Hippie Trip

It was amazing to go to Hawaii together without the kids. The kids were missed, but we took full advantage of reading, surfing, lounging, hiking and eating delicious, slow meals together while having a conversation. Here are all the pics from the trip in no order.

...and we're back...

This is a picture of me right now as I type this...just to give you a clear idea of how I'm doing.

Back to London. Just like the first time around, it's taking some time to adjust. Coming with two kids makes everything ALOT harder. We're happy to be back and have loved seeing old friends though. Let's just say the flight was less than pleasant and leave it at that.

Ready to check in at the airport

the good bye was not easy for the Grandmas

or Milly

It was hilarious trying to get all our luggage in

And here is a pic of the kids tonight watching trains out our window. We're staying in temporary housing in Canary Wharf. Jet lag has not been good to us- but now we've got them going to bed by 10pm so things are looking up.

So we've been staying in temporary housing for almost 2 weeks now. Our first fun surprise was that Tyler had to start work a week earlier than we had planned on so we only had 6 days to look for flats together (I still feel like a poser calling apartments flats- but that's what they're called).

We didn't find one the first week so I've had the privilige of navigating the trains and busses and seeing places alone with the 2 kids. They've been troopers...and they've spent more time in the stroller than they ever have in their lives...and they've cried...alot.

Still homeless, but at least we're together. Otis points to every single person smoking on the street (which is about 99% of people) and says, "Look mom! They're blowing Holy Smokes!" It was funny at first. But he's comepletely fascinated with cigarettes and has to ask everyone what they're doing. So awkward.

Beach with "Zaider-rader"

We met up with some good friends from London who are now living in San Diego for a reunion for our boys. They were born within days of each other at the same hospital in London and were pals as babies and we knew these mischevious 2 year olds would be best friends and partners in crime.

Otie and Zaid

And here they are when they couldn't get into quite as much trouble together... I laugh out loud every time I see this picture-Otis had some meat on those bones:)

And this picture just makes my heart melt. It is just the perfect picture of pure childhood happiness. Two buddies holding hands at the beach, Otis completely airborne with excitement...I love it.

Zaid's mom Kate happens to be an amazing photographer and she took some pics of the kids playing. They really were quick snapshots she took while we were hanging out but I feel like I ended up with pictures from a photoshoot.

This one of Milly I LOVE.

oh and this one too...

another one that makes my heart skip a beat. Ty's protecting arm around her and Mill clinging to his arm...I can barely look at it without a tear coming to my eyes.

I guess I don't need to give a cheesy commentary on every picture, so here are a few others from the day

Waves

We're just waiting on our work visas now so we've spent some time at the beach. Otis really love the water this time.

St. George Triathlon

We went down to St. George with the Littles to do the triathlon at Sand Hollow

Me and Ashlie before the race

the water was frreeeezing!

Finished! When I was coming back from the bike I saw Otis on the side yelling, "Go Mom go!" I cried- I sure love that little stinker.

Otis adores Will and Braxton

Blogging random pics to avoid my to-do list...

Otis is always showing off his "yoga moves"

...and his muscles

Milly June turned 11 months

and is still as cute as ever

don't be fooled, he usually doesn't like sharing with his sister

but he does love this little lady

We're moving back...

Tyler got a job and we are moving back! Wow, as I write this tears are filling my eyes. Maybe it is a mix of excitement, fear, sadness and anticipation. It has all happened so fast that I don't feel like I have even processed it yet. Tyler really loved his job in Utah but couldn't pass up another opportunity to live in Europe. We are waiting for our work visa and are tentatively planning on moving in June. The plan is to go for a few years.

I LOVED living there, but it will be different with 2 kids this time. I already am having dreams (nightmares) of life with 2 kids, no car, taking the bus to the store, saving Otis from jumping in front of the tube and having to make new friends.

But the great thing this time is that I've done it before and I know I can do it. I can't wait to take Otis to the Science Museum or to see the dinosaurs at the Natural Museum. Or to take Milly to see the Crown Jewels when she starts liking princesses. Or to chase Otie on his scooter around Hampstead Heath. Otis will start pre-school there and I think he will love it. He asks me everyday when he can go to school.

Am I excited to live in a tiny apartment? No. Do I question if I can live away from our family and friends? Yes. Am I afraid that I will break down in uncontrollable sobs when Otis begs me to go to Grandma's every day? Yes. But I KNOW that this is the right thing for our family.

Remember this size of our fridge there? That should be interesting...

So here we go again. Off across the pond to another adventure. Cheerio!