Monday, November 4, 2013

Weekend Popping Into London


We took our second trip into London this Sunday and managed to only get lost a couple of times! We drove out to Hillingdon Tube station again and hopped on the Piccadilly line to South Kensington for a day at the Natural History Museum (free, again!).




I think it's pretty obvious that we loved the dinosaur exhibit the most, but actually, the entire museum was beautiful and full of interesting rooms and halls to explore. The Brits really know how to do "free museums" right--this must be why the kids here are so smart! The museum was packed with people from all walks of life--little kids gawking at the dinosaurs, couples exploring Earth's history, older folks falling asleep on benches (just kidding!), and groups of photographers doing some serious work (at least it looked scholarly!). We were even invited to the marine biology room to see a puppet show about woodland animals! The museums are so accommodating to children and the insane amounts of exposure to history and higher-level thinking (even if they're not really paying attention) will be so beneficial for Audrey and Dorian. I may still miss home, but this was a big reminder of why we agreed to uproot our lives in the first place.

And to be closer to Stegen's dream of one day owning a McLaren:

We'll take it!

 Since our kids still have a ways to go before they're tame and mellow like the other kids we see walking around, we only got to admire Harrods from its beautiful exterior. I'm sure GG and I will get to have a nice, long shopping trip when she comes to visit in a little over a week! Here's Audrey at Harrods, taking a picture with her favorite window display:



 On our drive home, I took on my usual role as GPS and guided Stegen back using Google Maps. For some reason, I've lost my ability to tell my right from my left (which is quite hazardous while trying to give directions at a busy roundabout!). Anyway, aside from dealing with me and my lack of basic, kindergarten skills ("make a right", while gesturing to the left), Stegen also had to listen to me yelp in shock a few times as cars drove by without a passenger in the front seat. Me: "Oh shoot! No one's driving that car!" Stegen: "No, once again, that guy is just driving alone..." Hey, I'm not alone with all these changes--other people need signs too:

Caution: Only works if you know your right from your left!


Another nice trip to the city in the books! We ended the last couple of days with some FaceTime with the family...Jor, I'm downloading Skype as I type this. Beware, I'll be calling you soon!

Tyler, Jessica, and cutest baby ever (Baby Max!)

Dorian chatting with Auntie "Ana" and Uncle Sean
 I hear Gwyneth Paltrow is moving to England with her kids--another potential mom-friend... In the meantime, here's another clip of "30 Seconds With Audrey." Cheers!






6 comments:

  1. Hey Jenise! I remember those "look right" signs on the ground. I almost got hit by a car in London, because I was looking to the left. I love reading your blog! I'm so glad everything is working out. Btw - That museum looks AMAZING. Wish we could have a play date with you guys over there! Take care and look forward to reading more of your adventures! Karen ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Karen! How cool would it be to have a playdate there? I'd love it! Hope you guys are all doing well--hug the kids for me! How's your mom recovering?

      Delete
  2. Audrey is so CUTE! Keep the updates coming!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks Ansel! I'm surprised she likes making these videos...maybe it'll help her be less averse to public speaking than I used to be!

      Delete
  3. No problem. It is all about Skype..what is this Facetime thing?

    You guys are soooo frustrating me because every time I see you posting about taking the tube in some station I think okay this time they will try pasties. I sooo miss those even though I only had them one time. I want to live vicariously through your experience of them. Btw, you can buy them frozen in a store in San Diego...so not the same thing...was disappointed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's true, Skype does pretty much the same thing...the only difference is that if I don't have my Skype app opened on the screen, it'll automatically turn off and I won't get the calls. FaceTime will come through no matter what.

      Let's blame Dorian for our lack of pasties this last tube trip. He's a monster and we just try to bust out of the station ASAP as to not annoy other people! I WILL try them--especially since my in-laws are coming soon. More adults to man-handle him while I grab a bite :) I'll keep you posted.

      Delete