Our Adventure Across the Pond
We have been home for four days now… we’re settling back into our routine. But, we’re changed. We’ve been to new places…. we’ve spent time with my family…. and the biggest (and best) change – we became God parents*!
With all this change comes the usual sadness of goodbyes. It was extra difficult this time because of my amazing nephew (and God son). Knowing that I won’t see my brother, sis-in-law, and mom for some time is always difficult. I love my family. But, not seeing my nephew for that long is different — he’ll be like a different little person next time I see him in the flesh. That is heartbreaking – knowing we will miss many many milestones and special moments with him. But, such is life… we don’t always get what we want…. but if you try sometimes…. (sorry – I digress) there is always skype, and that will definitely make the distance easier to endure.
Back to our adventure…. we had a wonderful time in both England and Scotland. Although, a terrible cold/flu/virus spread through us all (except my mom) during the trip – claiming my brother for 13 out of 15 days we were there. We drove across the country to Edinburgh…. which made me terribly car sick. Oh, and on the day we left for Bath – I came down with the virus/cold/flu and was violently ill for about and hour and a half before we left (after being up all night trying my damnedest not to be sick).
All of that doom and gloom aside — we made the most of every day and soldiered on, making new memories, getting to know the youngest member of our family, exploring new cities and countries….and then — getting to share in my nephew’s first Christmas! I can’t remember the last Christmas I shared with my brother and my sis-in-law…it has been YEARS!!!! I did share last Christmas with my mom, but getting to share it with all of them together, with my better-half as well — best gift ever!!
*My brother is 12 years older than I am. He’s always been a role model and major influence in my life. He introduced me to photography, I followed his footsteps into computer programming when I left high school… and his other half – whom I call my sis-in-law, because they’ve been together for almost 20 years!!- has been an older sister to me for as long as I can remember. When they gave me (and my hubby) a card from our nephew, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t even get through the whole card before I started bawling….. it was such a special way to ask us to be his Guardians. Being asked by my big brother and sister to be the God parents of their first born son was surreal…. knowing that they think highly enough of us to trust us with this responsibility was (and is) such an honor. I still get emotional when I think about it.
The Marble Arch
The River Thames
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge
Borough Market, in London
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
View from the London Eye
The London Eye
Big Ben
Bath
Roman Baths
Roman Baths
Stonehenge
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
View of Edinburgh from the Castle
Tea in the Edinburgh Castle
Tea (and cake) in the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
The Beatles Story – in Liverpool
Albert Dock, Liverpool
Stevenage, England
**** Hubby also went to a premier league soccer/football game in Liverpool at Goodison Park. He saw Everton (his fav team) play Chelsea. We also did a tour of Charles Dickens’ house and then the Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol walking tour through London. Also, on our way back from Liverpool we stopped in Bradford to spend some time with my mom’s cousin. On our last (full) day we took a walk to the local pub and had a pub lunch and some drinks.
Absolutely stunning photos. I hope you had a great time in England – thanks so much for sharing and inspiring!
- Jonathan I http://styleoverstress.wordpress.com
Why thank you!!
Sounds like a great trip! Too bad everybody was sick though. Love the pictures!
Thanks!!! Yeah – it was disappointing… but we still had a great time!
really cool pics. your brother was clearly a good teacher. and those pics made me miss the UK
i also love the humility in your writing. keep it up.