A fairytale holiday….

Have you ever had one of those moments where you have to have to keep pinching yourself because you feel like you might be dreaming?  Let's just say there might be some bruising on my arm from all the pinching I had to do on this amazing holiday I went on.  Even as I get ready to write this I can't help but smile remembering all the moments….each better then the last.  Oh, I guess before I tell you the story I should at least give you a brief introduction to what I am about to describe…in short this adventure includes football (not american) skiing, after ski partys, bogganing (I will explain later) and a dog.  It began with a early morning plane flight to Munich with 3

Flying into Germany

amazing children and their wonderful mom.  All I have to say is thank God for these 3 fantastic little travelers.  They had packed their trunki's with games and books the night before, woke up early, had breakfast with out a fuss and we all headed out the door on time with everything we needed for a week of skiing.  In my book that was a huge success, also if it was any indication of how the day would go I was ready for it….bring on the travel.  Check in was easy, flight was a bit delayed but these creative kids had no problem finding games to play, or things to look at to keep themselves happy.  There was some serious games of Sequence played...thank you Torres family for introducing me to this game.  Once we were on the plane it was

Proper football match…Go 1860!!!

smooth sailing.  Arrival and luggage was a breeze and Michael and his parents were there to pick us up.  We all piled in the car and headed off for the first part of the trip which I was super excited about….My first proper football match!  Michael had tickets to the game so we all went and got to watch 1860 (the team of choice in this household) play.  It was such a good time.  The stadium was huge and the fans were great.  It was quite fun watching.  I love anything live and football is no exception.  I am amazed at the footwork this guys have.  Pinch number one for me….something I have wanted to do since my first time over here

View from my room…just like page in a storybook. 

finally checked off the list.  After the match we all piled in the car and took off for the ski resort in Austria.  Another first for me since I have never been to Austria.  The drive was beautiful.  Winding our way through little villages felt like flipping the pages of storybooks.  When we finally arrived at our hotel I was just in awe.  All I could do was smile and say "Are you kidding me…is this place for real?"  The kids were laughing and saying "What Sara…this is skiing?"  Totally just a normal sight for them but completely amazing for me.  Pinch me again because there is no way I am really getting to do this!  We checked into the hotel and

Early risers checking out the morning view.

settled into our rooms.  The kids and I had an amazing room with a beautiful view…and lets not forget to mention the jacuzzi tub in my bedroom.  Heaven on Earth.  Let the holiday begin!  The first morning all three kiddos woke early very excited.  The came into my room, pulled back the curtains and said "Were going skiing there!"  There morning was a blur of breakfast, bindings and babies (or little kids) on skis.  Mimi was off like a pro with her parents, Luis headed to ski school and Olivia very cautiously attended her first ski class.  I dropped her off and she  seemed ok but then she wasn't.  When I came back to get her she had fallen asleep in a big inter tube…I guess it's hard work just

Ski baby…first time!

  wearing all the ski clothing and trying to walk in the boots. We got her to go to the class and try again the next day but the group lessons just were not her thing.  She loved trying out her skis with us though.  The most amazing part about our hotel was the ski in ski out factor.  We could basically skip up to the gate of our hotel, pop our skis off and go inside.  It was amazing.  This also made it easy for us to use the small hill in front of the hotel to practice with Olivia.  The second best part was that it was a kinder hotel.  That means kinder care all day.  Amazing!!!  Once Olivia chose not to ski in ski school she went in Kinder care and I got to rent some skis and throw myself down the hill.  Just to clarify here…I have not been on skis in at least 20 years if not more.  I have attempted snowboarding over the last few years (painful and embarrassing memories) but not skiing.  I wasn't sure if it would come right back but was hoping it would.  Michael and Maxime took me on the slope the first time and were excellent teachers.  After my first couple of runs I felt like I was getting it back and it would be great.  I spent one whole day (after dropping kiddos at their classes) just doing

Proof I was back on skis….loved every minute.

