E is for England

My family lived in England in the 1980s--in North Yorkshire. My dad was stationed at Menwith Hill and we lived near a town called Harrogate.

We lived on base for a few months until we moved into the village of Pannal. We went to British schools, a British church, and lived our lives as British as possible. I'm always surprised when people get stationed overseas and then live their entire lives on the American base.

I have such great memories of living in England and often say that if I could get my entire family (that means everyone) to go too, I'd move back in a heartbeat. The pace of life is slower, it seems more family oriented, and it's just so peaceful.

Toben got to see where we lived when he and I visited Harrogate in 2003. I thought he'd prefer London, but he fell in love with Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales. We spent a cold, Sunday afternoon at Fountains Abbey, walking around and imagining what life was like when it wasn't in ruins. And we had an amazing Sunday dinner at the pub in Grassington, a wonderful and charming village out in the dales.

This is Fountains Abbey:

And this is the house we lived in:

I can't wait to take the girls to England someday so they can see how wonderful it is. We've talked about all (Mom and Dad; Wade and Kristen and their kids; and us) renting a house in the dales to use as a base and then going from there to visit York, London, and Scotland. But I think we need to wait until Ava and Tyson are just a little bit older. I think a transatlantic flight with two small children just might put Kristen over the edge!

(Okay, lots of links, I know, but these are all great places to visit if you're ever there!)

Comments

[Holly Smith]

I'd go in a heart beat...it looks like a great home! Can I see more pictures??

Thanks for your prayers...they have been greatly felt. We're going to be OK, I know.
With love in Him,
holly

[Heidi]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...memories! So many memories of that time. Just hearing you write about those places and hearing their names again...it's so fun to slide into the past and pull from those years...random flashes of events...people...places...cars...country roads...delicious candies... British foods...theaters...GOOD tea everywhere...country hike field smells...pop music...80's clothes...MAKEUP!!! They are all special and precious pieces of our pasts--the start of our friendship and a time of "growing up" while still being safe in the protection of rural England. God knew what He was was doing when he planted us in such rich soil. There is no memory of England that doesn't bring you to light, and I am eternally grateful for that...my dear sista!

[Sam]

My husband and I were just talking about England, London specifically, and when we will be able to make a trip back. Not soon enough! The photos are beautiful. Totally unrelated, but you have GREAT hair! Short, long, straight, curly. I have hair envy! Have a great weekend.

[Sandra]

Hi! I was playing around with Google Images today and found this picture of Walton Park on the internet! My family was stationed at Menwith Hill from September 2001-2004!

We were living in 80 Walton Park at the time!!!! What a smile you put on my face today...seeing you standing there in front of "our house"! We have great memories of England!

Wish you would have knocked on the door...we would have let you come in!