Goodbye Papa Lyons...we love you!

On New Year's Eve, we said goodbye to Papa Lyons. I had the good fortune of spending a few days w/ him prior to his passing. Dad, he and I had the most beautiful visit together. I've written about it here on my CWM blog: http://consciousworkingmama.com/why-i-was-able-to-say-goodbye-to-my-grandfather-right-before-he-passed-away/

He was such a compassionate, thoughtful, loving grandfather: http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2015/jan/11/dr-paul-harrell-lyons-md-in-memoriam/

I loved this comment on his obit: He was my doctor all the time I was growing up.I remember him coming to a neighbors house to help the night my brother died in a house fire.There aren't doctors like him any more.Rest in peace.

Christmas in Seattle with Messie & PopPop

We spent the holidays in Seattle and the boys were in heaven. A major highlight was the flight up.  We spent the first few days w/ Messie and PopPop and visited with dear friends Ruby and Calvin!

We arrived in Seattle and immediately headed to the Eastside where we caught the Santa train in the pouring rain 

Hanging out at Messie and PopPops

Kelsey Creek Farm with Ruby and Calvin

Reading with Messie

Enjoying the Fountain at Seattle Center after seeing a play at Seattle Children's

I was sad to walk by PNB and see the final sets of The Nutcraker, since they're retiring them - and I grew up going every year w/ Grandma B. Such wonderful memories 

The boys with PopPop & Messie

 Christmas with Grandmommy and Grandaddy

The boys loved waking up at Grandmommy's and Grandaddy's house

 

Levi & Grandaddy - about a week later Grandaddy passed away and this was the last picture taken- I just love his twinkle 

Overall, the boys, John and I loved being back in Seattle for Christmas. It was an incredibly special week spent with immediate family and dear friends. 

Felix's 1st Christmas Concert!

Felix and his fellow Lillie friends sang their Christmas concert this week and it was precious. I love that Felix's preschool is part of an old church, so they had performed in the great hall. It reminded me of my childhood. It was full of character, hertiage and little voices belting out jingle bells.

When the curtains went up, it was the cutest thing ever. I felt so proud of Felix and all his friends. They were grinning ear to ear in front of this bright, gorgous back drop, while all the parents cheered and waved. It was quite a moment. 

Somehow Felix landed a spot right next to one of his teachers Mrs Megan

Our long time friend Reed came to town and took in the show too. 

Gussy loved the concert and will sing next year!

Felix's godfather Matt also came and cheered him on 

In the end, they all took a bow

Felix's teachers are Ms. Megan and Ms. Tiffany on the left, but he also loves Ms. Tess 2nd from the right

Matt and Felix have quite a fun friendship, and I think this series of photos sums it up 

Watching Felix comfortably sing with confidence was the biggest Christmas gift I could ask for. He has found his way these last few months and has really grown into his skin, which has been so fun to see. He's always so silly at home, but I love seeing him share this side of him as well as his compassionate side at school!

Levi & Mama take on London!

Levi and I spent 9 days in London, a trip that was long overdue. It was one of the greatest gifts I gave myself and him. Levi was finally able to explore his "birth" city, reconnect with friends and spend time with his mama 1 on 1. We actually did quite well traveling too. Levi adjusted beautifully to GMT time,  and was so curious about the architecture, the history and 'his' story. It definitely was a trip I will always remember.

Levi bounding past our favorite spot in our old neighborhood 'La Fromergie'

 

1st night in London, and once we got the boys in bed, we scurried off to a delicious curry dinner and to see the lights on Oxford street. London lives and breathes Christmas.

Levi at midnight (up b/c of jet lag) and Maureen couldn't wait to snuggle him

Levi playing at his old playground by our flat

A new la boulangerie opened on Marleybone high street, and it is incredible

Our high street

 

We spent an afternoon with one of our most favorite families...The White Family... Simon, Serena, Felix, Freddie and Oscar.

The boys happen to be home from boarding school, so Levi was in heaven with 3 older play mates.

 

 

They past down their beloved Chelsea 'Terry' jersey.

Levi fell in love with the tube.

 

Levi celebrated his 6th birthday with his BFF Harry, who was born a few minutes after him, in the room next door.

 Kristi planned a beautiful party in Notting Hill.

The blue chicken is new accent in Trafalager Square, and you can't miss him. He's huge! We did a big bus tour around town and Levi loved him.

 

Levi was most excited to see 'Big Ben.'

 

We even went and checked out our old building. 

Levi was able to catch up with Thomas, our favorite door man.

This beautiful door was just down the street from Kristi's flat, and every time I walked by it we had to stop. Look at those leaves?!

For a California boy, Levi felt right at home in the drizzle.

Harry & Levi

 

We went ice skating three times- this is in front of the Natural History Museum. This particular time was a little challenging, because it had been pouring all day!

I always point out UCLA Santa Monica hospital when we drive by it so Felix and Gus know where they were born. Finally, Levi was able to see the hospital he was born!

Levi was mesmerised by the window display at Hanley's

The window display at John Lewis was out of this world. Meet Monty and his penguins.

Levi took this picture for John, since Monty is sitting in his favorite chair!

Sometimes we just had to take 5 after doing so much walking!

We had a yummy lunch with Courtney at Liberty's, one of my most favorite dept stores! 

Levi even got to play with Manjola, our sitter who first help us parenthood as expats!

Walking through Regent's Park was a definite highlight

Serena and Simon took me to a play in the West End, which was fantastic

We conquered Winter Wonderland at Hyde park with our dear friends Amy and her girls

More ice skating with Georgia at Winter Wonderland

Amy, Lola and Georgia

I met this beauty my first weekend in London and knew instantly we would be life long friends

We had a slumber party at Amy's new flat in Hamstead and Levi and Georgia didn't miss a beat, picking up where they left off this summer when Amy and the girls visited LA

Thanksgiving walk through the Heath!

Levi and I made Thanksgiving dinner for Kristi and Ben and the kids

Levi and Harry had so much fun. Emily was ready to see Levi go, she was ready to have her brother back!

Natural History Museum!

A day with Darren...LOVE!

 

Santa in Covent Garden made out of 30K lego pieces!

 

 

Ice skating at Somerset House, which is absolutely beautiful

 

We spent our final day in Barnes with Kristi, Ben, Maureen and Ulrik and all the children. They have the most amazing movie theater. The kids watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, while we brunched.

 These three are inseparable. We were all shocked by how well they played. A kinship from the beginning that is surviving the geographic distance. 

 

 

Love these girls

 

 

Sweet Nikolaj having a heart to heart with Ulrik

 

 

Such a treat to be with these two special girlfriends for a week!

Just like old times, we laughed the evening away, while the children destroyed Maureen and Ulrik's house

Levi still asks me when he can go back to London. Don't worry darling. It will always be a part of our story.