In preparation for Cami’s baptism, both sets of grandparents staggered their visits. So we had Chris’s parents with us the week before the baptism, a full weekend with everyone, and then a week with my parents afterward. It was the perfect way to do it as we felt like things never got overwhelming and we still got to spend a good amount of time with each.
With the girls being in school during their visits, our family touring group was small and heavy on the adult-side, although Caleb held his own during the trips.
Beefeaters’ Tour
As Uncle Roger and Aunt Carol were touring Europe with Chris’s parents, and had never been to London, we did a lot of the ‘must do’s,’ like the Tower of London.
Ever-Present Ravens
Just outside the Tower of London, of course, is the Tower Bridge, which is the perfect iconic London photo-op.
Stephenson Gang at Tower Bridge
We then walked through parts of the city and showed them some key landmarks . . .
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Bonus: Book of Mormon Bus Adverts
Trafalgar Square
Horse Guards
I think we wore Caleb out, as he was always the first one out whenever we got back on the tube. Or, it could be that we just discovered Caleb can fall asleep wherever he is at the drop of a hat, just like his dad.
Sleeping on the Tube
One night the adults had a night out as we took Chris’s parents with Uncle Roger and Aunt Carol to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the West End. We had made the plans ages in advance, but as the time got closer, a tube strike was announced starting that night. We were a little bit nervous how to get home afterward without the tube running, but had a beautiful walk through the city and got on an overground train to get home.
Night-view of London Eye & Big Ben
After living in London for an extended period of time, there are some things that don’t phase us as different. The girls get picked up for school in front of our house by a small white bus, rather than a large yellow one. Uncle Roger is a bus driver in Delta, Utah and he just thought that was amazing. So, he made sure we took a picture of the girls in front of their bus that he could take home to show his fellow drivers.
Cami & Hannah with their School Bus
One of the great things about having visitors is that life seems to slow down a bit and we always take the chance to sit down and play games, whether during Family Home Evening or just at quiet times in the afternoon.
Playing Uno
Uno – Round 2 (Attracting More Players)
After the baptism had taken place the day before, and we had all come home from church, we had a great walk in our neighborhood park. Sometimes it takes the slower pace of life for us to remind ourselves how truly blessed we are to live in such an amazing and beautiful place!
Evening Stroll in Chiswick House Grounds
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