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Braveheart: International Toddler Travel - Edinburgh

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WOW! Hi, friends! It's been nearly 4 years, one pandemic, and almost 2 whole babies since I last wrote a blog post. I'm not quite sure where I got the audacity to spend precious time on this when I have a newborn to prep for and a 2 year old to entertain, plus a husband and a full-time job, but here we are.  A re-introduction may be in order? The Powell family is now a family of 3, officially, with number 4 on the way. Avonlea arrived in December 2021, and her brother, Truett, should make his appearance in early 2024. I wanted to blog this trip specifically for a few reasons. We were invited to a destination family wedding in Scotland this fall, which gave me all the best feels obviously! It's been almost 10 years since I went on my study abroad journey in Dundee so this was the perfect excuse to go back and visit one of the many homes of my heart. I'm really, really proud of my kid and how well she did on this adventure - she's always been our tiny traveler and thi...

Pilot Pete Bachelor Recap Week 4: Shooketh to the Core

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All is quiet in Bachelor mansion land the morning following Alayah’s departure. Four women snuggle on the pool-side patio and hope to leave all of the drama behind this week. Chris Harrison steps outside to invite the ladies in for a biscuit brunch. He recognizes that the past few days have been interesting, but assures the remaining women that Peter is serious about this journey and seriously believes his wife is here. However, it’s time to pack up and meet Peter in beautiful, amazing, and exotic:  Cleveland, Ohio! Crickets.  The ladies struggle to get excited for this mid-western treasure, but dutifully repack their luggage. Hannah Ann fights to fit her Revolve wardrobe winnings into her two allocated suitcases.  Peter rejoices in the scenery change, especially since he’s in the birthplace of Superman! The fictional character of Clark Kent was born in Cleveland! Ohio’s tourism industry must be struggling, because this episode is clearly sponsored....

Pilot Pete Bachelor Recap Week 3: The Linger-y Finasco

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Last week’s champagne-fueled fiasco paused on Kelsey boohooing in the bathroom. She’s now changed locations for her sob-fest and perches on the front porch instead. Hannah Ann is emotional in the back courtyard: “why would I steal champagne?” she squeaks out. Champagne-gate is still on.  Apparently Victoria P received the one-on-one date card sometime the night before, but all available cameras were occupied with Hannah Ann and Kelsey so we are expected to roll with this unexpected turn of events. Peter and Vicky P drive a vintage pick-up truck to an empty western apparel store in Peter’s hometown. They test the line dancing capability of a few pairs of boots, before selecting some cowboy hats to go with the fancy new footwear. They are ready to visit Peter’s local hangout: The Canyon. A live band performs and they join the dancing crowd before taking a breather to hit the bar where Victoria orders a white wine after adamantly declaring her love of reds during their truck ...

Pilot Pete Bachelor Recap Week 2: Champagne-gate

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Let me set the scene for a moment. Picture a gritty theater in downtown Los Angeles. Now imagine a low-lit dressing room and add a whimpering girl in a glittering dress and a baffled ex-boyfriend. Welcome back to the Bachelor!  We pick up mid group date with Peter and Hannah’s dressing room pow-wow. Hannah’s running mascara has been touched up by a trusty makeup wipe from a producer’s emergency kit and Peter hits her with “you are the one who said no to me, I’ve never said no to you.” Hannah doesn’t deny this, but she continues to agonize over if she made the right decision as she let go of someone who didn’t hurt her heart. Peter wants someone who wants him and Hannah whispers “let’s go catch a flight” as they snuggle on the couch, Peter’s head resting somewhere in the vicinity of Hannah’s abdomen. Hannah asks for a hug, but ends up climbing into Peter’s lap instead and kissing his forehead. The star-crossed couple gaze into each other’s eyes until Peter breaks the spell w...