Family Fun in London!

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[caption id="attachment_1720" align="aligncenter" width="454" caption="In front of Parliament and Big Ben along the Thames River"][/caption]

An hour and a half car ride. Then two hours scurrying through security and waiting in a never ending line for the plane to board and take off. An hour and a half on a teeny tiny, uncomfortable airplane (cheap, budget airline means sacrificing comfort). Another 45min at Stansted airport trying to get through passport checks..  A 45min (thankfully air conditioned) train ride on the Stansted Express to Liverpool Station where we were supposed to then take the tube to our final destination.

Another twenty minutes wandering the Tube station to figure out a new route because the route we needed was down. Thankfully, a lovely employee at the tube station directed us another route.

[caption id="attachment_1714" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Mr. Wright at the Liverpool Tube Station"][/caption]

An hour and a half later than expected, we arrive at our apartment. Sweaty. Filthy. And exhausted.

Traveling is hard. Especially in a different country and in a big city where everything is unknown and foreign. And even more especially with two kids under five in tow.

It’s intense to be in a place swarming with people, signs pointing to every which direction and not being entirely sure where to go or how; all the while with two little ones whining and crying because they too are tired and hungry. The difficulty of this trip is actually one of the reasons we love London more than any other city we have been to thus far.

It was a breath of much needed fresh air to have people stop and ask if we needed help getting somewhere.  And to have people offer to help us when they saw us wobblying up the stairs carrying a stroller loaded with kids and luggage. It is so comforting to have your fears eased and to allow a little bit of trust in strangers.

I’m not sure why, but most people I’ve talked to have said people in London aren’t sweet. Or helpful. Maybe we are some rare case, but our conclusion is London is the most kid friendly city we have traveled to in Europe. Not just in the sense that people are friendly to our kids, which they were a lot. But in the sense that for kids there was something to do everywhere we went.

Here were our Top Five favorite things we did as a family in London:

The Tower of London
The crown jewels. Beauchamp Tower. Bloody Tower. The White Tower. Grassy castle grounds. With so many things to see and explore, we spent a little over 2 hours here. For once, I was happy to see my freakish controlling ways have a positive side because I took the advice of Rick Steves and rushed my family to get the Tower of London first thing in the morning. (As in, everyone be up at 6:30 am, so we can leave at 7:30 am, have breakfast and tube it to Tower Hill). It was so peaceful and intimate to experience the castle grounds before the droves of tourist groups arrived. You know that feeling when you are up before the entire family? When it’s quiet and fresh and peaceful? That’s how it felt being early at the Tower of London. Oh, and it made for better pictures.

Here’s a picture of my sweet little family with the Tower Bridge in the background.

A lovely older man saw me taking this picture and asked if we would like a family picture together.

We climbed Beauchamp Tower and imagined what life was like as a prisoner.

[caption id="attachment_1684" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Prisoners in Beauchamp Tower"][/caption]

We toured through the White Tower and saw the armor of several different Kings.

[caption id="attachment_1685" align="aligncenter" width="461" caption="Apparently Henry VIII had some balls *ahem* or wanted to appear to have them anyway."][/caption]

The kids had a lot of fun on the third floor of White Tower touching the different types of weapons used by knights.

Then it was time for lunch. We were pleasantly surprised at the restaurant (across from the White Tower). The food was semi-gourmet (and had several healthy options).

Kids could make their own lunch box, which offered no sugar added juices, raisins, fruit and sandwiches.

Tower of London is absolutely a must see sight with or without kids!

Natural History and Science Museums
Many great things about these museums which are right next to each other. For one, they are both FREE. They are educational and they both offer hands on activities for kids.

 

Isn't the architecture of this museum just gorgeous??

This giant sequoia was 1132 years old when it died. It started to seed in the year 530. Amazing!

The creepy crawly section of the museum was my LEAST favorite part.

The earth science section however was pretty cool.

[caption id="attachment_1695" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Escalator ascending into "Mars" to the earth science area of the museum."][/caption]

There were so many other things to do at this museum and it was a fun way to start our morning.

Because there's no such thing as too much fun in a day we went to the Science Museum, which was right next door. THIS place was cool.

[caption id="attachment_1693" align="aligncenter" width="461" caption="Area about space exploration"][/caption]

The area dedicated to space exploration is really neat. Not just for kids, but for adults too!

We also got to learn about the steam engine.

But the kids FAVORITE place in the museum and possibly the entire world was The Basement. An area purely for kids to play with no rules.

