Last day in Spain...Back to the Rain

Our last full day in Spain we wanted to make the most of it so we planned to do the beach all day.  Me and the kiddos on our own for a bit then Michelle would join after she did a bit of packing and tidying.  As the time drew closer for us to actually leave Nathan decided not to come which was surprising since he has become my little shadow.  Every time I stand up to leave a room he says "Sara...Where are you going?"  So I have to clear my departure through him.  When I walk into a room he lights up with a smile that warms me to my soul and says "Hello Sara!" in his adorable accent.  His Mum says he has fallen in love with me....I'm ok with that!  Since Nathan decided to stay home and help out with the hovering (Yes, just like Rudi he loves domestic appliances difference is he actually uses them) Talia and I had a girls day at the beach.  We laid out the towel by the play structure on this gorgeous day to soak in the sun.

Hello Tractor!

 There was a sand tractor that kept driving by which she was entranced by.  She kept saying "Hello!" when it came towards us and "See ya later tractor.....Have a nice time!" as it drove away.  Michelle and Nathan joined us for lunch and a bit more beach time.  Talia and I braved the cold sea again while Nathan and Michelle watched from the sand.  We headed back to the Villa sandy and tired but content from a great day.  Talia and I had caught quite a bit of sun and were looking tan.....just in time to head back to rainy England.  The last night in the villa was basically the same as all other nights except I read the kids some bed time stories.  Everything was going well until we got to the book "The Teeny Weeny Tadpole"  apparently my American pronunciation is wrong.  Nathan was so cute about it...he kept saying "No like this Sara...Tadpole. Now you try."  I tried and tried and just couldn't get it right.  I really couldn't hear a difference but it was not close enough for Nathan.  We worked out a compromise and every time the word came up in the story he would say it for me.  It worked out well and was kinda fun...he cracked up after every time he said the word.  Just another moment where my American accent got in the way.

When there are no stairs climb the slide!

   The next morning we all ran around trying to get everything packed up and ready to go.  I had to make myself stop and realize this was my last morning here and I need to a least enjoy a bit of it so I made my breakfast and went out onto the terrace.  Since I was up a bit earlier then normal I got to experience the most amazing moment.....The way the house faces and its location allows for you to watch the sunrise over the mountains.  It happens so quickly you can literally see it moving.  It was like nothing I have ever seen.  I have watched sunrises before but this was a whole different experience.  I am so glad I got to see that on my last morning in Nerja.  The taxis arrived and we headed out to the airport.  One minor hiccup that took us back to the house was a forgotten "Goo" (Talia's treasured blanket).  Apparently as we were turing off our road (I was in a separate taxi so I didn't hear) Talia said "Goo is staying behind"  Oh that funny little girl....it would have be a tragedy if Goo had stayed behind.  Goo was rescued from it's extended stay in the Villa and we drove to the airport.  Check in, Security and passport check was a breeze.  Gotta love pre boarding the plane because of kiddos so you get choice seats in the front.  Nathan wouldn't have it any other way then sitting by me and a window so I was middle seat between 2 friendly flyers.  They were great little travelers...although I did have to read the card you find in the seat pocket explaining all the emergency procedures to them numerous times.  Good news is I will always know what to do in an emergency on a plane which will come in handy in all my future traveling.
I got through border crossing back in to the UK with minimal questioning this time....thank goodness!  There was a a bit of an issue when we called for the car.......It wouldn't start!  Luckily the battery had just gone flat so, a little jump start and we were on our way through the countryside to my new home for 5 days in Bath, England.  Even though it is rainy here I love this place.....Feels good to be back in England!  

Beach Babies and the Promenade....

