London…. another family spring break trip in the books!  I had been thinking about London for Spring Break since last year but kept it on the down low for quite some time, since I wasn’t sure if we would be able to pull it off.  We DID!  

Once we committed, the girls had a letter board with the official daily countdown of days to London!  The girls adore their cousins, and their cousins adore them!

Monday, March 30

We took an overnight flight on Virgin Atlantic arriving in London just before lunch time, local time.  We knew we would be tired, so we planned for a chill day hanging around “home”, grabbing lunch at Café 66, unpacking, and grocery shopping in town. Gabriel made turkey meatballs for dinner, so we didn’t have to go out and it was the perfect start to our time in London. 

Tuesday, March 31

After a chill day in Barnes, we decided this would be our “big” day in London.  We had a leisurely morning at home eating breakfast and hanging out.  As much as I wanted to get an early start on the day, I knew sleep was important…and we all needed it, especially the girls and Justin since none of them slept on the plane the prior night. 

It was late morning by the time we boarded the Tube to Waterloo and then walked to The Tate Modern.  My sister and the boys joined us for the day so the 25-minute walk from Waterloo to the museum took us close to an hour!  We explored and while Justin could have spent all day at The Tate, he had to settle for just over an hour because the kids’ bellies were getting hungry!  Noah suggested Honest Burger and since there was one near Borough Market, our next stop, everyone was agreeable.  Burgers and fries were delicious!

We explored Borough Market buying some wooden cooking utensils and salami for later in the week.  We also bought several cookies and brownies from different vendors so we could determine which one was better. That cookie became the first of many during the week.  And Ice Cream!!!

The boys had had enough so they departed home with Lauren after Borough Market, while Justin, the girls and I walked back to Waterloo along the river taking in views of Big Ben from afar. 

For dinner, we defrosted bolognaise for the kids and ordered pizza for adults, though there was sharing of both. 

Wednesday, April 1

A few months prior to our departure, I had contemplated the idea of going to Paris for a quick 36 hours.  Had we done so, April 1 would have been the day.  As the London trip approached, the planning to Paris because expensive and stressful to the point that I realized it wasn’t worth going to Paris this time.  Lauren and I decided a day trip within London would be better.  She suggested Cambridge, about a two-hour tube and train ride. 

I carried around my printed 20-page printed itinerary, which both Lauren and Justin found comical. Lauren took the boys to see her office (she works in Cambridge) while Justin, the girls, and I headed into town.  First stop was Downing College. 

Followed by Emmanuel College.

The grounds were beautiful and reminded us very much of the campus of William and Mary. 

After reuniting with Lauren and the boys, we walked by Christ College, followed by Wren Library.  We are familiar with the Wren Chapel at William and Mary so being in the Wren Library in Cambridge was a special experience. 

Lunch time was next, and I utterly failed on the lunch choice selection.  I picked a pub that was written up on a few blogs without thoroughly reading the reviews.  The service and food sucked.  It may have been the worst salad I have ever had in my life.  

We debated going somewhere else before we were going to order, but I got vetoed.

After lunch, we went on a punting tour!

The eight of us squeezed into a boat and had a good time. 

The highlight…when Noah looked down and informed Avery that she had been pooped on! 

After punting, we headed for Jack’s Gelato…highly rated and it lived up to expectations. 

We also sampled Ben’s cookies…twice….the first cookie was pretty good so when we passed by Ben’s cookies later in the day, I popped in for a second cookie for us all to share!

After spending the entire day out, it was great to come home to Gabriel’s homecooked meal of chicken fajitas.

Thursday, April 2

The boys went to camp late morning this day so after another leisurely morning, we ventured to Regents Park. We decided to take an Uber, turns out the Uber had an issue of some sort and the gas/exhaust was just funneling back into the car.  It got pretty bad, so we ended up getting out of the Uber early leaving us with a 30 minute walk.  

We slowly explored the park.

Followed by lunch in Primrose Hill on a beautiful sunny day.

A little exploring the town including a stop by the Paddington Bear rowhome and Primrose Bakery. 

