Day 340: Family + Sun + BBQ = Life is Good

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

The sun was shining and it was so gorgeous out today in London. Nate and Becky have this fabulous roof deck and we sat outside nearly all day and soaked it all in. Her family came to join us and we all enjoyed being together.

Becky is an amazing hostess and planned and organised a wonderful BBQ for us. I loved watching Juliana work with her auntie, cutting fruit to make a fruit salad and slicing the bread and making a tomato and basil salad. Seeing them work together made me aware how grown up my little girl is becoming, and watching them bond together reminded me of the importance of family and how much I miss them.

There was so much food and everyone was so content just being outside, that it was a double BBQ kinda day. Jeff and Nate grilled twice and we never wanted to go in. We celebrated CJs birthday and Ant and Emma’s anniversary and Nate and Becky’s new place. Some people went for a walk around the marina and others went to the local pubs for a few pints, and Charlie fought his fever again all day. All in all it was a wonderful day of togetherness. I am thankful.

30Jun2013

Day 339: Staycation on Vacation

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

I believe in accepting what ever comes your way, and even when you have a plan, expect the plan to change. This way you’re never really disappointed.
As we were leaving for London yesterday, Charlie said he wasn’t feeling well. I was wishfully thinking he was just overtired. But today the thermometer and the feel of his skin and his watery eyes told me otherwise.

So instead of touring around London as expected, I got to spend a relaxing day with my little boy sitting on the couch and watching a movie, playing Connect Four and just being a mama. When he fell asleep, I got to enjoy Nate and Becky’s beautiful roof top terrace and sat in the sun with my book and Becky’s iPad. There isn’t wifi here, so I’m unable to use my iPhone or iPad as usual, and thus cannot post pictures from the events this weekend unless I use Becky’s iPad to take photos or leverage some from Facebook!

When everyone else came back, they all joined me on the terrace, including Charlie for some snacks and a family game of Pictionary.

We had tickets for the theatre tonight and Jeff graciously volunteered to stay home with Charlie. Poor kid. It was so sad to leave him behind when he really wanted to go, but his fever had other plans. The theatre district in London includes several different theatres in a general vicinity. Juliana and I went to see Mathilda and Nate, Becky and Christian went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as we couldn’t get enough tickets for Mathilda, and Becky was able to find tickets for the other show at the same time for everyone else. Both shows were fantastic and we enjoyed the evening at the theatre. The weather is warm, like California and I loved being outside tonight. I’m hoping Charlie feels better tomorrow and his fever breaks so that we can enjoy Sunday,all together as a family.

How was your day? Did things go as planned? Hope it was a good one. xx

9Sep2012

Day 45: London

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

We couldn’t have asked for better weather in London. The last time we were here the weather was great too – we like to think the sun is following us from California, like we have something to do with it!!

Nate and Becky and Winston have a beautiful home overlooking the water and have made us feel so welcome. They also are great planners and tour guides and took us through the city, showing us just a few highlights for our short weekend. We took the Underground Tube, went to Hamley’s, stopped by Buckingham Palace, walked by the Tower of London, shopped at Liberty and sat on the terrace watching people walk by. We’ll definitely come back for a longer stay where we can be more touristy – but this trip was mainly to spend time with our family. Becky’s brother, Anthony and his girlfriend Emma, joined us for dinner, later in the day. I love how our families are integrating – the last time we were all together was last year at the BIG wedding. Seeing Charlie get a piggy back ride on the back of Anthony’s back made me smile… he has a new ‘Uncle’! Can’t wait for them all to come to Amsterdam next month!
Charlie and Winston on the Terrace.