One month ago we took a 3 day family trip to NYC and I have captured our time on a short video set to music. I like to create videos chronologically so they at least tell a realistic story of our adventure. It was an unforgettably magical time. By the way, sorry that there is very little footage of me (not that you were wanting that). I was always videoing. And when you view it, imagine our son humming. He loves to hum that tune. Especially the high notes.

Direct Link

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/7406312[/vimeo]

New York
To that tall skyline I come
Flying in from London to your door
New York
Looking down on Central Park…..

For the last week our house has been humming this tune by Simon and Garfunkel in great anticipation of our weekend trip to The Big Apple. Brad and I have been three times, but this Friday will mark the first time our children will get to experience this city and I am overjoyed. Some may say I am crazy for taking young children to this place, but I can hardly wait to show our kids what has become our favorite city in the world. Sure, Brad and I will have to have an extra dose of patience and I know there will be moments of whining about tired feet and the threat of rain, but I have learned through their short lives that world travel does indeed shape who they are, their worldview, and oftentimes their personal preferences. This hit home to me as I was admiring the beautiful hills and large unattached homes on the spacious Texas land a few weeks ago to the daughter, and she exclaimed that she preferred when all of the homes were stuck together in a row straight down a street. Much like her time in Europe. I was simply shocked.

The kids love tall buildings, crowded streets, and underground transportation and as they are getting older (7 & 4) I thought we would throw a little map reading into the fun. In fact, we have been studying maps in our “school time” (we are home schooling the kids while we are in the US). They will each have their own little kid friendly laminated home-made map with all of their favorite places to visit. And if you ever take your kids to visit, may I recommend Kathy Jakobsen’s My New York kid book? It is amazing and can get anyone giddy with her illustrations.

Soon we will post photos and of course I’ll be working on a video. The daughter is most looking forward to visiting Chinatown. Cringe. The jury is out…will she end up liking it? What is Brad’s least favorite area of NYC? You guessed it, Chinatown. Should be quite humorous.

New York
Like a scene from all those movies
But you’re real enough to me
But there’s a heart
A heart that lives in New York

Enjoying the most amazing weather over the weekend, we took a little drive one hour northwest of here to the National Showcaves Centre for Wales. Caves, a dinosaur park, and little farm were experienced on and in a mountain and enjoyed especially by the small dinosaur lover in our family. I was quite amused by the monochrome plastic of it all and thought that this video was begging for some Erasure music. As lifelong fans of Erasure, we hope you enjoy the “cheesiness” of our outing.

-julie

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/4969057[/vimeo]

“A forest can be an enchanting thing.
As you will see in the Forest of Dean.”

Tolkien apparently spent some time in this forest which resulted in inspiration for Lord of the Rings. (My sincerest apologies for the shakiness. I have yet to realize that walking + videoing + little camera = shakiness.)

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/4825897[/vimeo]

 I am putting up another little video about going to Chester, England. Nothing too fancy, but I thought you would enjoy the yellow fields of rapeseed (made into vegetable oil here), the unique Tudor buildings of Chester, England, and hearing a cute little description of eating a cupcake by the boy. 

It may be asked what has gotten into me going from no posted videos in 3 years to 2 in a week? The Flip Mino HD is what. A new little video camera the size of a small camera that can conveniently fit into a small handbag and go everywhere. Yes, I might struggle with choppiness as it is hard to keep my hand still, but the ability to take that thing anywhere is what is appealing. And the editing is even easier! I have had so many moments in recent years that I wished I would have my video camera with me on a day to day basis and could pull it out without making a fuss or embarrassing my husband. Now I do! In fact, soon I might have to take it into one of our main trendy clothing stores to show you the ultra-bizarre 1980′s style clothing that resembles something in Richard Simmons’ wardrobe. The only thing stopping me at the moment are the security guards at the door who don’t seem so friendly. 

So, if there is anything that you are dying to see from Britain, give me a hollar and I will do my best to capture it on video for you.

-julie

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/4714261[/vimeo]