As has become the routine I awake to energetic children joyfully playing above on the floor above me.  Still in my PJ's I make my way upstairs for my morning cup of tea.  Side note...I am obsessed with English Breakfast Tea (or Ordinary Tea as it is known here)  I haven't even had a cup of coffee since I have been in Spain.  I've also been warned I need to stock up before I leave England because you can't get the real stuff anywhere else.  They are serious about this because both families have offered to keep shipping it to me when I am back in the states.  Ok, back to Spain....Nathan and Talia are over the top excited today about going to the beach!  Buckets and spades are prepped and ready.  I convince them I need to eat breakfast before we go and we all need to get ready.  As it goes with most anytime you are super excited to go somewhere the prep seems to take forever to the kids and something always goes missing.  This morning was no exception....Talia's shoes were no where to be found.  This delay led to some minor melt downs but eventually we made it out the door, into the car, and onto the beach.  Success!!!

Beach Babies on wobbly ladders

The beaches in Nerja we go to have these great little play grounds on them.  There are a few different ones along the beach.  We settled in by one with a slide and got to playing.  There were Sandcastles with drawbridges (Nathan's interpretation of them of course) and quite a bit of sliding and dangling from wobbly ladders.  Also along the side is a nice wooden walkway that leads out to the beach that Nathan liked to run down shouting "Good Bye...See Ya Later!"  I really need to record the way "See Ya Later" sounds with a child's English accent....it's really great.
After a bit the slides and wobbly ladders lost their original appeal so we packed up our buckets and spades and headed down to the water to dip our toes in the Mediterranean Sea.  Ok, so I am going to admit something slightly embarrassing here....I had no idea when I arrived in Nerja, Spain that I was on the Mediterranean Sea.  Someone (who is not even in Europe) had to tell me.  Oops...Not sure even what sea I thought I was near.  I really hadn't even looked to see where I was I just knew it was on a coast. I have started looking at my geographic locations bit closer now.

Toes in the Mediterranean Sea 

        Ok, back to my toes in the sea.  Little Talia held my hand and ventured in about ankle deep saying "Ooh, it's a bit cold".  Nathan was a bit skeptical of the whole thing and hung back in the dry sand and watched.  Once Talia and I had cooled our feet enough it was time for lunch at a beach side cafe.  Ryan joined us for lunch then drove us home. It really was great spending time with just the kiddos and enjoying the beach.  It also allowed Michelle and Ryan some time to themselves.  In exchange for this time off Michelle and I left Ryan with the kids for the night and went into Old Nerja to walk along the streets and the Promenade.  Michelle has been coming here quite often since she was a child so she was able to show me some really neat spots.

Nerja Promenade Arches 

It was very much what I pictured a spanish town to be like.  Quaint shops along cobble stone streets and the cafe lifestyle.  I also love the idea of the big open promenades that everyone comes out onto in the evenings to walk and socialize.  This is what they do a lot to meet new people or catch up with old friends instead of going to pubs or bars/restaurants.  Such a fun thing to do!  I hope that at some point along my travels I am able to be a part of one of these.  Michelle and I weren't out late enough to join in here but I have been told they do this same thing in France and Italy so I still have a chance.
The night ended with fresh mussels at a beach front restaurant.  It doesn't get much better then that!
I can't believe I now only have one more full day left in spain.  Good thing I have the beginning of a good tan which I will continue to perfect tomorrow when we have another beach day...this one will be done properly in our swimming costumes. Then the next morning it's back to rainy Bath, England.

View from the Nerja promenade

A little rain....a lot of sun

I awoke my second day in Spain to to a dreary sky outside and puddle filled lounge chairs.  I thought I had left this weather behind in England!  Ryan checked the weather and apparently we were in for this all day long.  Oh well, I guess we just have to make the best of it.  Michelle and Ryan headed into town together to do some shopping and just spend some time together.  That meant me and the kiddos got to play "rainy day style" indoors.   There was a tiny break in the rain, which came at just the right time since I'm not sure I could have handled another minute of Dora the Explorer and the Pirate Pigs, so I quickly popped on their shoes and herded them outside for some much needed fresh air.  We may have only gotten right outside the door before we sat

