Oct 2013 - More Sightseeing

The Wellington Arch is located just behind Buckingham Palace.  There are several different memorials to war placed around the park.  One of our favorites is the UK-New Zealand monument.

Picking dandelions.

Gate at the arch. 

We keep accidentally happening upon the Changing of the Guard.  It happens at 11:00 am, and that's always about when we are out!   On this day we continued walking all the way through St James's Park to the Royal Horse Guards.

Directing traffic as we wait for the guards to cross.

At the Royal Horse Guards

Oct 2013 - Uncle Patrick Visits

My brother-in-law Patrick (Amy's husband) was in London for a week on business, but he stayed a few days extra to hang out with us!  The kids were very excited to see someone from home.  

At the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Hyde Park.

 

Sherlock Holmes?

Royal Albert Memorial

Patrick took Abby to the Tower of London and the Monument to the Great Fire of London.  They climbed the Monument.  Glad we didn't take the little kids to that one!  Later in the day we met up at Greenwich to see the Prime Meridian and Observatory.  Note that pictures are not allowed in the Tower of London.  That's my rule breaking 13 year old at work!

View from the Monument

The climb. 311 steps.

The Monument

View of Tower Bridge from the Tower of London.

In the Tower of London

Nevermore! Nevermore!

The view of the Royal Navy College from the Greenwich Observatory.  This is such a beautiful place.  Canary Wharf is in the background.

Most brilliant sundial ever.  The point where the dolphin tails touch in the shadow is the time.  Very accurate.

Dinner at Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant in Greenwich.  This was honestly some of the worst food I have had in the UK!  Sorry Jamie.

Oct 2013 - Out Shopping With Dad

Yes, those are sheep in the middle of the city.

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Christmas decorations are starting to appear.

Oct 2013 - More Parks

We spent most of October looking at houses to rent and playing in parks.  The locals complain constantly of the weather, but we think it is amazing!  

Regents Park

 Hyde Park

Peter Pan statue

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

St Luke's Church and Park

St Luke's is one of my favorite parks.  The church converted its cemetery to a garden (on one side) and a playground with sports field and rock climbing (on the other side).   This park is a short walk or a very short bus ride from our house. 

St Luke's from the garden

Inside is always open, and there is a small cafe with coffee, tea, and light snacks.