Preface
Last July 14, Tommy and I were having a wonderful date night (seafood followed by Paul McCartney, doesn't get much better than that!). I long ago learned that poor Tommy tires of my endless vacation planning discussions, so I have learned not to bring up all of the ideas for trips constantly clanking around in my head.
Out of the blue, he says "We haven't been to London in awhile. Let's go."
OKAY! You don't have to tell me twice! After quickly discussing our respective workloads, we decided that November or December would be the best time to go. A few weeks later, I had our tickets and hotels booked.
Obviously, Lizzy has been to Europe before, so this isn't some sort of amazing milestone in that regard. It is, however, the first time that she, as a British Citizen by birth, will get to go to her "other" homeland! Also, we haven't seen her Mac family since last year in Italy, so she's so excited to get to see "Iben" again.
London has so many exciting things for little ones - kid-focused museums, the London Eye, the changing of the guard, all of the beautiful Christmas lights on Oxford Street, "Winter Wonderland" at Hyde Park. She is going to have a WONDERFUL time.
Even since July, we've been talking about getting on the big plane (this will be flights #14, 15, 16, and 17 for her I believe!) and going to London. She's excited, already talking about packing her toys and Touchpad in her Minnie Mouse backpack! We play pretend that we're buckled into our airplane seats, and then I have to be the stewardess bringing by snacks and drinks. She's really into it this time, even more so than in the past.
We're all excited - it's our first trip to England since 2009, and Lizzy's first time ever!
November 29, 2013
Our flight was a little after 6:00, so we arrived at the airport around 4:00. Daddy dropped us and the luggage off curbsite and went to drop off the Sergeant in long term parking. While he was gone, Lizzy and I sat by the Delta desk, excitedly talking about the airplane journey ahead. She was talking about how she was going to sit big in her own seat and buckle tight, and ask the stewardess for cookies.
Is this the face of an excited girl, or what?
Last July 14, Tommy and I were having a wonderful date night (seafood followed by Paul McCartney, doesn't get much better than that!). I long ago learned that poor Tommy tires of my endless vacation planning discussions, so I have learned not to bring up all of the ideas for trips constantly clanking around in my head.
Out of the blue, he says "We haven't been to London in awhile. Let's go."
OKAY! You don't have to tell me twice! After quickly discussing our respective workloads, we decided that November or December would be the best time to go. A few weeks later, I had our tickets and hotels booked.
Obviously, Lizzy has been to Europe before, so this isn't some sort of amazing milestone in that regard. It is, however, the first time that she, as a British Citizen by birth, will get to go to her "other" homeland! Also, we haven't seen her Mac family since last year in Italy, so she's so excited to get to see "Iben" again.
London has so many exciting things for little ones - kid-focused museums, the London Eye, the changing of the guard, all of the beautiful Christmas lights on Oxford Street, "Winter Wonderland" at Hyde Park. She is going to have a WONDERFUL time.
Even since July, we've been talking about getting on the big plane (this will be flights #14, 15, 16, and 17 for her I believe!) and going to London. She's excited, already talking about packing her toys and Touchpad in her Minnie Mouse backpack! We play pretend that we're buckled into our airplane seats, and then I have to be the stewardess bringing by snacks and drinks. She's really into it this time, even more so than in the past.
We're all excited - it's our first trip to England since 2009, and Lizzy's first time ever!
November 29, 2013
Our flight was a little after 6:00, so we arrived at the airport around 4:00. Daddy dropped us and the luggage off curbsite and went to drop off the Sergeant in long term parking. While he was gone, Lizzy and I sat by the Delta desk, excitedly talking about the airplane journey ahead. She was talking about how she was going to sit big in her own seat and buckle tight, and ask the stewardess for cookies.
Is this the face of an excited girl, or what?
Once Daddy returned from long term parking, we got our bags checked. She was very interested in watching the bags being weighed and put on the belt to be on their way. After a quick potty break, we headed through security. She was given a Junior Officer sticker from our TSA Agent.
Once through security, we had about an hour to kill before boarding, so we popped into SkyClub for some drinks and snacks. She took some pictures of Mommy and Daddy with her camera:
Then we took pictures of one another, pre-journey, with Lizzy.
On the way out of the SkyClub, she wanted to try the big red chairs. She's always so good, respectful, and quiet when we go into Delta's lounges.
Outside of the SkyClub entrance is a race car, so she had to have her picture taken with that too.
There was our airplane that would take us to Atlanta!
We always manage to time our approach to the gate perfectly, and we were first aboard the aircraft. We got her SAFER harness all configured, and she eagerly buckled herself in.
The flight to Atlanta was quick and uneventful. She entertained herself by watching the first hour of Monsters University on Daddy's phone and eating ice.
Once we deplaned and caught the Plane Train over to the International Terminal, we popped into SkyClub for a change into jammies. We took advantage of the shower facilities to have a quick rinse-off and refresh, and then brushed our teeth and changed for the flight. We sat and waited for a bit with our snacks until it was time to head to the gate to board.
