happy christmas

A warm Christmas? Sure was this year. I think I could get used to it too. 

We parked ourselves out on a beach to snorkel, read, skip rocks, and delight in another sunset. 

Robin for a pit stop :)

another day's end

our perfect little Christmas cactus 

take that, Charlie Brown

first course: gazpacho! 

of course there were poppers, crowns, and silly jokes

Merry Christmas to all! Cheers!

paradise

We decided to mix things up this year and head to warmth instead of snow for Christmas. To Curaçao we went! 

hello there!

even with a broken leg, Nate could swim 

ladies of Curaçao

cocktails and sunsets. this doesn't get old

our attempts at a group shot

every night brought a new painted sunset

and our sunsets beautifully captured by Joyce and her iPhone

Oh to exchange British winter for beautiful Caribbean weather! 

a visit from mom

We finally figured out a time for Mom to come pay a visit to Oxford: my last week of school. As chaotic as those last few days were with last minute papers and difficult goodbyes, it was so so nice to have her here! She also forced me to play tourist in Oxford and take pictures of the place that has been home for the last couple months. Thank you!

harry potter Keble dining hall

Keble quad

most photographed building in Oxford: the Camera (part of the Bodleian library)

We climbed to the top of St. Mary's for the sunset

We even paid a visit to my favorite, grossest club: PT. 

She got to see me play some polo for the first time in a little Christmas tournament. 

We had such a fabulous time in a city that will certainly be missed. From Oxford, we went to London to catch up with some great friends. Natalie and her mum were gracious hosts, making sure we never went more than minutes without a good meal. It sure was great to catch up with all of them! 

Most unfortunately, my phone got stolen my last night in London so all those pictures are gone :(

polo tourney

To celebrate my 22nd birthday, I signed up to play in a polo tournament. Despite the cold, it was great fun! 

a fellow teammate 

professional 10 goal exhibition match

dream team!

gone riding

I called up Diana for another visit. This time to ride. What a treat! 

don't mind if i do!

aboard a mighty fine steed 

through the bridle paths of english countryside

my head was on a constant swivel

found this in the barn... boys' toys

and again, Diana and I went on some lovely walks

It was a perfect getaway from school and Oxford!! 

blues v russia

The Oxford Blues played the Russian national team this weekend. It proved to be an unfortunate 24-31 loss against the monster men in only the last 10 minutes. Such a bummer. 

john, me, abby enjoying a cold pint

full moon and post game huddles

cheese, wine, laughs

Well the boys made it! The girls and I prepped their beds (complete with ample stuffed animals to keep them company), drew a nice welcome sign, and checked the train station multiple times looking for them. We had such a great weekend! They were wonderful additions. 

We went to a cheese factory. Calculated millionssss of dollars worth of cheeses in that building. It smelled so rank!

Stuart and I made a friend

Bakin, me, Stuart.
like carrots and peas

an overnight storm brought some snow for a snowball fight

Stu getting that perfect shot

Bakin for a failed sled attempt

our happy family! 

The weekend just wasn't long enough...