Throwback to Reykjavik

It's been a while. Since Christmas, to be exact.

Three months have passed since making the time to sit and document. Three months in which we've settled comfortably into London living, leaving no park or common untouched, eating all the things at every market within a 5 mile radius. More thoughts on this later, as I really want to write my heart out but I'm also trying to pay attention to House of Cards. Not an easy thing to do. 

Backtracking a bit to February, in which we had a grand hausfrau reunion that was planned months and months ago when we knew we'd need a pick-me-up in the middle of winter. 

Iceland is a gorgeous place, full of color to juxtapose the gray skies and icy, volcanic tundra. We crammed everything we could into a quick jaunt through Reykjavik and the Golden Circle tour, missing the Northern Lights due to the cloudy weather but still soaking up the beauty of our surroundings. 

But really, I could be anywhere with these girls and it'd be the best time ever.  They're the type of friends that you pick up right where you left off and carry on as if time hasn't passed.
Love love love. 

I want to go back in the summer, when we can drive around ourselves and not have to rely on massive tour buses to get around. And to see the Gulfoss waterfall without the ice. 

And to soak in the hot springs for an entire day. 

Putting the ice behind us and looking forward to a Frankfurt reunion in the spring!

Christmas in England

It hurts your heart to be so far away from home at Christmastime, although if you can't make it to Florida, London's not a bad place to be. 

Our sweet friends invited us to spend the holidays with their family out in the countryside (Diego included!) On Christmas Eve we braved the Tube with the pup and parked ourselves onto a train headed to Birmingham. Not as stressful as I thought, and soon we were picked up by Dan and driving towards the farm.... where we were greeted by Nell, Diego's new girlfriend! 

Just look at that FACE!

Martha's family are the kindest, most welcoming people on the planet. We spent a glorious three days snuggling into their warm couches with lots of tea and cake and Scrabble. Sometimes we ventured out to explore the local towns, but mostly we rested. 

Oh, and let's not forget the eating. Glorious Christmas dinner with cake that you LIT ON FIRE.

After Christmas we drove to York for the night. It's lovely! 

My favorite moment was a moving evensong service at Yorkminster with a  massive organ and phenomenal choir. Be still my heart. 

We continued our journey from York up the coast towards Edinburgh, Scotland, stopping in a quaint little town called Berwick Upon Tweed. The light was perfect, we caught a glimpse of the ocean... just perfect.

And on to Edinburgh! 

What a cool city-- we'll be back for sure, especially in the summer when it's a bit warmer. 

We hiked Arthur's Seat, meandered through the old streets, joined in a viking torch procession, and rung in the new year with Scottish bluegrass and tons of bagpipes. 

Sooooo many bagpipes!

Amazing holiday, loved spending time with our besties, thankful for the Farrells who welcomed us into their home...

looking forward to exploring more of the UK!