John and CB's Most Excellent Adventure

Stockholm: 2018 European Adventure Part 3

Posted on October 10, 2018 | Leave a comment

The last leg of our European Adventure took us to Stockholm, Sweden to visit our dear friends, the Mossburgs! Landon and John grew up together and Landon and his wife, Dani, lived in Singapore the same time we did. We’ve visited each other many times over the years and they have featured on the blog before (Seattle, San Francisco, London, Porto, etc). Now, we have 3 (almost 4) children between us. Life has changed, but we all still enjoy being together!

Conrad’s introduction to Fika…

Cardamom Bun–a fika speciality!

The Mossburgs in their lovely new home: Stockholm

It was slightly windy…

These guys…friends for decades!

St. George and the Dragon Statue–we saw this years ago in Stockholm and it was as cool as we remembered.

My little explorer!

St. George and the Dragon in the Cathedral. Made of antlers. This is probably one of our favorite statues in a church. So interesting!

Conrad loves Uncle Landon! I also love what Chase is doing here…

Lunch! Yes please!

The impressive Vasa Museum. A ship ENTIRELY reconstructed and indoors. Very cool–the kids loved it!

Having such a lovely day in Stockholm!

That evening, Landon and Dani graciously arranged a babysitter and took us to dinner. We started with a GORGEOUS shellfish tower and tried some other Swedish delicacies!

Love these two!!!

Chase reading to Conrad at breakfast. So sweet!

I love this picture.

Charlie is introducing Conrad to a popular Swedish sport…

Enjoying the Mossburg’s Rooftop!

Our last morning…we sure love these kids!!!

A quick stopover in London on our way back to Philly–Conrad (and Dada) got to take an evening swim!

One more flight!!!

Passing the time listening to his sweet headphones!

We had a lovely time in Stockholm. Some sightseeing, but lots of family and friend time–it was perfect! Thank you Landon, Dani, Chase and Charlie for being such wonderful hosts. Can’t wait to see you all again soon–and meet your baby sister!!!

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Posted in European Escapades

London: 2018 European Adventure Part 2

Posted on October 6, 2018 | Leave a comment

Next stop is our European hometown: London!!! John was in town for work so Conrad and I kept ourselves busy during the days seeing the sights, meeting dear friends and, of course, eating some yummy British food.

This was such a special trip as we got to see so many friends from so many different phases of life. Thank you so much to each of you who took the time to come out and see us! And to those we didn’t see, sorry we missed you! We miss you all! 🙂

Reading up on our hotel! So cute–they had their own children’s book!

Pretty tile work at the hotel entrance

Our first morning, Conrad and I set out to see some of our favorite London highlights.

Buckingham Palace on a beautiful blue sky day!

Running around F&M. Mama did not get to look at the tea this time!

Before lunch at the St. James’s Church, Piccadilly food market

Ethiopian Food–YUM!

Leisurely stroll through Covent Garden. Cobblestone never fails to put him to sleep!

With my sweet friend, Caroline! So good to see you!

Smithfield Meat Market. John and I used to do breakfast dates here. We’d buy meat to last us for a few weeks, then go and have a coffee–with the meat on ice of course!

Playing in the churchyard of St. Bartholomew-the-Great. It’s the church of the fourth wedding in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Experiencing history on our walk back to the hotel. Damage from WWI…

I love discovering beautiful new places in a city that I know well…

Projjal was also in London for work!!! Lovely to catch up at a pub 🙂 Love these guys!

With Simon, my former boss at LOVESPACE. I miss working with him as the second half of the Finance Team!

Some of the awesome LOVESPACE team. Miss you guys!

Postman’s Park. A place in London that I always wanted to visit. A lovely tribute to the heroes amongst us.

A hauntingly beautiful place I used to pass during my daily commute: Christ Church Greyfriars

St. Paul’s Cathedral!

Riding the Tube!

When in Britain…watching Peppa Pig!

Dinner with JY2. Miss spending time with you guys! So glad we sat next to you at church one Sunday many years ago!

Breakfast Date with Jenny, a friend from my time coaching cheerleading at the American School in London. And South Carolina 😉 Go Eagles!

View from our walk back to the hotel..I mean, does it get any prettier?

Auntie Kerry came all the way from Wigan to see us!!!!

Still can’t believe we met 10 years ago in a gym locker room in Singapore. Thank you for giving me your number 😉

He already loves her 🙂

Yum–Mushy Peas!

Thank you so much for making the trip to see us!!!

Ah, England! Your tea is unmatched.

Studying up for another day out on the town!

