Friend Time

During those 2 weeks in Texas, we managed to squeeze in a little time with friends. It's never enough time and it always comes and goes too quickly, but we LOVED every minute of it! Here's a quick re-cap.

We spent the 4th of July weekend with the Walters Family at their beautiful lake house in East Texas. What a treat! And I love that even though we've not seen them for 3 years, our friendship hasn't changed. We laughed until our sides hurt and the boys enjoyed all of the fun things to do! Thank you Randy and Mary Anne for sharing your weekend with us!

The boys and this is Gumbo or "Bo". He might be one of the coolest dogs I've ever known!

We had a few technical difficulties with the boat. We were towed not once, but twice. First by the lake patrol and second by a good Samaritan; during a rain storm. Funny to Mary Anne and I, but maybe not to Randy.

And the pyro-technics that Randy provided were second to none! And taken very seriously I might add.

And you may wonder what in the world could keep this couch full of boys while there was so much to do outside? Why, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship of course! Ethan said "Only in America people, only in America."It was a great weekend Walters Crew. Thanks for the memories.

Next stop, the Teddlie's House. Again, I love that after 3 years, nothing has changed! We swam, enjoyed some pizza and just loved catching up. Brian even watched the boys so Vicky and I could do a quick trip to the shops. Vicky, you make me laugh, you are a steadfast friend, a fantastic teacher and mother, and I LOVED catching up with you. So fast and furious but so fun. It made me miss you all even more. Thanks Teddlies for fitting us in. And let's don't wait 3 more years.....

And next, the Brockettes. Michele and I decided the water park would be a good idea in the Texas heat but unfortunately, the Scottish MacNicols brought the rain to Texas. So it was a quick trip to the water park. Back to their house for dinner where Michele, Pat and I tried to solve the world situation (particularly as it relates to teenagers and pre-teens). Then Ryan and Carson came back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a sleepover which was a special treat. Thank you Brockette's for always fitting us in! It's NEVER enough time.

And next stop, the Elliott's house. For me, the Elliott's house is a soft landing spot. We tend to melt into the familiar and the children act as if we still live 2 doors down. I love that and I cherish our friendships! Thank you Susan for opening your home, for welcoming us in and for feeding our hearts and bellies. (We missed you Todd!)

And last, but certainly not least. Polly's house. Always a crowd favourite. "Auntie" Polly had Christopher, Charlie and I over for a sleepover and we loved every second! Polly spoils us rotten and we EAT it UP! Thank you for lending your ear and for fitting us in your busy schedule. We miss you and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Medicine for our souls!

Family Time

The first 2 weeks of July, we spent our time in Texas and Louisiana visiting our family and friends. Here's a recap of the family time; I'll let the pictures do the talking. It was a time filled creating memories with people we miss desperately while living across the pond! Thank you all for fitting us in. And thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for being our "home base" during this busy time.

All of the Nicol/Thoms cousins for G & G's Christmas Card picture. Love to see the little pink addition this year. We love you Abby!

Grandpa took the boys to the Texas Rangers Baseball game and they had a great time! One of America's favourite past times remains true for these ex-pats.

We spent a few nights with Aunt Kiki and Uncle Todd and the boys were full of antics while we played with Abby. Fun in the pool, canoeing in the lake, snuggling with Toby, getting muddy, building forts on the balcony and sending the basket down for rations. Great fun!

We met at Chuy's to celebrate Grandpa's move into semi-retirement over a little Tex-Mex! Yipee, yahoo! For the Tex-Mex and the semi-retirement!

And up at the Thoms' house we played a little neighborhood cricket, loved on Abby, shared a yummy meal, and played a little karaoke. Thank you Amie and Bobby for the food, fellowship and FUN!

We jumped over to Shreveport for 2 nights to squeeze in a visit with the girl cousins. How I managed to not get their picture, I will never know. Were you hiding from me Ashleigh and Hannah? We missed you Caitlin. The boys loved a very HOT golf game with Gramps and Uncle Chris and then we were straight in the pool to cool off. Charlie was showing Bella some extra love, poor puppy.

While in Shreveport, we stopped to see my Great Aunt Kat. She is 95 (I don't think she'll mind me saying so) and an inspiration! Sharp as a tack and so pleased to see the boys. We love you Aunt Kat and are so thankful for our quick visit!

These 2 weeks were a time filled creating memories with people we miss desperately while living across the pond! Thank you all for fitting us in. And thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for being our "home base" during this busy time. We miss you all and look forward to our next visit!

Girly Weekend

I spent the first weekend of our holiday in Austin, Texas with 7 of my friends from university. What a blast! We had 48 hours to laugh, talk, walk, shop, sleep, laugh and talk some more! We'd not been together as a group in way too long and really laughed until our sides hurt. We'd forgotten how much time we'd spent together at school and how well we know one another. It was a fantastic weekend and one that I hope we will repeat sooner rather than later! Mandy, Christa, Ashley, Marty, Jane, April and Dena, I miss you already.

And a huge thank you to Bob and Jane for keeping the boys so that I could go!

Schools Out, We're USA Bound

Another school year finished, a rainy Glasgow summer guaranteed, and so we were off! USA bound. 6 FULL weeks. Yippee!

Our first stop: Grandma and Grandpa Nicol's house in Texas. Even after a LONG day of flying and waiting, the boys had enough energy to throw their suits on and hit the pool with Grandpa! We enjoyed our time at Camp Nicol (there is so much to do!) and we slowly adjusted to the time change. Such a treat and we loved these first few lazy days!

We also met the newest Nicol. Abagail was born in February and we were all desperate to meet her. Scott had a chance to meet her in the spring while on a business trip but the boys and I couldn't wait to get our hands on her. So Stinkin Cute....

Aunt Amie getting in some Abby time.

Tons of Sunfish caught and released.

And lots of time in the kayaks and canoe.

Summer holiday continued in our next post!

Prep 7 Prom

The Grand Finale of Prep School here at the Glasgow Academy is the P7 Prom. It's was held the weekend before school finished for the summer and Ethan had a blast! The teachers and staff go all out to make it an event that the children will love. They've been teaching Scottish Ceilidh lessons at school and this traditional dancing mixed with pop and disco dancing proved to be a HIT!

Check out the grins! I am a little biased, but I think he's the cutest one going....

Ethan joined a group of boys and girls for a little pre-party so they could all ride together to the dance. As you can see, he and his friend Chris were providing some of the entertainment!

Ethan and his friends Katie and Seri.

Arriving at the school and hearing a few rules from the headmaster before heading into the dance.

And after. Sweaty and smiley. I think that says it all!