run after run after run until I felt like I was finally comfortable on my skis.  Everytime I was up at the top was a pinch me moment…couldn't believe this was what I was getting to do.  Never would have done it on my own but now that I have can't wait to do it again. I also had some time on the other days to ski with Michael, Diana, and Maxime (once I got a bit better).  I loved skiing with Mimi (Maxime) and letting her be my teacher.  She was really great at it.  I would really crack up when I would hear my words that I say to her all the time coming back at my while she was teaching me.  I think my favorite was " Come on little

After Ski Party…like nothing I have experienced!

monkey you can do it!"  She was so patient with me though and really did a great job explaining what I needed to do and why.  Between her explanations and Michaels exercises I had to practice I was improving minute by minute and really starting to fall in love with the slopes.  Now as the day on the slopes draws to a close the time in the after ski area begins.  I have heard about these ski parties but never experienced them.  Man have I been missing out for all these years.  You basically ski up, pop of your skis, grab a stool if you can find one, get a drink and the ski party begins.  There is a DJ playing music (all sorts of different

It's hard work building a snowman

   languages...dutch, german etc…) and people are just having a great time.  The ski instructors are the best to watch.  These 20 somethings are here to teach during the day and party all night.  They were literally still in ski boots, pushing tables together, hopping on top of them and dancing like no one was watching.  Oh to be 20  again…just kidding…no thank you!  The evenings were just as fun as the days.  I have to say one of my favorite comments of the week was by Luis.  One afternoon after I had picked him up from ski school he grabbed my hand, looked up at me and said " Sara, let's go get a drink!"  Yes please Luis…have I mentioned that I adore this kid.  He just cracks me up.  We proceeded to go meet his parents where he got a hot chocolate, I got a Gluhwein (amazing by the way)  and we did some dance moves together.  Pinch me again…this can't be real.  The trip flew by way to fast.  We skied, built snowmen, went bogganing (luis's version of tobogganing) , drank wine, took in amazing views, met some new friends and just enjoyed every minute.  I seriously could go on and on about every tiny detail about everyday of this

Early ski morning = pure joy!

trip but I will leave you with one last story.  Above I mentioned a dog and here is the story to go with it.  The hotel we were in had a lovely dog called Hexi who was kinda like the hotel mascot.  All the kids loved Hexi and would pet her and love her.  Well all except Luis. He has a bit of a fear of dogs and will run miles out of the way to not be near them so this dog who was right in his path to get to the stairs to get to his room was a problem.  Upon our arrival and realizing there was this dog Luis and I had a chat about it and he told me "Sara, I will pet Hexi at the end of the week." Each day he seemed to get a bit more comfortable with this dog being closer and closer into his space.  There were no more tears if it was close and just a small hop out of the way.  On the morning we were checking out Maxime and Olivia were saying good by to Hexi and the next thing I knew Luis was walking over to the dog and petting her on the back.  Diana and I were floored and started snapping photos and videos.  Such a huge moment!  Hexi was the turing point for Luis with dogs and he now isn't really bothered by them.  He still doesn't want to hang out with them but there isn't that fear there.  Thank you Hexi!  And on that note I will leave you…the most amazing holiday….can't wait for next year!

Spain has begun….

After 24 hours (literally no exaggeration) of travel I land back on the island of Mallorca and hit the ground running.  School run to pick up the kids, with some help from a friendly driver since after basically no sleep in 2 days I was not fit to drive, and back home to hang out.  It was great to be reunited with this lovely family and dive right back into life here.  At this point I will pause for a moment of truth about the passing of 2 months between my blog posts.  Since returning I have felt at home but also unsure of how to really communicate the feeling in a way that makes sense.  It has been the hardest of all the blogs to write.  Today I literally had to force myself to sit down and just type to see what came out.  I believe there are a few factors that are playing into my difficulties and confusion, first I have been trying to integrate into life here and come up with a schedule and routine.  That has been happening

