England; My Initiation into the Andrews Family

In flight to England.

The past week has been an absolute whirlwind... and took me to a whole new level of "first times".

For those of you unaware, my husband is originally from England and immigrated to the United States... to be with me. I know... I know... *swoon*

Stonehenge.

We've been married since February, but since our marriage was more of an elopement, I had yet to meet his friends and family in person. Which includes meeting my step-children for the first time. Colin has three children of his own and although I was unable to meet my step-daughter, we spent the week with Colin's boys traveling around England and Wales.

This was my first international flight, first stamp in my passport, first time in England, first time meeting everyone...

My amazing in-laws.

It was absolutely amazing and something I will never, ever forget.

One thing that really struck me is how absolutely phenomenal Colin's family and friends are. They are all loving, supportive and they immediately passed that love on to me. Not once did I ever feel unwelcome or displaced and to each of them I am so grateful.

Colin hasn't been so lucky with my family - they've been distant, abrasive and often times outright rude to the both of us. They don't understand our choices and make no effort at all to. They alienate us and then wonder why we don't like being around them. In fact, I feel like my ex-husband and his girlfriend have pretty much taken our place in my family's lives. But that's another story.

Silliness abounds.

I realize now that I have a larger family - a group of people who actually care about my new life with Colin. Even if my side doesn't. And those are the people I intend to put my focus into. Those are the people I am most grateful for.

So, as we go into this Thanksgiving season, I am going to be thinking of my new family and the gratitude I have for them.

I am officially and completely, an Andrews.