Hi Family!

Another rainy day here in London, has been more or less nonstop raining since I came back here in May and not looking like summer is here to stay for a while, just my luck that I will miss another English summer. Anyways, things are good over here besides trying to keep dry. I will be heading back to California soon to finalize the wedding plans and John will be coming out a few days after me. Granted, he will be working and not able to plan plan plan like me, but think that it would be more work and stress to do wedding stuff in his eyes! We are both excited to see some sunshine. We went to a rock party that a few friends hosted last weekend, hence the crazy costumes, we had a blast. They hired a Freddie Mercury impersonator, I didnt realize how many Queen songs I knew! Hope all is well with everyone! Lots of Love, Dana and John

While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication,

Scott and Sheila listened to the instructor, "It is essential that husbands and wives know each other's likes and dislikes."He addressed Scott, "Can you name Sheila's favorite flower?" Scott leaned over, touched Sheila's arm gently and whispered,

"It's Pillsbury, isn't it?

BROOKS VS. TERRY

Brooks and Terry drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their silent position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs, the Brooks asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," Terry replied, "in-laws."

Congratulations Maria

(again!)

Maria has won yet another very prestigious award! The "OUTSTANDING LODGING EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR" by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Which simply means...out of every big hotel in the entire country that nominated their best people, the distinguished panel of judges determined Maria is, without question, the best of the best from coast to coast. Maria and Dean were flown all expenses paid to Nashville, TN where Maria was presented and recognized at the AH&LA award ceremony at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel on 13 June 2007.

With this national recognition and the great work Maria does everyday, the management of Gaylord Hotels are so pleased, they can't stop singing her praises, so it would go without saying...they treat her like a "rock-star." Upon arriving in Nashville, we were picked up at the airport in a stretch limousine and whisked away to "rock-star" treatment. Although the event was held at the Loews Hotel, we stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel...as it should be so "her" people could adequately "take care" of us...and indeed they did. The minute we pulled in the driveway they treated both of us like royalty...in fact, they actually and literally rolled out red carpet for us to walk on into the lobby. We were escorted to our Jr. Presidential Suite where Maria was showered with gifts and congratulatory letters from all levels of management.

To follow are some pictures of this very exciting event and Maria's original letter telling her she had been selected for this award. Click on any picture for greater detail viewing. Personal congratulations can be sent directly to Maria at: mkelly@gaylordhotels.com

Stretch limo ride from Airport to Gaylord Orpyland Hotel

Red (literally) Carpet Welcome

A view from the lobby atrium of our suite's baywindow.

In our Jr. Presidential Suite

Taken behind a waterfall in the lobby atrium just outside our hotel room window.

Turn-down Service Chocloate Sculpture

Stretch limo ride to the award ceremony

These photos were taken off the 2 big screens as displayed during Maria's award. A short video was shown of Maria at work and many interviews of management and co-workers who love and adore her.

Fox Graduated from Kindergarten today:

Hi Everyone,

Cant believe it is almost June, time is sure flying by. John and I have been keeping busy. As some of you know, I was in California for the month of April visiting and doing some wedding stuff. John kept busy going to watch the UFC fight in Manchester and he went to Miami for a close friends Stag Do (bachelor party). I also went on my hen weekend (bacherlorette party) in Cabo San Lucas with a few girlfriends, we had a blast. I have attached a picture of Di and I down there. We have had a few friends (two of Johns groomsmen) get engaged, so there is definitely the wedding buzz going around. Lots of dinners with friends that we dont see that often, so hard with all of our busy schedules.

Last night John and I went to see Dave Matthews Band, I was really excited, they rarely tour across the pond, and it was great to introduce John to one of my faves. Weather here has been typical for English WINTER! Its been raining pretty much non stop, doesnt really feel like summer to me. John's sister and brother-in-law came down from Newcastle to stay with us a few weekends ago. John's parents were also in town on the same Friday, so we all went to dinner, rare that we get together with Johns parents living in Switzerland and Helen and Paul living so far away. We do see Johns younger brother quite a bit, he is actually coming down tomorrow for the England vs Brazil football match.

I am keeping busy with my bookclub, a few Americans and Australians, we meet about once a month, its more of a chatting, catch up session than discussing the book, but still enjoyable, way I like it anyways!

June is a busy month for us, lots of dinners and fun things. A close friend of Johns is getting married, so we are heading down to Sussex for a long weekend for that.

Only here until mid July then I am heading back to CA and am there until the wedding, so exciting!

Hope all is well with the fam!

