Laowai

We went to London! It was a quick trip, but because the girls are such good travelers – we were able to see and do lots.

We arrived on Thursday morning. Brian let me take a short nap and then we went to see The Tower of London. There I am below – pretending to be sightseeing, but really I’m sleeping. I’m not so good at the jetlag thing. I often get grouchy like a tired child.

Brian and I try to talk to the girls and interpret the historical significance when we go to a place like this. We do our best to explain things and get it into their heads that this is some reeeeeally old stuff. Sometimes the information seems to sink in… other times they just want to chase pigeons. 

I got to go to the beautiful fabric mecca – Liberty of London. I picked out a couple meters of fabric and called it my Mother’s Day gift.

Our girls walked and walked and walked. I guess they are at a good age. They still want to hang out with mom and dad and they are up for adventure. They loved the London black cabs, we had a really funny, charming driver one day. They were up for hopping on and off The London Underground – we taught them how to say tube with a “ch” sound. One day I noticed some parents changing their baby’s diaper on a park bench. I couldn’t help but think that it’s nice to be past the stage of nappies and pushchairs.

We stayed in East London – traditionally a poor part of London with lots of immigrants. The architecture felt layered and layered with history.  

Brian and Bea thought this photo, below, was extremely funny (???)

On Friday we went to see the queen. We knocked on the fence, but she didn’t answer. So we went and had a nice walk through St. James Park.

On Saturday it was time for our reason for the trip – the wedding of a friend and colleague of Brian. 

This was the first wedding that our girls have attended. I think they were pleasantly surprised with how cool and fun it was. The bride and groom made it really fun for everyone – including the kids. The wedding reception was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood – a toy museum! And I guess they wanted to please Brian too – he got drunk on cheese.

On Sunday we had to head home.

Thanks, Matt and Raluca, for inviting us to your beautiful wedding and giving us an excuse to take a great vacation to London.

One more thing. Look Grandma – your sweet little suitcase went along. I got several comments from people at the airport and from a flight attendant. They all thought it was a great!