Cousins

We went round to Mum and Dad's on Monday morning before Simon and the boys headed back up to Yorkshire to Simon's Dad's. They were getting a flight back to Chicago from Manchester on Tuesday morning. Mum and Dad always enjoy seeing Simon (and any of the family who may be over). While we were there I realised I hadn't taken any cousin photos - unfortunately Hugh isn't included because he didn't come with us and Simon was leaving straight from my parent's house. As I've said before, Henry and Emily are the same age and Richard and Claire are too.

Why is it they all relax and enjoy each other just as they're about to leave? :o(

It was such fun having the boys here and we look forward to seeing their sister, Helen in May.

I love that it doesn't seem to matter how long it's been since they last saw each other, they always enjoy getting together. I just hope it's not too long before we see each other again.

xx

London (Photo heavy!)

On Sunday Simon and I took the boys up to London to do the touristy bit. Emily had been going to come with us but woke up full of cold and decided to stay at home :o( . We opted to go on the open top buses as that gives you an overall view of London and you can hop on and off as you want. As it was, we stayed on the bus most of the time getting off where we wanted to walk the rest of the way. Richard and Simon on the bus with Trafalgar Square behind them.

They were just about to change the guards over but the bus couldn't stop long enough for us to see it.

The London Eye

Big Ben

Simon taking a photo of Big Ben seen through the London Eye

The London sky line

Top of St Pauls Cathedral

St Pauls

Tower Bridge

Close up of one of the towers

The Tower of London

Henry, Richard and Simon with the Tower of London in the background

Henry standing next to one of the lions in Trafalgar Square

Henry and Richard at one of the fountains in Trafalgar Square with the National Gallery behind them

Walking towards Admiralty Arch at the entrance to The Mall, leading to Buckingham Palace

This statue of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother is about half way down The Mall

Looking down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace

One of the guards at the entrance to Stable Yard Road

Walking towards The Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace

Simon and the boys in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace

In front of Buckingham Palace. The Union Flag was flying at the Palace which meant that the Royal Family was not in residence. When the Royal Family are in residence the Royal Standard flies.

From Buckingham Palace we walked back to Victoria Station to catch the train home. Richard took the opportunity to do some drawing on the train, while Henry was happy to listen to his music and watch the passing scenery.

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After our day in London, we arranged to order pizza in for the children while Simon, Jon, Deb and I went out for a meal at the local Thai restaurant. A more relaxing way to end the day :o)

Jon, Deb and Simon

xx