They could run around like crazy people. Touch and yank on different things. Jump and climb. Get their hands wet and dirty. It was really wonderful to see their faces light up and see how happy this place made them.

For a moment I wondered how much more fun this place could be for parents. Like if there was a bar stocked with mini wine bottles. Conflict of interest? Yeah, probably.

My little guy ran through this over and over and over again. Every time he ran through he cracked up. It was so funny.

We left. Pooped and entirely exhausted.

SeaLife Aquarium

We decided on the last day whether this aquarium would be worth the cost (about 58 pounds, or $87USD). I’m really glad we went. The kids had a lot of fun and I think my husband had even more fun than them.

When you first get into the aquarium you get to WALK across this glass aquarium and look down on the sharks. How cool is that?

Both kids loved petting the starfish.

The penguin area was so cool. Literally. It was cold! They did a great job replicating Antartica.

Seeing sharks this close was really neat. I definitely love seeing them behind glass. That's as close as I ever care to get to them. I could see their sharp teeth just fine :)

Parks (Hyde and St. James)

[caption id="attachment_1707" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="St. James's Park"][/caption]

It was the epitome of summer fun in the sun at the parks in London. People riding bikes, playing Frisbee, having picnics, boating on the river. The vibe was so chill, yet energetic too. Simply put, it just felt happy

[caption id="attachment_1708" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="My sweeties at St. James's Park"][/caption]

We weren't the only ones who enjoyed the park. Everyone and their brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles were at Hyde Park.

Eating

This may seem mundane, but for us eating was a major highlight in London. You see, where we are from, in the countryside in Bavaria, the only option for fast food for lunch(or dinner) is McDonalds. There is no such thing as Panera Bread. Or Chipotle. Many places we have traveled to in Europe have funky hours (by American standards anyway). Lunch is served from 11 until 2 or 3pm and then places are closed until dinner time. It was so wonderful to have places to eat at that were not only open from 6am until 9pm, but that also served healthy, organic fast food. I was in culinary heaven.

[caption id="attachment_1710" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Yummy Italian Salad"][/caption]

Our most favorite place was this little eatery called Ravello. Oh, Ravello how I miss you so. I swear, I’m not exaggerating, this place had THE best latte I’ve ever had. Ever. For real.

[caption id="attachment_1711" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Picture of the best latte ever"][/caption]

We went there every single day for breakfast and most days for either lunch or dinner. They had eggs and bacon and toast and real fruit smoothies for breakfast. And for lunch, salads and curry dishes and sandwiches and pasta dishes. Meals cost us no more than 20 pounds. For us, this kind of eating was a vacation and was perfect. Not everyone has a maniac two year old with them. We do. So when said maniac two year old decides to have a maniac moment, it was a peace of heaven to know we can just up and leave at a moment’s notice, coffee in hand.

Of course we did the typical tourist stuff too, but these places were where we had the most fun as a family. I learned a lesson. Never have an assumption without knowing. I didn't think London was somewhere I ever wanted to go. Not in my top ten anyway. It ended up being my favorite vacation so far. I'm still on a high from how much fun it was. I can't wait to go back to London to experience the version without kids :)

xoxo

B

London, the Homeschool Way

Pin It Now! I'm so excited for our trip to London coming up. London was never on my top places to visit in Europe, but after a friend went and raved about it's awesomeness, I was curious to check it out. I found airfare for all four of us for $390 USD on Easyjet.com.  How do you NOT go when airfare is that cheap?? (Well...what I didn't realize was how INSANELY expensive lodging is in London. Like crazy. The exchange rate is crap. Basically it costs us double in U.S dollars. I found a great apartment though and I'll share that later.)

I've been researching a little bit on the web of where to go and what to do. We will be there for 3 1/2 days and at first I was thinking that might be too much time. After buying the Rick Steves London guide I think that's not enough time at all! There is SOOO SOO much to do. I'm working our itinerary out and hoping we can do all of the things we really want to. One thing that will help us survive this trip is keeping the kids busy and entertained. My little guy will be happy with food and just being able to run around. But Little Wright is at the age where she can really understand a lot, so I want her to be just as excited about the sites and history as we are.

I made a little "I Spy London" card. This week we are going to talk about all the different sights shown on this card. Her job will be to find these sites and then take a picture.



BTW, I plan to make this available for people to download. However these images are not mine. I'll insert my own photos when we get back and make it a pdf if anyone would like the file to use :)

I found this London Tower Unit on Lucy Learns. Aside from the facts and pictures of London Tower, there is a little cartoon about it too. Little Wright will love that.

