Magnífico Mallorca !

Our highly anticipated trip to Mallorca was even more amazing than we expected it to be.

Perhaps what made it so wonderful was the much needed vitamin D absorption, or the 90 degree weather accompanied by a three tiered swimming pool to use at our disposal, or maybe it was just the fact that D and I got away and had time to ourselves without the pressures of work (him) and the monotonous daily grind (me).  Whatever the reason, it was just enough time away to rejuvenate, refresh, and revive us!!!!!! . . . and give us a tan :)  

We spent each day exactly as I expected - at our hotel . . . soaking in the sun, cooling off in the pool, walking into town for dinner, and having an occasional drink on the terrace before bed (rest & repeat).

Simply stated, our little jaunt to Spain was absolutely incredible and just what the doctor ordered.    

Such a memorable 3rd anniversary trip!!!! 

Now, I need to hurry and get ready for my next guest who's arriving tonight!!! Looking forward to a fun filled week with Chris in London.

This summer is shaping up to be quite nice.

xoxo, V

Family is Everything

The past few weeks have been filled with so many fun activities that it would be nearly impossible to jog my memory and go into detail about our daily outings and excursions.  My time spent with my family in NJ and in London was absolutely amazing.  Hopefully the pictures can do some of the talking.

Ocean City: Khor Bros & Manco's

While I was home, I did my best to hit all of my favorite places: Home, Ocean City, & NYC 

and restaurants: Otto, Taconneli's, Santucci's, Piccini's, Chipotle. 

Fun with the kids. 

(G painted us a picture of NYC so that we could look at it and not miss home. Love!  It's currently framed in our bathroom.)

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In-laws !! It was sooo great to see them and have them here.

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Aunt and cousin time! <3

We hit almost all of the London attractions...

and even made it to Paris!!!

I had a great time with my family and I loved every minute of having them here.  I have a new found appreciation for London after exploring with family.  The weather has been absolutely beautiful the past couple of weeks and I'm sure that added to my love for the city.  Everything is better with sun and blue skies!!  I was sad when they left, but knowing that D and I were headed out of town in a few days was definitely helpful.

Now it's time for our vacation!!  We are off to Mallorca (Spain) tomorrow AND . . . 

I. could. not. be. more. excited!!!  

Friends have given us suggestions of things to do while we're there, but right now I'm just looking forward to sitting at the pool or the beach.  This girl needs to RE-LAX.  We'll see how we feel once we get there ; )

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There were a few birthdays during my blog hiatus.

Thankfully FaceTime allowed us to see their beautiful faces and sing them a Happy Birthday song!

Happy 4th Birthday to our kind hearted, silly, sports loving nephew! 

& 

Happy 1st Birthday to our precious, loveable, and absolutely hilarious niece!

Happy Birthday to Laura, too!!!

We love you so much!!!

xoxo

Stronger Together

It has been quite a while since I've last written.  A lot has happened since my departure for America and my arrival back to London.  My time in New Jersey/New York was absolutely wonderful and full of such happiness, excitement, and pure JOY!  Since my return, I have been playing hostess (and tour guide) to my in-laws and now to my aunt and my cousin.  I have welcomed the company and the distraction and have really enjoyed touring around London (I'm serious this time).

~ I will be back with details and pictures soon ~

This July 3rd post is about us . . .

Today marks 3 years since I married my best friend and the absolute love of my life!!! I won't go on and on about how he is the best husband ever (although I think he could come close if judged fairly), but I will say that he's the best for ME!!  And that's all that matters : )

I feel so incredibly blessed that 9 years ago (April 3, 2004) he asked me for a piece of gum at a college party and didn't leave me alone the entire night about how amazing the gum was!  From across the room he'd hold out the gum and yell "Val...this is the best gum ever! Where'd you get this?"  If you know D, I'm sure you can imagine how creative he could get with making gum seem 'great' for an entire night.  From then on, it was him and me.  Well, a couple months later...once he finally convinced me to date him.  It has been quite a hysterical ride ever since.

Although we were hopeful that we would be celebrating more than just our anniversary today, we're getting by, and have been relying on one another and have been stronger together since. It seems fitting that our wedding song is Hold On by Michael Buble.  I may be listening to this on repeat today.  Lyrics below . . .

Hold on to me tight. 

Holy on, I promise it will be alright. 

Cause we are stronger together, 

than we could ever be alone. 

Just hold on to me, 

don't you ever let me go. 

Hold on to me, it's gonna be alright. 

Hold on to me tonight. 

. . . They always say, we were the lucky ones. 

I really do feel lucky.  I have so much to be thankful for.  Although I've needed to remind myself of this a little more frequently as of late, I know that it's true.  So, today, I will marvel in the joy that our wedding day brought and I'll look forward, with a positive mind and heart, to what our future has in store.

Happy Anniversary to us.  

Cheers!

xo