One Step at a Time: Thanksgiving in London, Christmas in Texas, and New Years in Dubai!

Wow! We've had a busy last thirty-eight days…and loved every minute of it! Except the jet lag, I'm writing this at 2:00 A.M., as I can't sleep!

We were so excited to meet Emily and Luke in London for Thanksgiving! It was the perfect time of the year! The weather was a little bit chilly, but there were not near as many tourists as in the summer! We met Emily on Monday, November 25th. She was able to take off work, so was able to come earlier. Luke finished finals, and came on Thursday, the 28th. We had been to London with Luke three years ago, so Emily planned our itinerary for this trip! We visited some of the same beautiful places…Buckingham Palace for the changing-of-the-guard, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, London Tower, a boat tour, the National Gallery, Hyde Park, Harrod's, and Churchill's Underground Bunker. But then, we did some things that we were not able to do before because of the crowds or just running out of time. This trip we went to Westminster Abbey! This cathedral is absolutely gorgeous! The outside is so majestic, and the stain glass windows are beautiful! We also visited St. Paul's Cathedral. Emily and I walked the 500 steps to the top! What a view! One of my favorite things to do as we have been able to travel is to find the highest spot to view the cities! St. Paul's Cathedral did not disappoint! The view was amazing! We also visited Shakespeare's Globe Theater. We learned so many things, very interesting! Emily arranged for afternoon tea that was delicious, and really nice!

Luke arrived on Thanksgiving Day! We met at the changing-of-the-guard, and then walked over to Garfunkel's for Thanksgiving Lunch…not turkey and dressing! Emily and Larry had fish and chips, Luke had a burger, and I had chicken. We did some walking after, and went "through" a Christmas festival. Larry and Emily trekked down to a market…Luke and I waited at Starbuck's! :)

The next day, which was Friday, we did a bus tour! We visited Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. This tour allowed us to see the countryside outside of London! Windsor Castle was beautiful, and reminded me of Buckingham Palace. The Queen was at Buckingham Palace, and then I guess heard we were going to Windsor Castle, because she arrived the same day we did! Ha! Stonehenge is such a puzzle, and so fascinating…to imagine how the heavy stones were placed there, how they were placed in such an intentional pattern, and for what reason they were placed there. No one knows, just much speculating by many! Bath was amazing too with the warm springs. The town was also beautiful!

Then Saturday, we went to the Museum of Natural History. It was huge, and a little too "sciencey" for me! Ha! We also walked through Hyde Park. The fall leaves were gorgeous, and I loved seeing the fall season! Not much fall in Dubai! We also found the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park. Fun! Then, we walked and walked and walked to Abbey Road. Luke and Emily got their picture crossing the street, just like the Beatles album! That evening, we had our first and only experience riding the "tube!" I wish we would have done it sooner! We were on our way to a performance of "Stomp," and there was a huge traffic jam. The taxi driver suggested we take the subway, so we did! Emily found out the ins-and-outs, and off we went. I wish we would have ridden it to Abbey Road! "Stomp" was very good!

Sunday, we all left to go our separate ways. Emily and Luke back to San Antonio, and us back to Dubai. But, in two weeks, we were back in Houston ready for Christmas! We were able to see my mom, Leon, Helen, and Jack in Seminole. Then, went to New Braunfels and enjoyed time with Luke and Emily, and Christmas Dinner with my sister and niece, Mom and Leon, Emily and Luke! We were missing Ben, who was not able to join us this year as he is busy finishing his last year of school in California. We had such a good time just being with family!

The night before New Year's Eve, we arrived back in Dubai, just in time for the New Year celebrations! We have been in Dubai all three years for New Years, and love to spend it here! The fireworks are always spectacular, but this year was exceptional! Dubai set the record for the longest fireworks display in the world! It is Dubai, after all!!!

It was a busy time, but such a special time with our family. We have missed David terribly, but Heaven seems to have become more real for Larry and me. We were talking about what a fantastic birthday party for Jesus they must have in Heaven! We have our faith, and the hope that one day, we will unite with Dave, and he can show us the sights, far more grand than we can even begin to imagine! As on all of our trips, and each day of our lives, God leads us, and will continue to lead us…One Step at a Time!