I am going to break down the London Trip into a couple different posts being that I have so many pictures!! I had such a GREAT time in London. I loved the history, the buildings, the pubs, everything about it - but mostly I loved meeting Chris' family and seeing where he grew up. So here goes Post #1...
When we landed we picked up our hire car (a rental as Americans call it). It was a cute little BMW 1 Series – and it seems everyone in London drives a hatchback!!!
We went to visit Chris’ two adorable nephews, Lewis and Oliver, at his sister, Natalie, and BIL, Dan’s House. They quickly learned about my Harry Potter obsession and told me they had a cupboard under the stairs!! I of course had to take a picture in it! (for those who don't know, Harry Potter grew up in a cupboard under the stairs.)
The next morning we met Natalie and Dan at Feedwell Cafe (pronounced caff).
Apparently there is a difference – a cafe is not as ‘nice’ as a café, and Chris wanted me to experience what a true English cafe was. We had a traditional English breakfast (that I forgot to take a picture of!), and then went on our way to Kingston – which is kinda like a shopping mall.
The popular coffee house is Costa – look how cute our coffees were! I had the heart mocha : )
One of our missions in Kingston was to purchase a hair straightener for me (needed the European plug). It was raining that day, so we were walking outside the shopping center to Boots (like our Walgreens), when Chris suggested we jump into a store really quick to dry off… little did I know we were walking into Links of London (its like the American equivalent to Tiffany’s). He had planned on taking this little detour so that we would end up at this store. He had me pick out a bracelet I wanted, and bought it for me – what a romantic!!! He said he wanted me to have a nice London gift. He spoils me (but you won’t hear me complain!).
On our way back we passed by the school he went to growing up!
That night his Mom prepared a yummy traditional English dinner! It was my first time to try Yorkshire Pudding, and I loved it!
Post 2 (and the touring pics) will be coming soon!
We went to visit Chris’ two adorable nephews, Lewis and Oliver, at his sister, Natalie, and BIL, Dan’s House. They quickly learned about my Harry Potter obsession and told me they had a cupboard under the stairs!! I of course had to take a picture in it! (for those who don't know, Harry Potter grew up in a cupboard under the stairs.) The next morning we met Natalie and Dan at Feedwell Cafe (pronounced caff). Apparently there is a difference – a cafe is not as ‘nice’ as a café, and Chris wanted me to experience what a true English cafe was. We had a traditional English breakfast (that I forgot to take a picture of!), and then went on our way to Kingston – which is kinda like a shopping mall.The popular coffee house is Costa – look how cute our coffees were! I had the heart mocha : )
One of our missions in Kingston was to purchase a hair straightener for me (needed the European plug). It was raining that day, so we were walking outside the shopping center to Boots (like our Walgreens), when Chris suggested we jump into a store really quick to dry off… little did I know we were walking into Links of London (its like the American equivalent to Tiffany’s). He had planned on taking this little detour so that we would end up at this store. He had me pick out a bracelet I wanted, and bought it for me – what a romantic!!! He said he wanted me to have a nice London gift. He spoils me (but you won’t hear me complain!). On our way back we passed by the school he went to growing up! That night his Mom prepared a yummy traditional English dinner! It was my first time to try Yorkshire Pudding, and I loved it! Post 2 (and the touring pics) will be coming soon! 
I Shall Never Surrender or Retreat!
Chris with his Dad and 
Hitting the water at the end:
Trying to get out of the mud pit: 
After I finished the whole course: 
We both agreed we will do it again next year (and I will actually train for it), and that we want to get a big group together to run it with us.
I had them done on Saturday, and they still look flawless today (4 days later). They are supposed to last 2 weeks!! They run around the same price as fake acrylic nails do, however these don't tear up your nails (in fact, they make them stronger). It's a special Gel Polish that require UV light to dry. It takes about 15 minutes longer to do, but when you leave the salon, they are completely dry! Say goodbye to struggling to get out your credit card from your wallet, going to the bathroom, or touching anything after you leave the salon!!!
The only downside is they do not have a wide variety of colors to choose from. They have only been out about a year, so I am sure they will get more colors as it gains popularity. 
I had the best time there - the park far surpassed my expectations - I will post more about the trip later :) 
Now my baby is all grown up, yet he still acts like a puppy!! He has also mastered the art of working his 'puppy dog' eyes... He's a little Prince :) 
He still likes to test his Mom though.. this past weekend he was trying to chase a person riding a bike, when he got his dew claw caught in the chicken wire... OUCH! Again, he put a little dent in my checkbook, but he is worth every cent I have ever spent on him. He is the most handsome little guy ever! 
Sorry Bachelor #4 – no date for you either… I'm off the market :) 
That was an easy one to weed out! 
2 - In exactly one week from TODAY, I am going with my boyfriend Chris (yes, I said boyfriend - maybe that should have been my #2??) to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! I can hardly contain my excitement!!! Everyone knows this is one of my DREAMS, and I cannot believe we get to go!!!
