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!

Part of the reason we chose London for this year’s vacation was that it combined both boys interests- Harry Potter for Aidan and theatre for Brendan.  Today was Brendan’s turn.

He has loved walking around and seeing ads for plays on busses and billboards.  He thinks we should see everything playing!  But today our tickets were for Matilda.  Both boys loved it!  They also loved that during intermission Haagen-Daz ice cream was available!

Earlier in the day we did some exploring on the bus.  It’s the year of the bus in London.  Not sure what that means but it was fun to sit on the top deck.  We seemed to have come to London at quite a busy time.  We keep running into school groups as school is about to end here in a few weeks.  There were lots of student groups at Matilda!  We are also here during the City of London Festival (it lasts a month), Wimbledon and on Monday the Tour de France will be going through London!  Lots of activity but we fit right in with all the tourists!

Another fun thing about being here- Brendan’s appetite!  He isn’t eating foods that are different, just eating more of what he likes!  Typically at school he would take only a couple bites of a peanut butter sandwich.  We brought sandwich to have for lunch at St. Paul’s today and he went back for thirds!!!  That’s a sandwich and a half!  You may see a much taller Brendan when we return! 

Today was a big day for Aidan.  We started off with the Science Museum.  So much to see and do!  Aidan loved the math exhibit and the transportation exhibit.  Chris was a big fan of seeing Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s NEXTcube (the start of the world wide web).  Bren took it all in.

Then it was the trip that Aidan has been waiting for- The Making of Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour.  Mind Blown.  Seriously, his words (and several pictures).  The tour was great- it is the actual studio the eight movies were made.  The real sets, props, costumes (there was something for Bren!) and even sketches and diagrams were there.  As someone who has never seen any of the movies or read any of the books (seriously), I was impressed.  Aidan couldn’t contain his excitement.  There are about 150 pictures on my camera, and he took a bunch with his!

We did a great job riding the tube and “minding the step.”  Chris is a master at getting us around!  Aidan has been reading about British-English and has new words to share any chance he can!

The kids will be keeping journals through this trip.  They will be writing in the morning.  I can’t wait to read what Aidan writes and will be sure to share it!