Dear Daddy,

Today I carved the pumpkin that we got yesterday! Mummy helped me. I REFUSED to put my hand inside, I had to use a spoon instead!



 Here it is, all finished, do you like it? Tonight we are going to put a candle inside it!!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to the Pumpkin Patch. Harriet came. It was really fun! Mummy let me pick a pumpkin for Molly and I and one for George too! I got to push the wheelbarrow! Now I keep asking Mummy 'when are we going back to the pumpkin patch'. I did this last year. I made sure to ask at least 5 times a day until Christmas, I think I might do that again this year too.

After the pumpkin patch we went to eat lunch at Niel and Linda's house, it was really yummy!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Sorry I haven't written for a few days, things have been hectic. At school we have been doing lots of Halloween things. I made a 'stained glass pumpkin' a ghost (shown here). Mummy wanted to take a picture of me WITH the ghost, but I just didn't want that at all. So she took a picture of me separately.

I miss you Daddy,

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

It's really started to get cold here now. For the last 2 days we have had ice on our car in the morning! Mummy is having to try and find all of my long sleeved things as really I seem to just have lots of shorts and t-shirts from when we lived in 'Merica. Grandma sent us a whole package of clothes! Here is Molly in her sleep suit. It's a bit big as Molly is only small (not big like me) but she is still able to wear it and Mummy said it will just last her a long time. 

 At the weekends I help Grandad fix the house. Yesterday and today we have been laying the floor in the two living rooms. It's made of Ash trees. We have to lay the boards down, match them up and then screw them down. I help by passing Grandad the screws and I keep him entertained with my stories. I like helping!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today at school I did lots of painting. Mummy is accumulating a huge box of all my art work. When you come home you can look at everything I have done!

Molly also drew a picture today - she did NOT want Mummy to take a photo though (as you can see). Everyday at around 4pm she starts getting really tired and fussy. She just stands at Mummy's legs saying 'up, up, up' as Mummy cooks dinner. When you come home you can pick her 'up, up, up'

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Yesterday Grandad took me to school. Mummy's car was getting fixed so I rode in his truck! It was so fun! After school I went to Nana's house and played with Harriet as she was at home because she had a cold.

Today I had a lovely morning at school. I did leaf prints and painting. I'm learning LOTS of new songs too!

Here is Molly cheesin' for you. She misses you SO much.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

It's getting really autumnal here. The skies are cloudy and it's damp and getting darker earlier. The clocks go back soon too.

Yesterday we went to Cambridge to go shopping. We went on the Park and Ride bus. I LOVED it but Mummy wasnt so sure. It was very crowded and we had to wait a LONG time for the bus to take us home.

Here I am this afternoon playing in the sand while Molly naps.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

It's been a good few days at school. Yesterday when Mummy picked me up I was in different clothes. My teacher told her how id blocked the sink up in the bathroom and drenched myself in water. I found it very fun, but Mummy says it was 'very naughty'. 

Today Mummy picked me up early from school. I was NOT happy about this. I cried and cried as I had to leave my friends. I HATE it when she picks me up early! We went to the base for Mummy to see the dentist. It was VERY boring and me and Molly had to wait in the car with Nana for over an hour - Ugh! BORING!

Here is Molly yesterday in my old Halloween outfit. It's too small for me now, but Molly likes it!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

A few weeks ago mummy got me a jar of caterpillars that I checked on everyday and watched them turn into chrysalis and then two days ago they changed into butterflies. This morning it was time to let them go. I got a bit emotional as I didn't quite understand that I couldn't keep them forever.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today was another really hot day! we played outside a lot! Nana Jo even got the trampoline out for us! I also went to play in the river for a while with Mummy and Molly.

Here we are in the sun on the trampoline!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today was SO hot. The hottest October day since records began if you must know! Mummy took out the paddling pool and blew it up, I filled it with the hose and it was just like being back in 'Merica. I really enjoyed playing in the freezing water.

Mummy weighed me today, I have put on 5lbs since being here and eating all the yummy English food. I now weigh 37lbs!! almost as much as you Daddy!! Molly has also put on weight, but only 1.5lbs. She weighs 20lbs and 12oz!

Here she is yesterday talking to you!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Again, great day at school for me! I'm always really hot a sweaty when Mummy picks me up as I do so much running around!  After school we went to Nana's house and she gave me my favourite lunch of mini sausages! We then came home and I napped for a while as I was so exhausted.

 Molly has been saying even more words. Today she said 'bye bye' but it sounds more like 'die die' - but that's OK. She really loved talking to you on Skype today.