Flying away to a new start

slowly and I love all the parts of it but getting into a routine of everyday life is very different then the life I have been living for the past couple of years.  The reality of that lead me to be a bit disappointed thinking that my days as a jet setter were behind me and I would no longer have amazing and interesting things to write.  The domino effect of these thoughts continued and the blog got left to the side until I could work it all out.  I am not saying that by writing this blog I have figured it all out but, I am realizing that I was allowing myself to close my eyes to what was around me by putting on the daily life blinders.  The last weeks or so the blinders are slowly pulling back and I am pushing to find the experiences in everyday life that will continue to make this journey a true adventure still.  In a way I suppose this is a new start to my incredible new life over here in beautiful Spain.  With all that said let me try and catch you up on what has been going on around this place.  Like I mentioned travel was great…thanks for all the prayers!  We were all excited to see each other.  Papa noel left a gift for me which the kids were very excited to pass along.  It was the perfect thing for

Good fun or a law suit waiting to happen?

me too…a new padel bag so I now look legit when I show up for my games each day.  I passed along some little things to the kiddos also…Christmas in January is always fun.
Now remember how I was saying I wanted to try and find bits of adventure in everyday life…well here is one.  Large mobile stuffed animals that kids can ride and drive.  I have never been more anxious and scared for the well being of everyone in a 15ft radios in all my life. Here is how it works…you place your small child on top of the animal of their choice, pop in a couple of euros and they are off when they press the gas pedal.  Yep that's right there is a gas pedal.  Let me tell you these things can move too.  I had to do a very quick walk/run to keep up.  Forget about being able to warn un suspecting shoppers that a pink donkey is about to run them down…just pray your kid can release the pedal in time.  Parents..how many of your kids would be able to do that?  It was like nothing I had ever seen before.  I was laughing and

My 90 minutes of hot sweaty bliss.

crying and shouting warnings the entire time.  10 minutes felt like an eternity and I was grateful the only casualty when it was over was my heel being slammed into by a short stop of the pink donkey.  Everyday life adventure…not the same as a tour of a castle but man it was funny.
One really great thing about being back here also is my lifestyle.  The family here is super sporty which I love and we encourage each other to stay fit and try new stuff.  I have gotten back into my yoga routine here which has been amazing for me.  I know it sounds silly but it really just brings me peace.  I talked Diana and Michel into trying it too.  Diana went with me the other day.  It is so fun to have people to share the things I love with.  I am still heavy into the padel playing. It has got a bit competitive here in the household too.  We have a chart where we have to write down our wins

My little skipper

and losses each day.  Nothing like a little accountability to make you concentrate more.  The kids also do their fare share of sport but the most recent one to really get going in the house is a bit of rope skipping.  Most of you know all about my passion for the sport so I am passing it on.  Maxime has really taken to it.  She is the same age I was when I started jumping.  It is such fun watching her get better and better right before my eyes.  We have started the same competition that my Dad did with me when I started. He stuck a 5 dollar bill up on our cork board and said when you can do 500 jumps in a row it's yours.  I am doing the same with Maxime (except euros of course)  So far she is up to 79 but is determined.  In just one weekend she went from only being able to do double bounces to getting over 50 single bounces in a row.  Those of you who jump or have attempted it know that is a big deal.  I am so proud of her and her determination.  She is such a little super star.  Can't wait till we can start doing our work outs together.  I have a feeling it won't be long.
In the midst of all this getting fit and running down

Relaxing and studying/sketching

shoppers in the mall I am also trying to learn languages.  Yep that's right I said languages.  There are 2 additional ones spoken here in the house besides english.  The first on my priority list is Spanish.  I have enrolled in a class at the kids school.  Don't worry it's an adult one I am not crashing the kindergarden spanish course, although that wouldn't be such a bad plan either. It is going to be really helpful plus Maxime has now declared one day a week spanish only day.  We shall see how that works out.  I am also attempting to learn as much German as I can since they also speak that.  Now German is going to be really tricky to speak however I am starting to understand.   It is actually kinda scary how the brain works.  With out me even realizing my brain is understanding.  I have found my self answering questions that are being asked in German.  I answer in English of course but I truly don't know how I understood.  I guess I am proof that just being immersed in a language can provide understanding without much effort.  Of course I am going to really have to put work in to get to a true working level with the language but I think I am off to a good start.  In between

