Talk about street creds!!

Uncle John arranged for Joey to be able to sit in Lewis Hamilton's championship car...WOW.  That'll get a lot of mileage on the playground!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas....

For some reason, Santa makes a special stop at our house every year on Christmas Eve, with new PJs for us all, just like he used to do at Mummy's house when she was a girl.

Look at Joey gazing into the sky to see if he can see Santa's sleigh. Tolka's trying to figure out why he's outside in just a towel. He then ran inside, to the fireplace and shouted up the fireplace "THANK YOU SANTA!!!"

The Norad Santa tracker, of course, had Santa somewhere over Russia at the time, so we were having to explain the 'blip'...

What fun to share it all with Aunt Susan and Uncle John...

Tolka The School Musician

This week was school play week. Since the UK has no separation of church and state (indeed if you aren't an Anglican they lock you up in the Tower of London) we are allowed to have Nativity Plays at Christmas in our primary schools. And that what we had this week.

Sadly, Joey was home sick, so he missed out on being King Herod, but Tolka had a fabulous time as a musician. He played the maraccas, the bells, a triangle and sang carols like Ding Dong Merrily on High with great gusto (especially the lalalalala bit in the chorus). He loves We wsih You a Merry Christmas.

A great time was had by all, and we videod some highlights on Martin's new cellphone to share. Ho Ho Ho - Merry Christmas! (Martin)

Tolka Has a Kipper Sleep Over Party

Tonight was Tolka's turn to bring home Kipper from school. The kids each spend a special night with Kipper, and then we write about it in a journal all the children share. Tolka was especially happy to snuggle up with Kipper and to read him Kipper stories. Very cute, we all cuddled and had a peaceful bedtime. (Tolka's really settling in these days, and bedtimes are now becoming warm and snuggly and lovely.)

Joey Joins the Beavers

Joey is quite proud to be a new member of the Beavers. Now mum needs to get sewing all those badges. Yikes.

Hand-Shaped Gloves

It is very cold here today, so Joey and Tolka went to school with gloves on. After lunch, Tolka was getting ready to go out to Little Angels daycare, so I went to pt his blue mittens on him. He took one look and said a very firm NO. Then he said, pointing at some other gloves "I want hand-shaped gloves Daddy."

So the red, hand-shaped gloves he got!

We are thankful for Tolka in our lives

"In Russia there are more than 700,000 orphans living in 2,000 state-run orphanages. That doesn't include the estimated 2 million to 4 million homeless children living on the streets throughout Russia.

Only a few thousand are adopted each year – many by American families. The rest must leave the orphanage between the ages of 16 and 18. For those children, the odds are stacked against them:

• 50 percent of the girls become prostitutes

• 40 percent of the children will commit other crimes.

• 40 percent become addicted to drugs or alcohol

• 10 percent commit suicide

In fact, just 1 in 10 former Russian orphans becomes a functional member of society." http://arkangels.cmarket.com

zagreb

I was one of the main organizers for a NATO-funded meeting in Zagreb on "The Role of Independent Scientists in WMD Threat Assessment" (see www.pugwash.org/uk/meetings for more info, once I get it posted!). I met people from about a dozen countries, all of whom believe there are ways to strengthen the advice given to governments and international organizations on weapons of mass destruction threat assessment.

I had a bit of time to look around the city, and I loved it. I would go back in a second. The people were great, the city was beautiful, and while there was a little more strudel than I cared for, the fish was fantastic as was this dish with potatoes and kale. Local wine was nice, and I heard tales of some of the best gelatto outside Italy, though I never made it to the shop. There also is a national shoe fetish--I could not believe the number of shoe stores! They have a long coast on the Mediterranean with hundreds of little islands.

It took a lot of planning, and now we are entering an insanely busy period. This weekend Martin goes to Antwerp for a meeting about nuclear weapons in Europe, next weekend I am in Geneva, the weekend after I am in Vienna, then we have a huge two days here in December for the European premiere of the Strangest Dream about Jo Rotblat and then a meeting at Royal Society (these last 2 in honor of Jo Rotblat's centenary). And then, the holidays! (Which I am really looking forward to this year.) Sandy

Off to School in PJs

Today is Children in Need Day in the UK. The BBC hosts a telethon all evening and raises millions of pounds for needy children, and to fund a phoneline that children at risk can call. It is usually fun TV, and it is definitely a worthy cause. For the two Butcher boys, the highlight of the day was going to school wearing their pyjamas. They each paid a pound to the Children in Need fund, and they trooped off to school in dinosaur (Joey) and Penguin (Tolka) pyjamas.

