A few weeks after the kids wrapped up their school year, we packed our bags, drove to JFK (after a quick detour in the Bronx for pizza – wink, wink) and caught a flight to LHR. London was the destination for the first leg of our much anticipated trip to celebrate Elaine’s 70th birthday. It was only fitting that this trip, like Bill’s 70th, involved a crossing of sorts. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – we crammed a lot of fun into our few quick days in London!

Unfortunately, we got a bit of a late start due a significant delay leaving JFK. By the time we landed in London we had just enough time to drop our bags at the hotel and rinse off before heading to the London Eye. Phil and I skipped this on our trip in 2018, but I have to admit, the views were pretty spectacular and it was nice to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. It was an early bedtime that night so we could hit the ground running the next day.

With a heatwave bringing some unusually warm temps, the crammed tube rides were not so enjoyable. I always prefer spending as much time as possible above ground while traveling, choosing to walk over public transit whenever possible. Just how much is possible is always open for interpretation and probably more than you’d like if I’m planning the day. After one hot tube ride we started our day at the Churchill War Rooms which our history loving kiddos thoroughly enjoyed. Next, we took a stroll through St. James Park pausing for a photo op outside Buckingham Palace. More walking led us to a pit stop for ice cream at an 1800s church that was since deconsecrated and converted to a food hall. A few more charming gardens, Paddingtons & phone booths later, we found our way back to the hotel – no tube needed! That evening was dinner at Dishoom where Sophia’s only request was to enjoy her own order of black daal. Post dinner was a West End show – Matilda. The cast and set were impressive and even Will, who was apprehensive about our choice of show, agreed it was great.

The next day was already our final day in London. After resting our feet for the night, we set off to stroll the Queen’s Walk en route to the Tower of London. It was another super hot day so of course coffee and air conditioning stops were made. I was so impressed that Ramona hung in there keeping up with the big kids and adults. Lots of games of Green Glass Door and Animal, Vegetable, Mineral were played while we walked. We even braved the crowded Borough Market for lunch. No surprise Will picked mac n’ cheese! We can’t give him too hard of a time though because Phil and I had a repeat order of salt beef sandwiches which were just as delicious as we remembered.

Sunday we said our goodbyes to Laura and Ramona as they flew back to NY. The rest of the group headed south, one step closer to the big, birthday crossing!