Would ya look at those cheeks?!?!?

Here's a sneak peak of the newest member of the family. There's more HERE

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.