Hadrian's Wall

At the end of my London week I joined my former classmates on a weekend Roman Britain class trip up to Northumberland. There we learned more about the ancient Roman occupation and so much about how it affected Britain, even into the modern day. To prepare for the trip we read the book "Power and Stone" written by my instructor, and dear friend, Alice Leader. This historical fiction novel was written specifically for the junior high Roman Britain curriculum at the American School in London. It sheds light on what life could have been like along Hadrian's Wall for both the Romans and Brigantes. So while we can thank the Romans for the brilliant transit infrastructure, we can also give them credit for importing male-dominating social rule.


Alice, our fearless Leader!

Hiking along Hadrian's Wall was the main event on this weekend trip. The setting couldn't be more dramatic as much of the wall is built atop a cliff, and even in good weather it's a pretty harsh environment. While I have found myself lost for inspiration to blog or photograph in my new environment, this trip definitely reignited the flame.




























The Robin Hood Tree of Kevin Costner fame




























The group


Our inn




St. Paul's in Jarrow, where the Venerable Bede (who wrote The Ecclesiastical History of the English People) was a monk




Bede was here

Back to London

I don't think it's any secret that I miss London. I know moving is hard and the adjustment is always rough, but this is different. Way different. I've never ached for a place the way I do for London. I often refer to what I'm experiencing as the post-London blues or some other rather euphemistic term. Truth be told what I'm experiencing could probably be officially diagnosed as depression. So there you have it. No more softened, vague descriptions. I'm not really throwing myself a pity party, just calling a spade a spade.



We've been back in the US for over three months now, and this indication has yet to even begin to fade. My heart still aches and tears still flow.



I was fortunate enough to make a soul-soothing return visit to my city last month. It was truly one of the best weeks of my life. An entire week of reconnecting with dear friends and the city I love. I love my husband for giving me this time and space, and my mother-in-law for shouldering the load at home in my absence. Thank you to you both.


Afternoon tea that easily turns into evening tea with dear friends!


Little Venice in autumn on my walk after getting my hair done (still haven't found a hair girl in my new town!)


Blue Barclays bikes all over town, a new addition to my city


Lunch in China Town with good friends


Well hello there, Selfridges!


Grosvenor Square


Dinner with some of my favourite people


Until next time . . .

A New School, Again

This year the first day of school rolled around right in the middle of our move. We hadn't yet moved into our new house, and still living out of suitcases (thus the wrinkly clothing!) in our temporary house we jumped into a new year. We arrived so late in the summer that we were in fact lucky that the kids were able to begin school at the start of school, but also fortunate the kids got into the same school. They actually didn't even get into the assigned neigbourhood school, but rather another school in the district across town. For Dallin this will be his fourth school in as many years. Poor kid has done a remarkable job settling in and going forward with a positive attitude, each and every year. And with junior high right around the corner, next year he'll claim five schools in as many years.


Big 5th grader


Our 2nd grader


So happy to be at the same school (mom is too!)





This year Trevon no longer has to watch in envy as his older siblings head off to school. Trevon is in preschool! And he is loving every minute!

From North to South

Our first few weeks in California have mostly been filled with pure chaos in the form of boxes and more boxes, buying cars, activating utilities, living between two houses, stalking the Apple store for an iPhone, registering the kids for school, tying up loose ends in the UK, adjusting to California road rage, watching with tears as our things from the UK were delivered to our new house and a steady stream of visits from UPS and FedEx.

Somehow we made it through this initial period without completely losing our minds. That is probably most likely due to a few intermittent escapes from our chaotic surroundings. At a few key moments (read near meltdowns) we defied rational thinking and left boxes unpacked and loose ends untied and took off. For the day, for the week, whatever! It all helped to clear the mind and nourish the soul.


Lunch at grandma and grandpa's, just an hour away! It was great to get away for the day!


Next we headed south for a week of reunions with friends in the OC (and to see our house for the first time in two years!). It was a little nuts making the drive and spending the week down there riding solo, but it was worth the pain. Our plans got even more exciting when we realized we'd be down south the same time my brother would be there on business. We had a fun day going to lunch and doing some hiking before his flight left.











Our week in OC was just what I needed to refill my tank. It was so wonderful reuniting with good friends after two years away. Our week consisted of lunches with friends, playdates, beach trips, an awesome Amazing Race party and girls nights out (thank you to my wonderful hosts and babysitter for making this all possible!). Sadly most of the fun went undocumented, but here's a few shots.


No doubting which kids just spent two years living in England :)

Right Back Where We Started From

Today marks exactly two months since we left London. It's been an unbelievably crazy time of moving and transition. So much has happened, yet so much of it has felt like a painful slow motion dream. We are getting settled. Things are more or less in place, kids are in school and life carries on. I can't say I've made much progress settling in emotionally. My heart is still solidly in London. It feels much like I've just gotten out of a serious relationship. I'm hurt and finding it hard to move on. The post-London blues partially accounts for the lack of blogging, as does the pure insanity of life around here the last few weeks!



But alas here we are, right back where we started from. Back in a town where we lived seven years ago during Scott's law school. It is strange being back in a place that marks many beginnings for us.


Dallin was 9 months old when we moved here and just three and a half when we left. Madeleine spent the first four months of her little life here.


T-man was negative seven when we moved here the first time.