Once we deplaned and caught the Plane Train over to the International Terminal, we popped into SkyClub for a change into jammies. We took advantage of the shower facilities to have a quick rinse-off and refresh, and then brushed our teeth and changed for the flight. We sat and waited for a bit with our snacks until it was time to head to the gate to board.
Once we boarded the flight (the second to board this time!) we got all settled. I love that seats now have USB and AC power to keep devices charged throughout the flight. Charged devices equals entertained children!
Our flight was a late one, taking off after 10:00 pm. She fell asleep about an hour in, and slept about 6 of the 8 hours of the flight.
November 30, 2013
Obviously, 6 hours isn't quite enough sleep for a 2 year old, so she was a little cranky once she awoke. But not disruptively so. At the flight's conclusion, the people behind us commented on what a good girl she had been.
Once we deplaned it was off to immigration and customs, which fortunately took less than 30 minutes total. We turned the corner, and there was Aivan! Lizzy was excited to see her and ran to give her a big hug.
We got on the Heathrow Express for the 15 minute train ride into London, and she sat with me and happily looked out the window. We arrived at Paddington and grabbed a cab to our hotel, arriving right at noon. None of us having slept enough, we were looking forward to getting checked in and crawling in bed for a nap. Unfortunately, our early checkin couldn't be accommodated and we were asked to return at 2:00.
While Daddy was dealing with the hotel, I walked outside with Elizabeth to walk along the street (the lobby was pretty crowded.) She noticed that the steering wheels on the cars were on the "wrong" side. She exclaimed "The steering wheels! I have to tell Daddy!" We went back in to get Daddy so she could educate him that the steering wheels were different in England :o)
We walked around the corner for lunch, and she fell asleep in my arms during lunch. We walked back to the hotel at 2:00, and she remained asleep as we got to our hotel room and we got to lay down with her. We all napped for a few more hours and woke up feeling much better.
We had originally planned a free evening, so since it was about 6:00 pm by the time we were up, dressed, and ready, so we decided Saturday night shopping on Oxford Street was the best use of our time. We hopped on a double decker right outside our hotel, and headed up top for a front-row view of our London journey. Elizabeth really liked riding on the bus, and all was well until she suddenly proclaimed she had to go pee.
We hopped off the bus at the next stop and ducked into a department store so she could potty. As we weren't too far from Regent Street, we went ahead and walked to Hamley's.
November 30, 2013
Obviously, 6 hours isn't quite enough sleep for a 2 year old, so she was a little cranky once she awoke. But not disruptively so. At the flight's conclusion, the people behind us commented on what a good girl she had been.
Once we deplaned it was off to immigration and customs, which fortunately took less than 30 minutes total. We turned the corner, and there was Aivan! Lizzy was excited to see her and ran to give her a big hug.
We got on the Heathrow Express for the 15 minute train ride into London, and she sat with me and happily looked out the window. We arrived at Paddington and grabbed a cab to our hotel, arriving right at noon. None of us having slept enough, we were looking forward to getting checked in and crawling in bed for a nap. Unfortunately, our early checkin couldn't be accommodated and we were asked to return at 2:00.
While Daddy was dealing with the hotel, I walked outside with Elizabeth to walk along the street (the lobby was pretty crowded.) She noticed that the steering wheels on the cars were on the "wrong" side. She exclaimed "The steering wheels! I have to tell Daddy!" We went back in to get Daddy so she could educate him that the steering wheels were different in England :o)
We walked around the corner for lunch, and she fell asleep in my arms during lunch. We walked back to the hotel at 2:00, and she remained asleep as we got to our hotel room and we got to lay down with her. We all napped for a few more hours and woke up feeling much better.
We had originally planned a free evening, so since it was about 6:00 pm by the time we were up, dressed, and ready, so we decided Saturday night shopping on Oxford Street was the best use of our time. We hopped on a double decker right outside our hotel, and headed up top for a front-row view of our London journey. Elizabeth really liked riding on the bus, and all was well until she suddenly proclaimed she had to go pee.
We hopped off the bus at the next stop and ducked into a department store so she could potty. As we weren't too far from Regent Street, we went ahead and walked to Hamley's.
We arrived at Hamley's and headed upstairs to work our way down the 6 floors of fun. We played with Monsters University toys, Star Wars toys, RC cars that flipped over, trains, slot cars, and rainbow paint. She had a tremendous time! She even got to pet the Queen's Corgi.
We took the Tube home, and she really liked her first experience with that! She LOVED the escalators, thus beginning a fascination and love of this particular mode of upward and downward transport. For the next 2 weeks, whenever she'd see an escalator, she'd exclaim "OH BOY!" and wriggle downward if being carried so she could stand on the escalator herself.
We stopped and got some fish and chips for dinner, with plenty of ketchup for Lizzy to dip. She said "What's up, ketchup?" which struck us as really cute and funny.
