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!