End of Summer Festivities

The summer went by quickly for us this year.  The girls didn't get as long a summer vacation as we are used to in the States, and we were gone to Texas for 3 weeks of their break.  At the end of the summer, the British have a bank holiday.  For those of you who don't know, bank holidays are public holidays in the UK that occur throughout the year. 

The Summer Bank Holiday is a little like our Labor Day.  To celebrate the day we went to the beach with a big group from One Church.  I am still trying to get used to going to the beach when it is not really hot (much less very warm).  Despite the chill, we had really great day kayaking, eating and hanging out with good friends.

"Chilling" at the beach.  Notice the wind barriers.

These nut jobs actually got in the freezing water.  Crazy!

Sloane and the Maskells.

Keith and Sloane kayaking.

On the Sunday before school started, our street had a Street Party.  A British Street Party is a little bit like our block parties at home, but because it is so densely populated here and there are so many people who live on our street, it was a huge event.  The organizers got permission from the council to close down our street, and everyone moved their cars off the street the night before.  Everyone was encouraged to come outside and eat, drink and be merry all day long.  People hung bunting and decorated their houses.  Some people even organized events like a dress-up stall for kids, a book exchange, tug-o-war, face painting, tea and cakes and there was even a bar and a DJ at the end of the street.

Our festive street.

Eating lunch on the street.

Sutton and I enjoying the party.

The roller derby girls.

Me and our next-door neighbor Rose.

The Street Party was one of our favorite events, and it made us feel a real part of the community.  It was a little bittersweet for us though because we are having to move house in November.  Unfortunately, our landlord lost his job and wants to move back into the house.  Even though we had just renewed our lease for another year, we are trying to do the right thing by moving and allowing him to have the house back.  We love our street, neighborhood and neighbors, and we are going to miss everyone very much (especially after this great party)!