December 1, 2013
Tommy woke us up early so we could go have dim sum with his family and some friends. Since dim sum was to be closer to lunch time, we headed down to the hotel breakfast and were greeted with a delicious breakfast spread of sausage, eggs, hash browns, tomatoes, fruits, pastries, meat, jams, cereals, and juices. For the next 6 mornings, Elizabeth loved helping me choose her sausage and watermelon, and getting a glass of apple juice.
We stopped and got some fish and chips for dinner, with plenty of ketchup for Lizzy to dip. She said "What's up, ketchup?" which struck us as really cute and funny.
December 1, 2013
Tommy woke us up early so we could go have dim sum with his family and some friends. Since dim sum was to be closer to lunch time, we headed down to the hotel breakfast and were greeted with a delicious breakfast spread of sausage, eggs, hash browns, tomatoes, fruits, pastries, meat, jams, cereals, and juices. For the next 6 mornings, Elizabeth loved helping me choose her sausage and watermelon, and getting a glass of apple juice.
While waiting, we enjoyed looking at our view of London from our window.
After dim sum, we went and visited some family friends, and then Lizzy fell asleep in the car on the ride back to our hotel. I lay down with her for awhile while Tommy and his sisters went and did whatever. Once we awoke, we headed out to Chinatown for some bubble tea and to Leicester Square for some fun.
This may be my favorite photo from the entire trip. We walked over to a bakery in Chinatown, and with amazed wonderment, she gazed happily upon all the beautiful cakes and cupcakes.
Afterwards, we went to Leicester Square which was set up with all sorts of Christmas rides. She chose to ride a carousel with me, and it was the FASTEST carousel I've ever ridden! I got the privilege of feeling her belly laughs as I sat behind her, holding onto her waist and tummy. Such a perfect memory.
We took the Tube back to our hotel, and Aivan snapped a few pictures of our big girl, who liked sitting in her own seat.
December 2, 2013
After breakfast, we headed out to the Museum of Childhood. I had read that this place was really fun for the under-3 set, so I thought it would be worth a visit as it was free. It was a small-ish museum, but she had a GREAT time, as there were lots of hands-on areas.
After breakfast, we headed out to the Museum of Childhood. I had read that this place was really fun for the under-3 set, so I thought it would be worth a visit as it was free. It was a small-ish museum, but she had a GREAT time, as there were lots of hands-on areas.
Elizabeth LOVES all things outer space, so this rocket was cause for celebration.
She loves to set a table. So, naturally, the kitchen setup was a massive hit with her, and Mommy and Daddy had to sit at the table while she handled all the dishes.
Then there were magnets!
Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel for naptime.
In the early evening, Aivan met us at the hotel, and we took a short bus ride to the other end of Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland.
In the early evening, Aivan met us at the hotel, and we took a short bus ride to the other end of Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland.
She enjoyed the talking tree.
We let her choose a ride, and she chose the funhouse. This ended up being the BEST FUNHOUSE OF ALL TIME! The four of us took probably 30 minutes to go through it, as we basically had the whole thing to ourselves. There were rolling bridges, punching bags on ropes that we could "bomp" one another with, and lots of rooms with Christmas characters inside. We all LOVED it!
We even saw Bumble!
Nearby was Santa. Last year, we tried to take her to see Santa but she didn't want to get too close to him, and I wasn't going to torment and frighten her just to get a picture. This year, however, she really "gets" Santa and understands he will visit our house on Christmas Eve. So, she was excited to see him. I told her before she got up there that Santa would need her to talk really loud so he could hear her. This is what transpired:
Santa: "Hello! What's your name?"
Elizabeth: (Yelling at the top of her lungs) "ELIZABETH!"
Santa: (Laughing) "Have you been good this year?"
Elizabeth: "YES. I HAVE BEEN GOOD."
Santa: (Laughing harder) "Would you like me to bring you a toy for Christmas?"
Elizabeth: (Still at full volume) "I WOULD LIKE SOME DRUMS PLEASE."
It was all so funny. We also bought the pictures, because they were too cute not to. I especially love her face in this first photo, where she's looking up at him like "Hey, you're the real Santa!"
Santa: "Hello! What's your name?"
Elizabeth: (Yelling at the top of her lungs) "ELIZABETH!"
Santa: (Laughing) "Have you been good this year?"
Elizabeth: "YES. I HAVE BEEN GOOD."
Santa: (Laughing harder) "Would you like me to bring you a toy for Christmas?"
Elizabeth: (Still at full volume) "I WOULD LIKE SOME DRUMS PLEASE."
It was all so funny. We also bought the pictures, because they were too cute not to. I especially love her face in this first photo, where she's looking up at him like "Hey, you're the real Santa!"
After Santa, we played some carnival-type games. Daddy won Elizabeth a stuffed tiger, which she ended up naming Jack. Jack became our constant companion the rest of the trip, often accompanying us to breakfast.