Love, innocence, pure joy….Life!

 languages I also have begun to form a concept for a small collection of designs and the sketching has begun.  I am excited to spend a bit more time on it this coming month and maybe get a few pieces completed.
All in all life is good.  I am happy, healthy and enjoying all that has been placed before me.  I am learning how to create an new life here while pulling pieces from my old life back in to create a balanced level of comfort and challenge.
Next to my bed I have my favorite childhood photo of my brother and I.  I look at it each night when I turn out my light and it makes me smile.  My little piece of home and a great reminder of love, innocence and pure joy.  All things I strive to maintain but can be lost when we put our blinders on.

Home for the Holidays...

I must first start by apologizing for this long overdue entry.  I think my excuse is pretty good though…Here it is, hope you agree…I only had one month to pack in everything, family, friends, and holiday fun.  I didn't want to miss a minute so the blog took a back seat.  I hope you all can understand and never fear I am back in action again and will try not to keep you waiting that long again.
Now where to begin…let's go back to one month ago.  This weary traveler rolled off an airplane after 24 hours of travel having had very little sleep and a bit (or more then a bit) of international airplane wine right into the car of my dearest friend and promptly started crying.  Might have been due to the lack of sleep or the airplane wine but I like to think it was mostly due to the fact that I was home.  Completely overwhelmed and ecstatic to be back, we went home and chatted for a bit but by 9:30 I was crashed out and completely grateful for sleep.  The next morning  I was greeted buy a sweet little man who was quite happy to have found me on his couch.  I never get tired of seeing Greyson's sweet smile.  It

Christmas Collective

can even make 6:30 am seem ok…well most of the time it can.  We started off the holiday season that morning with my home church's Christmas Concert.  I was so happy I had made it home in time to get to attend even though I was most certainly jet lagged.  It was a beautiful performance.  I was able to see tons of people I wanted to make sure I saw while I was home all in one.  It was certainly all a bit overwhelming for me since I had not even been home 24hours but it was definitely worth it.  I also got to share this bit of home with my good friend from France, Alberto, who happened

Clayton's Diner + Doughnuts = best date ever!

to be in town for work.  It was such a treat to get to share a bit of my home life with one of my European friends.  I feel like the rest of my days were filled with dates with friends.  I had such a short amount of time and I wanted to try and get to see everyone.  I am such a one on one quality time junkie that it was quite difficult for me to rush any of my time with people but I had to so I could see everyone.  Thank goodness I have gotten better at being strategic otherwise I am not sure I could have packed everything that I wanted to in the 2 and a half weeks that I was I San Diego.  I am so thankful that I was able to see as many people as I did and share in so many special moments along the way.  The holidays are such a fun time of year but they are also so busy and I am

Story time with Santa!

grateful that everyone was able to make time or allow me to tag along on family events to spend time with them.  It was such fun watching some of my favorite kiddos get photos with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.  Walking around the Hotel del with my best friend drinking warm cocktails, taking in the lights and laughing at the people trying to ice skate on the mini ice rink.  Going on the best date ever at Clayton's diner and eating "hole doughnuts" (AKA doughnut holes), and so many other things it would take me multiple blogs to list.  I really enjoyed just being in a place with people who I have known and loved for years.  The kind of people you can sit in a room with in companionable silence because you choose to not because you have run out of things to talk about.  It was lovely having my phone ring because a friend had 45 free minutes and wanted to grab a quick glass of wine, or sitting on the couch talking late into the night with someone I didn't think I would get to see.  All these moments plus many more made my trip back to San Diego so wonderful and filled my heart up with joy.  As most of you know I am from a town up in Northern California.  My parents still live there so that was where I headed on Christmas morning.  After watching a wide eyed

Love my family!!!