Of course the Olympics are in London this summer. Though we won't be there for the actual Olympics, there will be all kinds of signage and things going on to prepare for the events. I think some brief information about the Olympics would be fun for her to learn about too. At Get Set London they have activities and games specifically for 3-5 year olds (and older age groups).

Project Britian has all kinds of information and facts on London's main sights and attractions.

I'm hoping that by learning about London, it will make the trip come alive for Little Wright :) The thing I'm most worried about is the two hour flight. With my two year old. Who is a maniac. Wish me luck :)

xoxo

B

Sweet table contestants!!

Pin It Now! I'm so excited to share some gorgeous party submissions from Germany! I had no idea I was surrounded by such beautiful talent.

This Cookie Dessert table by Regina was created for guests attending a Golden Wedding. She chose the brown, dark red and golden color scheme to fit the theme and to comliment the changing of the seasons.

[caption id="attachment_1502" align="aligncenter" width="589" caption="Regina's Sweet Table"][/caption]

All cookies, macarons and cakepops are homemade by Regina. 

[caption id="attachment_1503" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Cake pops by Regina"][/caption]

I just love these cake pops! She also created the labels, tags and the bunting with the names of the Golden Couple. To see more pictures and for details on her event check out her blog.

This next table comes from Christine of Weddingstyle.de

Christine styled this wedding dessert table for the magazine. Beautiful isn't it?

Should have more tables to share in the next few weeks! Germany is looking good so far :)

xoxo

B

Life in the Bavarian Countryside

Pin It Now! We lived in Heidelberg for a year and half and I never really felt culture shock. Been in Bavaria for about 8 months and have definitely felt culture shock. I don't think it's Bavaria so much as our own personal circumstances, but still. There are many pros, but thepros are evenly weighed down by the many negatives.

It is SO incredibly beautiful here. The seasons are spot on perfect. Summer gradually simmers it's was from 80's to 70's to 60's in September and now 50's in October.

The people are the friendliest yet. Our little village is full of such sweet and kind people. I love my daughter's kindergarten so much and definitely appreciate the blessing of it being only a few minutes away.

I love traveling throughout Europe still.

But.

I am at a point of just wanting to go crazy because we still don't have internet at home. It's such a complicated mess and really quite ridiculous. It is 2011 isn't it?? How is it possible to live somewhere without internet. I am able to use my iphone (thank God), but I have very few days a month where the connection is decent. I miss blogging :( I miss being a part of the party/blog world :( I miss downloading Real Housewives of every city in America. *sigh*

So yes Bavaria is beautiful, but the bugs and distance and lack of internet are really sucking.

There is one more chance of us being able to get DSL. If this doesn't work, then no internet for us while we live here. Sooooo...I'm hopeful. And aside from no internet (being a MAJOR CON) I have Rome to look forward to next month (the MAJOR PRO).

Until we meet again world wide web.....

B

A Wright Christmas

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I would have to say this was the best Christmas I've had so far.  The entire month of December was just really fun, festive and crazy busy.  And now I'm pooped.

I'm very happy to report that my Christmas Eve dinner turned out amazing.



I grilled some filet mignons and made Ina Garten's Gorgonzola Cream Sauce.  *drool*.  It was perfection.  Absolute perfection.  Gorgonzola has a very pungent flavor, however in this sauce it's not overpowering at all.  I did use a little less gorgonzola and a bit more parm cheese though.  It was the perfect compliment to a perfect cut of meat.  Perfect perfect perfect!  Did I mention how perfect it all tasted?

 Also made steamed crab legs (tradition to have crab legs for Christmas Eve dinner), scalloped potatoes and homemade apple and sausage stuffing. 

Then Paula Deen's pumpkin pie for dessert.



Her recipe really is the best pumpkie pie recipe.  Ever.  The end.

We decided this year that after Christmas Eve dinner we would open all our gifts, except for the ones from Santa.  That's how they do it in Europe and if you think about it, makes more sense.  Jesus' birthday is on the 25th.  Let that day be about the celebration of him, right?  So technically I should have opened my gift from Mr. Wright on Christmas Eve. 

 However!

