Wednesday 14th December

The day started with plans of heading to London and trying to fit in both Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. We attempted to head out early so that we weren't coming home in the dark (which happens at 4pm), but still didn't manage to leave until almost 10am. It all comes down to negotiating with a small girl about what she might like to wear for the day (and not freeze to death in the process) and trying to convince a small boy that shoes are indeed necessary and that a jumper before going out isn't an unreasonable request.

We got a bus into Kingston again. We can walk to a train station in under 10 minutes, however, my knees are really really painful (so much so that if I were at home there would be an appointment made with my hot physio and maybe even my Dr) so if I can avoid stairs and additional walking I'm going to take that option at the moment.

The train trip was fairly uneventful. Its was a lucky day that others on the train seemed to find Stella's antics of swinging around every pole she sees on a train amusing rather than annoying (the difference between a peak hour train and not). Thankfully Westminster station is disabled friendly, which means that we can use lifts to get around rather than having to convince kids to get our of the pram and Adam carry it up and down a million stairs. It was windy in the city and bitterly cold because of it. While waiting to cross the road we happened to run into Grandma and Grandad unexpectedly.

Westminster Abbey is nothing short of stunning (no pics as you aren't allowed to take photos inside). There are some big names buried in that place as well as some big names who walked the aisle there on their wedding day. Westminster while huge and beautiful, doesn't seem to be trying as hard to show off as I felt St Paul's did. Despite the fact that its just accepted, I'm not sure I'm ever going to get used to walking over the resting places of people as you walk around inside these places, there's just something that doesn't sit right with me in doing this, but in order to get around you just cant help it.

The other thing that I find really interesting is that we have visited 4 churches now. Bath Abbey, Holy Trinity, St Paul's and Westminster. Bath and Holy Trinity are free or very close to to get into, you pay a few pounds to get into Bath Abbey and its free to go into Holy Trinity, but they do ask for a small entry fee to see Shakespeare's grave, however, both of these places not only allow for you to take photos, they actively encourage it. The remind you to take pics, they point out places to get the best pics and I have no doubt that if you asked they would very happily take a pic for you should you ask. On the other hand, St Paul's and Westminster are very expensive to get into (around 17 pound or $24 AU) granted you get an audio commentary, but you aren't allowed to take pics at all. I just find it interesting and a little odd.

On our wander to the London Eye we walked past a Boots store. For those who don't know, Boots is kind of a have it all store. Its kind of a pharmacy with a really extensive perfume/make up section, as well as a small range of kids clothes and toys. They also have a food and a fabulous meal deal. For less than 4 pound you can get a sandwich or salad, drink and a snack. Bargain. Best bit is, its tasty too. So we grabbed lunch and kept walking. We were unsure if we were able to eat on the Eye so sat outside to eat, slowly freezing in the process.

The London Eye from the Bridge

The London Eye was expensive, over 50 pounds ($75 AU) but totally worth it. The views are amazing and seeing Big Ben from this angle just confirmed that Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are my favourite buildings in London. Despite being wonderful, the London Eye isn't something you would do again its just too expensive.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from the top of the Eye

From further down the Eye with the sun on her way down

Xavier with the 4 year old 'cheese' smile

Stella, not surprisingly, was not in the mood for photos

 From the top of the Eye, Stella spotted a carousel at the Christmas markets that were along the bank of the river.  My children have a new found obsession with carousels. We agreed that they could have a ride once we got down to the bottom, which made their 3rd carousel ride in the last week alone.

Silly faces at mummy

I'm sure I have mentioned it before but I love all the little Christmas markets that are around. I love the smells, the atmosphere, the hats that seems so original until you see them at the next market in the next town. lol.

A view down the market area towards Big Ben

Leftover spag bol and more garlic bread for dinner. Firming up wedding preparation plans. Yum Cha planned for Friday lunch, drinks at the local pub on Saturday evening and the plans for the big day on Monday fleshed out. Its getting close and exciting now.