Greyson get his christmas present from Santa Priscilla drove me to the airport so I could spend some time with my family.  My brother and sister in law were going to be home too which was such a treat.  It was a bit strange for me traveling on Christmas day.  This is the first time in my life that I did not wake up in my home with my parents.  I suppose as we get older and life takes us different directions all these traditions we have had change to make room for new traditions.  Transitions are always a bit uncomfortable for me but I have learned along the way that sometimes the new can be just as good as the old…different usually

New Years Sparkle Party

isn't a bad thing.  Christmas came and went really quickly.  Before I knew it New Years was knocking at the door.  This year we took a new approach to ringing it in….we did it at noon.  Ok, let me explain.  My mom has a lovely group of Senior friends who she visits weekly.  She has been talking about having them over to her house for lunch for quite sometime.  Well, the ladies all had received new sparkly shirts for christmas and were looking for and excuse to wear them…what better excuse then a "New Years Sparkle Lunch".  Out came the party hats, tiaras and noise makers.  It was such a fun lunch and we toasted the

Home town beauty!

New Year at noon.  My mom is such an inspiration to me when I see her put together things like this.  It took just a bit of effort on her part to provide an afternoon of joy that these ladies are still talking about.  We all should take a moment and think of one small thing we can do to provide joy for someone else.  Maybe it's a quick phone call to say hello to a friend, or dropping a card in the mail to a person you think of often but don't reach out to.  Maybe it is something as simple as complimenting a stranger on their outfit.  We don't realize how much these small gestures effect people until we watch it from the outside.  I am thankful my mom is a daily example of doing small things that have a huge impact.  I hope in the coming year I can give a bit more of myself to bring joy to others.  As the new year began my time here was getting close to ending.  The next few days were spent cleaning, organizing and going through my things so I could pack up to head back to Spain.  Once my suitcases were packed it was off to the airport to begin my travels again.  I had a quick overnight in San Diego which was so bitter sweet.  I spent the afternoon walking the coronado bay with a good friend then the evening I was surrounded by some of the people I hold most dear to my heart.  It was the best last night I could have asked for.  It was not a going away party because I am no longer allowed to have those…apparently I have reach my quota…it was just a great night with great friends.  Such a wonderful reminder of the community I have and how distance can just make the true friendships stronger.  As I boarded the plane that next morning (6:45 am) I was sad to leave but ready to go back to the family I now have in Spain.  Can't wait to see what this new year has in store!  

Holiday sprit continues in Spain…...

My last week in Spain was filled with fun and the holiday spirit.  The kiddos had the christmas songs almost memorized and we had our favorites that we liked to sing together each morning on the way to school.  Everyone was really starting to get excited about the up coming holidays and what they would bring.  My days were really full and I think I was the busiest that I have been while there. Between my regular time with the kids, playing padel, and preparing for my trip home I had a full calendar.  Michael was traveling for most of the week so Diana and I were working out a schedule that would make everything that we wanted to happen.  This sometimes involved switching cars and kids or random drop offs and pick ups but we were making it all happen smoothly.  I was even able to get in a couple of yoga classes.  Getting back into Bikram Yoga has been really great for me too.  There is something so purifying about it….it really helps me reset a little.  So even though the week was busy it was great too.  To be honest it flew by really quickly.  I am going to do a week in photos for you guys to highlight it all…..

Cold and Sunny Day

When our tennis lessons got cancelled do to the rain we made the most of the sunshine and walked along the Sea.

Maxime enjoying the view

Maxime was just taking in all the beautiful views and checking out all the boats…..Love this beautiful girl.

Never a dull moment

Life is just silly and fun with these 3 monkeys hanging on me.

Street lights glisten... 

All the city streets had different versions of these hanging above.  These are the ones I drove under each night to go home.  They had been up for weeks and we had been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for them to turn on.

Christmas in Placea Mayor

Christmas Market in the center of town.

Don't worry…he is a professional 

Maxime and Diana did some shopping and Luis protected us as we walked through the market.

