Hoye-Biscuits: London Round-Up

I made it back to 'the other side of the pond' in one piece. After a few days, I'm back in the swing of things and am thrilled that we have more hours of light at the end of the day to spend with the family.

Professionally, the trip provided a lot of focus. It reminded me of how thankful I am to be building a career that can provide for my family. Or at least -- I reminded myself of that whenever I felt lonely at the prospect of going home to an empty hotel room every night. Luckily, I'm also thankful for friends - even in the UK - who showed me a good time while I was over. Who knows what more will come out of this trip and the perspective it has given me.

What a treat to come home to Zane's surprise: NEW KITCHEN FLOOR, new curtains, a clean house! Wow - I'm a lucky woman. Anna looked FEET taller and SO mature. My heart melted at her requests to not leave again and I was so excited to hand off the matching bag and shoes I got her from Zara (my favorite Spanish clothing store), her requested stuffed bear (Paddington) and books: Paddington Bear and Winnie the Pooh - each with the original drawings and a Scottish skirt!

The weekend I came home, I was surprised at the airport with flowers and hugs & kisses as if I had been gone for years. We joined my family for dinner in the evening and the following day we enjoyed the sun outside as we did some spring cleaning in the yard. We're getting pumped about gardening! Who would have thought?

Anna made friends with a few kids in the neighborhood and we watched them play across the street - it was very exciting for me. I have always wanted this for her. And of course, I have to throw in there that I LOVE the socio-economic and racial diversity in our neighborhood - I'm so glad Anna can have this.

Finally, I was so happy that Zane and Anna had this time together. Two weeks with each other visiting with family and friends, and the pictures sent to me clearly showed that they had a great time. They have clearly come to adore each other in a way that just melts my heart - a constant reminder to never take what we have for granted. Anna is so proud to have him and I can see that she confidently feels loved. Moreover, I have never seen a more doting and loving father who always, ALWAYS, seems to put his 'girls' first.

One of my favorite pics sent over while I was in London :)

Another favorite

And yet another one - this girl is a dancer!

Apple of my eye!

Here's the photo round-up (it's incomplete for now but I'm posting what I have - stay tuned!):

Took a picture of the theater where I watched 39 Steps. This was on my walk home on Thursday evening - My last night, on Friday consisted of various bars with my buddy, Andrew where I SHOULD have taken pictures of the drunken chap who was giving his chair a lap dance, or else the other guy who was sleeping at his table...Use your imagination!