Patiently shoe shopping with Dada

SCORE!!! Front seat of the DLR!

Mama and Dada’s old stop!

Our old view–miss this!

Playing in the park with our old flat in the background…

My date fell asleep on me at one of my favorite places. I love Borough Market!

Napping his way through London!

London Transport Museum. This place was a hit!

The driver on the bus…is Conrad!

Happy Boy!

My culinary Alma Mater: LCB!

One last playground while we wait for Dada

One last dinner in Covent Garden–enjoying some live entertainment.

London will always feel a little bit like home to us. We love it and miss it and are so thankful we have been able to make some new memories there with our little man!

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to spend time with us–we hope to see you all again very soon. 🙂

For now, onward to Stockholm!

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Posted in London

Germany and Liechtenstein: 2018 European Adventure Part 1

Posted on October 1, 2018 | Leave a comment

John had a business trip scheduled to London, so once again, Conrad and I tagged along. I enjoy it when John has business trips to London :). We decided to take some short weekend trips to see family and friends on either side of our time in London. Our first stop: Stuttgart, Germany to see Aunt Linda, Uncle Russell, and Rachel, who are currently based in Germany with the US Military.

I’ve got the passports, Mama! I’m ready to go!

Bucks Fizz–first stop was a layover in London.

The day we landed in Stuttgart was John’s birthday! Aunt Linda was so sweet to have planned a little celebration!

Our first full day in Europe, we took a road trip (thank you for driving, AL!!!) to the beautiful little principality of Liechtenstein, population 37,000. There we enjoyed a beautiful medieval castle and a vineyard!

Worth the drive!

Baby Jet Lag 🙂

We love you, AL!

Vineyard at The Princely Wine Cellar of the Prince of Liechtenstein

Checking out the grapes

Wandering around with Aunt Linda

Family stroll in the vineyard

How can I climb this tree?

Sampling the sparkling wine

Wine tasting with a jet lagged Conrad

The next day, Aunt Linda and Rachel went to a volleyball tournament and dropped us off in Heidelberg, Germany on the way. We explored the city and sampled the local cuisine as a little family of 3.

Little boy, big castle! So much to explore!

Heidelberg Castle

In front of a very large tun

Magnificent view of Heidelberg

Sleeping toddler means…

Big glass of German wine for Mama 🙂

Escargot. We noticed some French influence in the Heidelberg cuisine…

Sauerkraut, Sausages, and Mustard. Yes please.

We’re making a little European out of him…including a love of sparkling water

He LOVED the sauerkraut. I think he ate more of it than John and I did!

Heidelberg, Germany

Having SO much fun!

Church of the Holy Spirit

We had to! #tourists

One of my favorite photos of these two!

Aunt Linda is so much fun!!!

Our last morning, we went to church, out of a delicious Greek lunch and then played for a while before we had to catch our flight back to London. Conrad even enjoyed his first popsicle thanks to some sweet neighbors.

An American tradition…in Germany!

Thank you Aunt Linda, Uncle Russell, and Rachel for hosting us–we had such a lovely time in your beautiful corner of Europe!!! We love you!

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Posted in European Escapades

A little extra Florida time…

Posted on September 15, 2018 | Leave a comment

John is from Orlando originally, so after our delightful Disney holiday we decided to stick around for a few days and visit with old friends. I didn’t snap nearly as many photos as I should have–but here are a few highlights!

Conrad and Conner (son of dear friends Mandy and David from college) exchange a handshake as they meet for the first time!

Baby’s First Ski Boat! On the water with the Mitchells.

Thumb in mouth. Awesome.

This boy LOVES the water!

Taking in the beautiful FL sunrise with Ms. Bonnie!

We had such a lovely time seeing everyone! Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell for your hospitality. It was wonderful to spend some time with you. To all our FL friends–see you next time! 🙂

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Posted in USA

A Trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth: Disney World (Orlando, FL)!

Posted on September 12, 2018 | Leave a comment

After a lovely visit with John’s Grandad, Steve and Lindsey, and Caroline and her kiddos we were off to Disney World to meet Mumsie and Grandaddy! Mumsie and Grandaddy graciously gifted us this trip last Christmas and we had been looking forward to it for months!

We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter. Our first night, we took a quick swim then took the ferry to Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) for dinner. I forgot to take pictures of our ferry ride and dinner! #momfail

All decked out in “1st Visit” and Mardi Gras gear!

Sweet water slide!

Conrad is living his best life: in the pool with Dada at Disney World!