Puddled lounge chairs

down to race some cars but the air was crisp and there was no Dora so life was good.  These wonderful children seriously can find joy in anything though so it wasn't tough keeping them entertained on this gloomy day.  That moment of outside really was the highlight of the day.  Everything after was pretty standard routine..dinner, bath, and bed.  The weather was supposed to clear the rest of the week so fingers crossed and wishing for sun as I went to bed that night.
The next morning I awoke to sunlight streaming in through the edge of my window shades!  When I stepped outside to enjoy my breakfast on the terrace you would have never known it had been raining the day before.  Everything was beautiful and dry and the sun was gorgeous.

Breakfast with a view

I just sat enjoying my breakfast, taking in this breathtaking view, and again pinching myself that this is really my life right now.  I was definitely deep in thought because out of no where 2 little heads popped up in the chairs in front of me.  Talia and Nathan had decided to join me for breakfast.  It is so sweet how we have formed a fun little bond so quickly.  They wake up earlier then I do and I don't have to wake since there parents take care of them but I can still hear there sweet little voices asking "Where's Sara?  When will she come play?"  One of Nathan's questions to me over this breakfast moment is " Sara, Why do you sleep so long?  I was waiting for you forever!"  Almost makes me want to get up earlier...Almost but not quite.

Breakfast Buddies

 Ryan, Michelle and the kids went to the beach and I stayed at the villa.  The car here only fits 4 people which meant I got some me time by the pool, with my book, in my swim suit (or swimming costume as they call it) on a lounge chair.  Bliss!!!  Felt like home...sun and a backyard layout session!
When the family returned home the kids and I did some serious exploring in the gardens.  We picked flowers, sat on all the hidden benches and played the "what can you see game" (which is Nathan's favorite) and looked under rocks for creepy crawlers (which I love to do).  We found some great rolly polly bugs which Nathan wasn't too keen on holding even though I held them first.  At one point we were strolling through the flowers of the garden and out of no

This is for you....because it's your favorite.

 where Nathan turned and handed me a dark pink flower.  He said as he handed it to me "It's for you because it's your favorite.  I remember you said it yesterday"  My heart melted...in passing the day before I had said that I liked those the best out of all the flowers in the garden and this sweet little man remembered and picked one especially for me.  Men take notes from this 4 year old....he knows what he's doing.  Sweetest moment ever (of course I took a picture).
The rest of the afternoon and evening were just spent enjoying the gardens and making up silly games.  Talia loves to pick the flowers then line them up and count them and Nathan just wants to explore and know everything about everything.  Theses gardens are a child's dream to explore and a parent or nanny's heaven.  So much beauty, diversity of activities and just plain fun!

Exploring the gardens

After the kids were tucked in Michelle, Ryan and I had dinner and chatted.  It has been really great getting to know them and we all get on quite well.  It feels as though we have always known each other.  At one point Michelle said "It feels like you have always been in our lives...not just for a few days."  I agree with her completely and love that I am able to just fit in so easily again and the transition feels so natural.  I am thankful for that.
Tomorrow the kids and I are headed to the beach....just the 3 of us!

The Adventure in Spain Begins...

As I hug Belinda, Lauren and the boys good bye and climb into a taxi I am filled with a mix of emotions.  Transitions are always hard and I had become so comfortable and happy it was difficult to think about changing and starting the process over again.  In the same moments of having those thoughts I also am truly excited to meet a new family and become a part of their lives and share some wonderful adventures with them.
I think all this anticipation of change exhausted me so I fell asleep immediately when I got on the plane but was awoken when the "Hen Party"(Bachelorette Party in the Sates) a few rows up had consumed a significant amount of airplane alcohol and were wolf whistling at the few semi attractive men sitting near them and singing "Going to the chapel" at the top of their lungs.  No more sleep for me.
Crossing the border into Spain was no problem at all...just a brief look at my passport and off I went.  Ryan (Dad of my new family) picked me up and we drove about 40 minutes to the Spanish Villa in Nerja, Spain that would be my new home for the next 5 days.

