Chopsticks Times 6

Happy 15th birthday, Hudson!!!!

This year Hudson got to see his cake before his party just in case something happened in transit. He asked if he could go bowling with a few friends, so that is what we did :)

Hudson

Group picture: Paolo, Kevin, Hudson, Jonathan, Lauren, Katherine, Simona (Paolo's mom)

I gave each of the kids 5 tokens for the arcade games that are at the bowling center and this kid hit the jackpot right away!

Time for cake!

He's enjoyed the Italian tradition of breaking the candle and throwing it behind you ;)

He got the shirt he's been wanting :)

A "bubble tea" from his sister

He said he wants to drive this car...because you only have to be 14 for this size car here

He asked for McDonald's for his birthday meal

cupcakes, too

we love Jonathan's pizza

Katherine made us a fall wreath! I love it!

We were babysitting but the living room light went out. So, we moved everything to the foryer.

Gotta love making cookies!

playing "in the dark"

After they left, the girls and I finished up making the cookies.

THis is the back porch of a country house we stayed in for the weekend.

The girls loved every part of this house

main floor

and out of all of the rooms to choose from, their favorite was the little bedroom in the attic because it was like Little House on the Prairie.

The basement

outside

the beautiful and relaxing views

We decided to eat our lunch out here

We were going to scrapbook but our pictures didn't arrive...so we improvised.

Katherine had a few pictures that she could still work on

Lauren made her blanket

The Stooksburys were visiting Rome. We met them at the Pantheon. How did they know what my favorite snack is?!?! So much fun!

In preparation for Jubilee 2025 most of Rome is under construction...well, they decided to drain the Trevi fountain and restore it as well. But they didn't want everyone to be mad that literally everything is covered up and blocked off. So they built a bridge that you can line up and walk across to view it "up close"

Probably the best Cacio Pepe I have had here. Homemade noodles and all. yum

The restaurant we ended up at because the planned one was randomly closed.

It's time for his birthday present!!!!!

Hudson and I flew to London to meet his friend. He was so excited to spend a few days with him!

Elliot and Solomon with Hudson (off to explore London on their own)

Hudson and Solomon love playing chess together. Glorielle got in on the action, too!

breakfast

Me getting a kick out of Hudson taking selfies with the deer

a walk through Seven Oaks Park

Look at the pretty fall leaves!

This deer was so pretty and making me laugh because he was showing off big time.

check out this huge tree in front of the house!

Ok, yes, I tried for a selfie, too! ;)

walking home in their neighborhood

We went to a church at lunch time because they were have a pianist perform for free. The boys really enjoyed it.

My friend told me that this is the oldest outdoor market in England

When in London, you just have to see the premier of Paddington in Peru.

Cute movie.

Hudson and Elliot

One of my favorites from the trip.

Hudson and Solomon

Greek food for lunch

Me and Tara

I like this one, too!

Look! Foxes! Apparently they are as common as squirrels and our friends really don't like how they get into the trash cans.

We got home form our trip to find a clean house and Katherine made us homemade cinnamon rolls to welcome us back! :)

Earlier in the month, the girls met up with their friend in Florence.

They had a lot of fun for the day (and this mama loved getting photos)

Regan spent Thanksgiving in Knoxville :)

Regan also finished her painting of Union University

My sweet little Sunday school kids

It's not quite Thanksgiving and my girls are putting up on their little trees that they bought and decorating their room.

Lauren's tree is really a little tree :)

Love having youth over to our house each month!

There was a food market by our house recently. We had fun walking around and seeing what everything was. We bought one piece of meat to share and a jar of local honey

A bride and her bridesmaids conversation about the wedding plans

One of the perks of homeschooling

Katherine's favorite part of the Thanksgiving prep! Getting that turkey ready!

Lauren and some of her art

Katherine at tennis class. I like the new jackets that they gave each of the students!

This has been something else that I have really enjoyed this year. Bible study with these ladies. We are 17 ladies (if everyone is able to come) representing 15 different countries. It's so much fun to study with people from all over the world!

Lauren's favorite part of Thanksgiving prep...making apple squares with her dad!

Our feast...brocolli casserole, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole (2 kinds, marshmallows and pecans) corn casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberyy sauce...