This is my short and sweet self-indulgent post about friends and family. We keep asking ourselves, where did those few weeks back in the UK go? We knew it was going to be quite a happy and busy time but I don’t think either of us were prepared for just fast the time would go. Having said that, we have had such a great time with everyone and it felt like Christmas every day. We only feel sorry that there wasn’t enough time to fit all our family and friends in.
Following our 6 days in France, we met up with friends who were former colleagues in Maidstone. The KP mob were in the bar, whereas the KCC and education crew were at the same venue but enjoying the al fresco experience. Lots of laughs, gossip and anecdotes to catch up on, as well as the inevitable questions about travelling life. Stick with us for the next adventure you loyal blog readers.
The socialising did not stop there – it was only the beginning. After a tearful reunion with Jon’s Mum, who was convinced she would never see him again, and the housekeeping jobs of dentists and doctors, we had a tapas lunch with Angie and Martyn. They were inspired by a recent trip to Spain. We were in our time warp again where time just vanishes (as well as the wine, beer, cherry brandy, Prosecco and Lemoncello that we managed to consume).
Other friends we managed to pin down to listen to our incessant travelling stories were Trevor, Sharon and Barnaby, Keith and Nicola, Wendy, and finally Caroline, Tim and Holly (the cute westie). There are a few photos of these reunions but I have been shockingly poor on the photographic front recently.
And then there was the precious time spent with our three sons and their beautiful other halves. Shaun and our daughter-in-law-to-be, Katie, Sam and our daughter-in-law, Tabitha, and Ryan and girlfriend-in-law, Ella. The wedding planning has started for the “fonced” couple and they have promised to keep us updated (you better!!) Also Shaun and Katie and Sam and Tabitha had moved house since we last saw them last September so it was exciting to see their new places and how incredibly homely each place was. We even managed to all get together one day at Sam and Tabitha’s place near Bromley for a walk in the park, dinner and games. Our unashamedly biased opinion is that we have the best family in the world and we are so proud of them and their individual achievements. But best of all they are all happy (despite being abandoned by their travelling parents, I hear them shout).
It has been an emotional few weeks with long awaited reunions and, all too quickly, the subsequent goodbyes. And this is without even mentioning the stress of the T20 cricket semi-final and final. In three and a half weeks, we somehow managed to travel to two regions of southern France and ten counties in southern England (and this was the breather from travelling). We loved every minute and feel ready for JWalking2. Virgin Atlantic flight to Las Vegas departs in two days. The adventure continues.
18.3 – 5.4.2016
JWalking 
Great to meet up 🙂 lovely pictures of your family too. Enjoy your new adventures and stay safe. Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great to see you last week. (Non-paper) pants packed, crowns securely fixed. Let’s go!!
LikeLike
Do I get paid for my intellectual property rights? Brilliant to see you both and hear just some of your tales. It was, sadly, far too brief. Good luck in the USA and here’s to more fabulous adventures. And blogs of course. Catch me if you can fellow Commenters!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You have set the bar very high for commenting but we are not so sure about the “intellectual” property rights thing. You have taken it a step too far now. Bring on the next adventure and good luck keeping pole position. J
LikeLike
Looking forward to hearing your tales from Vegas! We got married there!! Who knows, in a few months/years time you might make it to sunny Finstock to see the rellies!! If your travels take you that far, that is. Goodluck and have fun!!
Kate and Vic xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sunny Finstock is definitely on our list. It is too long since we saw you and were there last. Keep your fingers crossed for a big Black Jack win to help us get to you. J & J
LikeLike
It was wonderful to see you, although you know that already. It is always too long between catch-ups at the moment but the ‘KCC and Education’ girls and I will be waiting when you eventually return. Keep the blog posts coming, nothing gets my day off to a better start than a wave of abject jealousy! Love to you both x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great to see you and your lovely new home. Time will fly by I am sure and December Pink is a must. Keep that abject jealousy in check by remembering you have clothes, furniture and cookery books (which are fab). Jx
LikeLike
So nice to see you glowing with your family and friends, you may the happiest copple of the world! Have a good journey and enjoy, hope to see the new stories and I am looking forward to it, dear regards Tonia
LikeLiked by 2 people
Can’t believe it is almost a year ago we started our journey by meeting you in Nijmegen. So pleased you like our blog and we should plan a reunion for 2017! Get the bikes ready!! J and J x
LikeLike
Bon voyage!! Lovely to see you both. Don’t forget to write your travel book so that we can follow in your footsteps without doing any research!!! Love to you both xxxxxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
So fab to see you both. Already looking forward to the up and coming blogs.
Debs xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent evening in The Stone. So honoured to appear in the blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person