Hyde Park Lido

Apparently clothing is optional at the Lido. (UK lingo for outdoor swimming) As Ella took a dip in the scummy lake I turned to take her picture and happened to get way more of a view than I expected. Andrew is truly sorry he missed this.

Punch and Judy

We happened to catch a Punch and Judy show at the local shopping center this morning. As I casually listened to the performance I realized that Punch woke up hung over in the bathroom and Judy wanted to go out so she called him up to watch the baby. Punch, who was not happy about babysitting sat on, peed on, spit at and shook the baby and then used a stick to beat the *hit out of Judy when she got home. Of course the children found this utterly hysterical and I have to admit it was really funny.

Chessington Park

Chessington is an amusement park just outside of London that has lots of small child friendly rides. Alex went on his first roller coaster and log flume ride and loved every minute of it.

Hampstead Heath

Park, Gelato, Play

Repeat

Life is good!

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle was everything a prince and princess could want, including a few new weapons. Alex found the sword and hat in the gift shop and had to have it and all the kids enjoyed trying the bow and arrow. The Castle and it's large gardens were so beautiful and allowed all the kids to run around and enjoy themselves.

Part II Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

God Save The Queen or at least let us bless her for this fabulous fountain. Young and old people were having a great time walking around the fountain experiencing the different textures on their feet. It was the perfect way to end our day after visiting Buckingham palace and watching the changing of the guards. Ella had a wet tube ride home but actually seemed to enjoy it.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

My "Cheeky Monkeys" the loving phrase the British mums use for their disobedient children had a Disney like experience at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground with the giant pirate ship, sand and water wading pool and tee pee park.

Finally Fish and Chips!

Anyone recognize this guy?

After an emotional homecoming from the barber shop we all headed out for our first taste of authentic Fish & Chips.
Pickled onion, gherkin pickles, homemade tarter sauce, crunchy chips (french fries) and a huge piece of crunchy fried cod! YUM YUM

Even the kids loved the fish.

Ella's first game of Cricket.

London is full of awesome parks and

last nights choice was no exception. It was the picture perfect scene of people drinking wine, eating cheese, live jazz, and kids everywhere. Ella had a chance to play cricket and Alex ran around throwing the ball for all the dogs. We had a great time.

You can each pick one postcard!

Today's adventure was the London Zoo. Let me say that is was a great escape for all the children. Alex sat still in front of the ape exhibit for over 15 minutes and would still be there if we would have allowed him to. Lee Ann and Tom got a membership so if anyone is planning a visit you should put it on your list. The tube ride home was really crowded and hot. (Mom you better think twice about riding the tube in rush hour)

So far the weather has been perfect, sunny days and cool nights. We miss Andrew so much but other than that we couldn't ask for anything better.

It was a Pimms for me, the Wimbledon version of a mint julep and strawberries and cream for Ella and Alex, the most delicious and proper snack ever. It was a very long and very hot tube ride but completely worth it. Cheers!

In England they call popsicles, ice-lollis and as you can see by Alex's expression they are quite good. YUM

We started our Sunday by going to church which really wasn't all that different than going to St Andrew's back in Rocky Mount. We followed that with gelato at the Spires which is the local shopping plaza. One of my favorite parts of the day was going to the grocery store and looking at all the different foods. Alex fell asleep on the way home and his nap was cut short so I took him for an extended walk around the neighborhood. It just so happened that it was during the England vs Germany world cup match and we got to listen to the entire town cheer in unison. Sounds crazy but it's probaly like walking through Boston during a Red Sox world series game. So exciting.

We seem to be over the jet lag and are really having an amazing time.

Lots of love to all!

It's going to be hard to beat our first day in London. We started the day with our first trip on the "Tube" (London's subway). This was of course a thrill in and of itself. We got off in the city and wondered around South Bank Center which has a brilliant view of Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Thames river. Uncle Tom and Aunt Ann got us tickets to a special kids concert given by They Might Be Giants. It was a GREAT day!