Yep…this happened.

I took one for the team and rode the kiddy carousel.  Spinning in circles is not something I do well but I survived.  The kids loved it.

Papa Noel….In the house.

I think this was the best christmas moment I have had so far.  In Germany Papa Noel comes and leaves stockings for the kids on December 6th.  Since the family is German they still celebrate this tradition even though they are living in Spain.  This year Papa Noel didn't leave stockings in the morning and Maxime was beside herself.  She said "Sara…we forgot to leave out the stockings so he didn't come"  Little did they know they had a huge surprise coming.  Around lunch time jingle bells could be heard coming up the stairs and then Papa Noel appeared.  The looks on the kids faces were priceless.  Maxime shyly talked with him (in Spanish), Luis sat really close to Dad but was interested in what was going on.  He just needed to work up the courage to walk over.  Olivia basically climbed up me and was holding on for dear life….she did finally go over to get her stocking but very cautiously.  It was such a special moment to be a part of.  Truth…I was kinda jealous that Santa never made an actual appearance at my house when I was little.



As the hours slipped away and the time for me to leave was getting closer and closer I was not sure exactly how I was feeling.  Even though I was leaving it wasn't the end but really just a new beginning.  Coming home this time is different then last year because it is only a visit.  My new home will be in Mallorca come January 7th.  I am really looking forward to my month at home but also excited about this great new chapter that will be starting with the new year.

Happy Holidays…from London with Love

Welcome Christmas….The weather has officially turned now into crisp mornings where you want to just stay snuggled under the duvet.  It is a welcome change though from all the sunshine.  It really makes it feel like the holidays are beginning.  As if Spain wasn't cold enough for me I decided I needed to venture out to colder climates and hop on over to London for a quick trip.  As always my trips fly by too quickly but every minute of it was packed with fun, friends and holiday cheer.  I took an early flight on a sunday with the hope of having the whole day there….that did not end up being the case.  Once again crossing into the UK was a trial and took forever.  I happened to arrive at the same time as a flight filled with groups of teachers coming over.  You would think that would make it quick…the whole group with one person and stamp away.  Nope…each one went

Harrods designer windows

separate and had piles of paper work that had to be gone through.  I think I waited about 2 hours just to get through the line.  The good thing was by the time I got up there they were so happy just to see a normal tourist with a passport they just stamped me through with only the basic questions.  Silver lining I guess.  So, after cab, airplane, bus, tube and bus again I unlocked the door to Lauren's place and felt like I was home again.  Since I arrived a bit late I changed quickly and headed out to meet Helly at the ballet.  Now this wasn't just any old ballet show this was a performance by the Ballet Boyz.  They are the ballet company that Michael Nunn (dad of the family I have worked with in London) co-founded.  I have heard all about them and seen a rehearsal but this was my first time seeing them perform.  I was so excited to see them and also so glad Helly was with me.  When the lights went down and the boys came out I was not disappointed at all.  They were beautiful, powerful, and amazing.  I couldn't take my eyes off it the whole time and wanted more when it ended.  It was like nothing I had ever seen before.  Please check out the website balletboyz.com and if you get the chance go see them.  They are beyond

Christmas Market Hyde Park….German cookies.

talented!!!  Helly and I had a nice catch up too that night during the intermission.  So lovely to see her and hear all about her new teaching job and becoming a home owner in London.  The next day was pretty much friend day.  I bussed and tubed it around town seeing everyone.  Bella and Rudi were my first stop.  As always Rudi was lovely and chatty.  After our initial hello there was a few moments of silence where he was having a little think then he just turned and said " I love you Sara".  I tell you, kids can just melt your heart sometimes.  After a quick cup of tea and whirlwind chat with Bella I was off to South Kensington to have lunch with Polly.  It is always a treat to see this girl.  She is one of the most genuine, honest caring people I know.  She is the type of person you would trust with anything and can always have an amazing time with.  I am so lucky to have her in my life.  Our lunch was comfort food and conversation which on this cold day was perfect.  As our fish pie and chili were finished Polly headed to work and I went back to East Sheen for my next stop to visit Anja, Lilly and Lara (friends of Michel and Diana who I have adopted as my friends too).  We spent a lovely evening sharing a

