Country BBQ (English Style)

School is out! At last, Viola is finished with her school year. I can’t believe she is through Reception. (Our version of “kindergarten” that they start at 4.)

She finished school last Friday and then Saturday we got to celebrate the summer kick-off with a day at a barbecue at our friend’s lovely house in Oxfordshire.

Now first things first: a “BBQ” can be confusing. When we first moved to England, we got invited to a barbecue and I was like like: “OH BABY! YES! Finally!” I showed up to the barbecue salivating over the idea of brisket, spicy polish sausages, ribs, and was completely shocked to find burgers. I soon realised that when someone barbecues here, it simply means “grill out.” So if you’re a new expat, you’ve been warned and you can adjust your expectations accordingly.

But luckily, my expectations were in line for this party... and I knew that a day our in Oxfordshire at our friends house would be nothing short of lovely.

And it was! Especially with seven black lab puppies to cuddle. My kids were smitten, and so was I as I watched them lug the sleepy little puppies around. It was so cute!

Also, Edie decided it was her day to start really walking- so she got her first real steps in that day and it was hilariously cute watching her big thighs waddle around and plop in the grass.

The day was so fun. We left around 5:30, stopped at McDonalds on the highway and let the kids get Happy Meals... which, to our dismay and relief, they really only wanted for the toy.

I’m not really sure what my kids will remember of days like this, but I’m hopeful they stack up as a hazy collection of imperfect days made up of lots of happy memories. Because as crazy as they may feel at times in the moment, I know that’s what they actually are!