Pocket

She has soft, brown hair, big brown eyes and the face of an angel.  She is so excited to see you when you wake her up in the morning that could bring joy to the hardest of hearts.  She knows her Daddy and Mummy by name and will come running when called.  Her Daddy calls her Tinkle Bear, her Mummy calls her Scooter..

Watch out Cindy Pawford.....

Everyone, meet Pocket!  She is love and happiness rolled into one puppy.  She pulls at our heartstrings with just one lick and we are putty in her paws.

She grows like a weed

I have wanted a dog for ages, having grown up with a dog always around me.  Not to mention a very sweet dog named Belja back home in SD with my parents.  Though, as T never grew up with a dog, a little convincing was required... It called for my secret weapon... the big bottom lip! Finally, after my daily / hourly pleas, he gave in!

Look at that face.. who could resist!

I found the perfect litter that still had puppies available.. in Scotland.  To my SD friends, a 7 hour drive is like breathing.. you just do it without thinking... though to the Londoners of the crowd; driving to Scotland... for a dog... for 7 hours... may cause one to hyperventilate... It did in this case.

Scotland Road Trip to get Pocket Girl

Anyway, up and back to Scotland we went for our precious cargo and our lives haven't been the same since.  Yes, the midnight bathroom runs outside in December and January haven't been what one would describe as "fun", but both of us would agree, we would do anything for that Chocolate Button.  

How much is that doggy in the window...!

I recently read a quote (sorry no source) that said "He might be only part of your life, for him, you are his everything, the only person in his whole life."  We can't imagine life without Pocket, as she has added so much happiness, joy and fun!

Stay tuned as Pocket will definitely be making further appearances!

Never too old (or big) to sit on Mummy's lap

A beautiful day

March 6, 2013 didn't start like any other day.. it started out as a day we knew we would remember for the rest of our lives.  A day that was going to be filled with love and happiness.. it was our wedding day!  We decided that life is short and happiness and love are everything.  We both decided that we did not need a big song and dance to prove our love for one another.. therefore we decided that we would have a simple, quiet and small registry wedding.  By small.. I mean it was just the two of us plus our two witnesses.  

We both understand the importance of family and friends in our lives and truly value both.  Though we wanted one moment where it was just the two of us.  This was our day! YAY! 

We arranged to set-up base camp at our central London hotel, there we would get ready and go to the registry office in Islington.  As the taxi pulled up to the hotel, I craned my neck to see the hotel and low and behold...IT WAS HARRY POTTER'S HOTEL!  ok.. it wasn't his hotel but it could definitely pass as his.. 

St Pancras Hotel - is one of the most impressive and beautiful hotels in London.  The neo-gothic building emerges from the hustle and bustle of Euston Road.  Entering the hotel you are immediately taken away from the outside world to your own oasis.  The double height windows and high ceilings that engulf the lobby are incredible.  It makes you want to stay.. and never leave - I tried.. trust me!  The hotel was on the verge of demolition in the 1960s... could you imagine.. the thought of this masterpiece being destroyed?!!  

Historic Photo - via St. Pancras Hotel

The staff were so nice and went above and beyond to make our day special.  After entering the hotel, they whisked me off to show me the room, with a pause at the Grand Staircase... a moment of silence please for the Grand Staircase... and it doesn't stop there.. it carries on to the 3rd floor!! whoop whoop!

Grand Staircase - via St. Pancras Hotel

Off to the room where my groom was waiting.. we were staying in THE CHAMBERS STAIRCASE... yes, that is correct, there is a staircase in the room.  It was originally used for the middle class to access the 4rd and 5th floors.. whilst the Grand Staircase served the upper class staying on the first three floors.  As a result of the 4th and 5th floors becoming flats, the staircase became redundant... well that is unless you stay in this room as the first stairs leads to the TV lounge and the next floor up is a reading nook.. I am moving in, guys!


My groom and I dressed in our best (taken via a quick self timer).. isn't he handsome!

We then set off for Islington registry hall where we met our witnesses and our über

 talented photographer, Laurie Fletcher.  The ceremony was beautiful and we both couldn't stop smiling.  I was standing there with the love of my life becoming his wife!  

Photo credit Laurie Fletcher

We all jumped in cabs and headed back to the hotel for photos and drinks.  T and I then enjoyed a nice meal at The Gilbert Scott and then retired to our 2nd floor TV lounge to watch Sons of Anarchy.... we know how to party!... 

I couldn't have asked for a better day or a better person to spend the rest of my life with!

A few pointers on the St. Pancras hotel:

1. Try to book a "Chambers" room if your budget allows (free food all day in the club... worth it in my opinion as it is delicious!)
2. Eat at one of the two amazing restaurants (The Gilbert Scott has a wonderful 8 course taster menu)
3. Go on the hotel tour with Royden, who is the historian and tour guide for the hotel.  You won't be sorry, promise.  

Details on the hotel, you can get everything you need here.

 In July, we will have a blessing and celebration in South Dakota.. so stay tuned for a party on the prairie!