GOODBYE LONDON TOWN....

After five years in London, we are moving back to the States. Charles has obtained a position at a new firm in Chicago. We will be moving as of July 14th! We are sad to leave London but excited to buy a house. There are many things we will miss about London; it really feels like home to us. Here is a list of the things I will miss about London:

• The ease of travel to Europe and other destinations - I love that it is so easy to take a long weekend trip to Spain or Greece or wherever else. This is by far the thing I will miss the most!



• Great produce - London has great fruits and vegetables that I am afraid I won't get in the States.



• Parks - London has the most beautiful parks that are so well manicured with gorgeous flowers and gardens.



• The English Garden - The English take so much pride in their garden. It is a national trait and I really admire it.



• Being an expatriate



• The diversity - London is much more diverse than anywhere I have ever been (including New York, in my opinion). There are so many different cultures here, it is incredible.



• England in the sun - Even though we don't see much of it, when the sun is out there is nothing better. England is amazing in the sun!



• Daytrips to the country - We have had such lovely daytrips to the countryside here. The little villages are so picturesque and quaint. It is the best break from the fast pace of the city.



• My neighbor Estelle and her family - We have the best landlords/neighbors. They have been incredibly friendly and so nice. Estelle has been Abby and Sammy's Jewish grandmother. She is always giving them presents and spoiling them like her own grandchildren. She always just opens the gate between our gardens and lets them wander in and out of her house playing with the toys. Abby is always asking to go see Estelle.



• Mild Winters - I have never minded the winters here in England. We rarely get much snow if any and it isn't unbareably cold. It is a pretty mild winter if you ask me but then again, we moved here from New York City where I thought I would freeze to death if I stepped outside.
• Our friends - of course we will miss our friends here. Great friends are what make a place feel like home.

Well, that is my list for now. If I think of anything else, I will add it. Charles' last day of work is this Friday (June 13th) so we have a month to play before we leave. We have planned three fun trips to Germany, Istanbul and Croatia. Before I end, here are a few recent pics of the girls.

Sammy bathing her baby

Abby and Sammy watching shows with Daddy

playing in the rain

playing in the rain