View from the Villa

As we drive I am awe struck by the rolling hills and gorgeous sea.  I love they way all the houses are nested into the hillsides like a sea of white and terra-cotta.  The villa we are in is more gorgeous then I could have every even imagined.  There are 3 levels with wrap around balconies.  My room is located on the lower level which I have mostly to my self.  The backyard is also multi leveled and the word back yard hardly does if justice.  It has a pool level then multi levels of beautiful gardens with all types of plants, flowers and benches to sneak away to for a quiet moment.  This amazing villa is Michelle's fathers so they are able to come and holiday here when they like.
When we arrive at the villa the kids and Michelle (mum of the family) are already in bed so I basically just settle into my room.  My bedside table has been set up with a lovely vase of flowers that the sweet children had picked for me in the garden earlier that day.  Can't wait to meet them in the morning....

I awake the next day to the pitter patter of little feet upstairs.  I roll out of the most comfortable bed and climb the stairs to the main living room to meet Michelle and the kids.  The youngest , Talia who is 2, after only a few moments brings over her treasured Eeyore stuffed animal (who is like another member of the family) for me to hold...Yes, I'm in!  One down...One to go.  Nathan, the eldest at 4 years old, takes a while to warm up to me so I just give him his space and wait for him to make the first move (or at least let him think he's making the move when really I'm just facilitating opportunities for us to chat...I know, I'm a bit tricky like that).  Eventually as I am standing on the balcony enjoying the view he saunters out, stands next to me and says " So what do we see out there?"  We then proceed to have a lovely chat....and that seals the deal.  I've been accepted!

The beach and Mediterranean Sea 

  Michelle and I take the kids to the beach where I get my first glimpse of the city and the Mediterranean sea up close.  It's a bit windy so we don't stay long but it was still really nice to have a little outing and spend some time with the kids and have a chance to chat a bit with Michelle as the kids played.  We headed back to the house for lunch and a stroll through the garden.  Before we knew it dinner time had rolled around then it was bath and bed for the kids.
Ryan, Michelle and I then had a nice dinner together with lovely conversation just getting to know each other.


After the evening wound down and Ryan and Michelle had gone to bed I just sat and looked around at the new place I had landed.  I thought about the lovely sweet people I was staying with in this gorgeous villa and had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.   How can I be so lucky to be blessed with all of this.  I still can't wrap my mind around how each day is just as good as the last and I am so filled with joy with every moment and new experience.  I am so grateful for it all!  

Last Days in London...

I can't believe it has been 6 weeks already!  My time has flown.  These last couple of days have been filled with packing and prepping to leave.  I also worked a bit more since Belinda had some teaching to do for her Ballet course.  I didn't mind at all because I got to spend some extra time with the kids.    I am still amazed daily at the attachment that has happened over such a short period of time between all of us.  I am truly sad to thinking about not getting up every morning and having my cup of tea and a cuddle with Rudi, or having an afternoon bounce on the trampoline or some chill out music time with George.  Rudi and I did get to spend one final morning together before I headed to the airport and I left him with a very important skill............

Hand in....

How to put his hand in his pocket.








It was so funny.  He kept putting it into his pocket, crouching down then standing up and taking it back out.  This sequence went on until he had it perfected.

And the crouch down!

