Oh Deere!

Never on our 'To Do' list Moline Illinois turned out to be an enjoyable trip. Nothing but cornfields and John Deere everything we had pleasant days with hours in the pool and BBQs everynight at the hotel.

How it all began . . .

1837 John Deere develops the steel walking plow. Plows had evolved for thousands of years and worked well in soil previously farmed. Plowing the Illinois prairie for the first time was hampered by soil that stuck to the plow. John Deere curved a broken steel sawmill blade that let the soil slide off the plow. Animal-drawn plows were the heart of John Deere business for the next eight decades.

Still the love of my life

4th of July

After last year's debacle of missing the fireworks at the very last minute we promised the kids a show this year. We spent it with our good friends Robert & Jen, Jason & Alice and their beautiful families. We know our time in the states in nearing an end but we've all decided that denial is the best approach.

Dorothy and her treasured American Girl doll "Rebecca"

He's growing up. Liam got upset that he only had a blue and purple light saber! and wanted a red one like Darth Vader. So we had the ole "money doesn't grow on trees chat" and dubbed him old enough to start some chores. He was very diligent and did everything on the list for day one. Our second serious chat came after he put his hand out and said "can I have my red light saber now?"

It took 4 years!

It took 4 years to really cut off his locks. Liam has always liked 'to feel it shake' but asked repeatedly for a haircut so we did and whilst he looks instantly older we think he looks spunky too.

I'm an ideas woman!

What do you do when you want to spend some quality time with friends and not be interrupted by the kids??
Stick em outside with the hose and a few cans of shaving cream!! I promise you won't hear from them for hours.

Daddy's home

Had Simon home for an unexpected week (he has been on the road for 12 or 13 weeks straight, we've lost count) and we had the most lovely time doing not much at all.

Ladies Night Out

Sam (far right) one of our expat friends is moving on to Canada so of course, we had to have a girl's night out to celebrate. . . our friendship that is, not her leaving!!