Giving Thanks!

Yesterday was an Amazing Thanksgiving here in the UK. Nicole and I met up with about 20 people at Tasha and Carmody's loft where we had a huge Thanksgiving feast. It was great as there were mostly American's (Which are few and far between here in London) and our close friends from New Zealand, Australia, Poland, and South Africa. It was great introducing this tradition to our friends from abroad. We had 2 turkeys, Martha Stewart stuffing, green bean casserole, mash potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, rice stuffing and all of the other fixings. We left about 11:30 PM and poured ourselves into bed after a quick chat with Nicole's family and mom and dad. Tomorrow we have a photoshoot here at the house and then Nicole and I are going on a date to the Rainforest Cafe (Ha!!) and to see the new Harry Potter movie!! For our friends who live in warmer climates (Like Elizabeth in LA, or our family in Mississippi) - we had our first snow yesterday!! Oh - I feel like there is going to be a long hard winter to come - better go get out the long johns. Love to you all and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Brad

Country Getaway:

So, this weekend was crammed with excitement. It started out Friday night in Brixton, in the south of London, at a house-warming party at our friends Martha and Lindsey's new flat. They are friends from church that recently married in Wales.

After a late night, early Saturday morning we decided to trade the stale air and concrete of the city for fresh air and crisp green grass in Huntingdon, just outside of Cambridge, for another weekend with the Paynters. Having just returned, we now realize just how wonderful it is to escape every now and then; though it is only a 45 minute train ride away, it feels miles away! When we arrived, they had prepared the nicest lunch for us, true English style! After a few hours of relaxation, we decided to eat yet again! This time, it was an early Thanksgiving meal for us that Christine had so sweetly made, including a full-on turkey and all the fixin's, finished off with an English Christmas pudding. Delicious turkey meal English style!

This morning, after a lovely brunch, the four of us layered the clothing and went for a 7 mile walk through the country and a few different villages with their dog Jake. How beautiful! It's unbelievable how many thatched roof homes are still around. We couldn't stop taking pictures of them. Brad looked like a giant standing next to them...some of the windows would come up to his chest like little hobbit homes! After the walk, we returned to their home and ate yet another amazing meal before jumping back on the train and coming back to home. It was such a wonderful weekend and much needed break from the city. We love spending time with the Paytners as they feel like family to us. They have truly become our English family! Now, back to reality tomorrow morning...work, work, work.

Platform 9 3/4 - Passage to Hogwarts:

Nicole and I couldn't resist taking our pictures at Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station in London. For those of you who are Harry Potter Fans you will know that this is the platform where you go through the wall to get on the Hogwart's Express. I love how they have incoporated this toursit spot in the station! Nicole and I went to Kings Cross to board a train bound for Bryan and Christine Paynter's house for a restful weekend in the country.

The Industry Party at Umbaba:

This past Friday night we had our Industry Party. Industry is a ministry that we work with at church that specifically reaches out to people in the arts and entertainment industry. We had it at an exclusive African themed night club in London called Umbaba. The theme of the night was "The Circus". To go along with the idea, there were circus performers, sparklers, face painters, giant lollies, and dancing! Nicole was offered a couture outfit to wear for the evening and I was dressed as the other hosts solely for fun!!! It was AMAZING!!! We had around 300 people come between 7:30 and 11:00 and it was a complete success. We will be doing a party like this every month!! Pictured above from left: Fumi (from Africa), Alice (from Czech Republic), & Nicole (America, haha!)

Nicole and Brad

Day With Aunt Daffie:

We are having a great time this weekend with Aunt Daffie. She moved to Paris in August and we are so happy that she is close by. She arrived on Friday afternoon and will be here until Monday. We have had an amazing day with her shopping around town and looking at the great Christmas decorations. Today we went to Covent Garden and Harrods and bought Christmas presents for special family members back home!! It is so great having someone you love so much around!!! We look forward to many more visits to come and our future trips to Paris!!

Brad

Photoshoot:

I may have mentioned that Nicole and I were in a photoshoot with our church about 3 weeks ago. This photoshoot was for a magazine that we are creating in church. Anyway, I thought that our friends and family back home may like to see one of the shots from the day.

Have a great weekend!!

Brad