Cousin Nikki arrives....

After pounding it back on the motorway to Stoke Mandeville from Devon, we got home in time to prepare a dinner for the arrival of Nikki and her friends Lisha and Robin, who have been backpacking for the past month around Europe. They looked great, although tired from luggiing around packs so long. I remember the feeling. We had a great night, closed down the Stoke pubs, which wasn't hard on a Tuesday night, and got a long nights rest. The next day we got up to a beautiful morning, and although I was feeling a bit sick for some reason, we headed out to a hike in the Chilterns, at Whitehall Cross. Beautiful view from the top....



I caught Marina standing in the breeze staring for a full minute out over the vast farmlands and lavender fields, kind of bending back like the blowing grass.... cheesy I know, but I like the picture...



Continuing on from the summit, Marina was digging the added attention from our new companions....



After hiking down through some beautiful glades and dark woods, we came upon...surprise, surprise... A PUB! In England? ;) So we thought this would be a good time for some refreshment. Plus, this was the same place (the Plough) that was rude to us before that I blogged about. Much friendlier today, and there was a cool tire swing alongside the beer garden.



We made it back home, saw the girls off to London for their last night in Europe, and suddenly I started to feel more sick. Well, I felt lame all morning, but had to pull through with Elena on my back and Marina on my shoulders.... Anyway, I went to bed at 4pm, and didn't get up the rest of the day or night. Some strange bug. Killed me for 24 hours. So, sorry Nikki if I acted a little down that day, I was trying to keep everything together but felt something evil lurking..... Even missed the 5k at Wadston Manor that night. Bummed. But Lori made it along with Nettie and Jonathan, and ran very strong after our training mission in the hills of Devon a couple nights earlier!



Today, Lori and I are off to Paris. Looks like miserable weather today, then beautiful for the next two days. Should be a blast. Grandma and Papa are all geared up for their solo time with the kids. I think they will have a blast.

More in 3 days time, and then, we are on our way home next Weds! What a trip....