Mom & Dad Do London: Part 2

I was beyond thrilled when my Mom and Dad called to ask us if they could book another trip to London.  The words "YES PLEASEE" couldn't come out of my mouth fast enough!!!  I was so excited to spend the week with them, but really I just wanted a hug!  I hadn't seen my parents since it all went down and I desperately wanted/needed them with me.  I will say, though, that I'm quite proud of myself for surviving as long as I did without them here (I'll store that thought in my memory bank and remind myself in the future if I'm ever feeling incapable of getting by without them).  I proved I can do it  - as hard as it was.

Annnnyway . . .

This visit was a little different from when they came in May: we weren't unpacking and organizing 35 boxes, it didn't rain every.single.day (the weather was beautiful), and I was back to normal . . . feeling energized and motivated to explore.  Even though my parents insisted that their last visit was wonderful, I felt the need to make sure Mom & Dad Do London: Part 2 was even better!!!!

We had a blast together and did a lot of sightseeing around London . . . we even made it to the countryside!  It was a highly enjoyable week and I felt such comfort having my parents here with us.  Sometimes that's all it takes.

LONDON 

BATH

CANTERBURY

Canterbury Cathedral - 1st Church of England

I jumped at every opportunity while my parents were here to get on a train and head out to the country.  My goal while we are living in London is to try and see as much of England (and Europe) as possible.  The Cotswolds are next on my list.  I've heard amazing things.  If it's half as beautiful as the places we've been, we'll have a great time. 

My Sissy and Bro-in law are at the airport now waiting to board their flight to London.  Kidless!  This is the first vacation (alone) that they have been on since they've had kids.  G is 6 years old!  The pressure is ON for D and me to make sure they have the most memorable time in London.  But then again, when the four of us are together, we always a great time no matter what we do!  

Happy almost Friday!

xo, 

V

Summertime & the Livin' is Easy

Summer is the best.
Even though it's the first summer I've spent away from home and from the beach, I'm making the most of it and trying to enjoy where I am.  Hence my blog: Living in the Now.  I'm doing my best.

Visitors have come and gone ... and come again.  Their presence has really helped alleviate some of the anguish that comes with moving to a new country.  No sitting around here.  We're out an about.  Seeing the city.  Taking a speed line out to the countryside.  We're doing it up!!!  Seizing each moment.  Go me!

My parents are here now and it has been so wonderful!!!  My sister and brother in law are coming next week.  I. Could. Not. Be. More. Excited.

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I had a fun week with Chris.  It was an added bonus that we saw our great friend Amy (who we used to work with)!  She was visiting England with her beautiful family and we met at Hampton Court Palace for lunch and a walk around the grounds. 

We spent the previous day at the Natural History Museum ...

And stopped for a fan favorite: Pimm's & lemonade ... ;) 

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Now for my favorite news: 

Two weeks ago, D and I roller bladed all around London with MH ... and about a hundred others (a roller blading group).  It was A-MAZ-ING!  Rollerblading past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, & Westminster Abbey was so exhilarating!!!!  Basically ... a rollerblading group called LondonSkate meets Wednesday nights in Hyde Park and for two hours they ride us through the streets of London, blasting music through their speaker backpacks, and stopping traffic for us along the way (even the red double decker buses).  It was the most memorable night in London so far.

Yay.

We're ready to go!!!

Trafalgar's Square

Bad. ASS.

Amazing right???

(From left: London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend

xo