Molly thinks that you live in the computer, this video shows what she does when you say 'where's Daddy?' Mummy thought it was sweet! Hope you like it!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Another good day at school, I made a mouse! I have also got some crazy bruises on my legs from all the tricycle riding and climbing that I do!

Molly is having a word explosion this week. She has gone from only saying 'Daddoo, poo, and up' to saying almost anything you tell her now. Today she said 'cheese' and 'bat'. We were at the commissary and she copied Mummy by saying 'bat' when she saw the Halloween stuff. The video shows her saying 'cheese', although, at the time she also had a mouthful of cheese so it might be a bit hard to hear. (video to come - wont upload GRRRR!!)

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

I have had a good few days at school. We play outside a lot and I have got MUCH better at riding on a tricycle. I can peddle and steer now.

 Molly has a cold. She hasn't been sleeping well and has a very runny nose. Poor Mummy is very tired, however I have enjoyed waking up at the crack of dawn, just to ensure she really does get as little sleep as possible. I feel it builds her character and really helps to push her limits.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,


Today we went to Nana's house. We went out for a pub lunch and I was a good boy and ate a lot. After that we went to Tesco. I love going to Nana's as there is always lot of people to play with and N has also made the shed into a 'playroom'.

Here I am this afternoon on the swing. Mummy thought this was a nice photo of me. I hope you do too. Today at bedtime I said 'I just want my Daddy'. I really miss you and enjoyed being able to Skype you today and yesterday.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to the Air Museum, this time Grandad, Jo and George came too! It was really fun! I do have a little bit of a cold, but hopefully that will go away soon. Mummy really hopes that Molly doesn't get it as that will mean no sleep for her!

Here is a photo that shows Molly heloing Grandad with the plastering!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today, I was supposed to stay for lunch at school but Mummy is a sieve head and forgot to pack me a lunch, so I didn't stay today. So I got picked up at 12pm, but that's OK. I didnt mind (much). While I was at school we did lots of work all about light and dark as we are talking about hibernation and what animals do in the winter. Here is my 'Light and dark' picture. I drew a big sun for my 'light' picture! Hope you like it. Mummy thought it was a dog, but she isn't all there, so I dont value her opinion really. You can see it's a sun?! RIGHT?!

This evening, at bedtime, I fell off of the bed and got a bloody nose. I managed to wipe blood all over Mummy!

It's OK now though, but I might have a bruise.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today school was fun again. I did wee my pants - BIG STYLE. It even went into my shoes. They changed me into the spare shorts that Mummy keeps for me in my backpack but I had to borrow some spare shoes from the playgroup spare shoes store. Nevermind though, accidents happen, right? After school we went back to Nana's house and then to Scotsdales plant nursery.

At bedtime I did ask Mummy why 'my Daddy had gone away and left me' I don't know, I suppose im just a bit confused today and it feels like a long time since I have seen you. Hopefully when you get off of mid-shift we can have a bedtime Skype session! That would be good!

The video shows Molly and me this evening, we have such fun at bedtimes. I am able to make her laugh a big belly laugh! Hope you enjoy it.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today I went to pre-school, as always I had a great time. I made a picture, I'm getting much better at doing the 'activities' that they have out. I do keep saying 'bollocks' which is a bit naughty, Mummy sometimes says it and she has realised that I have picked it up and that is bad, bad news. I'm going to try and stop saying it though. The pre-school teachers haven't mentioned it yet but Mummy thinks it may only be a matter of time. Nana picked me up from pre-school and I went back to her house and stayed for dinner. I always have fun there, I played with Harriet on big cardboard tubes that we pretended were horses.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy, 

This morning we went swimming (Mummy and me, George and Jo) and it was REALLY fun! I was a bit nervous for a while and I didn't want to get my face wet but I did really love walking around in the water and it was really nice that the baby pool was a LOT warmer than the big pool! I wish you could have been there! Molly stayed with Grandad as Mummy thought it would a bit too much to take us both at the same time!

This afternoon we went to the house across the street to look at the river at the back of their garden. They have lots of fish in there and we threw bread for them!

Here we all are with Grandad, we love sitting with him ♥

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today I stayed with Grandad while Mummy went to Cambridge with Jo. We had collected conkers this morning down the meadow and while Mummy was gone we planted them so they will grow into new trees. This afternoon I went to a clothes sale with Mummy, it was boring and I couldn't wait to leave!

I'm excited as tomorrow we will hopefully be going swimming. I haven't been swimming for a long time. Mummy will take a photo of me in my new swimming shorts for you.