My last evening Lauren and I headed out for a relaxing dinner at the Hawksmoor.   It is a us/uk style steakhouse in the financial district.  We got a bit lost in the rain looking for it because is was hidden in-between some huge corporate looking buildings but it was well worth searching out.  The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere was the perfect combo of a cellar pub and a classy restaurant.  The best part about it was the people though.  A San Diego someone connected me via a few emails with the manager of the restaurant so we met her and a few of the people she works with.  They couldn't have been nicer!  She sat and hung out with us quite a bit and gave us great food and drink recommendations.  We also got a tour of the wine cellar which was a highlight for Lauren because she is quite into wine.  I can't speak highly enough about this place and the people who work there.  If you are ever in London you must go.  It's worth the search to get there.  It made for the perfect way to end this section of my trip.
As I think about heading to Nerja, Spain and then to Bath with my new family I am so excited but am not fully ready to leave London.....So I guess now is a good time to throw in the little twist in my future travel plans.  After I am finished with my time in Bath before I head to Nice, France I have decided to head back to London and spend 5 days just playing completely kid free.  The beauty of Europe is travel between places is so easy and relatively inexpensive.  I only have to take a couple hour train ride from Bath and I will be back n London.
Also, let's be honest here, saying good bye to my amazing friends and these darling children is just too hard so instead of good bye I just had to say, In Rudi's words, "Catch ya Later" (yes I taught him that)
So with all that said.....Spain here I come but London I'll be back!  

Savile Row and The Pigs Ear....

Today was amazing!  To start with the sun has shown its face again and it is a beautiful day.  The birds are chirping outside my window and both the boys slept to a decent hour.  The most exciting thing is I am headed to Savile Row. I had no idea what to expect because I have heard mixed things about it.  Many say it's not what it used to be and others say it's great.  I will just have to judge for myself.  I arrive off the tube at crazy Picadilly Circus.....It really feels like you are at a circus especially on this gorgeous day after all the rain every man, woman and child is out in full force soaking up as much vitamin D as possible.  I start heading down the winding cobble side streets on my want to Savile row.  Along the way there are stores with beautiful suit and shirting fabrics.  Too expensive and no room in my suitcase so unfortunately I didn't buy any but really just touching a cashmere blend suit fabric is enough for now.  Trust me all you men wish you had some pants made out of this stuff.
But moving on....

Savile Row...A little block of heaven!

A small ally opens up onto the most amazing sight ever...a whole street of beautifully tailored suits and shirts.  I think I am in heaven.  Unfortunately I can't go in to any of the shops because they are by appointment only but I still can stare lustfully through the windows.  The thing I loved most was the way the shops were set up.  The street level had displays of gorgeous suits and shirts then below the street was the work studio where everything was being made.  It was fun to see pattern pieces laid out with chalk marks and stitching lines on them and suits in progress draped on dress forms.  I would so love to be on the other side of that window someday....or at least have some of theses skills.  I could have wandered that street all day long just watching the hustle and bustle of of suits being made and delivered and people coming in for fittings and leaving with custom tailored suits.  Such a highlight of this trip!  I wish you all could have been with me to see it.  As I walked away it was really interesting hows the street went from the old school tailored clothing on Savile Row to new high fashion and jewelry (Prada, Tiffany, Cartier) on Bond Street just on block apart.

Burlington House

  I hadn't really spent much time in this area yet so I did a bit of street wandering.  I came across a great building called the Burlington house.  You can't see this massive building from the street I just happened to turn my head left at just the right time and spied it through an opening.

Princess Arcade

 Another great random find as I walked back towards the tube was the Arcades.  I kept passing all these little storefront type openings that looked quite similar and all called Arcades but with a different title like Princess arcade or Burlington Arcade.  I thought the area seemed a bit posh for children's arcades but who am I to judge.  My curiosity got the best of me and I popped into one.  It was not an arcade at all.  It was a small hall way that had very tiny shops on either side.  These shops were really only able to hold about 1-2 people at a time.  They were selling everything from beautiful vintage jewelry to suitcases. By the way vintage reproduction hard cases like the ones I used to have all over my apartment are totally in right now!

