The things we will miss...

After living in England for over 3 years, we have become quite comfortable with our lives and have really enjoyed the experience. It was a difficult transition for me the first few months, but all of us have so many things that we are going to miss. Here is our list (not in any particular order) and not all inclusive for sure:

1. The people we have met - other US families from Perkins, neighbors, classmates, work group, mums from school, and Kelly (and Allistair too!)!
2. Copthill school - everything about it is fantastic! - the teachers, friends, school lunches, Bible assemblies, prayer, forest school, uniforms, emphasis on manners, all day school, Christmas nativity play, wine and nibbles at parent/teacher conferences, teaching the children how to use their knife and fork properly, etc....
3. Our village - complete with a local shop, pub, church, 2 hair salons (our terrific friend and hairdresser, Glenda!), and a post office
4. Wonderful fresh produce, flowers, cheeses and bread - We even have the Veg man that sets up shop in the local pub car park
5. Pubs - each one is unique and has a quaint atmosphere - very welcoming and relaxing
6. Lazy Sundays - church and Papa John's with Holli and Andy
7. Travels around England and Europe
8. The use of adjectives - gorgeous, brilliant, lovely, smart, diabolical, sensible, clever, cunning
9. The language differences and accents - English, Irish, Scottish
10. Parent/child parking spaces - Close and large spaces - Wonderful!!
11. Recycling - they make it very easy
12. Dan's job working on Tier 4 - It has been one of his most favorite at Cat and he has a fantastic team
13. Alcohol - Beer (ales), Wine, Scotch Whiskey - Unfortunately, Dan has become quite the connoisseur of all kinds of alcohol!
14. Did I mention, Kelly!!!??
15. The feeling of being unique and people taking an interest in you for just being American
16. Looking out into the field behind our house and seeing HUGE pheasants
17. Beautiful English countryside
18. Full English breakfast (bacon, sausages, eggs, toast, fried tomatos, mushrooms, black pudding)
19. The boys singing with an accent and using English terms - "I'll do it straight away.", "Do I look smart and sensible?", "Throw it in the rubbish bin", "I'm a clever boy.", "Crikey!", "I'm good at tidying up", "We're doing lots of painting, we are.", "The teacher was cross with my friend today.","I want, never gets." (maybe not an English saying but a good one to remember)
20. All of our wonderful friends...again!!

There are a few things that we won't miss, like a tiny fridge and washer/dryer, but we decided to keep it positive!! We are definitely looking forward being closer to our families and friends back in IL but will be shedding loads of tears as we leave our life in England! Thanks for the memories!