Wales

Sunshine, Patio Beers, and Legos in Cardiff 

Rain doesn't stop us girls from having fun - we just head inside to the nearest indoor playground

The Brown girls and Flood girls go to Southend on Sea to see the seaside and ride some carnival rides

Lounging in our back garden- we are so thankful for this outdoor space in a crowded, busy city

Family day trip to Brighton Beach with the Brown Family

Lane and Jessica on the Brighton roller coaster - the adventure seekers of the group!

Playgrounds, Feeding the pigeons in Regents Park, and Ice Cream - Oh My!

The best part of spring was the beautiful surroundings on those few sunny days. It may have been a record breaking year in regards to bad weather here in London, but the ability to get out to the local parks and gardens more than made up for it 

And just wait for our next post, Summer was even better....

~L, L, A&S