London

Another long journey to reach my cousin -Natasha's house in London town (nowhere near the riots). It was so great to catch up with Tash and her husband Martyn and their gorgeous girl - Leina.

Tash and Martyn had mapped out a kid friendly, local tourist route through London city for us.  Which made a very pleasant experience.  The day started with Trav have a Bulmers to warm up, a saunter down South Bank through the markets and a bus ride to Tower Bridge. We then walked the bridged viewed Tower of London before catching the Ferry back to the London Eye.

We continued our journey via Big Ben, House of Commons and through Scotland Yard where Hudson befriended a London Policeman.  Lunch in St James Park was relaxing and kids enjoyed feeding the ducks and watching the squirrels.  Along the Princess Diana remembrance walk to Buckingham Palace and the Homes of the Royals including Prince Charles.

We continued a walk through some great streets (recommended by Tash and Martyn) through a beautiful arcade where we purchased some macaroons (apparently the best in London) to the palatial Fortnum and Mason, where we the queen shops for her tea and so did we. Homeward bound through Picadilly and Trafalgar square before we met up with Tash, Martyn and Leina for dinner back at Southbank and merry-go-round for the kids before catching the train home.

Once home ALL the kids enjoyed a bath followed by an interactive GRUFFALO story, narrated by Tash.

Trav and Martyn set out each morning and hit the pavement on Saturday to Richmond Park (unfortunately they didn't see Angelina Joli or Brad Pitt who were apparently staying there), and on Sunday enjoyed a run along the Thames. Tash took us to her friends farewell picnic at Wimbledon Common, the weather was lovely and the kids enjoyed the vastness to run and we enjoyed Pimms on the Lawn in true style. The car wasn't quite big enough for the 8 of us so Trav took off on the back of Martyn's motorbike decked in leather. What a site!

The kids were exhausted after the picnic so we left them sleeping with the men and Tash, Sarah (one of Tash's friends who I know) went shopping to Kingston.  I had a ball with no kids looming around and I loved Kath Kidston and bargains and Bentalls.  Came home happy shoppers :)  

Danica and James came over for a BBQ which was awesome.  I was luck enough to catch up with them one last time before we head home.

On Sunday we walked down the street to the Thames and caught a ferry up to Hampton Park where King Henry the 8th lived.  This is where the 2012 road race is taking place and they had the trial which we were able to watch before walking the grounds of Hampton Park.  Here we caught up with Steph and enjoyed lunch and sauntering through the rose garden before heading back on the Ferry.

We spent the afternoon packing while kids slept, preparing ourselves for the plane journey home.  We enjoyed our stay in London and Hope to see the Benson's in Australia soon (2012).

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