Mama and Papa Visit The Lodge - Part 2

"No rest for the weary!"

On Tuesday (Feb. 19) we took a "day off" from adventures. After Nilda arrived, Mama, Papa and Colleen had a nice lunch in town at the Duke of York and then Mama and Colleen went shopping. Papa was pretty happy to take a leisurely walk home and join Kate in a nap!

On Wednesday (Feb. 20) our next adventure was to the London Zoo. While a far cry from the impressive zoos we have in Chicago it is a nice zoo and much of it can be tackled in a morning. And two hours is usually the maximum amount of time before melt-downs begin. We spent a lovely, albeit cloudy, morning at the zoo. The best part was the "Meet the Monkeys" exhibit where squirrel monkeys are roaming/swinging free - and you walk among them. As you enter the exhibit and throughout there are signs warning against trying to reach out or touch the monkeys. But, we were literally inches from some of the little guys. After a couple of hours it was time to head home for lunch and naps.

On Thursday (Feb. 21) we went to Kensington Palace. Since the English schools were on half-term break, many of the historical sites were offering activities and special events for kids. At Kensington Palace for example, the kids made their own coronation crowns. We also had their silhouettes hand-cut. It was really impressive. There is also a really well done exhibit about Diana. We couldn't spend too much time there as our Two Little Princes and The Princess were getting restless! So it was off to "Neverland Park" (Princess Diana Memorial Playground) to let them run around and get some fresh air.

On Friday (Feb. 22) we visited Buckingham Palace and then wandered over to the Horse Guard Parade grounds for a ceremonial inspection and changing of the guard. It was very interesting - but too long for our little friends so we hopped in a cab and went to lunch at Rainforest Cafe. Definitely the highlight of the week where the kids are concerned! Jack the Jaguar and Owen the Red Eyed Tree Frog especially enjoyed their lunch.



On Saturday (Feb. 23) morning we were greeted by Owen who exclaimed, "I don't want to go on any more adventures." So a P.J. day for them it was.


On Sunday (Feb. 24), however, we were back on track. After a quick stop along Abbey Road for the obligatory picture ala The Beatles, we were off to the St. John's Wood tube station and heading down to Westminster Bridge.
Upon exiting the tube at Westminster Bridge we were met with the most spectacular view of Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, The Thames River, and St. Paul's "Catheatre" (Owen). We walked along the Westminster Bridge and picked up our tickets for our London Eye flight and River Cruise. It was a beautiful day - sunny skies and mild temperatures made for a perfect day to see all of London from 450 feet and then by river.

Having Mama and Papa here for 9 days was wonderful. It was very hard to say goodbye on Monday morning. When the boys returned from school they both asked where Mama and Papa had gone. Kate again asked this morning "Mama and Papa still sleeping?" We cannot wait for their return in April!

Cheers to all.