london

The girls had a one week school break overlapping each other (different schools=different holiday schedules). We brainstormed different places we wanted to visit: Eliot wanted to go to Playmobil Land, Violet wanted to visit Canada and Winston was really pulling for the Island of Sodor. When we realized my brother Derrick's move to Singapore and new baby's arrival in August would mean they wouldn't be in Utah this summer, we strong armed them into meeting us in Europe on their way to Asia. Time with cousins is so important to us and we would hate to miss seeing them for a whole year. When they proposed meeting in London we were all sold. 

I had picked Winston up a board book about London transport when I was there last month and he had been listing all things he wanted to do: ride the tube, take the London eye and buy a double decker bus to bring home. But he was most excited to take an airplane. He hadn't flown since we arrived here last August and for a three year old, that is a lifetime away. Every time Rocky goes on a work trip, Winston begs him to let him come to the airport too. 

Probably the most excited member of our family for a four am wake up call. 

London is my favorite but even more so with my family. 

My parents joined us and made it even more special and safe (they raised the children to adult ratio to an almost safe level). 

 These two hadn't seen each other in nine months but as soon as Valentine walked into the apartment and asked if anyone wanted to play her new game, "Sleeping Queens" they were best friends.

Really I should just title this post, 'Parks of the Central London Area' because, for the most part, that's what we did--navigating any big city with eight kids is no joke. But we did squeeze some other stuff in. Our favorite was the Tower of London. I feel that they have done a wonderful job to make it accessible for kids. They have free scavenger hunts where the kids have to search for actors around the tower and listen to their stories.

 Everyone's favorite was Colonel Blood telling how he'd stolen the crown jewels.

 Winston's favorite was probably when several strangers helped him reunite with us, "Excuse me, are you missing a small boy in a yellow hat?" He wears it so I can easily spot him. And because he's recovering from the haircut from Violet.

 Every afternoon we visited a different park to relax and let the kids run around.

 St James is the most beautiful but we loved Kensington Gardens. Ten years ago I used to run here every morning. It was fun to take the kids back and play on the Peter Pan playground.

 Some people travel with double strollers, I travel with Rocky.

 The kids favorite was the Diana Memorial Fountain. It's a large circle of water and as soon as they saw that this was allowed, they immediately shed their shoes and socks.

 And in Winston's case, pants.

It was of course only a matter of time before he face planted and went home wearing a jacket and now shirt. Not pictured is Eliot wearing his spare pants after she got completely soaked. It was only barely above freezing. 

The London Eye was a dream come true for this kid. 

 And Kings Cross Station was for this girl.

How many kids can you fit in a pub? 

 

Cousin are the best!

 Checking out the Queen's place.

The sweetest travel baby.

 It wouldn't be a trip to London without subjecting my travel companions to a full day at the British Museum.

 More parks.

 Hot chocolate.

 So many great parks.

 Ice cream and shoulder rides.

Pretending to be a swan. 

Who wants to meet us there next?