Two Sets of Parents, One Long Flight!

September 26, 2009, Kevin and I embarked on a seven-hour journey to London. It has been just over a year now since I have really seen any family (except Ruby and Cara of course--I did not forget you) and so I was SUPER excited when Kevin's parents (both sets) arrived on British soil to have some adventures of their own. In a whirlwind of sightseeing, coffee-drinking, eating, and visiting, I managed to get a few photos of some of their experiences. It was really just nice to have them here and made being away from home just a little bit easier. Mainly, I took them when we went to Hampton Court. Bringing the camera around Oxford Street and Primark wasn't my idea of fun...and so I didn't. All in all, it was super nice to have them here. We hope they had loads of fun and that the return flight wasn't too horrible. We miss them already! Will post more soon when I have some time!

Glenda and Don

Gail and Jim

Kevin, Gail, and Jim at Hampton Court

Kevin and Momma Sherwood at Hampton Court.

They had the most BEAUTIFUL gardens at Hampton Court. Would love to go back!

Jim and a little Brittania.

Tower Hill Station in front of the Tower of London (it's in the background, I swear).

Ruby and the Henge

So summer is coming to an end! It has truly gone WAY faster than I ever anticipated. I had big ambitions to do more creative photography this summer--it still hasn't really happened. I've been doing all the touristy things I still hadn't gotten around to doing since two of my close friends (Cara and Ruby) came. Having Ruby here was absolutely amazing and I miss her so much already! Most of the brilliantly fun pictures came from Ruby's point and shoot (along with a few bottles of wine and far too many gin and tonics)--will definitely have to get those soon!

These are a few pictures from when Ruby was here. We decided to do a day trip on a bus tour to Stonehenge and Bath. Unfortunately, for most of Ruby's trip it was true British weather and rained most of the time--the camera definitely didn't make it out as much as it should have--however, rain or shine it was coming to Stonehenge. With that said, here are a few pictures from the trip. I forgot to flip on the OS on my 18-200 mm lens--I finally remembered to turn it off when I switched lenses the last time only to forget to turn it back on when I re-attached it! Anyhow, I did go to Stonehenge and now I have proof.

A few hours later we were there!

Stonehenge

Proof that Ruby was at Stonehenge.

We definitely paid £1.50 to sit in these chairs.

We were waiting to go into the Roman Baths in Bath. Ruby found something more interesting to do with her entry coin.

The Many Faces of Max

I am really enjoying my time off this summer. It has been nice to have the freedom to sleep in, go for walks, enjoy the outdoors, and bring my camera everywhere! One of these occasions happened to be with two of my co-workers (Miriam and Lynsey) and a handsome little man named Max! He oozes cuteness and he's so squishy! So throughout the day (as we enjoyed the freedom that we teachers do get during the summer) I couldn't help but take tons of photos of the little guy. My camera settings were a little off, but with a baby this cute who cares!

Cara In A Big City!

Living in the UK has been great but really tough without my friends! Naturally, I was super excited when I found out that TWO of my best friends (Cara and Ruby) were coming to visit this summer. Here are a few pictures from Cara's first few days in the big city of London. These ones are mainly random pictures of Cara around London-- from the Southbank, Tate Modern, and Camden. So nice to have here here! Also nice because Cara loves having her photo taken and she is very photogenic. She doesn't know this yet but I have decided that she will be my muse for creative experimentations in the future. I definitely need the practice and she is definitely a natural at this! I miss her already! Thank GOODNESS she is coming back next weekend!

Cara's first London request was to see the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern which was super cool since I had never seen either of them myself. We headed to the Tate Britain first and then took the boat to the Tate Modern. I didn't even know you could do that!

Waiting for the boat.

In front of parliament.

Big Ben and Parliament.

We spent some time at Camden Market--one of my favourite spots in London.

Camden Market.

Left: Cara "installing" at the Tate Modern. Right: Cara in front of Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey.

Big Ben and a monument celebrating the end of slavery.

In front of Buckingham Palace.

In front of Buckingham Palace. She had a really nice camera.

I took the plunge and got my first tattoo! Will post a photo of the finished product soon!

Tattoo!

Cute, innit?

This morning I was lying in bed viewing some photos of last night's adventures when this popped up in my face! xoxo

Seriously serious.

Happy Birthday Susanne!

It was a full week at Havering Sixth Form! On Friday, we celebrated Susanne's birthday and later that night we headed out to Brick Lane to say goodbye to Kim. Susanne is, well, fabulous. As you can see she is also very photogenic. She is an AMAZING facilitator and has recently become a fully qualified teacher--yay! Happy Birthday Susanne and welcome to the official world of teaching (run while you still can!). A bit of a disclaimer for the following two posts: These are photographically the worst photos I have ever taken haha. My friends are fabulous, and so they look fabulous, but this is in no way because of my efforts. Anyone who knows anything about photography, view at your own risk (it hurts!). Moral of the story: Have loads of fun with your friends, take lots of pictures, check ALL of your camera settings!!!

Goodbye Kim :(

There are no words to describe Kim. Well, there are lots, but none will completely describe what a great person she is. Without a doubt, there isnt' a person in the office that happy to see Kim go. She is not only adored by her colleagues in the psychology department, but the students RAVE about her. Her quick turns of phrase and hilarious sense of humour (the infamous Kiminisms) have made me laugh more times than I can remember. She truly has made my year at Havering memorable (along with the rest of my fabulous colleagues). I can only hope my future colleagues are half as great. Good luck on your future adventures! You really are amazing and just such a great person! xoxo