Leaving the UK

Well Christmas came and went, and very soon we were turning our attention to our last days in the UK, and getting ready for our flights to Canada on the 29th. Laura's parents took us to the airport at a crazy hour of the morning and we set off on our adventure for a new life in Langley BC.

As you can imagine, traveling with a 2 year old is pretty exhausting and this journey was no exception... we were greeted at the airport in a state of near unconsciousness which lasted the best part of a week!!!

The car packed and ready to leave Alexandra Road

One last meal with the in-laws at Heathrow

Gracie providing a little light entertainment

Not even on the plane and we're changing clothes!

Laura & Gracie and their pull alongs!

Settled on the plane!

Christmas 2008!

Christmas was a little bit of a haze this year... We started Christmas off on the the 23rd December by getting all of our shipping out of storage and into transit to travel to Canada; It was very straight forward which was nice!

This year, we spent Christmas in Devon with my (Paul) family and had a really fun time, although It was marred by an overnight stay in hospital for Laura, the flu for Gracie, and Pneumonia for Laura also... Not full health in our house. Regardless though, we had a great Christmas and loved some quality time with family.

The removal men taking everything we own for it's 2 month journey to Langley

Harry, Gracie & Matilda putting out milk for Santa
Uncle, inlaw, cousins, sister, nephew!

Christmas dinner... easily the best meal of the year

Uncle Paul and Annabel

Out and about at Christmas...

It's been a busy December for us this year; We've been dashing around the country saying goodbyes, packing up for our move, finishing work, and getting ready for Christmas. We probably wont choose to move 4 days after Christmas again!!! Here are some snapshots of the past few weeks...

Gracie's new game... Bum cream on the face!Catching up with baby Annabel in Cheltenham

Spending some lovely QT with my gorgeous sister Rosie

Tilda & Bobo showing Gracie how to jump off the sofa in style!

Laura and her gorgeous sister Steffi in London

Gracie at her Christmas party

Gracie is 2!

On the 10th December Gracie turned 2 years old; It seems a little weird saying that we have a 2 year old, but we're getting used to it! She got some lovely cards and presents which she is loving playing with. Here are a couple of photos from the day.

Gracie in her new Upsy Daisy costume!

Gracie in her new chef's hat and new dress!

A low impact 2nd birthday tea with Lucy, Al, Daniel, Kate & Drew...

So where exactly are we going?

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Baby 'Mumble'

Laura is now 21 weeks pregnant, and we've affectionately nicknamed the incoming 'Baby Mumble' as it spends most of it's time dancing in the womb like Mumble from Happy Feet (Gracie's favorite film). This is the photo from Laura's 20 week scan - all is healthy which is great! We're working hard to produce a baby on every continent - this one will be a Canadian!

We're moving to Canada...

We've tried as hard as we can to keep this under wraps, but with only 3 weeks until we fly we thought we should make our news 'official'. Following our week long visit to Langley, I (Paul) was offered the job of Associate Pastor at Langley Evangelical Free Church which is an awesome church in Langley, British Columbia. We're excited to finally know where God wants us to be after a long summer, and appreciate the prayers of all those who have taken the time to do so!

The church feels very similar to what we have been used to and we really felt at home there. Darren, who leads the church is a fantastic leader and I'm really looking forward to working alongside him and the rest of the staff team!

So in three weeks time, the Kingsley-Smith family will be moving to Canada for another adventure, and what is sure to be a fantastic journey; I officially start work mid January so we'll get a couple of weeks to settle in and enjoy the local area, including hopefully making use of the local mountains!

As ever, we appreciate your prayers as this is a huge move for us, and as always we'll keep you updated on the blog!

Our Trip to Canada...

A couple of weeks ago, Laura and I made a visit to Langley BC, which is a small city about 45 minutes outside of downtown Vancouver (Canada). We left Gracie at home for the week with Grandma and Grandpa, and went off on a fact finding mission and for me (Paul) to interview for a job at LEFC; a really fantastic church in downtown Langley. We had a great fun week making friends, seeing a little of the local sights, playing settlers (lots!) and having a brilliant time getting to know some of the guys at the church. Here are a few photos from our trip.

Two of our new friends Katie & Darla, outside Laura's new favorite donut and tea stop!

Laura and Katie in 'The Ice Cream Factory', where they sell over 200 flavors of ice cream!

Absolutely vile! Believe me I tried!

The river at Fort Langley

Laura sporting a new Canadian hair do!

Matt & Katie our fantastic hosts, and new friends!

The boats at Whiterock (about 15 minutes from Langley)

Matt and Paul keeping warm in Stanley Park in a gale!!!

Dinner out in Vancouver with Matt & Katie, and Darren & Wendy

November Update...

The last month has been as busy as any other this year; We've had a couple of great weekends at the Cottage, Bridgwater Carnival, and a week in Canada (Which we'll blog about soon) and I've been busy at work! Here are a few photos from our trips to Devon...

What's funnier than one person on a moped? 2 people on a moped!

Bridgwater Carnival...

One of the highlights of the Bridgwater calendar, is the infamous annual Carnival; For those of you who have had the pleasure of driving into Bridgwater, you'll note that on the signs it reads "Welcome to Bridgwater, home of Carnival".

With that being said, expectations are high each year for a spectacular display of engineering, illuminations, and truck loads (literally) of overweight (definitely) and completely talentless (without doubt) Bridgy girls and boys dancing on what can only be described at Bridgwater's response to global warming!

It's a great fun night though, and I have said to Laura that despite my relative lack of enthusiasm about it, I do believe that everyone should try to see one (and only one) Bridgwater Carnival in their life. Here are some photos and a video!