I had the privilege of visiting my sister and her family in London for 6 weeks over July and August. It was a super special time of doing normal life together. The first week of the holiday was the last week of the school year which was pretty hectic, lol, and then the rest of the time was school holidays.
Before I arrived and the first few weeks of my trip were crazy hot! Like proper 30C hot, not lukewarm London hot. By the end it had cooled down to a regular London summer of about 20C. I was thankful for some cooler days and Londoners were thankful for a proper hot summer for a change. By now it has really cooled and I am thankful for the best of the British Summer.
I also had the opportunity to catch up with some friends while I was there. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to meet up with me and a heartfelt apology to those I did not get to see, 6 weeks is apparently not long enough.
Thank you amazing husband for the trip and for letting me go away for so long! You're the best! *insert shiny star here*
And thank you Shell and Graham for having me and for all the fun times, and even the tired hangry moments, hahaha. It was super special hanging out with you guys and I miss you all like crazy (ask Justin, I tell him all the time).
Without further ado, please enjoy Part 1 of London: A Holiday in Pictures.
(Photos are mostly in chronological order. For space purposes, repeats of the same activity have not been shown. E.g. the school run, lol)
'Aunty Bowen, are you going to stay with us?'
Dani asked me this question just about everyday! Was so very sweet.
Was quite difficult explaining the concept of time and how long 6 weeks is to her.
She also asked me, 'what's your surname?' almost everyday!
I had a day flight on a Monday and arrived late at night when the kids were already in bed so we only saw each other the next morning. I promised to kiss them when I got in, which I did. That first morning they were both so excited and jumped into the big bed for cuddles. Was very special. We squeezed in some imaginary play before school and I enjoyed my first cup of especially made 'tea' =)
The morning school run.
I had a serious cling-on the first few days which I cherished!
Unfortunately the novelty of having Aunty Bron to stay wore off and she also went through a phase of not wanting me at all, little monkey.
PS: The shawl is for staying out the sun, not because it's cold!
'Run Aunty Bowen, run!'
Notice how dry and cracked the field behind the house is.
It had been something like 60 days since it had rained and in London that counts as a drought. Somewhere in the middle of the holiday it started raining about one day a week which was a welcome relief.
First group photo!
School picnic on the Tuesday.
Danelly and I had about an hour nap together between the school run and the picnic. I'm not going to lie, it was crazy hard getting up on time to go go school, lol.
An inbetween grocery shopping lunch break and battery recharge at the cafe at Tesco.
I was amazed at how this little one can pass out and nap when she needs to, anywhere anytime.
But don't be confused, she still fights official nap time like any normal toddler!
Twinnies!
Shell had arranged a drinks and snacks social in the nearby park with her group of running Moms. Was a beautiful evening and a lovely opportunity to meet some of Shell's friends.
Social park picnic.
That's Gin and Tonic, not tea ;)
Picnic in Bushy Park!
We spent just about the whole Sunday in the kids playground at Bushy, it was blistering and the kids loved it! Was a great day out.
There was much chasing off of inquisitive deer after this pic!
Ladybird!
Fun at the library!
Michelle and Graham have done a marvellous job of instilling a love of books and reading into both Josh and Dani. After just one year of school, Josh is a very proficient reader and can read anything you give him. A particular favourite this holiday was Dr Seuss's Fox in Socks. The tongue twisters in this book are difficult for many adults but Josh manages with aplomb. It's quite incredible.
Well done buddy!
Josh was enrolled in the local library Summer Reading Challenge and so Monday's became our library days.
Waffle Jacks!
After the library one Monday.
Raspberry and strawberry picking at Garson's Farm!
I have been to Garson's in the winter so it was lovely to finally be able to do the fruit picking in the summer! Now just to make the Reindeer visit over Christmas!
After fruit picking we enjoyed a lovely picnic at a play area nearby.
The days fell into a lovely routine of an activity in the morning, Danelly's nap in the car or at the lunch time picnic, and chilled afternoons at home reading stories, sometimes swimming and catching up on home admin. Joshie also loved listening to music and playing Lego. He is getting really good and so creative with Lego!
Sushi at Hare and Tortoise!
Shell and I also squeezed in a few dates alone. This was the first one, shopping on Oxford street and a sneaky Hare and Tortoise sushi date after.
Summers are for picnics!
Picnic dinner one evening complete with foraging for brambles (like a mulberry type berry).
Painting nails!
An almost weekly activity =)
Emergency mid-snack nap one afternoon!
Exploring, picnic and play time at Richmond Park one day.
Wednesdays were all about Swimming!
Both kids have swimming lessons on a Wednesday and we kept that going through the summer break. Joshie passed Stage 1 while I was there and moved onto Stage 2, he's moved onto Stage 3 now. Danelly is in the Duckling class and will move into the pre-school classes soon.
Her unimpressed facie is from napping in the car during Josh's lesson and waking to find only Aunty Bron there and no Mommy, sorry Peach. She dotes on Josh so much and told him so many times how proud she is of him passing Stage 1 in swimming. You are so sweet little Peach!
A play in the nearby park after swimming, and sometimes a picnic dinner too.
Holding hands and ready to go!
First day trip into the city for the holiday!
Huge thanks to the security personnel who took this pic inbetween all the busyness!
Learning to weave.
We took the kids to the National Gallery where there was a display of art done by school children, it was actually pretty cool, and also the chance to learn how to weave.
Picnic and nap in St James park.
Sneaky McDonald's ice cream!
The Lego Store!
Followed by the M&M store.
Having a close up look at Buttercup the Rose Tarantula.
Joshua you are so brave to hold that snake!
Daniella very bravely and gently stroking Norbert the Gecko.
A fun morning out at Deen City Farm with a visit from Zoolab.
This was the hottest day of the holiday and the rest of the day was spent by the poolside!
Christian's pirate treasure hunt bday party one Saturday.
(Christian is not in this pic but that is his Dad Chris and his little sister Helena between Josh and Dani). Kudos to Christian's parents Chris and Ilse for hosting an amazing bday party with a very impressive chocolate treasure chest cake that Ilse baked!! Well done you guys.
Aaaaarrrrrrr!!!
A very impromtu catch up with Kirsten.
Was so lovely to see you friend! Was so great to catch you on your unexpected and fleeting trip to London and meet your newest family member.
A lovely day out in the city with Monet, one of my best friends from school.
Thanks for a fab day friend! Was so great to see you!
I saw a few other friends too but didn't get any pics of that... Sorry Bron, Colin, Tim and Ian!
Getting our bake on for Graham's birthday.
Ready to sing!
Josh had very specific decorating ideas and instructions:
Happy 2358th Birthday Graham! You're as fast as lightning!
(with marshmallows and his favourite Lightning McQueen car)
Singing to Dad and jumping the gun on blowing out the candles!
It was another perfect day and cake was followed by a picnic in the park with Chinese take out
(Dad's choice)
When you ask the kids to smile for a picture!
At Dad's bday picnic dinner.
Off to the city to Sky Garden!
Enjoying the city views at Sky Garden.
This free activity is so great! Be sure to book your tickets in advance and arrive on time. Perfect for families, couples, dates, dinner and more.
On the Tube on the way to meet Dad for lunch!
Three happy faces =)
And the birthday week celebrations continue with a weekday lunch with Dad, what a treat!
That's a wrap of the first half of the holiday!
Stay tuned for Part 2 next time!
xxx