I loved seeing you on webcam this morning!

Love Samuel

xxx

Dear Daddy,

I haven't seen you for over a week now, that makes me sad. On Wednesday we went to the air museum in Duxofrd after school. There were lots of US army people there on a visit in uniform. I got a bit confused as there were planes AND people in uniform, so I asked Mummy if you were there, but she said 'no'. That's OK though, I just hoped I might be right.

I have been a good boy at school and have been really enjoying myself there. This week I have made LOTS of things. I made a snake as we were doing all about the letter 'S' and I was able to tell my teacher that 'Sam' started with an 'S'. I also made a HUGE painting and told everyone I painted it with my own blood. Mummy told me that I probably shouldn't say that as it's a bit of a strange thing to say and anyway, I don't have green and brown blood.

Molly is OK. She is off her food again, so Mummy wonders if she might be teething, or just being 'plain old Molly' who doesn't really like food that much. Who knows.

Here she is with Nana's sunglasses on last night (we went to the base after school and then back to Nana's for tea).

I love you Daddy and we all miss you very much.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

School was fun again. I made a picture today! We used a 'salad spinner' to spread paint over the paper, I like how mine turned out, do you? Mummy came to pick me up and we went back to Nana's. We went to the Garden Centre first to pick up some special chicken food. The photo shows me throwing some food at them!

 Here is my salad spinner pciture!

Miss you Daddy

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today I went to school again. I still absolutely love it! Nana picked me up today, Mummy has to sign a form to say someone different was picking me up! She took me back to her house and let me doze and watch TV as school really does make me very tired! I stayed at Nana's for dinner and then Mummy picked me up!

My caterpillars are growing really fast, I will have to show you a photo!

Here is Molly this morning, she stayed at home with George and Mummy!

We miss you

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

I have had a lovely weekend! Yesterday I went to Little Shelford fete and I went on a bouncy castle for the 1st time. It was SO fun! I also won a coconut on the coconut shy, decorated a biscuit and collected conkers. We then had dinner at Nana's house! Today, we had a small party for George's 'Baby group' and lots of people came over to play. It was a nice day and we all played outside and ate nice food. I had so many friends to play with. One of my friends bought his actual motorbike, and I was SO excited I had a go on it. Grandad helped me balance and we raced along!

Here is me at the fete yesterday, I went in the Hyrdospheres. Mummy was a bit surprised as they pump the air in with a really noisy pump, but I LOVED it! I was the smallest child that went on there, but I didn't care as I'm just really brave!

Miss you SO much Daddy :(

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,


Today was my second morning at pre-school. Mummy was worried that because I knew what was coming I might not want to go, but I did. When I got there today, I was SO excited to see that they had the firetrucks out! I went straight over to them. When Mummy said she was leaving I didn't even want to stop to say 'Goodbye'.

When Mummy came to pick me up I gave her the picture I'd made - a HUGE picture of a rabbit! It's on Nana's wall at the moment, but Mummy said you'd probably love it for your wall. So she might send it to you, although I dubious as I did send you my parrot picture and I'm not sure that Ive seen it on your wall yet, so we'll have to see!

My caterpillars came yesterday, Mummy sent off for them a couple of weeks ago and they arrived! They come as tiny baby caterpillars in a pot with their food. They gradually grow into BIG fat caterpillars and then each form a chrysalis. They come with a proper 'cage' for them to live in! I can't wait to watch them grow and change into butterflies. We can get some more when you come back, as I'm pretty sure you'd really love to see them too!

Mummy has been dressing little Molly up, here she is:

We all miss you very much Daddy,

Love Sam xxx

 Dear Daddy,

Today I started pre-school. I was SO excited! Mummy and Molly took me and we got there super early. Mummy showed me my 'peg' which they had labelled with my name tag. That's where I hang my stuff. When one of my teachers opened the door I ran straight in. I couldn't believe the amount toys they had. There was no hanging onto mummy for me. I was OFF! First I found a toy vacuum that actually switched on! So that was cool! Then...I saw they had a whole box full of choo-choo's! That was it. I didn't care if Mummy was there or not after that! That's when Mummy left and I didn't care!

I had a wonderful time. I kept my pants dry too (which Mummy was worried about!) next week I start staying for lunch so I get used to eating with lots of other children around. 

Here I am before we left home this morning - with my safety glasses on of course!

