Road Trip.

You could say I'm slightly excited...

I've been working my bottom off the last few weeks in order to get a decent start on my papers in anticipation of my parents visiting. The time has finally come (well, almost). On Sunday, I'm off to Heathrow (hopefully a little richer after betting on Saturday's Grand National) to meet them at the airport, jump in their rental car (with dad driving on the wrong side of the road...windshield wipers going off instead of turn signals...normal right?) and head off on our Adventure. The plan is to tour England and Wales (and possibly Scotland if we aren't too rushed), and then head back to London for me to show them the sights and sounds of the city, before mom and dad head off to France. Our first stop is Oxford (which I can hardly wait to get back to) and then we're heading to the Cotswolds. From then on, your guess is as good as mine. My only regret is that the boys can't be here to explore with us.

I will blog when I can, and definitely when I get back. I plan to pack the instruction manual for my camera, so hopefully you'll see some improvements in my point-and-shoot technique.

As for the three of us (opinionated souls) in tight quarters for a few weeks...wish us luck!

In the mean time, you can add me on Instagram, and follow along. @beyondtheblueumbrella

This One's for the Girls.

Today I'm really missing my ladies. The reality of being so far away from home, away from my support group is beginning to settle in. I think it's because the craziness of getting oneself settled in a different country is over. There are no more (horrid) letting agents, trips to Ikea, appointments with the bank, or first day of school anxieties. Now it's just life.

Yesterday, one of my very best friends gave birth to her first child (a baby boy) and I couldn't feel further away.

(J - I'm thrilled for you and M, and am I'm looking forward to my first Skype session with your little man!).

To the rest of the girls, I miss you too!

Sushi nights, seawall walks, seawall runs (the stress fracture is really making me miss these!!)  fifth avenue movies, eating our way though Granville Island, breakfast burritos at recess, nights in, nights out, ranch weekends...I think you're getting the picture.

Thanks for all of the Skye messages, cards, and texts.

Keep them coming, it's always a welcome surprise.

Can't wait to hear whether it's a boy or a girl!

Sorry Mandy, I know this is a sexy shot. I was in a hurry. xo 

Tough as s@#$. 

Miss the CW crew!

I miss my Art Department ladies  (Sorry Jake, I said it's for the girls!)

And for the Batches....Miss you too!

And in NZ!

Miss my Stobers!!

A.B. Hope your pregnancy is going smoothly.  Miss you!

And a shout out to M.F in Toronto. I can't find a recent picture, so that means a visit is definitely in order. xo

And Last but not least....MOM!

I'll leave you with a little something mom sent me today...

Now get your bottoms on a plane and come visit me!

(or I'll be forced to get out my lady pens and write you all postcards)

That is all. xo