Second Day in London

Phew, 16,000 steps today!

The kids might have more since they ran around at the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground near Kensington Garden. 

After all that hide-and-seek we walked over to Kensington Garden.

Hyde Park is right next door so we walked around there a little bit and took a rest at a bench. We saw a lot of little Dachshunds along the way. 

We walked across the London Bridge so we could get a good view of Tower Bridge.  

On the other side of the bridge was our lunch destination, Borough Market where we purchased a variety of foods to share throughout the day bread, cheese, salami, strawberries and chocolate, dates, cannolis, carrot cake and macaroons. It was all so good. 

To end the night we took an Uber boat up the River Thames. 

First Day of London

After getting off the plan we decided to make our way to our flat. Our first time riding the underground went as smoothly as could go since we had our trusty travel guide. AKA Marty the planner. Just to make sure we're all clear, I pack the bags and Marty spends months planning. 

After dropping our bags off we made our way to get some yummy local food. 

We took a quick nap and then went out for more adventures. 

After eating yummy gelato for dinner we made our way to Buckingham Palace. Before we arrived we made a detour to see a quidditch broom. Garrett loved it but he was bummed he couldn't buy one. 

London has so many parks. Today, we played at St. James Park. 

Our final destination for the night was Cambridge Theater where we saw Matilda the musical. 

 

Party of 6 Traveling To London

We're back! It's been almost thirteen years since Marty and I have been back to London. The last time we were here we were backpacking Europe, just the two of us. Today, we arrived with some additions to the family. We are traveling minimally and relaxing in a flat. Far different than the hostel life and only responsible for ourselves. 

We decided to drive from Louisville to Chicago (about a 5 hour drive) and take a flight to London. We parked off site at a hotel but once we arrived the hotel driver already left for the night. So, we quickly got an Uber and made our way to the airport. Security thankfully was quick and we made it to the gate with about an hour before boarding. 

Our flight was a little less than 7 hours. Our goal was to sleep a majority of the flight but with all of the excitement and the upright lodging that didn't go as planned. We made it though and quickly were on the move.  

 

You can probably walk into any church on Sunday morning and get a smile and a welcome but are YOU truly being welcomed?

Are you able to be loved just the way you are? 

Are you able to disagree with others and still be loved and appreciated? 

Are you able to be your true self?

I've grown at Middletown Christian Church.

How? 

By stepping through my bubble and making myself known. Reading challenging books together. Supporting children's ministry through mission work and Sunday morning small groups.

How though? 

With love and encouragement from others.

Why? 

Because I want to be better. I'm going to have good and bad days. Do over days. I'm going to continue to fight for what's right. I want the world to know we can do better, always. One of the ways I can do these things is by leaning on others that accept me for me. 

I want my children to be in a church of love and encouragement that accepts the many spicy things we're made of. I want them to know it's ok to ask questions and disagree with others. I want them to know that our church is a safe place. A place they can go to if mom or dad is not the one they want to talk to. They have people they can have hard conversations with and know they'll be listened to. 

If you didn't know, I absolutely love my church and I'm so thankful I have a seat at Middletown Christian Churches table. 

When you walk through our doors/hearts and into our home please know that you are truly accepted for the person you are. Truly.