The Big Move

So, I read over my last post after it was published and realized some of you may be a little lost since I haven’t “officially” posted about my BIG news…I’m moving to GERMANY. For those of you who have been following the blog, I posted I had some troubles with getting back into the country after the Paris trip. After a couple stressful weeks, talking with the family, US embassy, UK border patrol, and anyone else I could get a hold of, I found that my only option would be to find a new family where it was a little more “legal”. When I first started looking in August I was torn between two families: Mackintosh’s here in London, and Cates’ in Germany. So I got a hold of them and luckily, they were looking for someone to start in January! Thankfully they liked me as much as I liked them and we made it official! The plan is to move December 26^th, do my week of traveling with Jaclyn, and start on January 3^rd.

Of course I’m sad to be leaving the family here, you become very close with people your actually living with. They have been so good to me and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be for the past 3 months. I could go on and on about how great they are but I’m just going to jot down some of the things I’ll miss the most (mainly for my own enjoyment but in case your wondering!).

Things I’ll miss the most…

-The family, the girls (OF COURSE)

-Getting knocks on my door with a little head popping around the corner just to see what I’m doing, cuddles(hugs) before bed and Beth kissing me because she thinks its funny we don’t kiss ALL the time back home, going to the park, teaching them “American” terms and games, singing in the car on the way to school every morning…all the small things, really!

-The friends I’ve made here that will hopefully come visit me in Ohio

-Costa Coffee—my new obsession (Gingerbread latte)…do they have that in Germany?

-Taking the train into London & London in general. There is no other place quite like it

-I live in the middle of nowhere but I’ll miss my little village of Pitstone

-Everyone speaking English!

Things I look forward to…

-Meeting the Cates’: Jeremy, Amy, Connor(8), Aiden(7), Whitney(3) & Kayla (the dog, yes!)

-Living in Germany…they have a bakery down the street from their house : / Yes, I’ve been in Europe for 3 months but I have a feeling Germany will be so completely different. England is very westernized, so the whole “European” lifestyle might be a culture shock.

-Maybe learning a little German?

-Traveling with the family (they are only there 3 years so they are always on the go) and yeah, Jaclyn too.

-Change. I’m feeling very comfortable here which is nice, but I’m looking forward to the excitement a little change can bring.

(These are just a few, may have to add some later…just thinking out loud)

It’s crazy how quickly three months goes so I’m a little scared to see how soon Christmas and the end of my time here comes. I’m looking forward to spending the holiday’s with them, three little girls anxiously awaiting Father Christmas is a little more exciting than three 21 year old boys (no offense boys, you know I’ll miss you  (and Edith)).

So, I’m living up my last 4 weeks here, thankful for everything and looking forward to the next half of my adventure. 

It's official: I Love Little Sisters

Back to the usual Sunday post. I was talking with Agne and we both realized we are running out of time here! We have started planning a few day trips around here (Stonehenge, Oxford, others) since we only have a few more weekends left. I’m thinking about how quick the first 3 months went and how much faster this next one will go.

Beth came in my room Monday night and said she was hoping for a snow day (it isn’t suppose to snow until Saturday) so we looked up snow day prayers and I wrote it down on a piece of paper for her to keep under her pillow. I could hear her repeating it over and over…with her pajamas on inside out.

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray for snow twelve inches deep.

Should it melt before I wake,

I pray school’s canceled by mistake!

She also found some Fanta in my room, so I let her have a few sips(they aren’t usually allowed to have pop, especially before bed) and she thought she was pretty cool. She chugged it, wanted me to taste how good it was, smiled and said “your just like a sister.” She then proceeded to talk about Germany (she is the only one that really understands) and how sad she’ll be when I leave. I’ve promised a visit to California upon my return to the states, a promise I definitely cannot break! 

Tuesday Kate and I started a new lunchtime routine of setting up her little table and chair in the family room and catching up on Dancing with the Stars.  She thoroughly enjoys it.

Kate picked out her own lunch at the shop... sausage rolls, they actually weren't bad.

Wednesday I went to Hemel and did some shopping. I stocked up on Christmas cards and the girls and I started writing some after dinner. They each picked who they wanted to send cards to so feel very special if you receive one!

Thanksgiving wasn’t a very festive day, just the normal day. We all got to skype with the fam all in Tennessee for Thanksgiving visiting my sister, which was fun. I was making dinner and walked in to see Kate and “Brian” chatting away. I’m pretty sure their stage fright in front of the boys is forever gone…hope they can meet in person!

Lisa and Gordon went into London for Gordon’s birthday so it was just me and the girls having a pj party. They want to do this every night…I’m not so sure since I have a twin bed and woke up to Kate next to me and Abbey at the other end of the bed. It was their first sleepover with an au pair so it was VERY exciting.

sweets before bed

food coma

Watching Harry Potter, little scared. 

someone snuck into my bed, she was "scared"

Slumber party & breakfast in bed!

