Picking Up Where We Left Off...10 years later

The date of our much anticipated anniversary trip finally arrived. For our honeymoon we cruised the Western Mediterranean always wishing we could have gone longer. To celebrate ten amazing years, we decided to cruise the Eastern Mediterranean and pick up where we left off. This was our first night without children, Emma's first night away and Caleb's second. I am so grateful for my sister Rachael and Tim for taking care of our two while we were gone. Caleb was beside himself with excitement when we told him he would get to spend 'lots of nights' Gracie's house.

  

Friday we arrived in London and were ready to hit the city despite very little sleep. After dropping off our bags we headed straight to Trafalger Square. We wandered through the wonderful smells of a special Malaysian festival on the square to the National Gallery. Of course, those of Renoir were my favorite and impressed by the Cezanne and Cerrat pieces. We focused the rest of our time with Monet, Manet and Rembrandt. The sheer amount of pieces is absolutely impressive. We left walking through the streets and Mall to see Buckingham Palace and enjoy St.  James' Park. 

We passed Downing Street and, of course, had my picture taken with the horse guards after watching them change. 

Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are always impressive to see. We walked across Westminster Bridge and along the South Bank to the London Eye. 

What appears as nothing more than a ferris wheel from afar, provides impressive views for 20-25 people in each car. An early dinner  at Tiles near Victoria Station was such a fun, laid back meal among locals and others heading to the theater.  We also took full advantage of free wifi checking on the kids (so thankful for iMessage), uploading pictures, and sending a few emails. Matt did well with excellent seats for Wicked. 

Oh my! It lived up to the expectations and kept this sleepy jet-lagged girl awake. A good night's sleep was welcomed after a full but wonderful first day of our trip.