Everyone was having such fun that we let her pick one more ride. She spotted this reindeer ride. I was a little worried because she'd have to ride by herself and it took her on a track pretty far away, but she insisted she wanted to go. I don't know why I was worried, because she loved it!
Everyone was having such fun that we let her pick one more ride. She spotted this reindeer ride. I was a little worried because she'd have to ride by herself and it took her on a track pretty far away, but she insisted she wanted to go. I don't know why I was worried, because she loved it!
After a tremendously fun night, we headed back to the hotel. Tommy's other sister Anna arrived later that night to stay with us in the hotel, so she could spend the day with us tomorrow. So Lizzy and I could get some rest, I kicked them out to go pub hopping until we were asleep :o)
December 3, 2013
We had made plans several months ago, once our dates were booked, to meet up with our friends Andrew and Kerry, and their son Will, who had moved from Indiana to England earlier this year. We met them around 11:15 at the Science Museum, with plans after to go to the Natural History Museum, and then see where the day took us.
Tommy, Anna, Elizabeth and I hopped on a quick Tube ride down to the museum.
December 3, 2013
We had made plans several months ago, once our dates were booked, to meet up with our friends Andrew and Kerry, and their son Will, who had moved from Indiana to England earlier this year. We met them around 11:15 at the Science Museum, with plans after to go to the Natural History Museum, and then see where the day took us.
Tommy, Anna, Elizabeth and I hopped on a quick Tube ride down to the museum.
We met our friends at the Science Museum, and after a quick tour of the main floor to see the space exhibit (to which we returned later), we went down into the basement for the hands-on children's science play area. This was SO MUCH FUN for both Will and Elizabeth. We started with walking through "noodles."
Then was the sound sensory area.
Then the water play area. For a long time.
Then giant blocks. Elizabeth and I made a robot!
Then some climbing and peeking at Anna out the window.
We somehow managed to get Will and Elizabeth to leave this play zone to go back upstairs and see the aircraft and space exhibits.
They had an actual piece of the moon, so Elizabeth did her "moon face" for us.
They had an actual piece of the moon, so Elizabeth did her "moon face" for us.
After the Science Museum, we went next door to the Natural History Museum. We started with some more hands-on exhibits, including a floor projection that made ripples when stepped on.
Then off to the dinosaur exhibit, including the animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex. Upon seeing him, she said "Please don't eat me!" We also attempted to get a photo of WIll and Elizabeth together. Due to causing a traffic jam behind us, this is the best we could quickly manage. We did get some scared faces though!
After the Natural History Museum, Elizabeth was getting sleepy for naptime, so she and I headed out to get a cab to go back to our hotel while Tommy, Anna, Andrew, Kerry and Will went on for lunch and to Oxford Street. We had a lovely cab ride back through Hyde Park, and went back to our room for naptime.
Speaking of our room, Lizzy loved this room, and this hotel in general. She liked the bed, and the shower particularly well. But the highlight for her was the long hallway with the elevator at the end. Since we could keep her in sight, we let her run to the elevator by herself, where she'd wait to push the button so we could go downstairs. At the lobby, since it was a Doubletree, she was allowed to ask for cookies, which she did by herself. :o) She really liked this hotel, to the point it caused tears when we checked into our second hotel (more about that story later!)
Speaking of our room, Lizzy loved this room, and this hotel in general. She liked the bed, and the shower particularly well. But the highlight for her was the long hallway with the elevator at the end. Since we could keep her in sight, we let her run to the elevator by herself, where she'd wait to push the button so we could go downstairs. At the lobby, since it was a Doubletree, she was allowed to ask for cookies, which she did by herself. :o) She really liked this hotel, to the point it caused tears when we checked into our second hotel (more about that story later!)
After our nap, Tommy and Anna came back to the room to get us, to make our plan for the evening. Since Kerry had an appointment at the Apple Store that had wrapped up, we decided to meet at Covent Garden for dinner. So, we hopped on the Tube and headed over to meet them. We ended up eating a yummy dinner at a restaurant right there.
We had some time to kill afterwards, so we all walked around Covent Garden. Elizabeth took some photos...
Then we turned the camera over to adults :o)
While walking around Covent Garden, there was (bizarrely) a man dressed as a Storm Trooper wielding a light saber. Elizabeth pointed out that "Storm Troopers don't have light sabers." She's right, you know.
We parted ways with our friends and headed back to our hotel, where Elizabeth took a 15 minute shower. I kept asking her if she was done, and she kept replying "almost." She really likes showers!
December 4, 2013
Aivan and Josephine joined us today for a fun day out. We wanted to be at Buckingham Palace by 11:15 for the Changing of the Guard. It was important to me that Elizabeth see this, since she LOVES marching bands. Once Aivan and Josephine arrived, I wanted to make sure we were there on time, so we just grabbed a cab to Buckingham Palace.
