Boxing Day at Stowe House

The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day in the UK, and is a national holiday. It's a very popular day for people to go out and take a walk (a very British pastime), so we were not alone in our decision to visit Stowe House in Buckinghamshire. It was a beautiful National Trust site, dating back to the 1500s (although the house was completely rebuilt in the late 1600s). It was a huge estate, and we only covered part of it during our walk. It was a chilly day but nice to get out and see a little sunshine (rare in the English wintertime). We at lunch at the cafe on the property before going out to explore.

View of Stowe House across one of the lakes on the property

Crossing the lake via a footbridge

Ceiling of the footbridge

Stowe House

Our new 3 year old enjoyed independently exploring the steps of Stowe House

Sun was starting to go down by around 2:30 pm

Another view of the footbridge from a different angle

 We enjoyed a quick hot chocolate to warm up before heading home!

Christmas 2016

As has been typical of both our Christmases in England, we celebrated the holiday multiple times! Between Christmas itself and Charlotte's birthday (3 days before Christmas), we were lucky to get so many special packages from friends and family back in the States. Once January hits, Charlotte's fully expecting gifts every day and is a little disappointed ;) 

Charlotte and our mini Christmas tree

So proud of her new nightgown and a matching one for "Baby Doll" from Grandmom & Granddad

A couple of days before her birthday, Charlotte got to go to breakfast with Santa at our local garden centre in Waresley. She got dressed up and was excited (and just a little nervous) when Santa showed up! He read the boys and girls a story, took pictures, and gave little gifts to each child by name. She was brave and went up to the front to get her gift with only minimal encouragement.

By the Christmas tree outside the garden centre 

Meeting Santa!

Looking very grown up as an almost 3 year old! With Grammy & Papa

Listening to the story from Santa

More Christmas celebrations!

Her new watermelon blanket knitted by Aunt Paulette

ROLLER SKATES from Aunt Katie!

All ready for Christmas (after Santa's arrival)

Loving her new bathrobe from Aunt Allie & Uncle Matt

 On Christmas morning, we opened presents as our family of 3 and enjoyed cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs. We then went to services at the small village church in Caxton (where we live). They had a nice little children's area to keep the kids quiet, so we sat in that area. For dinner that night, we popped Christmas "poppers" and wore the included paper crowns to have a tasty dinner British-style at home.