Tri holiday

A few days ago we had a tri- holiday party, because some friends are leaving the UK and we wanted to celebrate the holidays with them before they left. We had Thanksgiving supper, for Christmas we played white elephant gift exchange, awkward family photo contest and fireworks for New Year's.  We had so much fun I haven't laughed this much in a long time. This was our awkward photo which compared some of the others photos is not that awkward.

I started out with a great gift and then it was taken, oh well!

Mick ended up with some cool head phones.

What every 14 yr old needs, some cork board place mats.

And since my gift was taken, I got another.

Loving the glasses Frankie.

He really likes his book!

I highly recommend this kind of party especially if you know someone who is leaving. I didn't post everyone's awkward photos but trust they were pretty awesome. 

Greene King Tour

At the beginning of November we went on a tour of Greene King Brewery in Bury St Edmunds. Oddly enough we went with our church group, I really love these guys.

Funny moment here I had my vest inside out; that's why I wasn't glowing.

This brewery has been around since the 1800's and is one of the largest in the UK. They own hotels, and tons of pubs. It's a really old building in Bury St Edmunds and has been at the same location for years. It was built near one of the founders home.

We got to go up to the roof top which gave us a great view of the village.

I really love Bury, it's where we go when we want to watch 

a movie, shop, or just stroll through the streets. There's also lots of place you can eat and people watch. And the Abbey Gardens are so nice it's always a nice place to just relax sit on a bench let the kids play and so on. 

Oh, what I give to have one of these, I just love old things.

After the tour, they take you across the street to a pub and let you sample all the beer, as much as you want. This was our sexy tour guide and bartender. He was a hoot! and gave us a great tour.

My friend Carly had to get it on the action pouring since she doesn't drink and was our DD.

Man we all look pretty desperate to try it out.

Good time and great memory we made.

After the tour we walked just a couple of streets down to one of the couple's home for some chili. I wish I had pictures of that. They had a spread of cheeses and crackers, ceviche with chips, three different kinds of chili, wine, and dessert. 

On this night the Abbey was having fireworks in honor of Guy Fawkes. I thought they only celebrated it on November 5th but they actually do fireworks a few days early in some towns all the way until November 5th. Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament but was caught and every year in England they celebrate with fireworks. 

We didn't stick around for the fireworks it was getting late and when you have kids you have to get home at a decent hour.   

A

The Abbey looked so pretty at night. I can't believe how long the line was to get in and see the fireworks. I think the tickets were about 5 pounds, next year I have to go and see what all the fuss is about.