After our month full of travels, we were excited to come back to London at just the right time for its summer. British schools had just let out and everyone else began going away on holiday.
One of our fun finds was the blackberry patch around the Caleb’s gym parking lot. Cami and I would drive Caleb out to his gym trainings, armed with bowls. We’d come home and make up some treats with them, if there were enough left after snacking.
Blackberries A Plenty
Harry Potter World
As Chris had finished reading all the Harry Potter books (joining the majority of the rest of the family) we booked a tour at Harry Potter World, less than an hour away. This is the actual place where all 8 Harry Potter films were made.
It was fun to see a lot of the sets and props used in the movies.
Large Model of Hogwart’s
Chess Pieces
Hogwart’s Bridge
Diagon Alley
We even tried butterbeer, which has a similar taste to cream soda, but with more of a butterscotch taste. None of us were big fans.
Emma’s Butterbeer
Cami and the Sorting Hat
Elizabeth Tower Tour
We had waited months and months to get tickets for a ‘Big Ben’ Tour. They are available free through your local MP, but making those contacts, waiting for them to find availability, and doing the background checks took ages. As children under the age of 11 were not allowed on the tour, Cami happily stayed with friends.
Before the Climb
The rest of us enjoyed the climb up the 334 stone spiral steps. There were a few stops on the way to explain the working of the mechanisms and the history. They timed the tour just right for us to reach the top in time to hear Big Ben strike the hour. Such a fun experience only reserved for UK residents.
Kids’ Week
One of our favorite things about a London summer is “Kids’ Week in the West End.” This week has become so popular, it is now extended to the whole month of August. For every paying adult, a child goes free to participating shows. Then any additional children only pay half the ticket price. It’s the best time to take a family to shows.
Les Mis
The priority for our family was definitely Les Mis. We see it every year as it is Chris’s favorite musical. The kids used to not enjoy it but now as they are getting older and understanding the storyline more, they are becoming big fans as well.
Kids’ Week Tickets
We saw two new musicals this year – Hetty Feather and Top Hat. I took the younger girls to Hetty Feather, not knowing the story. We really enjoyed it. And Top Hat was very fun for all of us. We enjoyed the comedy and dancing.
Vaudeville Theatre
17th Wedding Anniversary
It’s hard to believe we’ve been married 17 years! It’s hard to remember what life was like without ‘us.’ Chris got tickets for us to see the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” in a fun local theatre called “Electric Cinema.” Each seat is a VIP seat – some are couches, some recliners, some beds, etc. We felt like we were curling up to a movie in our living room . . . but bigger!
Electric Cinema Experience
Annual Photoshoot
Since we have been married, Chris and I have made it a priority to get our family pictures taken each year. These are part of recording our history.
This year we asked a close friend (our travel partner, Shannon Ashton) to take our pictures. She specializes in iconic pictures in London . . . and we wanted something with the London feel. So, it was perfect.
Waiting for Shannon
Our kids didn’t think it was so ‘perfect’ to get up before the crack of dawn and get ready so we could be at Westminster for sunrise. It was cold and dark, but the pictures were worth it! Sunrise is the only time that London can be seen with little traffic or people.
Westminster Bridge
Queen’s Walk
Parliament Street
Emma
Caleb
Hannah
Cami
Trafalgar Square
Covent Garden
Apple Market
Theatre District
We definitely had a full summer – literally traveling around the globe – but there is no place like home. It doesn’t matter where it is, as long as you are with your family.
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