Thankfully it was sumnny and warm, and the school is well heated. A good day was had by all. (Martin)

Joey's Teeth Are Dropping Out!

The arrival of the snow this week coincided with another major excitement. Joey lost his second front tooth. This one had been loose for months, and it came out as Daddy tried to pull a sweatshirt and t-shirt over his head at the same time. The Tooth Fairy came and took Joey's tooth from under his pillow, and left behind a pound coin.

Next morning Joey counted up the money in his moneybox and added the Tooth Fairy's pound. It added up to enough for a trip to Tesco to complete Joey's collection of Lego Tiny Turbos. Building the cars ate up a cold afternoon of the school half-term. Playing with them is still proving entertaining. The gap in Joey's teeth came in handy for sucking snow through too!

By the way, Joey has his eyes closed in the photo above because, when the first version was taken the flash took him by surprise and he simply refused to open his eyes again until the shoot was over! (Martin)

Snow in October

The last time it snowed in southern England in October, it was October 1934. On Tuesday night we had about an inch of thick, wet snow. and the temperature was well below freezing too. By the morning the snow was quite icy, but as you can see that didn't stop the boys enjoying themselves outside at 7.15am!

Tolka has been reading 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' (a very cute book) and the family on the bear hunt have to go through a snowstorm. So he spent much of the morning with his nose pressed firmly against the window exclaiming 'I like the snowstorm' with absolute delight. He is still telling everyone that he played snowballs. Joey says the best thing about the snow was being able to eat the ice. It was a bit too icy for snowballing each other, but the boys had a great time throwing iceballs at the house. (Martin, who by the way was ASLEEP when this was happening...)

The Woman is a Whackjob!

John McCain's staffer was talking about Sarah Palin when he offered his negative assessment. This is just my sister Emma stepping out in a truly terrifying Halloween costume. But, frankly, the judgement stands.(Martin)

Powell Shows What True Leadership Can Be

Colin Powell Endorses Obama, and says what I have wanted to hear from someone for a long time. Obama is not Muslim, but even if he were, he could still be President of the United States.
The country was founded based on the freedom of religion, and anyone who says a Muslim cannot be President is un-American. Sorry, but I feel strongly about this one.

Tolka's Learning to Read!

Tolka made us all so proud this morning when for the first time he sounded out words we made with blocks. We started with the 'A' and the 'T' blocks, and from there the world opened up for him as he could sound out all the related words "hat, mat, sat, pat, bat, rat, fat, etc". I wish you could have seen his smile, as he realised "I'm reading!" And he could also then go the other way, when we put out the 'at' blocks, he could find the right block to make all the words. Big boy!

Joey's First Book Review

We just finished reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Here is Joey's first book review:

I liked it when Harry Potter went up on his broomstick, when he wasn't meant to. I disliked when Harry Potter locked the troll in where Hermione Granger was. I laughed when Neville's name was mentioned: Neville Longbottom! Harry Potter is my favourite character because he is brave. My least favourite character is Professor Quirrel and Voldemort (they shared a body). I hope Harry Potter wins Quidditch on 280 points in the next story called 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.' I want to start reading this right away.

I have found it delightful to read this book with Joey (and he does read it, he'll read a page or two and then we read). I am a fan of the book series (and have read all the books at least 3 times each). Seeing the story through the eyes of a six year old has been really wonderful. He listened so closely to the story, puzzled out various bits of the plot, and laughed out loud at bits I might have glossed over. I find it fascinating to watch kids grow older, to see how their reasoning develops, and to be reminded of all the magic that is in the world around us! (Sandy)

Nemo Butcher-style

So here we have the first images the world has seen of the new Butcher fish. Last Friday Joey, Tolka and I went a chose a companion for Alyssa's fish - Ting. Joey and Tolka loved the pet shop, especially the tropical fish with the neon blue go-faster stripe. The snakes and bright green lizards were a favourite too.

It was about time we found a companion for Ting. He's been a bit lonely since several other fish that Alyssa brought home perished in the murky depths of their bowl, unable to see through the thick layers of algae and waste that had accumulated. (Alyssa note how clean a fishbowl is supposed to look!)
Well, the new boy on the block is called Max. According to Joey he is a 'real goldfish'. Max is mostly gold, whereas Ting is white with a gold face.