Hyde Park Ice Rink

glass of wine while being entertained by the girls.  Lara had some really sweet new Disco dance moves which had us all cracking up.  I was sent home that night with some beautiful drawings from the girls and a heart filled with love.  As I headed back to meet up with Lauren I was overflowing with joy.  I was in my favorite town, getting to spend time with so many beautiful friends…it doesn't get much better.  I really, truly feel so blessed.  The next day I was on my own all day but had a plan.  That plan was to pack in as much Christmas as I could into one day.  I hit the ground running in the morning with my first stop at

Santa stops here….for a drink

Harrods.  In all my times there I have never stopped in.  I was told the designer windows were lovely and they truly were.  I did a quick walk through, looking at all the items I could not even afford to look at, and watching the Harrods doormen dressed in green carrying out bags and boxes for other customers.  It was a bit like in the movies where the very rich lady walks in front of the man carrying more then he should humanly be able to.  After my commercial Christmas moment I headed into what I hoped would be a bit more traditional christmas stuff in Hyde Park.  Arriving there and walking under a carnival style sign to enter I knew it was not going to be exactly what I wanted but figured I'd give it a go.  The first bit was pretty good.  There were lines of cabin style booths with all sorts of crafts and goodies.  Then there were German beer gardens with mulled wine also and of course there was an ice skating rink.  It is always fun to watch people trying to be cute and romantic on these while getting bumped and knocked into by the kids who are attempting to stay upright.  My most important find in this carnival style christmas was Santa's Pub.  In case you ever wanted to saddle up to a tree shaped bar table and share a pint

Christmas…South Bank Style

with jolly old St. Nick you now know where to go.  After all my walking I popped into my favorite Westminster pub (St Stephens) and gave my feet a rest.  While I relaxed and read my book I all of a sudden was struck by the fact that all the people sitting around me in this pub were speaking Spanish.  I had to laugh (on the inside of course) because one thing I was excited about being in London was to be surrounded by English (with that lovely accent) again and here I was in a English pub hearing nothing but Spanish.  Just another moment of comedy for me in my crazy adventure.  Back to the christmas day…with rested feet I

walked across the bridge to the South Bank Christmas Market.  Here I found my christmas moment.  It was gorgeous.  Lines of shops along the water selling everything.  Tasty mulled wine (which is now my favorite holiday drink), bright lights and holiday music playing.  Everyone was in scarves, hats and gloves but the weather was just right for this glorious night….plus a couple glasses of mulled wine and you are toasty anyway.  I wandered around taking pictures and just stopping and taking it all in.  It was beautiful and I didn't want to leave however I had to because my night had another stop…dinner in Richmond with 3 great

Many good times have been here….and more to come!

ladies.  We met up at the Pig's Ears which has been the location of many amazing nights from tin foil giraffes in a pub quiz to making friends from across the room.  This spot is dear to my heart and always a great place to begin an evening.  Dinner was also lovely at a new restaurant in town but the best part about the night was the company.  Helly, Lauren, Claire and I chatted, drank and ate having a great time.  It is so interesting how people come together.  We all met by chance because we worked helping the same family but yet have become great friends through the process.  I sometimes think back to that moment of accepting the job in

Two of the best ladies (Helly and Lauren)….Lucky to know them!

London.  I had no idea how much my life would be changed by it.  Of course I knew I would have a great time but never expected to find friends who have become family.  I have heard people (including myself) many times say that their inner circle of close friends is full and they just don't have room for more.  I now don't believe that can ever be true.  You just have to open your heart a little wider.  I look at these people who are now in my life because of these experiences and I can't imagine my life with out them.  I am so grateful to have started out my holidays here and am looking forward to this coming Christmas season.

Happy Holidays from London with Love!

Broken Spanish, a toad and winter…..

