Wales

I have a wonderful friend in the states who I see fairly regularly here.  She doesn't live here, but comes over often and we are often able to get together when she is here.  We met a few years ago on a study trip for one of my literature classes.  Despite a 20-year age gap we totally hit it off and have been great long distance friends ever since.  She graciously invited me to join her on a architecture tour of Wales and western England for 5 days in late June.  It was a wonderful opportunity to get away and see a smattering of beautiful places in this country I would likely have never encountered.  The tour group was a funny mix, four Americans total and the rest were all elderly British folks.  I'd put the average age among this lot at 75-80 years old (I was like the group grandchild!).  It was something of a stuffy group of rather stiff academic types, and Lynne and I had a difficult time breaking them socially.  But we gave it our best shot and by the end of the week found a few friends and made some funny memories along the way.  I was very glad to have Lynne as a travel companion.  We had so much fun together, as we always do.  

 Hellens, Much Marcle

Kilpeck Church

Kentchurch Court (Scudamore House)

Abergavenny Church

Tretower Castle

Brecon Cathedral

Stokesay Castle

Cute French bistro for lunch . . .

Ludlow

Ludlow Church (Misericords)

Berrington Hall

Llanvihangel Court

 Tredegar House

Hereford Cathedral

Hereford

Hampton Court Castle

Grandma and Grandpa Visit

Right after school broke Scott's mom and step-dad came to visit for a week!  With this lucky summer weather we've had we had a great time visiting with them, showing them the sights of London!  Most of all it was just great to spend time together.  

Frankfurt

It kind of stinks when you live on a different continent from some of your favourite people.  But sometimes magic happens and just when you thought you wouldn't be seeing each other for a long time, they end up spending the summer in Europe!  Which means we get to see each other not only once, but twice!  That's what happens when your bestie Jen and her family suddenly find themselves spending the summer in Frankfurt, a mere 90-minute flight away!  So off I went with Madeleine on a bestie reunion.  Although I was pretty sick most of the weekend, it was still so great to see Jen and her family.  

 Rudesheim

 Frankfurt

Weisbaden

Can't wait to see them here in London in a few weeks!

8th Grade Grad

It's official . . . we have a high schooler in our house!  I can't believe we are those parents, but alas we've finally reached that benchmark in our family.  It was a lovely ceremony celebrating all the 8th grade graduates.  It was followed by a nice reception.  After which we hit a great local seafood restaurant to celebrate Dallin!

Our Girl is 11

I'm a bit behind!  Life has taken some twists and turns for me this spring, which found me completely out of synch with my normal operations.  So I've been behind on a lot, blogging being one of the least of my priorities.  Trying to catch up!  Our girl had a great birthday celebrating with friends at a very fun pyjama party.

 Celebration on the day with the family . . .

 And a party with friends . . .