London

The rest of my week was spent in London, hanging out with these precious girls-

They are so sweet and I had the best time just being a part of their daily life.   We played church, put on shows, read stories and colored pictures.

We also did a little bit of sightseeing.  One morning we took the tube to Westminster and took a boat ride down the Thames.

Another morning we made Easter "helmets" as Elliott called them (she meant bonnets- ha!) and the big girls searched for eggs in the garden.

I am so thankful for these relationships and the opportunity to be part of such an amazing family!

The Cotswolds Part 2

For our second day in the Cotswolds, we rented bikes.  Biking is such a great way to explore because you get to cover ground quickly.  So much so that we actually rode over twenty miles that day!  

The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the scenery was beautiful once again.  The man that rented us our bikes made a comment about the only hill being at the beginning of the ride.....I'm not sure what his definition of hills are, but the ride turned out to be quite hilly.   

I love this picture of this old church and the red phone booth-  such a juxtaposition!

We stopped in Morton-on-Marsh to gather our picnic lunch that consisted of a baguette, cheese, and nutella- of course.  Cait was loaded down with the goods.   We stopped in a beautiful field for lunch and a quick nap in the grass!  Such a fun way to spend the day!

The Cotswolds Part 1

I was blessed to be able to spend my spring break in London with our family that lives there.  I know, I still can't believe it either!  My sister-in-law, Cait planned an overnight trip for us while I was there to the Cotswolds- Chipping Campden more specifically.  It looks exactly like you would picture the English countryside to look- complete with thatched roofs and sheep.  It was like we had stepped back in time- everything was so well preserved and perfectly quaint.  

There are public footpaths that cover the whole area.  We hiked along these trails the better part of our first day, stopping in a pub for some classic British cuisine.  The footpaths cut through private property and pastures so we were walking right by sheep hanging out in the fields. 

After our five mile walk we treated ourselves to afternoon tea and scones-  I can see why the British love their tea so much.  It's a great way to spend your afternoon!

Cait, Chris and I got a little carried away while we were ordering and ended up with these treats too-

We ended our first day with a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset-  it doesn't get much better!

Laurie and Pat

Congratulations to my sweet sister Laurie and Pat who are engaged!!  We couldn't be happier for them!  They are a perfect pair. 

Laurie and Pat first met in middle school.  The first time she ever saw him she told her friend "I'm going to marry that boy!"  While they "went out" in middle school, they didn't start seriously dating until then end of high school, but they have been dating ever since!  

Pat decided to propose in the middle school where they met.  He made up a reason to convince her to go there and then popped the question!  

Nick and I drove to Greensboro Friday so we could surprise the newly engaged couple.  Pat's parents had some family and a few close friends over to celebrate.   We had such a blast and we are so excited about all the good times we have ahead.   Welcome to the family, Pat!

Here are more pictures from the night-

'