The UK and Paris

We packed so much into our trip to the UK and Paris that 2 weeks felt like a month. We went to Bedfordshire first and arrived on Kristie's birthday which we celebrated that evening at St Helena's. Monday morning saw us on the lunchtime Eurostar to Paris. We stayed in a wonderful boutique hotel called Le Belleval. We did the Sacre Coeur and an electric bike tour one day and the Louvre another. Tom was delighted to try snails and frogs legs. 

This rivals the photo I took a few years ago of bored McPs at an art gallery in Australia!

Back from Paris and we went for a typical Bedford curry one evening and dinner at Santaniello, a McPherson family favourite. Nate and Max came up for the weekend and we managed some lawn mowing, a fete and an evening of family games. 

Who wore it better? Aunt and nephew with same great taste!

On Sunday we headed down to Ridge and arrived to a glorious evening which allowed Tom and Jules to try out the new swimming pool. It was wonderful to see David, Ann, Fiona, Sarah and Will for lunch on Monday which we were lucky enough to eat outside as the gorgeous weather continued. There was fruit picking, Wimbledon, air rifles, golf and clay pigeon shooting before we headed up to London. 

Watching Wimbledon whilst picking over the blackcurrants 

Tess with spoils from the garden

Clay pigeon shooting - Tom loved every second of this

In London we did quite a bit of shopping, Jules and Tom visited the maritime museum in Greenwich, Dad and I went to the National Gallery and we continued to enjoy the lovely weather. We went to the most outstanding performance of Cabaret where the entire theatre had been turned into the KitKat Club. The kids don't go to the theatre often and this was an amazing experience for them. 

Dinner at an amazing Spanish Tapas Bar

Dad and I heading out to the National Gallery

Ready for our evening adventures

Princess Tess unimpressed with the use of public transport! 

Caroline very cleverly managed to deliver Matthew Hugo Gidney on 30 June so we had plenty of cuddles with baby Matthew and playing with George. So amazing to finally meet the children - I may have cried. 

Grandpa Mark is definitely George's favourite followed by Phoebe

A final dinner at Osteria Basilica followed by a busy morning at Portobello Rd and tea and scones at Robert and Caroline's and we were back on a plane exhausted but incredibly happy to have caught up with family at last.