JollyJobe.com

It’s been almost a month since we were in London to visit the Jobes for our 4th visit (yep, that’s right – FOURTH). While we’re excited to have three of our favorite people, not to mention our favorite nephew, much closer come spring, we have loved “popping in” to visit them. Home is where your loved ones are and London has felt like a home these past two years.

Our October trip to London turned out to be a wee bit different than we anticipated (hence the delayed post). Camden Hill Gardens Flat 1 became Buyfolio HQ for a few days. Though we were hoping to spend a little more time relaxing, it turned out that Jack was not only the perfect antidote for all things business, but he also reminded us of some important things.

Who me? Yes, you!

He reminded us that there is light at the end of the tunnel . . .

And we have to be open to new things . . .

And sometimes we can find relief in unexpected places . . .

And in the end, always do what makes you happy!

Thanks for being such wonderful hosts during such a crazy time!

And a VERY HAPPY 11th month Birthday to Jack!

– Aunt Suz and Uncle Matt

PRAGUE IN A PICTURE:

DAIMLERISM: But was it Prague cold? After a family vacation to Prague many years ago in December, that phrase has become a family code to determine how cold it really was because let me tell you….Prague in December is frickin’ freezing. Luckily, we only had November Prague cold which was perfect temperature for bundling up in a hat and mittens and walking around with a hot chocolate!

*Jack is learning the art of the fake smile or really “will this make her stop taking pictures” smile

CAROLINE’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Walking around the town square and on the bridges at night. We kept Jack on London time which bought us an extra hour in the evening….score one for the parents:)

JACK’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Being carried around by his daddy. Jack decided that his dad’s arms were a lot more comfortable than the stroller

*Jack is definitely thinking “this sucker is still holding me”

**Mom, it is with a heavy heart that I tell you that Jack was this excited about a dog;)

JOHN’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Realizing Jack loves dogs and Jack usually gets what he wants….but Jack is about to learn a little lesson in disappointment;)

And for some late Halloween fun…

THE CUTEST LITTLE LION:

We had a great weekend away in Prague and now the official countdown is on…USA here we come!

COTSWOLDS IN A PICTURE:

*Yes, people actually live in houses with thatched roofs–it is too cute for words!

JACK IN A PICTURE:

*Love me some Jack:)

JOHN’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: A visit to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. AP History failed me…I was not too familiar with this Churchill character (besides knowing that Charlie Hutchens resembles him!!) My dad once told me (in the nicest way), “Caroline, if people start talking about history, just smile”….its fair to say it is not my strongest suit. Confession: On the day before the AP History final exam–I might have asked–remind me who won the Civil War…

Beautiful, beautiful grounds

JACK’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Driving. He was so excited to finally get in one of these cars that he sees from his stroller:) As we are always taking 5 million different types of public transportation, we joke to Jack and say “in my country, I have 2 cars”…not too much longer and he will be getting very familiar with the good old automobile!

CAROLINE’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Coming home to a phone call that Charlotte is engaged–woop woop! Soooo very excited!

*Check out that sparkler:)

We had a great weekend away–it really was so beautiful. John heads to the NFL game in London this weekend (along with every other American) and then we are off to Prague for a quick trip before heading home for Thanksgiving. 25 days until we get to be spoiled by Sussy’s (and Papa Jacks) cooking—can’t wait!

Another successful trip to the Jolly Jobes!  Some might say that I wasn’t the best visitor since I came down with a *slight* case of the sniffles on day 2…but I say that I made up for it in enthusiasm and hand sanitizer!

On Saturday, we spent a lovely fall day at the Chelsea Market.  John is jealous that Jack can pull off “casual” better than he can.  And seeing how adorable Jack looks in that plaid flannel, I have to say that I agree.

That night, we were all exhausted after a long day of walking around–that is, except for Jack, who had extra energy after spending the day in the buggy.  He can’t stay still these days…not when there are toys to be played with, computer keys to be smashed,  and coffee tables to be pulled up on.  Even when it’s time to be changed, he’s got more important things to do.

My favorite thing that Jack does is when he thinks something is really funny, he throws his head back really far and cackles.

And the best part is that it doesn’t take much to garner this reaction.  Those mum mums–hilarious!!

On Sunday, John and Jack went for a jog and then, Josh and Jen Harris–also visiting from the U.S.– came over for Thai food.

On Monday, we celebrated Caroline’s (early) birthday with tea at the Ritz and it was wonderful.  We all put on our Sunday best and Jack was on his best behavior.

Well, most of the time…

Caroline and John continue to be amazing parents and you can tell by how Jack’s face lights up every time he sees them. We did take Jack’s “9 month” picture four days before his 10 month birthday but hey, you can’t have it all!  If anyone asks, he just didn’t grow much in October.

Thanks to Caroline and John for another fun-filled trip to London–y’all are the best hosts.  And a huge THANK YOU to Matt and Susan for making this trip possible.

Can’t wait to see John, Caroline, and Jack for Thanksgiving next month!

xoxo-

Aunt Charlotte

GERMANY IN A PICTURE:

WOW, THIS PARENT BUSINESS IS FOR REAL MOMENT: I think this really hit Jen and me when we found ourselves eating dinner in the hallway of our hotel while the princes slept peacefully in the room and the kings had dinner downstairs.