Our first morning, we enjoyed the Character Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. Because we had a specific reservation time, we opted to take a Minnie Van (Lyft, but operated by Disney) to get there on time. The Minnie Van came with a car seat, which was installed by a properly trained driver and cost $25, which we thought was a great deal for 5 people, including a toddler in a car seat.

Minnie Van!

The character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare was wonderful. Conrad loved some characters (Winnie the Pooh and Tigger) and wasn’t so sure about others (I’m looking at you, Mad Hatter).

Not of fan of the Mad Hatter’s antics

Pooh kisses!

Tigger!

After the character breakfast, we hopped the monorail and headed to EPCOT Center!

Baby’s First Disney Park!

Once in the park, we made our way to Imagination, which would be Conrad’s first Disney ride! The ride hasn’t changed at all since John and I were little 🙂

Baby’s First Disney Ride!

After the ride, we decided to check out the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, sampling cuisine and drink from all over the world. This was certainly a hit with this crew!

Mumsie and Grandaddy

Later, we checked out some of the other attractions EPCOT has to offer.

Conrad’s first 3D show

Trying to spot Nemo!

Food and Wine Festival

The next day, we ventured to Animal Kingdom. Our first stop was Pandora, to see the world of Avatar come alive!

Ready to rock in Pandora

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Beautiful Savannah in central Florida. Brought to you by Disney!

There are a ton of lunch options in Animal Kingdom, but we decided on Yak & Yeti which is close to Everest. They specialize in Pan-Asian cuisine and it was delicious. Plus, it was nice cool place to sit and rest on a hot day!

Lunch oasis

Posing in front of the Tree of Life

After a full day at Animal Kingdom, we returned to the hotel to dine al fresco and watch the University of Louisville football game! Conrad was very into the grilled cheese.

Go Cards! It did not end well…

Our final full day at Disney, we went to the MAGIC KINGDOM! We saved this day for last and I think it was the day the four adults were most excited about. Conrad did not disappoint–he seemed to have such a great time. And, so did the rest of us!

Main Street, USA and Cinderella’s Castle

Waiting in line has changed since I was little–playing some bongos while waiting for Winnie the Pooh

DUMBO!!!!!

Holy grail of toddlerhood at Disney…

The carousel. One of his favorites.

It’s a Small World with Mumsie and Grandaddy!

When we came out of It’s a Small World, we were met with another Florida tradition–the afternoon deluge!

We got wet…

Happy Boy with Happy Grandparents!

All five of us 🙂

The classic…

He felt at home, so he decided to take a nap 😉

Conrad LOVED the Country Bear Jamboree

Cruising through the Jungle with Mumsie

Mickey Ice Cream!

So good, he’s saving some for later

Mickey Beignet

We ended our Disney Holiday with the quintessential new Orleans treat (since our hotel was New Orleans themed) shaped like the Mouse himself.

Thank you, Mumsie and Grandaddy for such an amazing Disney adventure! I don’t know who had more fun–Conrad for the adults. Already dreaming of our next time together at Disney. 🙂

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Posted in USA

Quality Family Time in Tallahassee

Posted on September 10, 2018 | Leave a comment

On our way to Disney for the annual Wallace family vacation, we decided to stop in Tallahassee and pay John’s Grandaddy a visit! Caroline and her kids were stateside from Japan so they drove over from North Carolina and Steve and Lindsey drove up from Miami for the occasion. There was quite a crowd!

We had a great time visiting Grandaddy and visiting with each other! Below is a photo documentation of our trip. Can’t wait to see everyone again. And next time, hopefully Lucy, Jeremiah, and Matt can join! 🙂

Flights are the perfect time to get in some quality reading

This lady is AMAZING! Not only did she fly from Japan to the USA alone with 4 kids, she road tripped from NC to FL with them! Super Woman!

I found this gem on Grandaddy’s refrigerator. I see SO MUCH CONRAD in baby John! Miss his sweet Mom…

Playground at the Mall

All 5 kids (plus John) are in this photo. Bonus points if you can find Silas!

Big Family Dinner at Olive Garden!

Someone ate an ENTIRE children’s portion of spaghetti and meatballs…

The hotel had a pool so of course we took advantage.

I really love how much is going on here…

Chloe was a bit under the weather and about to take a long car journey, so the boys improvised a solution!

Worn out–not used to so much quality cousin time!

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Posted in USA

Wallaces Unite: Megan and Patty’s Wedding!

Posted on August 11, 2018 | Leave a comment

The first weekend of August we headed down the Acela Corridor to Washington DC (actually Arlington, VA) where Patrick and Megan tied the knot! Disclaimer: these are all photos that I (or my family) took. Such an amazing weekend–welcome to the family, Megan! 🙂

Babycinno before the train ride.

