Tex-Mex to Crumpets

We've packed in some serious miles since the last post. We got to Texas and the "howdies" abounded. Then a week later we landed in London and I heard "cheers" being used as a common greeting rather than just an email closer. Although Texas and England have completely different cultures we love both.

In Dallas we had a blast with Colin's family and friends. Marilyn awed us with a delicious menu, but really made us work for it in spin classes and workout sessions :) Ross was able to drive down from Utah, which meant we laughed a lot and talked about med school essays even more. I was initiated into the Taylor family-home-evening games of yesteryear--pitch and oh-hell! Colin's good high school friends, Drew and Dan + Dan's lovely girlfriend, Katie, were also in town and we got to see them. The croquet mallets came out at one point, and although it hurts me to say it since I was playing- Colin dominated the field. Ross aka The DestructOr, did his best to maintain sibling rivalries, but not even The DestructOr could stop Colin. All in all it was a wonderful week, and we were genuinely sad to leave.

Dusting Creme Brulee with sugar right before bringing out the blow torch

Can you tell whose is whose? 

With Dan and Katie

On the 24th we left the Texas heat and boarded our plane to England! On the flight we started to wonder if we should have confirmed with Colin's cousins that someone was picking us up... Luckily, Steve (Colin's cousin's husband) met us in the airport! That was our first indication that we were going to love the family :)  While walking out of the terminal we saw some very tall, very strong athletes from Denmark. It was cool to see them in their gear. Colin asked which sport they were, and they said handball. We weren't sure if there was really Olympic handball, or if it was some sort of mix up like soccer and football. Turns out handball is very popular in Europe-- and we are actually going to go watch an Olympic match tomorrow! 

This was taken in Rachel and Steve's village on day 1

Upon arrival jet-lag set in right away- I think I almost fell over after dinner from exhaustion. I paid for my early bedtime though when I woke up at 2am peppy and ready for the day. After staying up til 8am then going back to sleep until 1pm, we headed out on bikes for Oxford. The bike ride was beautiful, Oxford was magical, and the company was charming(<3 you Colin!). Here are a few pictures from that excursion:

Colin jumping into the Thymes in his "knickers"

Center of Oxford 

At Oriel

In the chapel 

Along one of the beautiful countryside roads

Sunset over the fields

We had a few other adventures through London with some good friends, that I'll write about in the next post. We are having a lovely time with Rachel and Steve! They are incredibly gracious and warm people. We are looking forward to more exploring, Olympic events, a trip to Stonehenge, Bathe, Cheddar Gorge, and meeting the rest of the family! 

Lots of love from England! 

Inaugural Post- Finishing School and Quitting Jobs Through Texas

We've finally done it.We now have a "family blog." We are thrilled to be able to travel and live abroad this year. We'd love to have you follow our adventures here, and we'd be even happier if you sent us updates on your life :)

Before Colin and I got married I romantically told him that I would follow him anywhere. At the time we were watching the stars from MIT's Kresge lawn. I had graduated earlier that day, and Colin was congratulating me with  Martinelli's and chocolate. To be completely cliche, the world seemed full of possibilities.

Less than two-months later I followed through on my words and followed Colin to Japan. It was our first time traveling together, and we loved it. I graciously let Colin do all the talking, and he graciously let me put soy sauce on my pristine, Japanese white rice. I really couldn't have asked for anything more.

After getting married we started to think about deferring Colin's last year of school (5th year Masters) in favor of spending a year working and living in another country. After a whirlwind of resumes, applications, phone interviews, advice seeking, and prayers we decided to move to Madrid, Spain! I told Colin that this time around I would do all the talking, if he promised to eat my paella (but hopefully Colin picks up some Spanish and hopefully I learn to like seafood). 

Before settling down in Spain we decided to have a little bit of fun over the summer. The itinerary was:

Colin finished classes on May 22nd. I finished my job on May 24th.

At a shmancy dinner in Boston to celebrate 

Colin graduated on June 8th!

We flew to San Diego to visit my family.

Then we drove to Utah for a wedding, to see Ross (Colin's younger brother), and see Colin's mission companions.

We brought Ross back to California with us.

We left one vacation destination to go to Hawaii.

In Hawaii we visited uncle James in Kauai.

And Helen on Oahu.

And Andre and Makoto on the North Shore. 

Serious shout out and thank you to everyone who hosted us and showed us their neck of the woods (or island)! We love you guys!

Now we are back in San Diego, about to pack-up camp and head to the lone star state.

Looking forward- we will be in Texas for almost a week, then we head to London to meet Colin's extended family, take part in the Olympic excitement, and go on a Parisian adventure (tough life, we know, we know). Finally we head to Madrid where we we plan to stay in a hostel until we find the perfect home, sweet home. Until then, home for me is wherever Colin is, and I couldn't be happier to be following this boy all over the world. He promises he feels the same way :)