When we were given quick notice that our friends, the Andersons, were moving back to the states, we took advantage of a couple free days and hung out.
The first day was strictly a London day –
Stephenson/Anderson Kids
We wanted to see the Tower Bridge (in the background) in all its glory with the Olympic rings on it. Of course, we got our view of it from the neighboring bridge, the London Bridge. Many people get the two confused, but London Bridge is NOT Tower Bridge.
London Bridge Plaque
We then walked over to the H.M.S. Belfast, a WWII war ship docked by the Tower Bridge.
H.M.S. Belfast
We had a great tour. I was surprised at how large and confusing it was. One deck doesn’t go the entire length of the ship; it’s really a maze. We will admit that we did lose a couple children on our tour. Thank goodness the staff is used to that and handles it quite well.
The Emmas Aboard the Belfast
Our lunch stop was at the Unicorn Theatre where they were showing free summer movies. Bedknobs and Broomsticks was on the schedule and sounded like a good one to the kids so we stopped in. Sadly, our expectations were much higher. We thought they’d be showing it on a screen from one of their stages, but no, it was a TV set up in the foyer. The kids still opted to stay and had a great rest watching the movie, while eating their picnic lunch.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
A short walk away was Southwark Cathedral, where Shakespeare used to attend church. There is actually a monument there for him. We also found that Shakespeare’s brother, Edmund, was buried there in an unmarked grave.
Southwark Cathedral
At this point in our day, the clock was going faster than we had wanted it to, but we couldn’t leave London without visiting St. James’ Park. This park and the Anderson’s have become best of friends in their year here . . . and we had never been. So, it was a MUST! The activity on the agenda was to feed the birds.
Seth Showing How It’s Done
We quickly learned that you just need to be present near any form of food and the pigeons will flock to you. Even while I was taking pictures, and had no trace of food on me, the pigeons gathered on my shoulders.
Emma Loving the Attention
My kids were a little nervous at first with birds coming right for them. Emma and Hannah attempted to feed the birds, but Caleb and Cami were just content to watch.
Xzavier and his “Friends”
After the birds ended up on the Andersons’ heads and everywhere else, the girls began to feel more at ease having them just eat out of their hands.
Emma Feeding the Birds
First thing we did as we headed home on the tube . . . . sanitizer!
Our second day with the Anderson’s was packing day for them. As the packers were at their flat packing and clearing it out, we got to enjoy having the kids over. We had fun hanging out and took the chance to visit Duke’s Meadow together one last time.
Caleb and Xzavier
The zipline was the biggest pull and there was some experimentation going on to find all sorts of ways to ride it.
Seth, Caleb, Xzavier
It was sweet that these boys couldn’t get enough of their time together.
Xzavier & Caleb
The saddest part was knowing this last walk home from the park was ‘it.’
Walking Home
We are so glad the Anderson’s came to London and entered our lives. Someday we’ll see them again stateside, but until then we’re still feeling their loss.
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