Wedding Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner: Embracing the Wallace Plaid

Roasting–I mean TOASTING–my baby bro!

Family Photo with the Groom

It’s Wedding Day! Prepping for Photos…

Our little kilted lad…

Love my sweet boy!

Family Photo! Bridesmaid, Ring Bearer, and Groomsman

Hanging out during cocktail hour…

Couldn’t resist…

With the newlyweds!

First Dance!

Head Table

Selfie time with Great and Papaw!

Father/Daughter Dance

Mother/Son Dance

Dance Floor Vibes!

Toddler Train Strategy: block him in!

Unexpected surprise: Uncle John got stuck at the Philly Airport! Grabbed a quick bite with him on our way home! 🙂

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Posted in USA

Dallas, TX 2018

Posted on August 1, 2018 | Leave a comment

Our boys were traveling so Katie and I decided we (and our kiddos) needed to spend some quality time together! So, Conrad and I boarded a plane to Dallas to hang out with our sweet friends!

When flying alone with a baby, this is a win!

First stop: Dallas Zoo! Finn is checking out the lion. Conrad is checking out Finn.

Conrad LOVES giraffes. Feeding them was a dream come true…when he wasn’t afraid of them!

Katie, Finn, (and sweet baby on the way) waiting to feed the giraffe

Water Table!

Taking an afternoon drink break…

Backyard sprinkler playtime!

Dallas World Aquarium (so thankful to be inside on such a HOT day)!

Delicious Arepas for lunch! Complete with plantains…yum!!!!

Finn and Conrad at the splash pad.

Conrad is totally living his best life. This boy LOVES water!

Oh hey, Hattie! Such a patient, sweet dog.

On our way home, we got stuck in Birmingham…

Hour Six into our flight delay…

We ended up having to get a hotel overnight. We tried again in the morning and made it back to Philadelphia!

Thank you, Katie and Finn for such an amazing time! We love you all and can’t wait for our next adventure!!!

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Posted in USA

Niagara-on-the-Lake: Weekend fun with Friends

Posted on July 1, 2018 | Leave a comment

Road trip! This time to Canada!

A friend who also happens to be one of John’s colleagues, Chris, lives with his lovely wife, Kate, in a beautiful historic home in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They invited us and the Hills (who have featured in the blog multiple times) up for a visit. So we rented a car, loaded up our little traveler, and headed north! We drove the 8-hours with just two breaks: a quick coffee break not far outside of Philadelphia and at a lovely roadside family restaurant in Upstate New York (reminded me of KY!)

Reading up on our destination

That is one serving of raspberry cobbler. ‘Merica.

Conrad’s 7th country!

Upon arriving, we headed to dinner at a lovely brewery and had a very relaxing evening.

The whole crew at dinner. The Hills, Houghtons, and Candetos!

Bonfire the first evening–so relaxing!

The next day was a workday, so the boys and Kate got down to business while Katie and I took the kids into town–and to the park!

Is there anything better than babies in swings?

Yes! Babies on a slide!

Picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake

An important business meeting

City baby can’t handle the grass

Such a gorgeous and historic home!

After the work day was done, we went to Ravine, a stunning winery not far from the Houghton’s home. I am LOVING the Canadian Riesling, which is dryer than the European varieties. It is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

Relaxing by the vineyard

Bellies full of pizza

That’s America over there!

The next morning, we journeyed with the Hills to see one of the world’s great natural wonders: Niagara Falls! I was in awe of the size and the sheer amount of water pouring over every second. It is a shining example of the incredible power of nature. We all enjoyed seeing it!

We took a boat from the Canadian side: The Hornblower. We sailed right up under the falls and got very VERY wet. The kids loved it!

They even had toddler-sized ponchos.

Our first view of the falls from the boat

Ready to rock!

The Hills

Family photo with the Falls

Little baby, big adventures!

So. Much. Water.

I think this photo captures the intensity of the experience. And the sheer amount of water.

Everyone looks happy–so much fun!

The falls from above.

My guys

After some waterfalling, we headed to a brewery for lunch. Conrad was tuckered out, but not too tuckered out for a swing and a swim!

Post-waterfall brews!

I think we’re wearing him out. He hasn’t slept through a meal in a LONG time!

Swing break!

Finn and Conrad go swimming!

For our final evening, we had an adults only dinner in the beautiful barn behind the house. Kate and Chris cooked and it was DELICIOUS. We even had a delicious cake from a local bake sale!

