Do like the British do

Today was the British Fest on SHAPE, and let me say it did not disappoint.  The highlight was obviously the fish and chips based on the length and wait time of the line, er, que, but it was well worth every second.  Honestly, I'd once been told that the best fish and chips could be found at EPCOT but didn't believe it because surely there were better in England proper?  No, the best ever are in Belgium and were cooked up all British-like complete with mushy peas on the side..  Cooked up by the Belgians from a fritterie stand somewhere...which we have sworn off after being grossed out by all the food on display that will be submerged into hot greasy oil while you observe, or even more grossed out by the horsemeat.  That's one word to us now and if I can I'll get Kate to recite the list of available delicacies from the fritterie and play the clip here.  Back to the British though...they know how to have a good time and throw a darn good party!  Plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained.  Great crafts and snacks, good beer I am sure although I was solo with the kids for this, and as much as that seems like the perfect excuse to drink, I really need to have my wits about me with these three lately.  So, no giant ale for me, but lots of visiting and watching the kids try their hands at new activities.  The pony rides were awesome, decent sized ponies that were led around a huge field twice, not a bunch of tiny sad ponies hitched up merry-go-round style.  The kids looked fabulous in their hard hats and Union Jack t-shirts, darn that tiny camera that can only be downloaded to the laptop which is in Germany, arghhhh.  Anyway, fun times.  Matthew's highlight was archery and he was pretty good for a beginner.  He was so excited and the nice gentleman helping was so patient teaching him how it all works.  Looks like there is even a club that gets together once a week, so if he's really into it he can hang out with adult British archers.  Kind of weird but we are trying to nurture these interests!  And what respectable British event doesn't offer a mechanical bull?  Oh yes, the boys rode the bull.  A little out of place there but why not?  Matthew shouted "I'm American, I can handle this!"  Oh boy.  On that same note, I was stopped by the photographer and asked if he could take a picture of my English kids for the SHAPE magazine.  They were looking all Britishy in the Union Jack t-shirts and a pretty good photo op if I do say so myself.  The kids cooperated and as we walked away, Matthew proudly tells him, "by the way, we are NOT English, we are AMERICAN".  Cocky?  Proud?  Either way it's all good.