 I've got mad negotiating skills and a severe problem with patience.  So after a few hours of begging, I got to open my gift a tad bit earlier :)

Mr. Wright did VERY good this year and got me the best gift.  I didn't even know how much I would love it.  I call it my super duper fancy new cookbook.  But most people call it an ipad.  I found the COOLEST app for those us foodies out there.  It's call My Recipe Book (click the link to see an overview).  Basically you can import any recipe you find online into the app.  You can also manually add recipes from your own cookbooks.  I think it can pull recipes from ebooks too, though I haven't tried that yet.  You can organize all your recipes by catergory, modify recipes to how you like them, add notes and my favorite feature?  You can select all the meals you would like to make for the week and add those recipes to the grocery cart.  It then provides you with a grocery list that you can email to yourself!  You can also search your own recipe database for a meal you'd like to make in 20minutes.  I think they make this app for iphone too!



I love that I can bring it anywhere with me. 

There are some seriously cool apps.  I downloaded an Elmo book that is a visual audio book.  Meaning there is someone who reads the book aloud as we turn the pages.  But that's not what is cool about it.  What is cool is  I can also read the pages of the book and record my own voice!  Which is really neat in the event I'm ever away.  Which is basically never b/c what reason do I have to ever be away?  BUT.  If the occassion ever did arise, my babies could have a story read to them by "me".  Or if Mr. Wright ever leaves for a work trip or something he can do the recording too.  OR!  Maybe if I get to meet Obama one day I could ask him to record one page for me.  Hmmm.  See this gift really is the coolest gift ever.  Only problem is Mr. Wright and Little Wright also think it's the coolest new toy.

 I am now on the ipad lovers bandwagon and can see why so many people love em'.  The sweet thing about this gift is hubby used some of his bonus check to buy it for me.  Awww.

Then, to top if off we had a very snowy, white Christmas! 



I really can not remember the last time I had a white Christmas.  Or if I've ever had one THIS white.

Honestly, the best part of this holiday season though is that I have a happy and healthy family.

 

This is the first picture I've posted of Mr. Wright!  Yup, that's the man I'm stuck with forever :)

Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!  Oh and Happy Kwanzaa!

xoxo

B

Christmas in Germany and France

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German Christmas Market

Magical. Cold. Festive. Charming. Quaint. Beautiful. Warm-cider-wine-that-warms-your-soul. Breathtaking. Memorable. Colorful. Twinkley.  Delicious. Surreal. 

Just a few words to describe Christmas in Europe.  I've been to 4 different markets this year and each one has gotten better and better.  It's a very different experience to be in Europe for Christmas.  It feels more special.  Less commercialized.  More memorable in some ways.  Perhaps it's just the novelty of cobblestone streets or being surrounded by an array of foreign speakers with lovely accents or the ancient architecture of nearly every building reminding you of the rich cultural history or the street performers playing their accordians and clarinets. 

[caption id="attachment_1022" align="aligncenter" width="518" caption="Noël à Strasbourg"][/caption]

 European countries in and of themselves are oozing with cuteness and charm.  But add Christmas sparkle and music and it's just dreamy. 

 Nearly every city and town in Germany participates in a Weinachtmarkt, or Christmas market for us English speaking folk which takes place outside.  Where it is cold.  Freezing cold to be exact.  (about 20 F tonight) And there is nothing better to warm your hands and your soul then a steaming cup of Glühwein. 

[caption id="attachment_1024" align="aligncenter" width="412" caption="Glühwein, cheers!"][/caption]

If you've never heard of Glühwein (vin chaud in France) or even tasted it, you are missing out!  It tastes like warm red wine mixed with apple cider.  I believe that is essentially what it is.  

Of all the markets I've been to thus far Strasbourg, France is by far my favorite.  I think I may be bias in a few ways.  For one I understand the language better.  I took 5 years of french once upon a time and remember enough to get by and converse decently.  (Except for the one time I told a guy I am a toilet.  I'll share that story another time).  But also the wine is much better than German wine in my most unprofessional sommelier opinion.  I could guzzle the vin chaud in France.  But aside from all that the city is just beautiful.  And even more so during Christmas. 

[caption id="attachment_1026" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="Noël à Strasbourg"][/caption]

 The buildings, streets and churches are dripping with seasonal decor and the city is illuminated at night by the pretty glow of thousands of Christmas lights. 

[caption id="attachment_1031" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="Noël à Strasbourg"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1032" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="Noël à Strasbourg"][/caption]

The vendor huts (for lack of a better term) offer so many different types of trinkets and goodies.  From ornaments and candles to chocolate and woodcrafts. 

[caption id="attachment_1028" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Noël à Strasbourg"][/caption]

Check out what I bought.

 You put little tea light candles inside them.  So pretty! 

 I am offcially warm and fuzzy inside with Christmas cheer.  And not just because of all the vin chaud I drank :)

Hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday season!  Christmas is only 12 days away!

B