Friday Lisa’s parents came in for the weekend and it was early to bed for me. I woke up early Saturday to head into London with Agne. We planned to go see the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. In the three months I’ve been here and the three months I studied here a couple years ago, I’d never been to this part of London. It was a really cool area, parts were very touristy though, I guess you would expect that. The Tower of London was huge and a little overwhelming…we opted out of the tour so we just wandered around for a while. Some was cool, some was just a little boring but the highlight was the Jewel Room. You can’t take pictures because it is the most secure part of the Tower. This is the building where the crowns and all the gold plates, jewels, and special ornaments used in coronation ceremonies. There were old videos of the Queen playing explaining what everything is used for and some of the things were AMAZING with the amount of diamonds and jewels on one single piece. I would definitely recommend visiting the Tower of London if your ever here if nothing else to see the Jewel Room.

Tower Bridge

Later we went to Camden market, one of my favorite parts of London, always a good time. Heading towards the market the streets of Camden are kind of punk rock and hardcore lined with biker dudes with spiked hair and lots of makeup and piercing, but safe. We did a little Christmas shopping, then headed to the food stalls and had some Chinese followed by donuts…totally hit the spot.

Streets of Camden

After leaving Camden we went to Hyde Park to see the Winter Wonderland they have set up from now till Christmas. It was full of everything Christmas, from Christmas lights and music to traditional gingerbread and mulled wine. Needless to say, I was in heaven. Can you tell I’m a little obsessed with London at Christmas?

Gingerbread

We had plans to hit a few other places but it was already dark (4pm) and did I forget to mention it was FREEZING all day. We hopped on the train home and felt like I was going to pass out any minute. I got home, watched X-factor and went straight to sleep.

Today I got to sleep in till 10am! Woo! Then we all went to Ashridge to go for a walk in the hills. It was a really pretty day, really cold but sunny and beautiful out. We got home, chilled out and had a massive “Thanksgiving” Sunday roast. I could definitely get use to this Sunday roast thing…

The end of another week and another month…that makes THREE months, yikes!

Happy Thanksgiving

It doesn't feel right eating mushroom risotto for Thanksgiving dinner...missing my cranberry sauce, holiday mashed potatoes and a healthy helping of pumpkin pie. It's weird being in a place where life goes on during the Thanksgiving holiday and nobody understands the hype over one meal.

I told the girls the story of the very first Thanksgiving and planned to have a feast of our own...but it didn't work out : / So, not only am I not with the family at Thanksgiving, I'm not around anyone that gives a rats a** about the entire thing!

But despite it all, there is no denying the holiday cheer. I'm surrounded by reminders everyday of what I am thankful for. I have the best family in the world, friends I've missed since the day we moved out of Athens, and the friends I've known for what seems forever (and for some it really has been forever!). I've been given such an amazing opportunity and have made life long friendships with the three little sisters I never had (and always wanted!). The love they show everyday is unlike any other and will truly be missed come January.

Its funny how things work out, or in my case didn't work out, and the way everything seems to  fall into place like that cliche quote that "everything happens for a reason."

This past year is full of things to be thankful for including each and every one of you! Life is good, it truly is. And like I always say, life is too short to be anything but happy. Enjoy the time with your families today, and for those of you feeling bad that I may be on my own for the holidays, just know I am in good hands. Its just me and the girls tonight, cozied up on the couch watching Harry Potter, eating lots of sweets and soda and a sleepover in my room! Between Kate and Beth there is NO shortage of hugs and kisses, Abbie is another story :)

Happy Thanksgiving All! Bring on the Christmas music

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas*

So, I know have been horrible about posting these past two weeks but I seriously haven’t had a minute to sit and write everything down.

Everything has been going well, still loving it as much as the first week. I’m coming up on THREE MONTHS! I know, I can’t believe it either.

I’m trying to recap on what I’ve been up to for 2 weeks but I’m seriously drawing a blank (and no pictures doesn’t help) so I’m going to skip a bunch but here goes…

I spent the day in London with Agne and Petrea yesterday. Agne and I went to Madame Tussauds, which was pretty cool and actually a lot of fun. 

We met up with Petrea for lunch/dinner after walking down Oxford Street already decorated for Christmas. We went down a side street and found a cute little pub where we had the classic “Fish n Chips” literally by candlelight. We sat on the second floor with a nice view of the Christmas lights lining the streets. I'd been on this street a million times when I use to study here and would shop after class but we didn't have time to stop at my old stomping grounds :)

We all wanted dessert so Petrea took up to this little ice cream shop with a basket outside of free samples of broken waffle cones haha. We grabbed a bunch, nothing better than something FREE in London. We walked a little more after it was dark and it was so perfect and Christmasy. There are times I’ve been here and thought “I could never live here permanently” and don’t get me wrong I’m loving my time here, but nights like this I could see myself never leaving! I’ve come to this conclusion: There is nothing as brilliant as Christmas in London (brilliant- such an English term).

