Field Trips in the UK

School field trips here include destination skiing, in Switzerland no less! Yes, little G is in Grachen for the week on a school trip. Here are some photos that we just received:


G is on the left hand side of this photo in the blue coat:


Scenery is a bit different from the trips that I remember to Camp Goddard, right?

This One's for You, Carrie!

Last week, we headed out to dinner with the Butlers and turned the corner at the end of our street and fell onto this:


We thought it was great fun and got into the photo taking spirit too and started snapping the paparazzi, those inside cars that were driving by and as more time passed and we were still waiting outside, ourselves:


All this to pass the time until the big names, as in Donatella Versace, Heidi Klum, Claudia Schiffer, started to arrive:

We decided not to wait on the others as we had very important dinner reservations that particular night. Surely we'll catch them another day, don't you think?

Seems this is what we unknowingly stumbled upon: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/style/2009/03/fringe-party.html

The Week in Words

Some of our favorite memories of the week, for posterity . . .

the grouchy street performer

"What a glorious day!"

"After this car boys, GO!"

duck whistles, especially on the bus

"I was not scared!"

seeing the sights in London through the windows of the infamous black taxi cabs, even better when you are facing backwards

Brooks' love/hate, real/fake relationship with broccoli

the kind strangers that saved Julie's life on many a London street corner

Grandma's stinky basement bar, with such lovely wallpaper no less

Hotel Nelson offering 5 star service and amenities, including toiletries upon arrival, especially hand milled soap, and morning childcare and breakfast service so that one can enjoy sleeping really late

the Hyde Park stalking

Joe, repeatedly: "I bet people are dying to get in here"

Cafe Nerd

the uniformed driver, hat and all, only the best for you guys!

Lindsay, to the right

Our Week with the Butlers

Here is our brood gathered 'round the breakfast table before our day out:

on the bus headed to the park:

while the boys chose to run along:

Julie and I enjoyed meandering by Kensington Palace:

Here are the oompa-loompas:

we enjoyed a spectacular day at Hyde Park:

onto Stamford Bridge:

back at the house, the boys enjoyed family movie night:

And we were able to enjoy dinner out. What a fantastic week! We loved having you here with us and are already thinking about a return trip for your family. There is so much more to show you and places to explore together!

And here, my friends, is to eventually . . .

(Just Like) Family Visit #4

The Butlers hopped across the pond yesterday to spend the week in London with us! We could not be more thrilled that they are here for a visit. Here is the gaggle:

The beginning of our walking tour:

First stop, G's school:

Onto the St Patrick's Day Parade in Trafalgar Square:

And onto the River Thames:

Last stop of the day, Covent Garden for the street performers:

Welcome to London! We're so happy that you are here!

You've Come a Long Way Baby

We just returned from our Presidents Club trip to Puerto Rico where G was recognized for his many accomplishments and outstanding sales year within his company.

I had some time to reflect on our time here and the years G has been with this company while lounging by the pool between novels. It was a tough week for me!

G has been with this company for 10 years and in those years we have attended 7 such trips as a result of his outstanding sales performance and leadership. G was in a sales support role during our first club trip and now he is a VP of sales.

Yes, you've come a long way G and I could not be more proud of you and your many accolades. They are well deserved! You are a man of integrity and amazing work ethic, while also balancing your loving devotion, your faithful support and your quality time with the boys and me. I truly don't know how you do it, but I am so thankful you work this hard for our family. What a role model for 3 little gentlemen in the making!

Now for some highlights of our trip. Here is G leading the awards dinner:

During our days, we enjoyed some sailing and golfing, that was only when my nose wasn't buried in a good book:

And we enjoyed some fabulous dinners during our evenings:

Well done G! I could not be more proud of you. You are my unsung hero every single day.

Cheerio!

G and I are trading grey skies for blue and our 3 ring circus for peace and solitude! We are on our way to Puerto Rico tomorrow and cannot wait! G will still have to be on his toes as this is a work trip, but I on the other hand have a suitcase full of books and a new bikini and plan to put both to good use. I'll check back in next week . . .