Migrants

We have arrived in London. A statistics man stopped me as we went through Heathrow Airport and asked to ask me questions. When I answered how long we were staying, he said, "Oh! Well then!" and pulled out the 'Migration Record' form; so I guess I must come to terms with that. We have migrated. Temporarily. Here was our luggage:

Actually, eating "English" has been helpful to me in getting the kids to try new things, even if they are things they could have eaten in Virginia but refused. These people seem to have a thing for baked beans. We had four cans of baked beans in the cupboard. So tonight, when I made chef salad for dinner but had no protein source, I cooked up a pan of "English beans." They were a huge success with the kids. hahaha

I do admit, many among my ancestors hail from Britain. Is this why I am so excited about scones with sultanas? Or about having a tea time? Or about finding "porridge" with "golden syrup"? Or why I have been drinking so much tea alongside my coffee? 

I can't help myself. If it is "the Taste of Scotland," I'm probably going to buy it. 

Today I brought crumpets. Because I could. 

Flat Sammy enjoys his tea and scone; more than Noelle did. Probably because the sultanas are suspiciously like...raisins. But I thought they were delicious! A hint of lemon? Yes, please!

Flat Miss Lindsay appreciated the tea party also. I don't know how she felt about the sultanas.

Marky has taken to copying every single thing, every last detail, that Joel does. Including doing this with his face when there's a picture being taken.

We made an excursion to central London the other day. We rode the Underground....for quite a long while. I was very happy to have Dad back-up. We were aiming for Big Ben. We got our picture with Big Ben (sorry, you'll have to wait to see it....it wasn't taken with a phone), then we wandered into St Margarets church next to Westminster Abbey.

I actually recommend this, because it's like a miniature cathedral experience without a crowd or an admission fee. You still get to explain the "people buried under the aisle" thing; there are still cool memorial sculptures, and elaborate altar and artwork, lovely stained glass windows, and hundreds of years of history. The kids were satisfied. Of course, we intend to go back to Westminster Abbey and explore on this trip, but it's expensive and the line was long.

Plus, Joel had to use the potty.

And we didn't have 50 p. change to pay for it.

Thus ended our first excursion into the City.

Life with kids.

On Saturday, with Mark's backup, we might attempt to make it inside the British Museum before we need to turn around. I will be sure to have some coins.

We all were in fine spirits, though one wouldn't know it by looking at this picture.

Our London house is charming. Lovely winding stairsteps up to a third floor bedroom with little play nook. The best part, though, is the garden, which has a fence!

Joel: "Ah! Laying on the grass under a tree. There's nothing like it. Want to do it with me, Mom?" It was a innocent and contented moment I hope not to forget.

Another time: The lovely park down the street; and how everything is smaller here.