Tuesday, May 14, 2013

A Guernsey Goodbye

I don't think we can truly put into words what this experience has been like for us- a chance to grow as a couple, to start completely over, to meet friends from all over the world, to work in international surroundings and to travel like there is no tomorrow.  We didn't think that it could possibly be this perfect- that I would find a job which I would love, that Josh would work in an office with his best friends, that we would meet peers and mentors who would change the way we view and perceive things and most importantly, that we would build friendships that we know we will maintain for a lifetime.

We were welcomed onto the island with open arms from the moment we arrived.  And for three years, until the time we left, we picked up the local sports, drank at every pub on the island, participated in bike ride pub crawls, traveled every scenic, coastal trail on foot, participated in and organized charity events, enjoyed the beaches and the cliffs, had and hosted dinner parties, made #12 The Oaks home to us and to visitors (thanks to all those that made the trip over)...and finally we worked hard, played hard and travelled harder!  We had no idea that we would make trips a MONTHLY endeavor.  Seems a bit over the top, and it truly feels that way now.  We are one lucky couple!

The wind down to the last few weeks was hard.  I had to head back early with Stan due to International flight restrictions and Josh was to follow 6 weeks later after finishing up and signing off on clients.  But thanks to friends, our social calendar was slammed with dinners, drinks, parties etc. all with people wanting to say goodbye.  We feel very fortunate!

Italian with our favorite PwC partners!

A day off with my favorite co-workers, Penny and Carol, and friend Kate...hiking, playing, wining and dining.




My Marks & Spencer crew threw a party at the Yacht...


and then hosted a morning coffee in the office.


Our last day before my flight out.  We had movers in and out all morning and then went and had coffee at my favorite French spot, Victor Hugos.
Guernsey, you became our home for 3 of our 5 year marriage.  Thanks for treating us well!  We will be back!  

The PwC Ball

PwC does one heck of a job putting on an annual Ball.  This year it took place at the Duke of Richmond Hotel and the theme was a masquerade.  Champagne is served on arrival, followed by a three course meal, a live band and finally a DJ to shut down the party.

We started the night with a quick drink at Alice and Paul's.

Then moved on to the party...



All the pregnant ladies and husbands.  All three of us due in April and May.

 End of the evening dance fest!
Always a successful event, and a perfect way to see all our great friends before my departure back to Dallas!

London for the Last Time

We met the Stogners, Levi, Nolan, Le and Demitri in London for one last weekend of late nights and pub hopping.  Josh and I enjoyed a French meal, just the two of us (or three of us) on Friday night and then the rest of the crew arrived Saturday morning.  The day started at a pub, then the girls shopped while the boys scalped tickets to a football match and then we all met back up for dinner at Sophies, followed by an evening of entertainment at Amy Winehouse's old jazz club.


Thanks Stogs for the little Parisian onsies!



Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Baby Moon

We decided to go back to our favorite country, Italy, for our last major European trip and Baby moon. We spent 5 days in Sorrento and Positano and even though the town's were rather quiet, we found a few cute cafes, restaurants and bars and frequented them often during our stay. The trip was filled with much needed R&R and despite the cooler temperatures, the sun definitely made an appearance. 

 
Exploring Sorrento



 
Cafe, wine and an UNO tournament
 
A wonderful dinner at L'Abate

Our B&B might as well have been a museum.  This is where we had breakfast every morning.

A sunny morning run down to Marina Grande




 
Our favorite cafe, home to the best hot chocolate and great people watching.

Highly recommended by the locals, a wonderful dinner at trendy Refood.

More exploring...





The first of a few meals at Ristorante Pizzeria- where we had lunch with my parents last time we were in Sorrento.

A very interesting street festival.

 A very large mozzarella ball.

The bus ride to Positano.









 
Lunch at Bucca di Bacco, where we met some fellow Americans.



 
Not a bad view and set up for a bus stop.


We couldn't leave Italy without a stop at one of the best gelato places on the Amalfi Coast.
 
And, a quick bump pic from our hotel.  27 weeks during this trip and feeling very round.  I am sure that all the Italian pastas, pizzas and gelato didn't help the cause!