Lots of Love

Dana and John

Dean going nuts at work as he jammed himself with two other crew members inside the bathroom aboard a Boeing 737-800 jet flying to and from somewhere between home and HELL.

Moms get tired just like the rest of us...

That's why Sarah invested in a new Segway Scooter:

CONGRATULATIONS MARIA

Out of 1800 employees, nearly 100 were nominated, and only seven could be selected as employee of the quarter at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. Maria won (of course we are not surprised) and was recognized today at a big congratulatory ceremony where 500 of the 1800 were present. Dean is proud of her and Whitney was shocked at how "popular" her mother is at the organization. Click on the photo below...hopefully you will be able to read the letter she received.

Zach and Katie's Wedding!

Hey everyone Stephanie here. I know it's a little late but those of you that weren't able to come to my wedding Nov.10 here are some pics. so enjoy! Love you!

Hello everyone this is my first post onto the blog, I just recently remembered it. Shows how out of the loop I am. I love seeing everyone's pictures and catching up. So here is my turn for you all to see what is going on wit Rob and I. Well we are both working right now. Rob is working for a sharp fax and copier company. He has been with them for 4 years and he loves it. I am working for SkyWest Airlines as the headquarter's corporate receptionist here in St.George. I have only been there for 6 months so we haven't gotten to experience much non rev flying yet. Just up to SLC and back mainly. We have been married for 2 1/2 years now and no kids, yet. We will see what happens though. I decided to let Aymee have the first grand baby for mom ;)which by the way we are so very excited about. I am already spoiling her and she hasn't even come yet. We love St.George and plan on staying her for as long as we can stand it. We also love being so close to mom, dad, grandpa and grandma. Growing up with grandma and grandpa in Mo was so nice, now we get to be with them here it's the greatest! We are so glad they came.
Most recent exciting event actually for me and Steph was the Josh Groban concert we went to in Vegas. Steph and I are his biggest fans...actually we are extremely obsessed. It was an awesome concert we got to shake his hand meanwhile I haven't washed my hand since I know silly right. Ok just kidding. We loved it though!
We love all of you and hope all is well with the Kelly Clan!

Hello to all! It's been awhile since anyone has posted up some new stuff so I thought I would share some news from our neck of the woods. Travis and I are ecstatic to announce we are pregnant with a sweet baby girl on the way. Hope you can at least make out one of these little pictures. They are so hard to look at and make out what you are actually looking at. All I can say is her spine looks good. Our little " wee-barren" will be coming at the end of August, just after her little cousins. We are so excited and can't wait to be parents. Trav and I are just keeping busy with work and golf. Trav is trying to get in as much golf as possible this season before the little bundle is born. I'm still kickin it with him on the course, playing better pregnant that not pregnant believe it or not. We hope that all is going well with everyone. We love you all very much!

Park City: Super pipe championship
Nate took Nevina for her first ride:) She LOVED it!!

hello everybody. We are excited to read what is going on with you. we are happy to know that all of you are doing great...
Our life is crazy.
Nate just got a new job...he's going to work for a property management company..
i have been managing the apartment building where we live and now just got a new job to manage a second one..70 more units...it's going to be crazy!! However, we really like it.
Our little one is growing TOO fast. She now has four teeth and almost walks. She is really fun...
My parents are coming for Neve's first birthday in April, and will stay for about 2 weeks. They are soooo excited. We just reapplied for their visa and hopefully this time the lawyer filled out the papers right.
Anyway, we just wanted to say HI and share some picture of our little one with you.
love you all.
the kelly

Hi Everyone!

John and I have hanging out here in London. January was pretty mellow, but can't believe how fast February flew by! In February we went skiing in France (Pyrennes Mountains) for a long weekend with a few friends. It was a lot of fun, not the best skier. I've started French lessons, have a private tutor come to the flat once a week for a few hours. I am a beginner, but still fun to learn even though I find the pronunciation and the accent very hard to master, used to Spanish. Also, have joined a book club with some other expats, most of them are from the US and through the USC alumni group, but there are also some Australians that some girls know from work. Only have met once and read one book so far but fun to meet new people.

Last weekend I went to Prague in the Czech Republic to visit my friend Erin. She moved out there last August to join this program to teach English. It was great to see her and hang out. John was also away last weekend in Dublin for the Rugby 6 Nations Englan vs Ireland game with some friends. Unfortunately England lost.

March again, is pretty mellow. I am making a trip out to CA on the 28th and staying until April 26th. Have lots of wedding stuff to take care of! And, at the end of April, John is heading off to Miami for his friends stag do (Bachelor party).

Hope all is well and talk to you soon. Lots of Love, Dana and John xo