Trip to London

Just started work again after a lovely trip to London last week. Went on the train Tuesday lunchtime - first time E&C had been inter-city so great excitement - and got into Euston about 2 pm. Got a taxi, and asked the driver to go past Nelson's column and Buckingham Palace so the kids could see it. We explained that the flag being up meant the Queen was at home. Every flag Caitlin saw for the rest of the trip came with the refrain, "Queen's at home".

Got to the hotel and found our apartment. Very nice. Hotel was on Queen's Gate just near the Albert Hall. The apartment had a kitchen, lounge. two bedrooms and a bathroom. Great for the kids and we were able to eat there on Weds night as E&C were so tired.

Went to the London Eye on the tube that evening and it was fantastic. Photos will be uploaded soon I hope. Beautiful experience. Had Pizza Express on the way back, much to the delight of two tired and hungry children, and then tubed back to South Ken where we bumped into Liz Hyde, Nic Hyde's daughter, who is at Imperial at the moment. Back to the hotel and bed. E&C loved being in teh same room so much that they didn't get to sleep until 10.30.

Breakfast in the hotel was not particularly good, but the concept was enjoyed by E&C so much that it made up for the poor sausages. Then went to the Natural History Museum. Met Rob, after his delay in the huge queue we had luckily just missed. Went to Human Biology section where Ed had his first true insight into where babies come from, and was a little overwhelmed I think. Also saw the Blue Whale and the diplodocus. Ed and Caitlin were explorers for the day. By 3 pm they were both flagging, so we baled out. S went to Sainsbury's and we had a cheese feast for tea in the Hotel room. Before tea, though, (and after an hour of TV relaxation) we went for a lovely walk in Hyde Park. Were disappointed the Princess Diana playground was closed, but the Elven Tree was lovely and the walk did everyone good.

Thursday saw breakfast in the room - cheese on toasted baguettes - and then checked out of hotel. Went to the Science Museum where the kids loved the Launch Pad and the 3-6 yo area. They were less excited by the aeroplane section and the medical history section, though, and we baled out to get back to the hotel to pick up the bags and get a taxi to Euston. we got there at about 1.45 and had lunch (Harry Ramsden's Fish and Chips for three of us, M&S healthy sarnie for S) and then got the train home. Dreadful traffic on the way back from the station, due to lorry spilling petrol over the roads. Eventually got home.

Really enjoyed the trip and would do the same again.