In my six visits to London, this is the first time the Queen was home when we were there. This made me so happy!
We managed to secure a perfect location - immediately next to the gates where the guards enter the palace gates while playing their instruments. She LOVED this!
We parted ways with our friends and headed back to our hotel, where Elizabeth took a 15 minute shower. I kept asking her if she was done, and she kept replying "almost." She really likes showers!
December 4, 2013
Aivan and Josephine joined us today for a fun day out. We wanted to be at Buckingham Palace by 11:15 for the Changing of the Guard. It was important to me that Elizabeth see this, since she LOVES marching bands. Once Aivan and Josephine arrived, I wanted to make sure we were there on time, so we just grabbed a cab to Buckingham Palace.
In my six visits to London, this is the first time the Queen was home when we were there. This made me so happy!
We managed to secure a perfect location - immediately next to the gates where the guards enter the palace gates while playing their instruments. She LOVED this!
After the ceremony, we headed to cross the street so we could walk down the Mall to Trafalgar Square. As is normal for our luck, we were right by the street when the Coldstream Guards came by on horseback. A front row seat for this, too!
After crossing the street, we started our lovely walk to Trafalgar Square. As we were walking, she spotted a place to hop up and look back at the palace. No sooner had we hopped up there, than the rest of the guards started marching back the other way!
We continued our stroll, and as we turned the corner, we saw an official Dignitary Procession to go meet the Queen. Turns out this guy is the new Somali Ambassador. Not sure who is in the carriage behind him. Her Majesty, perhaps?
Then on to Horse Guards Parade. During our walk, she spotted that one of the horses had pooped in the road. "The Queen's horse pooped in the street! I have to tell Gee Gee."
Finally, to Trafalgar Square.
After a few photos, she decided she wanted nunning, so we sat on a bench and did nunning together. It soon became apparent that she was getting a little sleepy as a result, so she and I took the Tube back to grab some lunch by our hotel and then take her nap, while Tommy and his sisters went to have lunch with a friend.
She and I got back to our Tube stop without incident, and went to a nearby restaurant to grab some lunch to take back to the room. It was rather warm inside, so she wanted to wait out on the sidewalk. While outside, she noticed a souvenir shop next door and, all on her own, proclaimed "I want to go inside and find something special for Gee and Eb."
Of course I wouldn't say no to a request like that, especially since it came from such a sweet, pure place in her heart. We went inside and she at first wanted to get them a large, hideous clock. I told her it might be better to pick one thing for Eb and one thing for Gee, knowing they had no place for this awful clock. She looked around carefully at every item in the souvenir shop, choosing a double decker bus bottle opener for Eb and a particularly ugly magnet for Gee, but the important thing was that SHE chose them and she was the one who had the idea to do so. Sweet, thoughtful angel.
Once our lunch was ready, we walked back to our room. I'd gotten her a sandwich and fries, and I had a Greek salad. Once we sat down and she spotted my salad, she wanted no part of her meal and honed in on mine. :o)
Nap time was uneventful, and not too much after she woke up everyone returned and then we decided to go to the nearby pub for dinner, and wait for Anna to join us (she had worked that day.)
She and I got back to our Tube stop without incident, and went to a nearby restaurant to grab some lunch to take back to the room. It was rather warm inside, so she wanted to wait out on the sidewalk. While outside, she noticed a souvenir shop next door and, all on her own, proclaimed "I want to go inside and find something special for Gee and Eb."
Of course I wouldn't say no to a request like that, especially since it came from such a sweet, pure place in her heart. We went inside and she at first wanted to get them a large, hideous clock. I told her it might be better to pick one thing for Eb and one thing for Gee, knowing they had no place for this awful clock. She looked around carefully at every item in the souvenir shop, choosing a double decker bus bottle opener for Eb and a particularly ugly magnet for Gee, but the important thing was that SHE chose them and she was the one who had the idea to do so. Sweet, thoughtful angel.
Once our lunch was ready, we walked back to our room. I'd gotten her a sandwich and fries, and I had a Greek salad. Once we sat down and she spotted my salad, she wanted no part of her meal and honed in on mine. :o)
Nap time was uneventful, and not too much after she woke up everyone returned and then we decided to go to the nearby pub for dinner, and wait for Anna to join us (she had worked that day.)
Elizabeth sat happily for 2.5 hours at the pub, talking, playing and eating. What a good girl!
After we were done, we went to Winter Wonderland again, since we'd had such a great time a few nights prior. What did she want to do? The funhouse AGAIN! So, for 40 minutes, the six of us had the place to ourselves, spending as much time as we wanted at each of the funhouse sections and attractions. A particular favorite this time was the giant hamster wheel. Look how high she got!
After we were done, we went to Winter Wonderland again, since we'd had such a great time a few nights prior. What did she want to do? The funhouse AGAIN! So, for 40 minutes, the six of us had the place to ourselves, spending as much time as we wanted at each of the funhouse sections and attractions. A particular favorite this time was the giant hamster wheel. Look how high she got!
