Of dancing, mountains, and chocolate fountains

So, when I said it’s exciting to anticipate all the adventures that await Luke this summer, I wasn’t thinking about his being blocks away from terrorist attacks. A little less adventure would be okay at this point.

Yes, he was in London. Unaware of the explosions, his group attempted to take the “tube” to the Tower of London just as officials shut it down “for emergency reasons.” They’d entered a station only two stops away from one of the bombings. Their hotel was only a couple of blocks away from the bus explosion. They noticed the sirens and helicopters, but they heard nothing and saw no fallout from the attacks themselves. And, according to Luke, Londoners remained calm. He said it was all very quiet and weird.

Per their pre-arranged schedule, the Wheaton group departed London the next day for a several-day southern excursion, landing in Oxford on the 11th. So, like the rest of us, all their news of the attacks has come through TV and radio, despite their proximity to the actual events.

Prayers for their continued safety would be much appreciated.

As for the rest of the family, we returned yesterday from a lovely trip to Colorado, where we relaxed and recreated in the cool air amidst majestic mountains. Some highlights: dancing barefoot in the grass to the music of live bands before watching an ooh-ah-worthy fireworks display on the 4th; flying at break-neck speed down a winding mountain Alpine slide; biking from Vail Pass to Avon; sitting outside sipping lattes with well-beloveds; eating hand-made crepes and shopping for gourmet pasta, pesto, and fresh dill and asiago cheese breads at the Minturn market; eating the meal we prepared from the aforementioned ingredients; coffee and creme brule after lobster bisque at The Mirabelle.

You may have noticed more than half of that list refers to food. I’m afraid the almost-constant exercise failed to compensate for the calories. Ah, well. It’s vacation, no? And quite the delicious one at that.

So much more I could say. The wedding we attended on the 2nd was beautiful, and the reception was a total blast. Live big band music, more food than an army could have consumed (including the ever-popular chocolate fountain with all kinds of dipping delights), lots and lots of dear friends. We chatted, ate, laughed, and danced our tootsies off. During the ceremony, the minister admonished the bride and groom to look for ways to serve each other. George–who has always been an amazing servant anyway–took this to heart and responded by dancing with me (something I love and he doesn’t much care for) most of the night. Jacob even danced–with Grace, me, and then Jennifer Cline! Grace and Nathan sizzled on a few Latin numbers. In her flowy, scarf-hemmed dress and spike-heeled black sandals, she looked the part, too. Dangerous. Good thing they’re cousins.

I should wrap this up. I still have to sort mail, pay bills, balance check books, return phone calls, etc. That’s the problem with vacation. Life keeps happening while you’re gone. But then again, I wouldn’t want it to stop.

I’m sure I’ll have more to say when my scattered thoughts settle. Until then, thanks for reading! ♥