Did you just see a tumbleweed roll past? Hear crickets chirping?
I’ve been a little silent over the last few weeks.
After my birthday weekend, I had The Hunger Games film to look forward to — 10 of us traveled an hour away to go to a decent theater. My youngest sister and I geeked out with mockingjay pins. Haven’t read the books? Get on it.
I wrote my articles for Her Packing List.
I learned I was selected to be a recipe tester for an upcoming cookbook. A few of the ingredients have been quite difficult (i.e., impossible) to find so far, but I’m praying I locate them somewhere. I’m super excited about being selected and want to come through on my end of the deal.
And I packed a tiny carry-on bag for a 4.5 day trip to London to spend time with Gavin, his family, and our friends.
It was the first time Gav and I spent time together as a couple in England. The first time I met a member of his family. The first time our friends saw us together.
I met and held the 5-month old son of two of our friends. Most all babies are cute, but he is mega adorable.
Another couple who had just returned from a 3-week holiday in Oz hosted us for dinner and hours of great conversation.
I tasted the second best french toast I’ve ever had at The Milk Bar. It reminded me of the delicious cafe meals I enjoyed in Australia. Oh, and I had my first piccolo latte since visiting Flat White cafe in London last summer. Bliss.
My bridal party became complete when another friend excitedly said YES to being a bridesmaid, and we’re one person away from having the entire wedding party finalized.
We celebrated the 30th birthday of one of our dearest friends Kev. He’s Gav’s best friend and best man, and Kev was my first friend in London. Without meeting him years ago on LiveJournal, I wouldn’t know the great group of friends I have today — or my fiance.
I spent time with Gav’s parents, grandmother, siblings, and their children. I loved the looks on the nephews’ faces when they heard my voice for the first time. One became very shy and the other said with big eyes “America” before proudly telling me that he speaks English. I love it!
It was difficult to leave, but I’ll be back in just four short weeks, and when I return, I’ll be there for a month. Amazingly enough, that’s the second longest period of time I’ve ever been out of the country at once. And it will be the longest Gav and I have spent together in person.
The next few weeks are going to fly by with work, Easter, cooking, and wedding planning.
Catch me up on you! What have I missed?
Twitter Updates
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Loved the post babe. You were loved by everyone here and our friends were delighted to see you, catch up and chill with you.
I can’t wait for you to be here again next month, it’s exciting putting together the bits we’re doing next month – makes me feel a little like you’re still here! I love seeing some of your toiletries that you’ve left here for the next trip.
It was a great trip and a lovely time, I love you beautiful :-*
Not only do we get to spend an entire month together, but it’s already shaping up to be a FUN one. Can’t believe we have so many plans already in the works 🙂
Sounds like the perfect visit! So happy for you & Gav that you’re going to be able to spend a month together in London – so exciting! And of course I’m also thrilled that I’ll be able to join you for a brief time & meet Gav & see many of the friends I’ve met previously – can’t wait! 🙂 *HUGS*
I am SO happy you’re spending some time with us AND reconnecting with the crew who went to Dublin. We won’t let you get away without a trip to Borough Market and a meal at Flat White or Milk Bar. Maybe Ottolenghi too. We’ll spend our time eating (what else is new?!).
You’re going back for a month??!! That’s fantastic! Oh and I may have told you this before, but I forget that Gav speaks British English until you put little reminders in your posts. I imagine him with a Southern accent when I see his picture. Haha!
Haha, Gav will love that 🙂 He’s picked up on American words for things that differ and sometimes uses them when he’s here (like I sometimes do when I’m there). Maybe we’ll work on that American accent…or at least get him to through a “y’all” into the vows!
Hi Heather, I’ve only just started reading your blog but I’m already discovering places in Sydney I had no idea existed – and I’ve lived here all my life! I just wanted to say congratulations on getting engaged!
Aww, thank you Lindsey! I’d love to know which places are new for you that you’ve liked. I’ll check out your blog later today 🙂
Surely an Aussie honeymoon!
Congrats Ruddy. 🙂 I am very happy for you.
Jack