Today was a really fun day!  We went on a guided tour day trip of Kent.  There were several stops along the way.  It was relaxed and enjoyable and the kids said it was one of their favorite days (Harry Potter and Matilda are still their faves of course).

We started early and headed to Leeds Castle.  It is a beautiful castle.  We hopped off the bus and were greeted with drinks of meed!  The kids were given “eye spy” cards to look for things in the various rooms.  It’s amazing how long ago things were built!  After the castle tour we took a walk outside and got to wander in a maze.  It was harder than you might think!  There was also a play ground.  It was a very family friendly place.  There was a ride that looked like fun that I suggested we all join in on.  Chris warned me that it was for kids, but we tried it anyway.  I fell off.  I think I may now have a broken or badly bruised finger.  Oh well.  Lots of laughs!

The next stop was the Canterbury Cathedral.  We started by having lunch in Canterbury.  Chris finally had his fish and chips!  The Cathedral was beautiful.  The boys loved exploring and seeing how old things were – thousands of years old!! 

Dover Beach and the White Cliffs were next.  On a clear day you can see to France.  It is the start point to swim the English Channel.  The boys put their feet in and skipped rocks.  Thankfully no one fell in!

We drove through Greenwich to catch a ferry boat back to the city.  It was a cool way to see the city!  The boat was super nice!

It was a long day but the drive between places and seeing the English countryside was so relaxing!

There is so much to see in London and places to go.  We decided the best way to see it all was to take a tour- a “Hop on, Hop off” tour.  We went through the whole tour (a little over two hours).  We all enjoyed the fun facts and interesting information our great tour guide had.  We were even able to decide which things we want to go back to see!  It may have been a little too long for the kids, but it was a fun time and a great way to see the city and learn more.  We hopped off at Trafalgar Square and had our lunch.

We walked/took the tube to the American Embassy which we had seen on our tour.  No one was there but we were able to see some American statues- Roosevelt, John Adams…and Ronald Regan.  There was also a tribute garden those who died on  9/11 with the listings of names of UK residents.

Next up was ice cream! It’s been beautiful weather, but lots of sun and walking makes for hot kids!  There are some minor sunburns!

Then we headed off to Buckingham Palace.  Where else on the 4th of July!  Lots of other Americans had the same idea!  There were lots of people we saw throughout the day with festive clothes.  A few people even said Happy Independence Day to us.  It may have had to do with the boys choosing to wear their American Flag shirts!

Happy 4th to everyone at home!  We hope the impending storm passes!!

We started off the day by going back to St. Paul’s.  When we went yesterday it was with the intent of going to the Visitor’s Center, which we had no luck finding.  Armed with directions today, we had better luck.  We picked up more info and ideas for things to do.  All of Bren’s brochures were shows of course.  Then we headed out on a walking adventure.

We came to Millennium Bridge.  After crossing it we realized we were at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.  Mind blowing for Bren.  We saw costumes, props and the theatre itself.  We had an awesome tour guide (Bren said she was beautiful).  Aidan was fascinated with all the details she had.

We headed out to meet up with a pre-booked tour- our second Harry Potter Tour through British Movie Tours.  We were driven around by bus to lots of the sites where Harry Potter movies were shot.  Aidan loved this.  Bren fell asleep for part of it!  The tour ended at King’s Cross and the platform at 9 3/4.  It was a bit of a line but a must do.  Side note- Chris did laundry here so Aidan could again wear his Harry Potter shirt.  Best Dad ever!

Chris has been managing all our navigation- maps, buses, trains- everything!  We thought it would be nice to have a special dinner out so Chris (the only fish eater in the family) could have a traditional fish and chip dinner.  Except that most places don’t have kids menus or things these picky eaters will try.  But we found an Italian place (across from an “adult movie store”) that had fish and chips.  It was not a great experience.  They forgot Chris’ food.  We thought it was coming and finished our pizza.  Still no dinner.  Not great service either.  So we will have to try another night.  Chris is a good sport about it all!