When Mummy came to get me, I went with Nana to go home with her and have a 'rest' (we made muffins) and Mummy, Harriet and Molly went to the base to get some things and to mail you some surprises! Mummy said that while I was gone Molly had all her attention, and she was so happy that she didn't have to share her baby and pram with me for the whole morning!

I really wish that you could have been there today Daddy, some other Daddys were there and it was sad that you were so far away. When you come back you will be able to see my school then though, won't you?

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

I really like spiders, even huge ones. At Grandads house there are some really, REALLY huge ones. This is the one that greeted me this morning when I woke up. He was waiting for me on the kitchen wall. I love to poke them and make them run and even pick them up. The photo was taken just too early for me. Mummy had to bribe me to pose for you as I just did NOT want to (hence my miserable face!).

I can't wait for you to poke spiders with me!

Love Sam xx

Dear Daddy,

Today we stayed at home. Mummy and I made lollies again - with mango! they are so yummy! This afternoon Grandad was home from work, so I helped him do 'house work' we made some wooden covers for the lights on the stairs and I helped Grandad collect the 'plaster' for the wall. It's made from lime and goats hair. Grandad wants to build his house in an old fashioned way, so it looks nice.

Molly misses you Daddy. Here she is. Mummy went to get the grocery shopping this evening when we were in bed, and Molly decided to cry hysterically for Grandad - naughty girl!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Yesterday we went to the seaside, we went to the boatyard where Grandads boat lives. I got to see lots and lots of boats and cranes. We had fish and chips for lunch too!

Today we went to Nana's house and went out for lunch and to Tescos. I played with Jimmy again (who I actually like to call 'Chimmy')

Molly updates include: she can make a 'noise like a snake/cow/tiger and dog' (that's on a good day) however, today she thought that a cow said 'ssssss'.

The photo shows me eating my cereal this morning!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today I went to spend the day with Nana. Mummy had to drive me over really early as Nana's car needs a new MOT. I helped her empty her sheds and build a huge chicken house, with ladders and ramps for her new chickens.

Molly stayed with Mummy and George. Her climbing has got out of control. She tries to climb on ANYTHING at all. Today she climbed on top of the toy box and fell backwards hitting her head on the stone floor. She was OK though - she has a hard head!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy

Today we went to The country fair it was really fun! Like the fair we went to in Ohio, but MUCH smaller! I saw tractors, horses, dogs and even some bees in a hive. Mummy got me a huge cake to stop me from complaining. I did want to go on the giant carousel, but once Mummy took me on it and tried to put me on a horse I decided it was a stupid idea and that carousels are for the foolish. So I told her 'no!'. Molly and Mummy went on though and Molly absolutely loved it!

Molly has started climbing - EVERYTHING! She tries to get onto any chair that doesnt have someone sitting on it and with Grandads kitchen floor being made from stone it's a bit concerning. She even climbed onto the kitchen table today and stood up!

Here she is (well, the top of her head) playing with uncle George (who also LOVES climbing!) and yes, he has a plug socket cover in his mouth!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to Burwash Barns we looked at all the different shops and I also saw some pigs! After lunch Chloe came to play for a while and when she went home we went off to Saffron Walden to play in the maze. It was a bit rainy, but we were ok. We hid under a big tree until most of the rain stopped.

You can *just* about see us in the picture, we climbed to the top of the platform thing in the middle and we could see the whole maze and gardens. Mummy tried (rather unsuccessfully) to get a picture of us up there. Molly stayed with Mummy and waited for us.

Dear Daddy,

Yesterday we went to the base and when we checked the mail (which, incidentally takes Mummy forever as she can never do the combination haha) we found that Grandma Cindi had sent us a box of clothes! I the t-shirt that im wearing in the picture! 

Today it's rainy and we are stuck inside, so I helped Mummy make some banana bread! It was very delicious! Molly is OK, she said 'tractor' today! Wish you could have heard her, she misses you so much. When we ask her 'where's Daddy' goes to the computer and she tries to put the headphones on her head!

Dear Daddy,

Almost everyday I take Lola for a walk down to the meadow with Grandad or Mummy (or both). I like to collect sticks while I'm there. Sometimes Grandad puts them on the fire, sometimes I encourage Lola to chew them up and make a mess on the floor, other times I just like to add them to my outdoor collection that I have.

Molly isn't interested in my stick collection. One thing she has started doing is wrestling with me. At bedtime we wrestle and she LOVES it! It gives her hiccups everytime!

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Yesterday we spent most of the day at home, but we did go into Saffron Walden to eat lunch and walk around. When we came home we played outside in the sand as it was very sunny and warm.

