Off to the Races--Antiquing That Is!

One of the favorite activities around our London world is to grab a group of friends and head out to an antique market. That's just what we did recently when we headed by train out to Sunbury for their bi-monthly antique market which is held at Kempton Racecourse.

Sunbury Market is the largest and longest running bi-monthly market in England, having been at this location for over 20 years. Making your way around 700 + booths, both inside and outside, is a bit of a challenge.

It's one of those markets where you really need to go early, opening just after 6 AM, if you want to find the best buys.  We didn't get there quite that early, since we had a bit of a commute from London to the countryside, but we did make it fairly early in the morning. We first headed to the silver booth

of two vendors whom my friends knew, and between the 4 of us bought several things. Some of mine are Christmas gifts, so I won't show you here,

but there were some lovely things to be found.

 I like taking you along on these trips,  so let's start with the porcelain,

tea sets for everyone, then head over

to see some leather,

perhaps a door or two,

or some religious statuary mixed in with a few dress mannequins.

Some of you might be more interested in the furniture,

or maybe props from a burlesque show.

I found several things I could have picked up for Halloween, a fox to greet you at the door,

the 6 million dollar man,

an African statue,

or perhaps some preserved bats!

Or maybe you are already thinking ahead to Christmas and love these old ornaments.

One item we saw over and over again were furs 

of all shapes and sizes. If this winter is as cold as the last, I may wish I had bought one!

Christmas shopping is all about buying toys, 

so don't forget the antique ones.

They're always looking for a good home under the tree!

I leave you with this Scottish lad--wouldn't he be cute amidst your Christmas greens?

So what would you be shopping for, if you come along next time?

Halloween-Family Style

We got a head start on Halloween yesterday when our church hosted our annual Fall Festival with Trunk  and Treating.  Jordan and I had a special afternoon prepping at the local "glam" spa for young girls

where she got the special treatment, including her first pedicure,

and a manicure 

topped off with the most sparkly polish treatment available.

Then it was on to the hair styling

where French braids were the perfect "do"

for Dorothy, her Halloween persona!

Making her rounds around the cars in the parking lot, Jordan found her Poppy

and her Aunt Holly and Mama Rue, my sister and mother who gave her the special treatment.

And who else was there? Brother Jackson, as the Scarecrow,  and Daddy Tin Man!

Who needs candy when you're already this sweet?

Part of the fun was hanging out with friends, like Emerson, who was very interested in Jackson's pacifier,

and Addison, one of Jordan's buddies.

Definitely a family night for the whole Wizard of Oz family!

Hope your day is full of sweet treats!

Happy Birthday Jordan

Today is Jordan's fourth birthday, and we celebrated in style on Sunday afternoon with a big princess party.

In preparation for the princesses and princes to come, royal clothing was hung with care,

the tiaras and royal jewels shined and polished,

all sorts of delicious sweets and treats were prepared

in anticipation of one little girl turning 4.

The princess and her court were quite excited to pose for the paparazzi.

There was time for a spot of tea,

and even a couple of little princes thought it was cool to stop for tea-time.

In between sword fights, that is!

This little prince and this little princess have taken quite a fancy to each other over the last year, and Princess Jordan has claimed him for her own. She anticipates their wedding day quite often and dreams of how it will unfold.

In addition to friends, there were so many members of our family who accepted with delight their invitation to attend the royal occasion, even Kiss-Kiss and Jason who skyped with the guest of honor all the way from London.

And we can't leave out The Little Prince, brother Jackson, who thinks parties are so much fun!

There was a lot of lovin' going on,

and many well wishes from friends so dear.

The highlight of the party was the arrival of Princess Heather who charmed the birthday girl

and read one of her favorite stories to the adoring crowd.

She was the "rock star" of the day!

We are eternally grateful to God for gracing us with a princess so fair, so loving, so full of joy, who has turned our world upside down since her arrival. 

Happy Birthday, Jordan!