We took a different route back and walked through Camden Market.  It was cute and pretty at first but quickly turned into an overpopulated alternative tourist trap and everyone couldn’t wait to get out!

Thursday evening all nine of us went to eat at the local pub Whiteheart.  Food was ok at best, but it was nice to all go out together. 

Friday, April 3

We originally thought about taking a second day trip this day, but the girls weren’t interested in getting up super early or being away from their cousins.  So we opted to go to Richmond and Kew Gardens, a short bus ride from my sister’s place.  Noah and Elias joined us.  First stop was Richmond.  We moved slowly and explored very little as Noah was missing his mom. 

There were a few good lunch options but none that could seat seven of us; we ended up at Wagamama, an Asian chain that Noah really wanted to eat at.  While Justin and I really didn’t want to eat there, it turned out to be a great spot…something for everyone, not busy, and reasonably priced. The boys loved it; Elias sat next to me quietly and slowly eating everything on his plate!

A tour through a town would never be complete without finding a bakery.  My sister wanted a bread from Ole & Steen, so we decided to sample several treats from there.  The cookies were amazing; soft and chewy…almost undercooked…pure deliciousness!

Next, we headed to Kew Gardens, and my sister met us at the entrance. We explored the gardens for a few hours.  Kew Gardens is huge, and we could probably have spent  all day there and still not have seen everything!

Friday night, the kids stayed home with the boys while the four adults went to dinner.  We went to a local restaurant Watermans.  I was a little fearful it was going to be your traditional pub food; it did not disappoint…we shared a bunch of dishes, and it was all amazing. 

Saturday, April 4

Justin and I snuck away this morning for a walk.  In fact, we did this a few other mornings as well.  Most of our days in London we had over 20,000 steps!  

After our walk, we headed to the Farmers Market in Barnes.  While I have been to the market, several other times, I generally don’t buy much as I don’t have a need for it.  But this day was different!  Our British friends, The Bakers, who lived on Cedar Pond for three years, moved back to London last year and we connected with them.  They were going to come to my sister’s later that day….I had every reason to buy hummus, red pepper dip, artichokes, focaccia, cheeses, olives, salami, crackers, and cakes!

The Bakers came over around 2:00 and we headed to the river to watch the Cambridge/Oxford boat race. The boys were kind of shy at first but by the time they got to my sister’s house after the race, they were all playing together and having a great time. 

It was great catching up with the Bakers.  They stayed until after 8:00 and I think a good time was had by all.  

I regret not taking a picture of the charcuterie board especially the cheese with the purple flowers…not only was it beautiful but it was SO delicious!!

Sunday, April 5

Easter!

The Easter Bunny came! 

There was an Easter Egg Hunt, on a much smaller scale than at home.

We spent a sunny afternoon at the park.  Noah, the girls, Lauren, and Justin played soccer! Emerson took some BP!

Elias played in the field.

I walked.

Gabriel cooked pulled pork while we were out.  

In the late afternoon, Lauren and Gabriel’s friends (two families) came over.  

The kids all had fun playing together. 

Hugo took a special liking to Harper; they put on a magic show together. 

Monday, April 6

Departure day.  Always good to get home, but always sad to leave a trip, especially one that we had been looking forward to for some time.

The original plans for Monday morning were to see Ludmila.  But she wasn’t feeling well and canceled so we had extra time in the morning for one last excursion since our flight didn’t leave until 5:00 p.m. local time. 

We didn’t want to go too far from home, so we opted to go to Richmond one more time.  I felt there was more to see.  It was a sunny day; we made our way towards the green area.

For lunch, we ate at Bills.  Kids ate free and it was overall pretty enjoyable, nothing gourmet, but enjoyable. 

Upon going back to Lauren’s house, we finished packing up and said our goodbyes before the Uber picked us up.

With the time change, we arrived home about 9:00 p.m. The girls weren’t excited about going to school the next day.  They had a great time and probably would have liked to stay another week!

Will this trip become a bi-annual trip?  I guess only time will tell!