**Note from the kings…half the dinner was spent worrying about how much trouble we were in.

JACK’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Eating (surprise, surprise). Loud festivals, boat cruises….nothing stops this boy:)

JOHN’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: A boat cruise on the Neckar to see Heidelberg…beautiful views

CAROLINE’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Hanging with Jay, Jen, and Michael–lots of laughs!

PS: That is the biggest wine barrel in the world allegedly

MICHAEL’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Terrorizing Playing with Jack

Then pretending to be an angel

And then kissing and making up:)

We had a great visit–thanks Jay and Jen for being wonderful hosts–looking forward to a Jobe/Aldridge Christmas! Matt and Susan come next week and then Charlotte-can’t wait!

CORNWALL IN A PICTURE:

**That’s right everything is now about Jack;) Vacation schmakation….what Jack wants Jack gets;)

WOW, WE ARE OFFICIALLY OLD MOMENT: Back when we were young whippersnappers during our summer vacation at Duck, we would set our alarms and wake up to see the sunrise. This resulted in having to sleep the rest of the day. Fast forward 10 years, thanks to our lovely son we were able to see the sun rise EVERY morning on vacation–he is so thoughtful–he just knew we didn’t want to miss this beautiful sight.

JACK’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Can you say balls?!?!?!

JOHN’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Jack’s naptime!!

JOHN’S NOT SO FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Lugging a 20+ pound Jack strapped to the front of him while he climbed up a hill for a view

And coming in a close second…having to take baths with Jack every night…I will save you the picture;)

CAROLINE’S FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: Spending time with my 2 favorite boys.

*Yup this was our best family shot–the holding your arm out to take a picture gets a bit tricky with 3 people

CAROLINE’S NOT SO FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP: The 5 hour train ride each way–I think this gives you a good idea of what took place

* Adam and Takara you will notice Mr. Moose is quite the traveler these days!

We had a great time and the traveling didn’t scare us off….we are off to Germany to visit our friends Jay and Jen and their 11 month old…let the fun begin;)

It was another fantastic visit to the Jobe’s. Jack continues his Olympic streak of sleeping through the night, which makes Mom and Dad very happy.

Jack has accomplished many new tasks this week.

I brought Super Puffs to London (a baby cereal shaped like a star) and Jack mastered the art of eating them on his own. He loves them now, but  they don’t sell them in London.  Good thing I brought him 11 packages to last him until he comes home in November. He is also eating Mum Mums now, so will fit right in with his cousin Parker.

After walking by the playground in Holland Park a few times we decided Jack should try out the swing.  It might work better next month. Jack did enjoy crawling around the park though.

Jack loves his books and Brown Bear continues to be his favorite.  Of course I loved reading it to him.

Jack is now able to pull up to a standing position. (I taught him this.) We are still working on getting down from the standing position. Too bad I have to leave before I can teach him this.

John and I went on a bike ride through Hyde Park.  It was fun seeing where some of the Olympic events took place. It did take me a little while to realize that they also ride bikes on the opposite side of the road.

We had a great trip to Windsor Castle and Jack was an angel. He liked the Changing of the Guard and the Great Kitchen tour.  He talked during both, which we thought was cute…the others on the tour may not have.

Nice hair…

He told me he wanted to look like the guards so I got him a set of pajamas from the gift shop.  He wore them all day!

I am sorry to leave and will be glad to see them in only 2.5 months!

Love, Grandma Sue Sue

I was here…and so was my camera on this gorgeous day in London 🙂  I arrived last night and I leave in 6 hours but I managed to take some fun family photos at Holland park for a few of my favorite cousins! I had a wonderful day visiting with them and seeing a little bit of London! I’m off to Germany and Denmark next, but you can keep an eye out for more photos of these guys on my blog www.KateHausBlog.com in the next couple months.

Cheerio!

Katharine Hauschka (John’s Cousin)

OLYMPICS IN A PICTURE:

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN MOMENT: Of course we had to start our day with the breakfast of champions….we were really hoping that the Olympic McDonalds would have biscuits but no dice. Why do Brits not like biscuits?!?!

JOHN’S FAVORITE PART OF THE OLYMPICS:  The obvious…all the men in eenie weenie bikinis:)

JACK’S FAVORITE PART OF THE OLYMPICS: Jack loved all the action…so much to look at!

JACK’S NOT SO FAVORITE PART OF THE OLYMPICS: The outfit I put him in…I couldn’t resist a little glitter and in hindsight the red striped leggings might have been a little much but I was just getting in the spirit:) Confession: 2 people said…”oh what a pretty girl”.

CAROLINE’S FAVORITE PART OF THE OLYMPICS: We stumbled upon the taping of the Today Show….I was in heaven! Got to see some of the men and women’s gymnastic team and all the anchors–so neat!

**Million dollar question: Jack’s hat “accidentally” fell on set and this woman picked it up….anyone know who she is? It is driving John batty that he can’t figure it out….he has even been google searching–woman with short hair on Today Show….please help him.

But my real favorite moment was that after 234 days (who’s counting) the Olympics made Jack realize that he needed to sleep! Jack slept through the night for the first time that night….needless to say we are trying to buy more tickets ASAP! An Olympic moment we will never forget! Bravo Jack!