Oxfordshire

I have successfully made it to Oxford. It was a difficult trip, to say the least. The flight was nine hours and completely exhausting. We arrived in London early in the morning. We took a train into town and then proceeded to go on a walking tour of the city. We walked around for hours on end. Being awake for over thirty hours meant that Christina and I were beyond exhausted. Fatigue is a cruel fate. we stayed awake as long as our sleepy eyes would let us. Then we dozed off at about 7:30 pm.  In Europe the sun rises around 3 am, its awful. Day two we had a little but more energy but the energy left us quickly with a day full of classes and walking. This place is stunning. It is so different than anything I have ever seen. Sometimes I stop and just look around completely mesmerized by the world around me. Here are some of the pictures I've taken thus far: 

Me and Christina at DFW getting ready to board the plane. This seems like so long ago.

Siggies at DFW seeking through Christ. Photo Courtesy of Christine Gore. 

 This is the adorable house I'm living at. Built in 1850 this house is full of creaks and quirks but absolutely adorable. Can you believe the house Im living in is older than the state of Texas! 

This is the other ACU house that is right next door to us. 

This part of town is so close to our house. There is a little diner on this street that me and Christina love to go to called On the Hoof. It is such a quaint area. 

The Eagle and Child is the pub where C. S. Lewis met regularly with his friend to discuss literature. Some of his best book ideas were originated in this place including the Chronicles of Narnia 

 No this isn't just a picture of a random wall; its actually one of the first walls to ever be built in Oxford. It served as a gate to the city. It was built in the 8th century. 

Yes this is the Harry Potter Castle. Unreal. My life is complete.

European people are so fascinating. They are much more interesting than Americans. Here in oxford there is so much activity on the streets that it is so fun to take pictures of. 

Well thats all for now. This place is a dream. Although Im still fighting jet lag Im thoroughly enjoying this beautiful place. Pray that I get more energy and also safe travel as we venture out to Paris this weekend.

Lots of Love
Katy

Where the WILD things are.

If you really knew me, you would know that the front of my house is located in a quaint suburb while the back of my house is best described as a forest. Over the years we have had our fair share of encounters with wild animals: frogs, snakes, gray herons, turtles, owls, bobcats and even a heard of cows. As a kid it was the best of times, as an adult .... it is the best of times. Animals never cease to fascinate. Here is a look at some of the animals we have encountered this summer. These are only the animals I Could take pictures of. There have been so many more including a huge snake and lots of frogs we rescued from our pool. 

while our house had loaded with beautiful flowers like this one and .....

this one. It is also home to .......

THIS! The largest bee hive I have ever seen, located right above our pool equipment. 

 They are setting up camp and taking no prisoners. This is probably unsafe. We might consider calling some one to remove this. Oh well.

We also found a sick crow. Usually we all hate the crows but this one was so cute and innocent. 

 Mom likes to pretend that she hates crows but as soon as she saw it she ran in the house to make it a five star meal of peanut butter and nuts of all kinds. What a lucky guy.

 We also held it and pet it. Obviously. 

Next we found a sweet little baby kitten. She was meowing in the woods therefore, me and emily and gina went running around the woods in our bathing suits trying to catch her. It took about a week of pursuit and then this tricky little devil gave into us. 

Now she loves us and has really gotten fat and grown up so much. 

We named her Binx and she lives on the couch on our porch. She is psycho obsessed with us and the only cat in the history of the world who actually likes our dumb dog bella. Well everyone if you haven't done anything wild lately, get out there. The world is full of adventures and new things to see.

Lots of Love,
Katy

Summer Sweetness

It has been such a fun week!! The fam and I got to go to the Rangers game and, oh, how we love those Rangers. It was a wonderful time to relax and have some fun. Plus, it gave me and Em a chance to spend quality time with Kinsler and Gentry, aka our baseball playing boyfriends. I couldn't really see the action of the game, thanks to the giant black pole located directly in front of my face, but it worked out alright. I got to people watch and anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE to people watch.

          

Em creeping on Gentry ..... the usual.

You should have seen the looks people were giving us. 

No big. I caught the final winning catch of the game. 

Represent. 

I also got to spend a day with Presley Grace. I took her to the movies to see Madagascar. Then we went to my favorite place on the earth, Barnes & Noble, where she got to pick out any book she wanted. We finished the day with delicious cookies. It is always fun hanging with Tay Tee. I just love this little girl.  

Ended the day as all people should ..... on a sugar high. Stay sweet guys.

Lots of Love,
Katy

Playing at the Park

They repainted the sun but now Presley is bigger and has a little sister. Funny how things change. 

She grew up ALOT. It seems like yesterday I took the little baby picture of her. 

Avery was embarrassed and the sun was in her eyes. 

We wore them out!

Well today we had a fun day at the park! it was great taking pictures at the same park with the same kid,  three years later. I love being home and getting to spend time with these two nieces of mine. Last night Avery slept in my bed with me and I'm loving every bit of being with them and my sister. Oh, I am old.

Lots of Love
Katy