Home Again

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We left Dover in the morning and headed to Hemel Hempstead where we had the best night of our entire trip. Uncle Del opened his home to us by throwing us a BBQ where we got to meet the English Staffords! Uncle John and Aunt Jane drove 50 miles to see us. Del's two daughters, Debbie and Kim and their husbands, Danny and Davey also joined. Cate, Jon and Sophie were pleased to meet their extended family (can't recall the proper order - Debbie and Kim are Robb's cousins. Their children would be what to CaJoSo? Second cousins?) No matter - the kids didn't care about nomenclature. They were just excited to see Ellis again (he visited Canada this May) and meet Abby for the first time.

Robb has looked forward to going to Top of the World, a pub he remembers from his last trip to England 25+ years ago. It's changed in that time but nonetheless, everyone had a roaring good time!We stuffed ourselves on the best sausages, hamburgers and steak sandwiches ever!

Davey in his pink apron and Debbie in her cupcake one, certaily knew how to grill up a feast. We wished the night would not end. Before Hemel, as much as we loved England, we were looking forward to going home.

After seeing the family Saturday night, it made us sad to think of leaving them. It's strange how distance and geographic and life's schedules can keep family apart, but when it comes down to it, when you are with each other, it doesn't matter how long or how far you've been apart, you're just happy to be together and wish to see each other again and again.

Thanks to Uncle Del, Debbie, Kim and family for putting a spectacular close to an unforgettable family trip.

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Photos

Bomb's Away
Jaggerbomb shots - whose idea was that?

Family Reunion
clockwise from bottomleft: Cate, Davey, Sophie, Ann, Aunt Peggy, Uncle Del, Debbie, Kim, Ellis, Danny and Jon. Robb is taking photo. Can't forget little Hugo, Aunt Peggy's dog, sitting on Ann's lap.

Comments

[Aunty Lea, Uncle Bob, Papa & dogs]

Coming Home
Coming home is always an exciting yet sad time at the end of any vacation. Exciting to get home to the family you left behind, and sad that you are leaving the adventure that prompted you to leave. We here at home are glad you've had a great time, and have missed you all so much. Memories of your vacation will be with you forever, just as your family. see you soon Love Lea, Bob, Papa & dogs