BACK IN THE UK

Tears flowing as we said goodbye to our new american friends - there was a large gathering outside the Gerstell Academy where new friends were saying farewell to eachother. It was an emotionally charged group of people. Tears of sadness were flowed amongst many of the girls, the moms and even some of the boys and guys had moist eyes.

So many new friendships had been made in a relatively short space of time, but they were already relationships that caused heartbreak at the thought of separation. I had many of the 'moms' tell me they wanted to keep their newly acquired british child. It really was a difficult departure for many of us, but it is the start of what we hope is a very successful annual exchange programme between Timperley and the Gerstell/Westminster lacrosse communities. Initial talks already have started for next years return trip by the americans.

The kids recovering on the coach to Phili airport after and emotional farewell to their new found american families and friends.

Tim and Greg sharing out some sweets stolen from Jess Sandy's goodies bag given to her by her hosts - see below.

The 'said' goodies bag.

The 3 Musketeers issued '3 Musketeers' chocolate bars by Wylo who came across them in one of the airport shops.

Karen loving her time with the girls, waiting for the delayed flight US734 out of Phili.

She quotes (US style), 'They bring joy to my life'.

or

(UK style), 'They were lovely'.

Boys on tour!

L to R - George, Jordan, Chris, Piggy and Mike.
The U16s on tour.















Now the waiting game is no longer fun. Come on US Airways.














Jess and Lizy checking out the gate number.










Well we finally landed back on British soil this morning, a little later than scheduled. Despite a nightmare SELF check-in at Phili (they wouldn't provide an assistant to check us in) we did get them all onto the flight and through customs in the UK with no real hiccups.

Everyone had had a great trip home and I would like to take the opportunity to thanks all the kids for making it such an easy journey for Wylo, the 3 musketeers and I who were in charge (missing Craggy and Sarah).

Sarah has gone on with her family (including Toby of course) to other parts of the US, and Craggy has gone to stay with Adam Guy (our LDO from 2 or 3 years ago). Also Joe Streuli has stayed on in the US to holiday with his family.

At least we appear to have brought some Maryland sunshine to Manchester. I think many of the kids will be sleeping or have taken a nap today, so bear with us if we look a little groggy.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE POSTED COMMENTS AND FOR THOSE WHO WANTED TO BUT DIDN'T MANAGE TO. WE HAVE RECEIVED SUCH POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM MANY OF YOU.

WE INTEND TO POST MORE INFORMATION ON THIS BLOG SITE SO KEEP AN EYE OUT. CHECK IT OUT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE - ITS A GOOD WAY TO COMMUNICATE .... A TOUR REUNION BEING ORGANISED FOR THE KIDS SOON, HOW TO GET MORE PHOTOS, PLUS OUTLINING WHAT THOUGHTS ARE BEING EXCHANGED ABOUT THE AMERICANS COMING OVER NEXT YEAR. SO WATCH THIS SPACE!

Bye for now... Karen

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Just a quick tip for those of you who didn't know - if you click on any of the photos on this blog, the photo will open up in its full size. This is a good way to see all the details. Why don't you try it.

Photos from the final games

George heads for the goal.

Jack sports his new gloves.

Mike draws a crowd.

Tomb faces in style

Cam looking cool as ever.

Alice - solid in defence.

Cabz runs the length of the field for the tenth time today.

The girls have their sights set on winning the tournament after a fantastic win over CMD

Paul - another stormimg day in goal.

Jordan draws four of the opposition.

Whose feet are these?

V.C. back on the pitch.

Imy has now become a force to be reckoned with - it's not just her confidence and skills that have grown during this tour - she even looks taller. Fantastic stuff Imy.

The Final Post from USA

One big final celebration (the farewell party) at one big mansion. The kids gathered in the pool, toasted marshmallows over the bonfire in the woods (part of the back yard) and drove a small gator (buggy) around the grounds.

Many tears have already been shed as the final day approaches.

Karen and her boys...with mystery hand stroking Tim.

Snap, Crackle and Pop with their Aunt Maggie

Not posed at all.

Sisters are all smiles as they have been for the entire tour. Jess worships her girls.

Faye looking really happy as she completes the 'a goal scored by every girl' challenge.

Looking tired and weary, but the girls prove themselves to be the best, as they win the tournament and get photographed later by the local press.

Timperley's youngest fan, Kalvin.

This is what your kids will expect for lunch on their return to the UK.

The coaches couldn't keep off the pitch so they took on the Americans at tag football.

Craggy goes to ground. Also, spot Jake on the left, in black (last years LDO from Timperley).

Boys beat Lutherville by one goal.

Sarah with Jim (who hosted Toby) with the A Team van.

Small Tornado Hits Finksburg

Toby's road was on the main TV station last night after a small tornado flew down it and took the roof off a neighbours house. The children were away from the area paintballing which meant all they saw was a bit of rain. Karen and I were on a freeway coming back from 'The Cheesecake Factory' when we were forced to stop as the wind was blowing the car over and there was zero visability. Very exciting. Trees over on the road and everything.

We will be having a very full day of games today followed by the evening farewell party - probably some tears as we board the caoch tomorrow too. We will try to gather some pictures together from yesterday (some paintballing, some at Hershey Park) to let you see.
Hope all's sunny and well at home.