November 2006: Egypt

In an effort to drown our sorrows that we were not going back to the States for Thanksgiving, we decided to go out and see the world...

So, Egypt it was with our moms and brother John in tow. We spent two days in Cairo seeing the museum and the pyramids before heading to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings and the Luxor Temple. Then back to Cairo to see Islamic Cairo and the do some shopping in the markets.

Egypt was amazing and the people were so friendly. I am ready to move there, but John suggested that we visit in the Summer time before we decide to move. Apparently it is not 70 degrees year round!

October 2006: Bordeaux France

What an amazing part of the world. We stayed at beautiful chateau's with the decor to match. John said that his grandmother would have loved the decor of our hotels, I said that my friend Erin would have liked them even more. I never knew you could put that much fabric in one room! We visited the Medoc wine region and a few of the famous vineyards there, then headed to St. Emillon where we enjoyed the wineries in the region and the great food. Anyone interested in buying a vacation home/vineyard in France? Let us know, we might be interested in participating!

October 2006: Roma!

As usual, I crashed my sister's vacation to Europe! This time the destination was Rome, and I had no excuse not to go considering John was off in a foreign land working and I have plenty of vacation time burning a hole in my backpocket. I joined Carol, her friend Mary, and a host of Santa Clara grads for a tour of Rome. Despite the down pour that hit us at the Vatican and my fight with the poor guy who was selling umbrellas, it was a great trip and I can not wait to take John back there for some proper pasta and gelato! Thank you Carol!!

September 2006: Mom comes to visit!

We were so excited when Mom came for a visit. We spent the first few days painting the English Countryside, attending the Village BBQ, and enjoying the walk to the local pub. On the weekend we got in the car and drove to Belgium through the Chunnel Train. We visited Brugge and it was amazing... the perfect European city. We stayed at Hotel De Orangerie and it was perfect. Great location on the canals and a few blocks from the main square. The beer, mussels, choclate, and waffles rounded out a short, but perfect weekend. We will go back for another visit soon!

August 2006: Amazing Storm

Some shots of what the weather can do here.

July 2006: Stephanie & Jane come to visit

After our excursion to Barcelona, Stephanie & Jane came for a visit. They spent a few days in London, hitting the pavement and saw all of the sights. They also got out to Stonehenge & Windsor and have officially seen more of England that we have! The goal of their visit to the English countryside was to relax for a few days before heading to Birmingham to visit Jane's family. Here are some highlights of their visit:

July 2006: Barcelona

John & I headed to Barcelona, Spain in July. We met up with our friends Matt & Dutch to spend the weekend in the sun exploring the city. Barcelona has not changed since I studied law there a few years ago. Still the same crazy street performers, loads of tourists, amazing melting buildings, friendly locals, and great food.

More flowers from the Old Rectory

Hollybocks have finally started to bloom. They are slowly coming in all around our front door in many different colors!

The Flowers of the Old Rectory

Our Garden is bloomin!

May 2006: Royal Air Force Summer Ball

In Early May, our friends from London, Erin & Lindsay headed out to the countryside for a visit and to attend the Royal Air Force Summer Ball. For one night only, the RAF transforms the Officer's Mess into a multi-room party. They even had bumper cars!


Lindsay, Erin & Mary

Lindsay, Erin, Mary & John

Erin & I in the bumper cars...

Yes, a mechanical bull straight from Texas.