Mama and Papa Visit The Lodge

Mama and Papa arrived in London one day after our sea shipment. Thank goodness that couch went through the window as that is where we have been ending each day. We sit and talk over a glass of wine and decide what our next day's agenda will be.

Mama and Papa were delighted to find sunshine and temperatures in the 50's. A far cry from the weather they left in Chicago!

Our first outing was to Hamley's to shop for Jack's birthday present. Rather then ship a package to Jack, Mama and Papa promised to take Jack to his favorite store to pick out something special. Well, the biggest box of legos came home with us on the 139 bus! Jack is so happy to have the Lego City Police Station. John's degree from MIT was really put to the test! Jack and Owen have been playing with the police station every waking moment and doing anything it takes to prevent Kate from crushing their masterpiece.



Day two began with lunch at Richoux, the cafe where Sir Paul is often seen having breakfast or lunch. No sighting for us this time, but we had a great lunch and it was time to head to the tube. We rode the Jubilee line to the London Bridge. That alone would have been enough for the kids as they were in awe of the size of the bridge and watching the boats on the Thames River.

We walked over the bridge to John's office at Monument, where Jack is pretty sure he wants to work someday. Since it was President's Day, there was not a lot of market activity so the the traders were involved in an intense game of Monopoly. One of the traders taught Jack to play Wii Baseball and all the kids enjoyed some juice and biscuits. "Dad, your office is great. Can we go to work with you someday?!" (Owen).

We said goodbye to Getco and it was off to the Tower of London. Owen had a field trip to the Tower just last week so he was our official tour guide. "C'mon guys, this way. The Crown Jewels are over here!" While the kids thought the Tower was cool and the armor was fun for them to see, they were not as overwhelmed as the adults were by the historic events that took place there. It really is fascinating to think about all that occurred at the Tower and it was almost surreal to be standing where such history took place.



The kids had the most fun chasing the pigeons around the courtyard of the Tower. It is a massive place and one to which we will return when we can leave the kids with Nilda. There is just so much to learn and discover at this magnificent place, just 3 blocks from where John works.



It was a long day of walking for everyone. John and Jack walked back to the tube while the rest of us hopped into a London taxi for the ride home.



Cheers!