They both float around happily exploring their bowl and then, when anyone comes to visit the coffee maker next door for a jolt of energy, they thrash about demanding food and pretending not to have been fed for several days.

We have definitely got less fish problems going on than those reported by our niece Jen Moss - neither of the inhabitants of our tank have tried to eat the other, or indeed molest each other in any other way. Ting sulked in his barrel for a while, but it didn't last. (Martin)

Feeling Grounded Again

A simple bowl of New England Clam Chowder. One of my last meals during my first trip back to the US in more than 2 years. It was bought for me by a former secretary general of Pugwash, a man who has throughout his career served his country and promoted peace. (At one time he was involved with devising the strategic nuclear targeting plan of the US, planning the potential deaths of millions of people, and yet he is one of the warmest people I know-a man who came to see me in Boston despite severe mobility problems. Like so many people I have met through Pugwash, he leaves me feeling awed by the breadth of his mind and humbled by his commitment.) I also met with a man who singlehandedly did more on the US side than most to build bridges between the US and the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, a retired professor and a scientific advisor to the president, who has trouble getting around and yet who served me a lovely lunch at his apartment. A week full of meetings with people who had no time to meet, but who made time because they care about the Pugwash History, they care about current issues related to nuclear weapons, they value networks of people who together might be able to ensure that these horrendous weapons are never used again, they support young people in the field (not that I qualify as 'young' anymore)...

I spent a lovely 24 hours with my sister and her husband, eating good food, and melting away the months since we last saw each other in England. Martin handled things well at home, and the boys were well-behaved for him.

It was nice to be back in DC, and to catch up with so many people, with good friends and their kids (and cats and dogs). I ate lots of bagels and muffins. I had bbq'd chicken with the Lusks and had great conversations with Kate & Will, I did some artwork with Lily, hung out with Lora & Jim, had crabcakes with Deborah and Paul, got to know Griffin and Oliver better, and caught up with Christy and Guy. I was exhausted when I got back, and I have serious digging out to do, and loads of notes to type up from the meetings. But I am glad I went.

I feel grounded again. (Sandy)

Legoland Windsor

We, along with hundreds of other thousands of people, had the idea to take advantage of the (rare) sunny day, and we went to Legoland.

It was a fun day, especially in the areas that were really focused on Legos--a fantastic miniture city of London, for example. The boys loved watching all the trains. They also had an area where they could make cars and then race them with other kids who did the same.

The water area was fun, they got to push buttons and water would come splashing out. The lines, however, were not designed for Tolkas.

Strangest Dream

Here is the trailer for a soon-to-be-released documentary about Joseph Rotblat, "The Strangest Dream." I worked with the director a bit and helped him get some materials for the film. It was interesting to learn more about how the whole process works. We're doing a launch of it in Washington DC and in London, and many other countries. Joey has a cameo appearance, which is very cool, since as you know he is named after Jo Rotblat.

http://beta.nfb.ca/film/strangest-dream-trailer/

What Do Boys Do When It Rains A Lot??

Sigh. Lord of the Flies, Ware Episode.

And Still It Rains

"The weather is likely to be very wet and unsettled across much of England tomorrow. ...Last month was one of the wettest and darkest Augusts on record, during which 317mm of rain fell – 154% more than usual." Sigh.

Road Trip!

We're off to the Yorkshire Dales today for a party at Nigel and Antonia Young's house. Nigel was one of Sandy's profs at Colgate and he and Antonia have been mentors/role models since. Check out the Balkans Peace Park Project, which is one of Antonia's main projects these days: http://www.balkanspeacepark.org/. Nigel's editing the Oxford Encyclopedia of Peace.

Only drawback: we are looking at 4 hours in a car with 2 antsy boys..

Imagination

Joey: "When you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bit of the jam comes out it looks just like when a dinosaur eats..."

Yuck. (He just watched the Walking With Dinosaur series--multiple times.)

I liked it better the other day when he created a spaceship that he said was taking all the atomic weapons and other bad weapons off the planet for ever.

Summer Fun

There are so many things that kids can play in the Summer. Here we have a fine example of homemade fun in the back garden. Two future Olympians playing "Olympic Diving Competition", inspired by Tolka who loves to watch the divers going "up high, round and round, splash!"




