I'm taking a moment to brag on my oldest, the college coed. She's wrapping up rush this week, her third going into the history books. She and her sorority sisters have shown up two weeks before classes start every August to learn songs and skits and prep for a week before welcoming freshman women to Greek life on the campuses of her colleges in South Carolina and Texas.
She has participated in a worthwhile philanthropy and made some great friends along the way, all while maintaining a strong 3.8 GPA. We're so proud of her accomplishments and can't wait to see the next chapter of her life unfold as she takes the GRE next month and begins applying to graduate programs. FYI - she's on the far right in all three pictures!
If I was being honest, the title would be sand tracked into the beach house by kids. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time with our friends enjoying a bit of a break at Texas' Port Aransas. We were a total of three adults and eight kids, ages 10-21, that enjoyed some time at the coast during our first week back home to visit family and friends in July.
The house we rented was large and lovely, less than a 2 minute walk to the surf. The little development where we rented had all of the properties painted in fun beach colours. There was plenty of room for everyone to spread out and be comfortable all week.
We rented a six seater beach buggy for the kids to entertain themselves. They hit the souvenir shops and local eateries. It's so nice to have licensed drivers in the mix so we don't have to schlep them everywhere.
To break up the stay, we went into Corpus with our herd for a visit to the Texas State Aquarium. The husband and I have taken our girls many times before. They appeared to be in the middle of a big expansion, so we'll undoubtedly have to visit once it's finished.
All of the kids got along swimmingly (couldn't resist!) and were very well-behaved. Best part of every day was going out for a leisurely dinner with these two amazing ladies because I always enjoy spending time with them. I've been friends with one since 8th grade and the other one for 15 years. I'm so happy they were able to join us for the week to reconnect and relax.
So a lot has happened since my last post. The couples only Mekong River cruise was AMAZING. Great boat, great itinerary, great sightseeing. I could have done without the heat and humidity, of course, but it was all part and parcel of the experience.
I got a new passport on Wednesday that's gonna let me leave the UK next month for a little trip to Munich's Oktoberfest, and it was returned to me in record time. Very impressive, US embassy in London.
The other big news is that we're buying property back in Texas for our eventual return. It's exciting to contemplate the build of a custom home. Getting exactly what I like and want (I may let the husband have a bit of input, too) will undoubtedly blow my little mind, and I'm looking forward to beginning that process at some point.
I'll be dashing off some new posts here in the blogosphere this next week once I finally get the Asia pics downloaded from the good camera. In the meantime, I must say my thoughts and wishes are with all of the teachers and kiddos back in Texas returning to the classroom. I'm living the dream here in England, but I still miss my calling. Happy thought - it will still be there when I return to Texas and pick up where I left off in the teaching trenches.
In the meantime, enjoy this meme I found. Momcation 2016-17 kicks off for me next Tuesday when the younger daughter starts 10th grade on August 30th.