Then she wanted to ride the reindeer ride again.
We stayed at Winter Wonderland until it closed, and then headed back to the hotel. Anna stayed with us again, so I sent her and Tommy out to close down the pubs so Elizabeth and I could fall asleep.
December 5, 2013
Our hotel was in a wonderful location across from Hyde Park's Diana Memorial Playground, so after breakfast we headed over to play. Oh, and play we did! This playground was a magical place, themed like Peter Pan complete with treasure chests, pirate ships, sand, and other wonderful play spots. We especially loved a special swing, where she and I cuddled and swang for probably 10 minutes. It was magical. We saw a squirrel, she played in the little miniature playhouses, and we just had a wonderful time.
December 5, 2013
Our hotel was in a wonderful location across from Hyde Park's Diana Memorial Playground, so after breakfast we headed over to play. Oh, and play we did! This playground was a magical place, themed like Peter Pan complete with treasure chests, pirate ships, sand, and other wonderful play spots. We especially loved a special swing, where she and I cuddled and swang for probably 10 minutes. It was magical. We saw a squirrel, she played in the little miniature playhouses, and we just had a wonderful time.
The problem - her first ever "throw herself on the ground and flail around while screaming and kicking" tantrum - started when we had to leave the playground. We'd been there nearly an hour and a half, and Elizabeth was the only one dressed warmly enough for the slightly chilly and windy day we had. We were all cold, and it was noon and time for her nap. So I knew we needed to get her down for nap time. However, she disagreed in a huge way. We left and it was a complete meltdown, where she threw herself on the ground and rolled around and screamed she didn't want to leave. It lasted just a minute or two, but felt like an eternity.
Once I got her calmed down, I piggy-backed her back across the street to the hotel, and she was asleep almost immediately after laying down in the bed. I knew she was tired, poor girl.
She napped for several hours while Anna and Tommy went out and about. She had to head back home, but Aivan arrived to take her place :o)
After Lizzy woke up from her much needed nap, our friends Kha and Richard (whose wedding we attended in Italy two summers ago) came to our hotel for us to go have dinner. We walked down to Notting Hill to have sushi. Kha and Richard were kind enough to get Elizabeth a Christmas gift, which we opened once we'd returned to the room after dinner. She got a perfect Minnie Mouse lunchbox, Peter Rabbit books, and some gummy candies. After she opened her gifts, she said "I have some very special gifts."
December 6, 2013
After our wonderful week in London, it was time to switch hotels to a hotel a little closer to the family, so we could spent more time together. Daddy went to pick up the rental car while we got everything packed up. We checked out and loaded the car to drive up to Chesham.
Lizzy was excited to get to Aivan's house, and we spent several hours there playing and eating yummy food that GrandMa made for us. Lizzy ended up falling asleep there. As Daddy needed to get ready to get back to London to meet up with some friends, he went ahead and drove to the hotel to get checked in, take our bags, and get changed.
Lizzy ended up waking up just late enough that we missed seeing Daddy before he caught the train into London. Tommy's Dad drove Lizzy and I to the hotel, where we got our room key from the front desk and went up to our room.
I showed her our new room, including the couch that we could make into a bed. She said she didn't like the room. I didn't understand the depth of her dislike until later that evening.
Once I got her calmed down, I piggy-backed her back across the street to the hotel, and she was asleep almost immediately after laying down in the bed. I knew she was tired, poor girl.
She napped for several hours while Anna and Tommy went out and about. She had to head back home, but Aivan arrived to take her place :o)
After Lizzy woke up from her much needed nap, our friends Kha and Richard (whose wedding we attended in Italy two summers ago) came to our hotel for us to go have dinner. We walked down to Notting Hill to have sushi. Kha and Richard were kind enough to get Elizabeth a Christmas gift, which we opened once we'd returned to the room after dinner. She got a perfect Minnie Mouse lunchbox, Peter Rabbit books, and some gummy candies. After she opened her gifts, she said "I have some very special gifts."
December 6, 2013
After our wonderful week in London, it was time to switch hotels to a hotel a little closer to the family, so we could spent more time together. Daddy went to pick up the rental car while we got everything packed up. We checked out and loaded the car to drive up to Chesham.
Lizzy was excited to get to Aivan's house, and we spent several hours there playing and eating yummy food that GrandMa made for us. Lizzy ended up falling asleep there. As Daddy needed to get ready to get back to London to meet up with some friends, he went ahead and drove to the hotel to get checked in, take our bags, and get changed.
Lizzy ended up waking up just late enough that we missed seeing Daddy before he caught the train into London. Tommy's Dad drove Lizzy and I to the hotel, where we got our room key from the front desk and went up to our room.
I showed her our new room, including the couch that we could make into a bed. She said she didn't like the room. I didn't understand the depth of her dislike until later that evening.
