UK Trip

We're just back from a hectic but very fun trip to the UK.  I'm going to let the photos do most of the talking (Dad always says I write too much!).  

Portobello Road

Now you see it....

Now you don't!!!

Tom shoe shopping

Immediately off the flight we had breakfast and then went for a quick saunter down Portobello Road.  Tess became a conjuror's assistant and was left suspended in thin air - I still haven't worked out how he did that trick!  Tom enjoyed shoe shopping and dancing - we'll have to be here for the Notting Hill Carnival one year.  

Our own fox cubs

We saw Fantastic Mr Fox at the Holland Park Opera.  Tess made sure she was always right at the front as we moved from location to location and particularly enjoyed the performances of the young fox cubs.  Tom was mesmerised by the musicians.  

Picnic dinner in the "tent"

Gidney family dinner

The Country Gidneys (all 6 of them!) came to dinner along with Alex and Nicola who are getting married in September.  

We spent a wonderful day with Bramble at Crosslanes where Dad arranged a treasure hunt and the kids invented a fantastic game - burst the bubble with the paper whistle (I can't think what those things are called - and I'd recommend getting silent ones if you want to introduce the game at your next party!).  

Then the day we'd all been waiting for - Nate and Sarah's wedding.  Tess, Tom, Sam and Anna made fantastic bridesmaids/page boys although Tom refused to walk up the aisle and Kristie and I forgot the girl's bouquets (they held hands instead which had a much greater "awww" factor!).  Spot Tom's apple tree in the middle of the marquee.  

The wedding party

Andy and Kristie - what a stylish couple!

Sarah sharing a quiet word with Rae

Tess with her tree (and the forgotten bouquet!)

Proud Page Boys

It was actually our 11th wedding anniversary on the same day and the event brought back lots of very happy memories.  When the kids were asked what their favourite part of the day was they all agreed it was "the kiss"!  

Tom picked and ate the first apple from his apple tree.  John and Rae have asked each set of godparents to plant a tree in the garden for each grandchild.  The kids love their trees but there was a certain amongst of angst when the others realised Tom's is the only one that bears fruit!!

We spent a very relaxing afternoon out on John and Rae's boat - Tom was caught a bit short!  

The four cousins - the best shot I could get!

The rest of the time was spent lazing about as much as possible whilst the kids played.  Tom and Sam loved being able to take the rowing boat out by themselves and all 4 kids loved playing on the little jetty.  One of the highlights for all of us was the incredible bond that exists between Tom, Tess, Sam and Anna.  It was as if they had seen each other the previous weekend and carried on their games from where they left off.  

A final night back in Holland Park with a very special dinner at The Ledbury (one of the restaurants that got looted during the riots a couple of weeks earlier!).  


We're now back home and struggling with the jet lag but we all had such a fantastic time - why can't England be closer to Australia.........