Today it is rainy and dark. I am going to spend the day with Nana. She is coming to get me soon. Mummy is staying at home with Molly and George.

Here is a photo of me this morning - just after I got up, that's why I look so sleepy!

I hope you change shifts soon as I really want to talk to you on the computer again.

Lots of love Sam xxxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to Great Grandma's house and had a big lunch! I was eating raw runner beans that grandad picked for me right from the garden - I know that you would have loved that Daddy!!! Then we came home and played outside.

The photo shows me, Molly and Uncle George before we left this morning. Molly and George have both discovered that they LOVE climbing!

Ive been helping Mummy eat the chocolates that you sent her for your wedding anniversary, they are delicious!

I miss you so much Daddy :(

Love Sam xxxx



Dear Daddy,

Words cannot express my happiness today. Grandad and Mummy found my box full of all my choo-choos, monster trucks and airplanes! I was SO happy to see them all again. My Cranky the Crane was also in there! It's your wedding anniversary today, Mummy really wishes you were here so you could go to Nandos and see a film at the cinema!

Love Sam xxx

 Dear Daddy,

It's already starting to feel like Autumn here. It was quite cold this morning. The photos show Molly and I this morning as we took Lola out for her morning 'run'.

Yesterday we stayed at Nana's for a few hours while Mummy went shopping in Cambridge. We had fun! Later today we are going back to Nana's to have a Barbecue. I get to play with Davids grand-daughter - Tegan.

Dear Daddy,

Today we are mostly at home as Mummy has to wait for the AutoGlass people to come and fix her car window after the stone made a crack in it. I have been playing with my choo-choo's and playdough.

Mummy took a video of Molly NOT saying 'dada' and doing some walking. She wasn't really walking much when you last saw her, so I'm sure you can notice a big difference! She almost runs now!

Later today we're going to Nana's house and staying for dinner!

Love Sam

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to base with Harriet, we sent you another package full of yummy stuff! Hope you like it! Molly and I even added our own thing for you! We went all the way over to Mildenhall base to look at the toys too! I had so much fun I even wee'd in my shorts!

After that we went to Nana's house and had dinner. I got to play with Tegan which was very fun too!

We need to arrange another time for me to chat to you while I'm in my bed as that's really the only time that I like talking to you. That would mean you'd have to get up early though. Let me know when a good time for that would be!

Lots of Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to a BBQ at Andrews house. I always love these as there are always lots of other children to play with! Mummy got me a new outfit to wear with some of the money that Grandpa Brown sent us - so, if you look at the photo (in which Molly looks very unimpressed) you can see my new shirt and new jeans (that are a tiny bit too long!) I think my new clothes impressed the ladies as I was able to hold hands with my new girlfriend Mable!

Yesterday we went to the zoo it was really fun! I saw so many animals. There was a big tiger, a mountain lion and meerkats. I stroked a rabbit and saw two otters really close up. Grandad took me into the creepy-crawly room and we saw huge spiders and beetles!  

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we stayed at home for the most part. Shannon came to play and we went to the doctors so Molly and I could get some vaccinations. I havent had any for a LONG time. I was 14months when I got my last ones. I finally got my MMR as Mummy was concerned about the many cases of measles in this country and me starting pre-school. Molly also got the MMR as Mummy was worried about the germs Id bring home. I didn't cry at all. I didnt even flinch. I LOVED it! I was really impressed that I got a 'blaster' (aka 'plaster' aka 'bandaid') AND two stickers! Molly cried, but only a little bit. We missed talking to you today. I heard you worked a long day. I hope you had a good sleep.

Love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today we went to Nana's house again. We went to Scotsdales garden centre again. Molly LOVED walking around looking at all the fishies. She was so excited to walk around as normally she is riding on Mummy's back. We had lunch there too. I was very naughty and got out of the stroller and ran away. Luckily Mummy found me! Here is Molly loving the fishies!

Love you Daddy, love Sam xxx

Dear Daddy,

Today Nana came and got me and I went with her and Harriet to Great-Grannies house. Nana got me a real football, that is FOOTBALL and not 'soccerball' Daddy, and no, it's not an American football either haha!

After that Nana took me to the garden centre where they have a huge play area with a ball pit and slides.

Mummy came to get me and we went home and had dinner, then we went out to watch the combine harvesters and tractors bringing the wheat in. I loved it and so did uncle George. Molly wasn't so impressed though, that's because she's a lady.

Here is Molly, isn't she sweet Daddy? This is at Nana's house.

Love Sam xxx