Aunt Melanie
This entire trip started as a mission to visit Melanie, Daniel’s sister, who has been living in England for the last two years.
We began by signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights – and found cheap tickets to Europe! (If interested – ask me to send you a link.)
Since the prices were affordable and finding sitters for our kids over an extended period of time was difficult, we booked 4 tickets for all of us.
Today we finally got to see Aunt Melanie. She lives outside of London near Oxford and met us today at Windsor Castle. She’s practically a local, so having her by our side, navigating through the streets of Windsor and the castle felt like having a personal guide.
She also walked us right past all the long lines – royal status!
Videos of the kids at Windsor
Windsor Castle
I need to find more adjectives to describe all the sites we are visiting.
I feel like I’m repeating myself, but castles are grand and old and fit for a Queen. So yeah, I’m in awe with each one I see.
The castles are fascinating as they appeal to the mind and soul on both a large scale and small – the grandeur and size but also the detail found in every inch. And each one is unique and rich with history.
You just can’t find anything this old in the states, because we aren’t that old. The castle’s doors alone are 900 years old.
The landscape is amazing as well. The castle sits high on a hill and the view below is a mix of green pastures and city buildings.
I’m reminded of something that Emily once said, who has traveled to far more countries and places than me. She said she never found an area as pretty as the rolling hills of middle Tennessee.
Traveling through Scotland in the spring was breathtaking. But taking a four-wheeler to the top of Yankee Hill (back home in Fayetteville) on a fall day also takes my breath away. At the risk of sounding simple-minded – both lands are different, but very much the same.
If you are visiting London, make the time to take a train ride to Windsor Castle. It’s a castle. The queen lives there (on the weekends). It is worth seeing. But, buy your ticket in advance and skip the crazy long lines!!
Samuel. This picture embodies Samuel’s attitude throughout most of the day. He was not impressed and just wanted to be home.
Leaving Windsor Castle. The rain had just stopped and blue skies shone above. You can see the cathedral on the left and castle on the right.
Samuel enjoying a late lunch of fish and chips at the Drury Pub outside the castle gates. That’s a heart for Mom & Dad and a dragon in the middle.
Windsor Castle had a kid corner, which was a huge win for us. The kids weren’t really feeling the castle (even though it was filled with knights’ armor, swords, gold and other fancy things.) So having a time that was just for them was nice. Thank you Windsor!
Cute Kids
Miah wore the knitted crown Aunt Steph got her for Christmas. I made sure to bring it. She gets so much attention walking around all cute in her dress and crown.
They are being cute at the moment. We just finished dinner at our flat (butter noodles, cheese quesadillas, and cucumber sticks – cost less than $5 and feeds all 4 of us. Daniel got salami on his – for anyone feeling sorry for the cheap meatless meal.)
Back to the kids. We let them buy something small from the gift shop at The Natural History Museum. Miah picked out a really neat butterfly coloring book. Sam picked out a pen. Now he wants to color on Miah’s book, and she said, “sure Samuel.” Sam replied, “thank you, Miah.” These sweet exchanges aren’t rare – but they aren’t consistent either.
It’s nice to sit back and smile instead of mediating between the two.
The kids are getting worn out. You can see it in their eyes and behaviors.
Miah put a slightly open orange juice bottle in her backpack. It spilled over everything inside. Little things like this can send a parent over the edge, but thankfully sweet moments are mixed in with the crazy ones.
On the walk back to our flat, it hailed on us! It was the first time Samuel got excited all day. He thought it was crazy – ice falling from the sky. (The weather has been in the 50s – chilly but not cold-cold.)
Daniel’s Thoughts and Observations
Daniel here – I know so many of you have been clamoring to hear from me. So I won’t disappoint. A couple of observations:
- London is perpetually overcast. Great for photos, because it gives nice even light. But awful for all other reasons and is bloody depressing.
- I like slipping into a British accent every now and then for comedic effect, particularly a cockney accent. It feels risky, like someone might be upset if they found me out. But I also have copious amounts of American arrogance to convince me that I won’t be discovered.
- There is a grocery mart here called Sainsbury’s. Diane will call it Stein Mart almost 5 times a day and not catch her own slip of the tongue. It’s cute. She does this all the time with other words too. If you spend enough time with her you know what I’m talking about.
- Public transport is killer here. Makes me wish that we weren’t so dependent on cars in America. I would gladly take public transport for my daily commute if it were as convenient and timely as it is here.
- Apple Pay is everywhere. I hate carrying a wallet. Hate it. Apple Pay and other NFC contactless payments are near ubiquitous here. I love it. Catch up America!!
Clamoring to here from you, eh? Not me matey! Now mind the gap and enjoy that wonderful English weather. Did you see the Queen while at Windsor? The news said she was there awaiting the Sussex baby’s arrival. Can’t wait to see you all when you get back.
Sounds like you are having a great time – even enjoying the kids “breakdowns”. You are marvelous parents. Will look forward to real live stories when we see you. Have a safe return trip.