Because we were in a hotel, we had a strawberry picnic afterward, binging on the red sweetness. Just last night, a week later at the dinner table, Little Man said, “Excuse me, I’d like to talk strawberry picking.”

Next, we to downtown Raleigh where they just opened the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. It was very hand-on and FREE. By the end, we were both worn out.

{I know we’re completely out of focus, but it’s the only pic I have of the two of us. Getting the 50 lens to focus on self-timer on a moving toddler is not the easiest task.}

After a long day of flying, we picked up take-out from our favorite Chenese place and went swimming. Little Man loved, “Charlie’s hotel.”

Over 150 videos were entered. Round one consisted of voting from 10 judges from around the world: Mexico City, India, London, Australia, etc. The judges chose the top 5 semi-finalists and from there it was complete popularity vote by Cisco employees. We were so excited and honored to be among the top 5, and once we saw the other finalists we were officially shaking in our boots. I was at BYU Women’s Conference with my mom when Husband got the news. He sent me a text asking if I wanted to know. I felt physically ill. We were prepared to lose, but knowing the outcome really signified the ending of the competition and our chance of going to London. I called him.

“Hi toots, you ready for it??? We got (excitement in his voice)…2nd place!!!!”

Of course I did the wifely thing to do, “Oh that’s great. I’m proud of you, but not gonna lie, a little bummed out.”

My mother consoled me and I regrettably ate my feelings in Ruby River’s delicious cheese fries. Fast forward to Friday evening, I returned home from Womens Conference and said hello to the Cramer gang. We’re all saying our hellos when Husband whispers in my ear,”So, you still bummed out?” To which I reply, “I’m not gonna lie, I’m proud of us but I’m still bummed out.”

Then Husband laid it on me, “Well don’t be because we actually won!”

“WHHHAAAAAAAAAAT! That’s not funny. Too Soon to joke!”

“No, seriously, we won. We’re going to LONDON!”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!” {kiss} {hug} {hit} “Are you joking me?” {kiss} {hit}

So folks, that’s right. We’re going to London for the Olympics! No, Little Man will not be joining us. Yes, we realize we’re setting ourselves up for an understandable grudge to be held by him down the road…once he actually realizes he pretty much won us the trip.

We’re thrilled for this adventure and so appreciative to be apart of such a wonderful, supportive and generous work family. We wouldn’t have been able to win without all of the votes and countless, personalized emails of support we received from co-workers we know and ones we’ve never met from around the world.

The video is up to 9,000 views and won by a margin of 33%. Yes mom, it is nice to have a family keepsake but London will be pretty nice too.

So mates, if you have any London advice please send it our way. Let the countdown begin! Cheerio!

{Little Man & Husband recreating the winning news for the company website}

{Janet was playing our paparazzi, I’m thankful she snapped these pictures even though I look ridiculous.}

{Announcement on company website}

{What you’ve all been waiting for…the VIDEO!}

Love that head full of dark hair!

We dined at Pizzeria 712, one of our favs, and then checked into the Marriott where we shared some BYU Creamery ice cream as we looked over the class schedule.

{Breakfast at Kneaders…both mornings}

{My FAVORITE treat…but they have to be from BYU}

{Thursday night concert: Mercy River, Alex Boye, Hillary Weeks, Michael McLean}

{Lunch at J-Dawgs…both days}

{Mom decided she was going to miss Cafe Rio so much that she should stash some in her teeth to savor}

A big thanks to our Hubbies for supporting the trip. What do ya think Momma, make this a yearly tradition?