Tom Cribb Pub

At the end of walking the arcade I stopped into a Pub to rest my weary feet...so much walking!  This pub was probably the most manly one I have been in.  It was named after a bare knuckled boxer from 1805.  There were photos of him all over the pub and stories of his fights.  The bartender had such a thick irish accent I could hardly understand him and by the way he was talking to all the regulars in the bar I am pretty sure he has been a boxing coach at some point.  Once my feet had rested up I headed back to the house to help put the boys to bed.  Once they were snoozing Lauren and I headed out to meet Helly (she helps out at the house in the mornings with George) at The Pigs Ear for my first Pub Quiz. Explanation....a pub quiz is like a trivia game dealing with random knowledge and sometimes you are required to do tasks.  You get into teams to answer them and winners get a prize.  All pubs have one each week and they are kind of a big deal.  Super fun night...The Pigs Ear is a great hidden away cellar pub with the best selection of beer I have seen over here.  I had a cherry bear that was to die for.

Helly...is that a tinfoil Giraffe on your shoulder?

The Quiz was great fun too....Our knowledge of cartoons ( Go Thunder cats) and some great tinfoil crafting won us 3rd place.  Not too bad for my first quiz.
All in all I don't think I could have asked for a better day!

Rain, Rain go away....

This weekend was so full of rain I am completely water logged.  It has been raining for about 5 days straight.  Everyone keeps saying they are in a drought here but I find it hard to believe with how wet and green everything is here.  The guy who delivers our groceries was joking that they already had their week of summer for this year in late March...yes the week I arrived and stole the San Diego sunshine for England.  You are welcome London for your summer.  Back to the rainy weekend.  Saturday I got a surprise me day!  Belinda took the boys to Nanny and Granddads house so I spent the dreary day at home trying to organize the next few bits of my travel purchasing airline tickets, bus tickets and packing.  Leaving some things behind so new things can come with me.  Yoga mats take up a lot of room but I can leave behind some of my cold weather clothing as I am preparing for moving towards warmer weather.
Sunday Belinda had an event to attend so Lauren and I had the boys all day.  Lauren worked an outdoor event the night before so poor girl was chilled to the bone.  She really was so soaked through that her boots and socks had stained her feet.  It was still pouring rain outside, George was in a mello mood and Rudi is always up for some cozy warm time so we all climbed under the big duvet and spent some time warming up and watching cartoons.  Nothing beats a sunday morning in your PJ's snuggled up.

Butterfly Pirate...

Eventually Rudi got restless as most 2 year olds do so we went downstairs for lunch and play.  He found an Angelina Ballerina book with butterfly wings in it that he proceeded to put on and fly through the house.  You gotta love the randomness that comes out of a rainy day stuck in the house.  The book also inspired a bit of dancing...Mostly Rudi saying "Sara's turn...spinning...Like it!!!"  Hey you gotta perform when you have and audience.  Good thing I've got ballet skills in my back pocket I could pull out.  There were no butterfly wings in my size though which was quite unfortunate.
When Belinda arrived home there was a slight break in the rain so we dropped Lauren off at home for a much deserved hot bath and sleep and we took the boys out for a good splashing.  Oh yes, here they suit the kids up in wellies, water proof pants, rain jackets and search out puddles to splash in.  It was awesome!!!  I felt like I was 5 years old again...well a jealous 5 year old because I didn't have wellies to splash with.  It was so fun to watch George and Rudi just shrieking with glee and running from one puddle to the next, jumping full force getting water everywhere.  It was a bit foreign to me though.  I am so used to hearing "oh don't step there...you will get wet" and here it was "Oh look, there's a puddle...race you to splash in it."  Such fun!
After all the splashing, there was baths, dinner and bed for the boys.  Belinda and I settled in with dinner, a glass of wine and our sunday show....Homeland.

or...Butterfly Baby

      During dinner we started our normal review of the week to come and reality sunk in when she said "We should probably start talking to the boys about you leaving."

Can you all hear my heart breaking a little bit!

And so my transition begins.  I have to start telling my darlings, Rudi and George, that I will be gone in 3 days....Wish me Luck!