So I have to admit I have struggled trying to get this blog started.  I feel like my life has become quite routine and not the crazy, exciting jet setting one it has been.  Every time I have sat down to write I think…Man this entry is going to be boring.  Today I finally realized that it isn't boring it is just real life now.  Not that the other stuff wasn't but it wasn't normal everyday stuff like this bit is.  I was also reminded by a good friend that these entries are just as good…they show that sometimes in the middle of a amazing adventure you need a bit of normal life too.  This lovely house I am staying in feels like my home and I am completely comfortable in it.  This amazing family makes me feel loved and a part of their daily life even when I am not working and I am finding my way more and more each day.  I am having to push myself

Home is where your heart is…mines here now.

out of my comfort zone with the language but I am feeling more and more confident.  This morning I think for the first time I felt like I had an actual, kind of, conversation with a group of ladies and felt like I was able to communicate beyond Hola, Que Tal (translation: Hello, How are you?)  and it felt amazing.  We got rained out of our padel match so we all walked over to a cafe to have a coffee and see if we could find another court.  I thought all the ladies spoke no english at all but as our conversation progressed I found out that 2 of them spoke english the way I speak Spanish (if not better) but they were nervous to use it.  It was in that moment that

The sun has set on summer…winter is here! 

I decided I needed to just use whatever Spanish I had regardless of how broken or grammatically incorrect it was so they felt comfortable to try out their english.  It worked out quite well.  I understand quite a bit, especially when I asked them to speak a bit more slowly and once I set my pride to the side and spoke my broken spanish an actual conversation was happening.  Before I knew it I was finding out about these ladies and they were asking me about myself.  There was even a moment where they were talking about a funny moment in spanish and I laughed at the same time as they did because I fully understood.  I know this may not seem like a big deal but it really was for me.  Just imagine weeks of not being able to be a part of normal daily conversations then have this moment where it feels like you are a part.  I think also this moment was so unique because these were 3 ladies who I don't really even know.  One I have played with 2 times but never said more then a couple words to.  To sit around the table with them at cafe and leave after an hour and a half knowing more about them then when we sat down and having found it all out by mostly using Spanish was a pivotal moment for me.  It made me realize

My flat mate…well he's trying to move in.

that even though my daily life has become routine it is definitely still a crazy adventure….just a bit different then it has been.   My pride is now definitely to the side and the broken Spanish is coming out more now. Flashcards are my new best friend.   Speaking of best friends I also have one who has been trying to move into my little flat.  He is quite small and wouldn't take up too much room but I still don't want to live with him.  I have this large toad who is on my doorstep almost every night (mornings too sometimes) trying to get in.  I am always so scared I am going to step on him.  So far I haven't and fingers crossed I never will.  I am pretty sure that as my mom, and maybe some of my friends, are reading this they have come up with the theory that he is my handsome prince in toad form however sorry guys I am not to the point of walking around and kissing actual toads yet to find my prince….just still kissing the human version of toads in my search.
One major change here that seemed to happen over

Wall of Love

night was the seasons.  It is now officially winter and I don't feel prepared.   It's is cold and I don't have enough cozy clothing.  Oh shoot…might have to do some shopping.  The cold and rain has meant we have spent more time inside which has led to lots of artwork which in turn has created my beautiful wall of love.  I can't tell you how loved these kids make me feel.  Luis is always drawing pictures of me, and Maxime is writing me beautiful cards.  I even have received my first christmas card of the season from her telling me how wonderful I am, that she loves me and that she hopes I have a lovely christmas.  Now I know

Love these little monkeys!

some of you might say well it is before thanksgiving, how can you be doing christmas stuff yet.  Well guess what guys…no Thanksgiving over here so that rule doesn't apply.  Made my first christmas playlist last week  and the kids and I have been singing Christmas carols at the top of our lungs in the car.  It has been amazing!!!  I can't believe my time here will be ending is just 2 weeks.  Seems like I just arrived….as they say time flies when you are having fun and I most certainly am!