It even had a neat blue light in the bathroom as a nightlight, which we said was "Bumble's Ice Palace." None of this mattered. She hated this hotel.
She and I went downstairs to have dinner together, and then came back upstairs to shower and wind down. As we were sitting in bed watching a movie, she suddenly starts crying, inconsolably, "I don't like this hotel. I want to go back to the other one!" Nothing I could do or say could get her to stop. The worst part was I couldn't do anything to help change the situation. I just had to find something to distract her.
Aha! It came to me - the new Cinderella dress that Aivan had gotten for Elizabeth. I got it out of the bag and it saved the day. She immediately stopped crying so I could get her dressed. Isn't she beautiful?
Aha! It came to me - the new Cinderella dress that Aivan had gotten for Elizabeth. I got it out of the bag and it saved the day. She immediately stopped crying so I could get her dressed. Isn't she beautiful?
We finished our movie and finally fell asleep, thankfully!
However, a few days after we got home, she started talking again about our hotels. She (out of the blue) told me she didn't like "the dirty hotel" and only liked the "clean hotel." This hotel certainly wasn't dirty, but for some reason, in her mind, it was.
December 7, 2013
We got up and had a lovely breakfast at "the dirty hotel" and then walked around behind it for a bit, to see the locks and explore. Here's the view from our hotel room:
However, a few days after we got home, she started talking again about our hotels. She (out of the blue) told me she didn't like "the dirty hotel" and only liked the "clean hotel." This hotel certainly wasn't dirty, but for some reason, in her mind, it was.
December 7, 2013
We got up and had a lovely breakfast at "the dirty hotel" and then walked around behind it for a bit, to see the locks and explore. Here's the view from our hotel room:
Afterwards, we headed to Chesham to spend time with the family. We had lunch together, went grocery shopping, and walked around the town for awhile until it was time to go to Anna's work where she had arranged for us to have tea.
Anna works in an amazing old building from the 1400s, where we got to take Lizzy's first tea. She was SO good. When we first sat down at our table, she immediately pointed at her plate and said "I want something on my plate!"
Oh, she had plenty! There were scones with jam, strawberry tarts, cupcakes, macaroons, and cucumber, egg and cress, and salmon sandwiches. We all had wonderfully full tummies when we left!
Oh, she had plenty! There were scones with jam, strawberry tarts, cupcakes, macaroons, and cucumber, egg and cress, and salmon sandwiches. We all had wonderfully full tummies when we left!
Tea was a huge success. Afterwards, with a full tummy, we returned to the family house for Lizzy to nap. Once she awoke, we were so excited to go try Aivan's restaurant, VietnamEats!
The restaurant is located in a pub, so Lizzy loved playing with Remy, the pub dog. We all had a wonderful meal and, I'm not exaggerating, I have never felt Elizabeth's stomach so full as it was at the end of this fun day of wonderful food.
The restaurant is located in a pub, so Lizzy loved playing with Remy, the pub dog. We all had a wonderful meal and, I'm not exaggerating, I have never felt Elizabeth's stomach so full as it was at the end of this fun day of wonderful food.
December 8, 2013
The family, minus Aivan who (sadly) had to work, made a trip into London to visit the London Aquarium. Our car (us and Anna) arrived about 45 minutes before Mom and Dad and Josephine, so we killed some time with photos and ice cream!
The family, minus Aivan who (sadly) had to work, made a trip into London to visit the London Aquarium. Our car (us and Anna) arrived about 45 minutes before Mom and Dad and Josephine, so we killed some time with photos and ice cream!
Then into the aquarium for an afternoon of fun!
For this one, they had to climb into a tunnel and look out through the aquarium. Anna said that Lizzy was saying "I'm a fishie!"
We had a lot of fun, but all good things must come to an end, as Mom and Dad had to return to Chesham for dinner service that night.
Tommy, Anna, Josephine, Lizzy and I went to see where Tommy grew up. Lizzy was interested in seeing his old house. Then she fell asleep on the ride back to Chesham.
For dinner, we just ate Mum's yummy food that night and, with very full tummies, went back for our last night at the "dirty hotel."
Once again, LIzzy was in tears, begging us to take her back to the other hotel. :o(
December 9, 2013
We got all packed up, loaded the car, had breakfast, and bade farewell to "the dirty hotel." We all met up in Milton Keynes, to visit a big entertainment complex I'd read about online. First stop? Indoor Skydiving for Tommy, his Dad, and two sisters! Obviously, Elizabeth found this riveting.
Tommy, Anna, Josephine, Lizzy and I went to see where Tommy grew up. Lizzy was interested in seeing his old house. Then she fell asleep on the ride back to Chesham.
For dinner, we just ate Mum's yummy food that night and, with very full tummies, went back for our last night at the "dirty hotel."
