Maternity Shots

It had to be done.

Here are a few of our favorites from the official maternity shoot we did at Castle Acre Priory in Norfolk on November 25, 2012. Adam (and Tanka) were great sports.

 Here is an unofficial shot from December 15, 2012, a week before Owen was born. 

Ely Cathedral Thanksgiving Service

Being held the night before Thanksgiving, the Thanksgiving Service at Ely Cathedral is a great way to set the mood for the holiday, while also enjoy being and celebrating in England.
This year it was extra special as I was able to accompany the choir during the service. There is nothing quite like playing in such a beautiful place, at night, to mark such a great occasion (my favorite holiday).
Although it required long days the week leading up to the service (I would start work by 8 and not get home until 10pm), being 8 months pregnant (I was't sure I would even be able to hold my cello), it was worth it. What a great memory. 

Baby Shower

One of the hardest things about having a baby abroad is the inability to celebrate with family. Having just started a new job in July, taking time off to go home for a celebration was impossible. Consequently, my friends in the UK pulled a great shower together for me. It was special, special, and a lot fun. 

Armistice Day Dinner

Every year the doctors and surgeons practicing in Bury St. Edmunds have a formal event on Armistice Day (the British version of Memorial Day). The event is to commemorate the working relationship between the two groups during World War I during which the two covered for each other while all eligible young men were fighting. The doctors and the surgeons alternate hosting. This year the surgeons hosted and all of the American military surgeons who practice in Bury St. Edmunds within the National Health Service were invited to participate. It was held at Ickworth House, a beautiful manor house that is now a museum bringing to life the times of Downton Abbey. The food was great and the company fun. Ian Lavender, the gentleman who played the youngest private in the popular TV series "Dad's Army" (first aired in the late 60s and 70s) spoke. He was hilarious and deliciously inappropriate making a formal evening at 8 months pregnant pretty dang great. And a special thanks to my dinner partner (whose name I cannot remember) for keeping my wine glass full all night.

Aspen (the pup, not the city)

We often dog sit for another Golden Retriever named Aspen. Although she is a bit smaller than Tanka, they look like they could be siblings.