Gross Danish candy (salted licorice) 

One of the famous window displays at Selfridges 

Gordon’s dad came to visit from Scotland on Thursday and will be here till Tuesday. He isn’t what I expected (Gordon’s a big guy and his dad is pretty little). But if you could describe an ideal grandpa he is like straight out of a book! He is a little guy, not that old because Gordon isn’t that old himself, with thick lens glasses and wore the classic grandpa outfit with khaki trousers, a navy cardigan, and a checkered scarf. Not to mention he has the cutest Scottish accent! He is always asking “Lindsay would you care for a cup of tea” and is so, so nice.

I finally went to see The Social Network last Tuesday with Agne, interesting movie. For anyone that has seen it (Minus Craig because we’ve already talked about this), who does the main character remind you of?! The resemblance and similar personality is almost TOO weird.

Another photo shoot (working on a Christmas present for Mom and Dad)

That’s it for now. Oh, an early Happy Thanksgiving! 

Bonjour Paris!

So I’m writing this a little late as it is already Monday. But, this week was full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Monday the girls were off school so we went swimming then hung out at the park all day.

How cute are they?

Tuesday night I started getting sick and Wednesday it was in full swing. I finally got to the doctor on Thursday to get some medicine and from what I could understand from the doctor it was some sort of throat infection. Thank God they kicked in super fast because it was early to bed with a 4am alarm set for Friday morning.

Friday was off to Paris to meet up with Jaclyn! Woke up at 4 and the taxi picked me up at 4:30 to get to the Tring train station. On the way the train broke down and I nervously checked my phone as it seemed to get closer and closer to my 6:55 Eurostar departure. Long story short, the train finally got going 20 mph tops due to some flat tires and we rolled into the station at 6:20am. I took off running out of the station, along with many others, and hopped in a taxi outside. Of course, I got dropped off at the wrong station and was sprinting to the next station over just to get into the ticket area with about 10 min till my train was suppose to depart (your suppose to be there 45 min before, minimum). Sweating, panicking, I threw my stuff at the lady and she quickly printed my tickets and told me to run to gate 3 if I wanted to make it, so of course I did. I got through check-in, security, border patrol, to my platform and in my seat in 5 minutes and had a few minutes to spare. Wouldn’t be a trip for me without something like this happening, right?

So, I finally get to Paris around 10:20am on Friday and it was a really perfect fall day. I eventually figured out the metro and found my way to the stop by our hotel to meet up with Jaclyn. We checked into our hotel, Hotel de la Tour Eiffel which was a nice place but definitely not the same as the pictures! We quickly showered and got ready before heading out for the day around noon. We went straight to the Eiffel Tower just a few blocks over and took a lot of pictures because it was such a nice day outside. We met some Americans while taking pictures, one that goes to the University I went to here in London, small world. We went and had lunch at a little café and then went to the Arc de Triomphe and walked down Champs Elysees the main street in Paris with all the high-end shops. We stopped at McDonald’s to get a drink and met a cute little South Korean kid who told us where to find the straws.

We tried to walk down to the Louvre and get some night pictures but totally underestimated how far it was and ended up getting on the metro and going straight to dinner at my favorite Paris restaurant, Le Refuge des Fondues. If your ever in Paris, you must go to this place. It’s a little hole in the wall with two rows of tables, cafeteria style, so you have to climb over the table to get to the inside. Your given a baby bottle full of wine and the choice of meat or cheese fondues, we went with cheese. We sat next to this guy and girl from Chicago and a group of east coast students studying in Barcelona so there was never a dull moment.

After dinner we had plans to go to the Eiffel tower and stop and get a coffee but it was past midnight and we had both been up since 4am so we went straight home and passed out in about 2 minutes.

Saturday morning we got up around 10 and it was raining and chilly so our first stop was to get Jaclyn an umbrella, a cheesy Paris one just so everyone knew we were tourists. We went to Notre Dame, the Louvre and Sacre Coeur and found a perfect little place for dinner after quite the search. It was on St. Michel right be Notre Dame, only seating about 20 people so it was definitely a cozy little place. We had the most French meal I think a person could eat: escargot, beef bourguignon, crème brulee and red wine. It was delicious and the perfect way to end another night in Paris.

Breakfast of champions 

Notre Dame

Louvre 

My girl Mona once again

Sacre Coeur 

Apricot crepe! 

Escargot

 

Sunday morning we planned on getting up at 8 but of course were too exhausted. We did get going early though so we could stop and get a quick breakfast at the pastry shop down the street and then stop at Pierre Herme to get the infamous macaron. We had some time to spare so we popped into a little café to get a cappuccino and eat our macarons before heading to the metro and going our separate ways.

The macarons were SOOO good!

I headed off to the train station and Jaclyn to the airport to end our trip in Paris. What a great city, definitely want to go back in the future because it is really the perfect European city, I’m in love. 

But, what a better way to end a perfect weekend then to be harassed by border patrol coming into the UK. Looks like I may be back in the US sooner than expected! Ugh, buzz kill…

Photo Albums (someone let me know if they don't work)

Fall Pictures

Paris Pictures