Once again, LIzzy was in tears, begging us to take her back to the other hotel. :o(
December 9, 2013
We got all packed up, loaded the car, had breakfast, and bade farewell to "the dirty hotel." We all met up in Milton Keynes, to visit a big entertainment complex I'd read about online. First stop? Indoor Skydiving for Tommy, his Dad, and two sisters! Obviously, Elizabeth found this riveting.
In all seriousness, she woke up about halfway through, and got to see Daddy go up about 40 feet in the air. At the end, the guides did a demo, and at one point threw themselves against the plexiglass directly in front of Elizabeth, which got a HUGE laugh from her. She really liked seeing it.
After a yummy lunch, we went bowling! How cute is she?
After a yummy lunch, we went bowling! How cute is she?
After a few arcade games, it was time to leave Milton Keynes to drive down to Heathrow for our final hotel night and our last dinner as a family. Lizzy liked this hotel again - I guess it was "clean" enough for her.
We were so excited to see a BATHTUB!
Daddy and a few family members went to return the rental car while I got some things repacked for the following day. Once everyone returned, we ate dinner at the Indian restaurant on-site.
Recently, she's been watching Little Einsteins, and one of the episodes is a Baby Cello who is looking for his Mommy. When we walked into the restaurant, she immediately spotted this. Oh, the excitement!
Recently, she's been watching Little Einsteins, and one of the episodes is a Baby Cello who is looking for his Mommy. When we walked into the restaurant, she immediately spotted this. Oh, the excitement!
Saying goodbye to Granddad.
After dinner, we said our goodbyes to the family and went to sleep.
December 10, 2013
We woke up early for our 8:30 am flight out of Heathrow. We grabbed a snack from the Executive Lounge at our hotel before heading over to the airport. The cab ride was quick, and Lizzy was worrying we were going back to the dirty hotel. I had to reassure her we weren't going back there, but instead were going to the airport to go home.
We got to the airport, dropped our bags off, and Elizabeth insisted she wanted to carry something. I tasked her with carrying the tickets, and she took this job SERIOUSLY, not letting them out of her grasp. Once through security, we popped into the SkyClub for a warm breakfast, then went to the gate to board (second aboard this time!)
December 10, 2013
We woke up early for our 8:30 am flight out of Heathrow. We grabbed a snack from the Executive Lounge at our hotel before heading over to the airport. The cab ride was quick, and Lizzy was worrying we were going back to the dirty hotel. I had to reassure her we weren't going back there, but instead were going to the airport to go home.
We got to the airport, dropped our bags off, and Elizabeth insisted she wanted to carry something. I tasked her with carrying the tickets, and she took this job SERIOUSLY, not letting them out of her grasp. Once through security, we popped into the SkyClub for a warm breakfast, then went to the gate to board (second aboard this time!)
All ready for our nine and a half hour journey to Atlanta!
She was such a wonderful traveler. She spent much of the flight happily watching movies on the personal entertainment center - mostly Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. So well that I even got to sit and enjoy two full-length movies myself. Wow!
We walked around, looked out the windows, played, colored, and just had a nice flight. It didn't feel like 9.5 hours. She napped 2 of the hours, and was happy and awake the rest of the time. Once again, those nearby complimented us on what a good girl she was during the journey.
We walked around, looked out the windows, played, colored, and just had a nice flight. It didn't feel like 9.5 hours. She napped 2 of the hours, and was happy and awake the rest of the time. Once again, those nearby complimented us on what a good girl she was during the journey.
We arrived in Atlanta to a reasonably quick immigration and customs sitaution, although she was getting tired and wanted nunning at a slightly inopportune time, so there in the immigration line, we sat down and did nunning. It was that or a crying, tired toddler. I'll take the nunning, and I'm sure those around us would agree with my decision if asked.
Once we got through that, we headed over to the Domestic terminals for our flight home. We killed some time in the SkyClub and then headed for our last flight. She was repeatedly saying she was ready to go home by this point, and I kept telling her that's where we here heading.
The last flight was quick and uneventful, and she slept for most of it. Once we landed in Indianapolis, she recognized the terminal and said "We're almost home!"
She and I waited for our bags while Daddy got my snow-covered Sergeant from long-term parking. We got in, got loaded up, and got home. We brushed our teeth, got cleaned up, and were all asleep by 8:00.
In her sleep that night, she kept saying "I want to go home." Well, sweetheart, we made it.
Once we got through that, we headed over to the Domestic terminals for our flight home. We killed some time in the SkyClub and then headed for our last flight. She was repeatedly saying she was ready to go home by this point, and I kept telling her that's where we here heading.
The last flight was quick and uneventful, and she slept for most of it. Once we landed in Indianapolis, she recognized the terminal and said "We're almost home!"
She and I waited for our bags while Daddy got my snow-covered Sergeant from long-term parking. We got in, got loaded up, and got home. We brushed our teeth, got cleaned up, and were all asleep by 8:00.
In her sleep that night, she kept saying "I want to go home." Well, sweetheart, we made it.