And here is another piece of Summer joy. Good Sir Joey and brave Sir Tolka are guarding their new castle. They are saving Damsels in Distress and have braved the depths of the Haunted Forest where they laid charms on a Fierce Dragon to make it a Good Dragon. (We got this today from http://www.freecycle.org/, which is a great website for the recycling of useful stuff that would otherwise be thrown out.)

And all this while Sandy sits and shivers and claims that a new Ice Age has started.

Scott's a Pro!

Our nephew Scott's been competing in a series of competitions with the Horse Power Tee Shot Tour, where pro golfers are teamed with Nascar drivers. (http://www.hpteeshottour.com/) It's televised on Speed TV (http://www.hpteeshottour.com/images/Speed-Schedule2.jpg). He's also going to be on a reality tv show (!) in Sept on Speed TV. I don't know about days/times (and can't see them here in England in any event..) He earned his place on the team after winning the national 2006 Pinnacle Exceptional Drivers championship (#1 of 7000!). http://www.worldgolf.com/newswire/browse/7526-ESPN2-will-air-full-highlights-of-Exceptional-Driver-Championship

Go Scott! We are so proud of you.

Retracting the Eeyore Comment

In the spirit of transatlantic understanding (and intraButcher harmony), I hereby retract the statement about a nation of Eeyores. Sincerely, SIB

A New Family Member is on the Way!

Todd and Jen have a blog too: http://www.toddnjenifermoss.blogspot.com/

#6 is on the way. They make me feel lazy...

Meet the English Slug and the Runner Bean

OK Americans, have we ever seen these runner beans before? They are quite yummy, especially the ones from my in-law's garden. Martin's parents tried to get us started with some runner bean seedlings. But alas, Martin has let down his defenses this year, and the slugs have gone to town. (Last year he used to sneak out at nightime with a flashlight and fry the ugly things with salt. Or he'd let them drown in a tub of beer...) I don't think we had slugs like this in NJ...? Or am I blocking them out of my memory? Disgusting (especially when you find a dozen of them dead in a tub that you thought only contained rainwater!)

A Castle Adventure

The quest to find summer holiday activities for the boys continues. So while Sandy had to work Monday, Martin and the boys took a drive to Berkhamsted Castle.

The boys loved walking around the old moat and then climbing the 1000 year old earth mound on which William the Conqueror's brother built the first castle here.

We wrapped up the visit with boys trying to knock Daddy off his perch as King of the Castle, and him locking them in the 'dungeon' - the one surviving bit of building inside the castle.

Tolka was firm in declaring that 'I had fun today' and Joey has firm plans for playing knights when we go back again.

It Must Be in the Water

Scary how quickly they can leave merry olde england behind!

Tolka is in Heaven

Imagine. You are an active 4 year old who likes to MOVE. Your mum turns on the tv in the morning. You are expecting Tikkabilla and Thomas the Tank Engine. You're ready sing the same old theme songs. And suddenly, instead, it's everything you knew life could be. All you can do is stare and say "Look! Up high! Jump! Around and around. Splash!" Nobody telling them to stop climbing and to sit still. Heaven! Today it was the Olympic divers fascinating Tolka. Yesterday it was the gymnasts. "Around and around! Spin!" He has been practicing the moves (no broken bones yet). He should be ready to Go for Gold in 2024. Only question is which team he will choose...he has 3 options! I nearly took a picture of him watching gymnastics for the first time so they could show it when ABC or the BBC does a feature on him when he is competing in the Olympics himself!

Joey's First Poem

My Seaside Poem

I can see the crunching silver sharks,

I can feel the wet shells laying on the wet sand,

I can hear the ocean water crashing,

I can smell the salty sea,

I can taste the brown sausages.

By Joey

England! England!

Here they are, our two England fans (note the 'kit'). Loyalty to the tribe is already embedded in their psyches. Today, Tolka was watching the Olympics and was chanting "England! England!" I don't think there was a British entry in that particular swimming race. Speaking of the Olympics, he has been spellbound watching the divers. Our only fear is that he is going to try to copy them--using a bookshelf or the back of the couch as a platform. Joey can recognise most of the flags, and is very competitive that England must win. I see now how people on this island develop such a sense of futility. Let's face it, the Brits rarely ever do win. It's a land of Eeyores.