Lovely dinner in “the barn”

Friendly game of darts!

The next morning, we had to head back to Philadelphia. But first, we had to stop at Tim Hortons. Because did you really go to Canada if you didn’t go to Tim Hortons?

Baby’s first Time Hortons Donut Hole.

After arriving back in Philadelphia, we went to dinner at a favorite local restaurant to celebrate my birthday. Hilariously for our last three birthdays we have been in some kind of transit. For John’s birthday last September, we were on a flight to London. For Conrad’s birthday in April, we were on a flight to Japan. And for my birthday, we were in the car driving back from Canada. I guess you could say we like to be on the go 🙂

My birthday dinner at El Vez in Philadelphia–after our drive home 🙂

Thank you, Chris and Kate, for such a lovely time! We appreciate your hospitality and had such a fun and relaxing weekend! Your home is beautiful and we loved getting to know your town. Look forward to spending more time with you (and you, Hills) very soon!

As always, thanks for reading!

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Posted in Beyond

Bermuda: 10th Anniversary Cruise

Posted on June 22, 2018 | Leave a comment

It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago, we got married. 2008 doesn’t seem that far in the past, but then I realize it’s 2018! We’ve packed a lot into a decade and look forward to the next one!

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we dropped our little guy with Mumsie and Grandaddy in KY before embarking on a cruise to Bermuda. The cruise left from Baltimore, so of course we had to explore! A big thanks to Andrew Lincoln, proud Baltimorean (??) for his lovely recommendations!

Have you really been to Baltimore if you don’t try the crabs?

Bo Brooks–Baltimore Institution

Exploring Fells Point and the oldest saloon in the USA

Good night, Baltimore!

The next morning, we hopped aboard the Grandeur of the Seas for a 5-night journey.

Adios, Baltimore! Let’s out run this storm!

Passing under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, moments after our departure

After dinner our first night aboard the ship!

Our first full day on the cruise was a Sea Day. So, this is the day we decided to celebrate our anniversary (the actual day occurred a few weeks later).

Before dinner at Chops Grille.

John surprised me with an anniversary band that matches my wedding band! 🙂 And he printed out this entire blog (through 2017) to go on our bookshelf!

The next morning, we pulled into Bermuda. First, however, I got some pampering at sea!

Now THIS is a manicure!

Before going ashore, we wanted to say hello to our little guy. He was not so keen on the whole FaceTime thing. Needless to say we didn’t try this again!

You didn’t take me with you?!?!

Our ship docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard. We disembarked, did some exploring, then caught a ferry to Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda.

Royal Naval Dockyard

First stop in Hamilton, the Princess Hotel for some lunch!

Incredible views!

Rum Swizzle: one of Bermuda’s signature drinks!

Fish Sandwich on Raisin Bread (surprisingly delicious) and Bermuda carrots

After our stop in Hamilton, we ventured to the Rosewood, a gorgeous hotel. They have a bar with lovely murals that were once in the Sky Club of the PanAm Building (now the MetLife Building) in NYC.

Murals

Full view

I’m loving the Bermuda Shorts! It’s all business with a little bit of fun 😉

Upon leaving the Rosewood, we headed to St. George’s–which is the “historic district” of Bermuda.

My guy 🙂

Iconic white rooftops used for catching rain water. Each building has its own cistern underneath!

Exploring!

On the ferry back to the boat.

The next morning, we were scheduled to rent a boat and cruise around the island ourselves. However, due to high winds and the resulting seas it was canceled! We made the best of it and went to Horseshoe Bay, a famous pink sand beach, instead.

Consolation prize: feeding the fish!

Horseshoe Bay

At the beach!

A little rock climbing for a beautiful view

Stunning

I loved this 🙂

After some time on the beach, we headed back to the ship for a leisurely session of reading and sailing away.

Bermuda is a beautiful country–an interesting combination of British and Caribbean island culture. It seems to have a bit of the British sensibility and politeness, mixed with a Caribbean laid-back spirit and true appreciation for natural beauty. The food and drink are tasty and the views beautiful. We’d love to spend more time here and hopefully rent that boat that we missed out on!

Meanwhile, at home, Conrad was having a great time with Mumsie and Grandaddy

Our final day was a day at sea. We did one of the coolest things we’ve done on a cruise ship–a galley kitchen tour! It was amazing to see how kitchen crews prepare so much food in so little space!

My favorite area: pastry!

With the Head Chef!

Later that day, as we were doing some reading, we noticed some American military aircraft practicing take-offs and landings from an aircraft carrier. Something I never dreamed of seeing in person–it was SO cool!!!!