London Views

Basically we decided that London is an amazing city and we can't even keep track of all that we want to explore. The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, museums, plays, Prince William's wedding- come visit us and we'll see what we can knock off!

First pic: Tower Bridge, Second pic: Westminster Abbey, Third pic: Big Ben, Fourth pic: River Thames and the London Eye (huge ferris wheel with glass pods that move slowly and offer amazing views of the city)

Hamley's Toy Store

We had to make a stop at the famous Hamley's toy store. Aidan made off with a new knight and horse. Not a big surprise!

Day Out in London

Dyl, Aidan and I drove into London this weeknd and got tickets for the double decker tour buses. They travel on a few routes through the city and stop at various points so you can pick one up as you like. It was a beautiful day and was actually a great way to see the city and really get aquianted with where everything is located. It was great fun and a perfect overview of the city. (In the second shot we are going over the Tower Bridge.)

And Some More!

After a long and crazy week at work Dylan was introduced to the fine art of sword fighting. And it hasn't stopped since. It was great having my mom tour with us while Dyl was traveling and crazy the last few weeks. I still have some more of her visit to share and then Dyl, Aidan and I went to London for the day yesterday so I'll be busy!

Some Sword Fighting of Our Own

At the end of the day we were inspired!

Really getting into it...

Here we are spending some quality time with the Queen (even if she is only wax) and me getting a little swept up in all the talk of battle. And then I can't help myself but include old Henry VIII and his six wives who probably never pictured themselves in the same room together. (With their heads.)

Towers and Ramparts

We climbed to the top of the towers and ramparts where guards would have been stationed. We climbed up a long, very long series of narrow spiral staircases to the top. After I carried Aidan around and around to to the top, I set him down as I was panting and sweating and he yelled, "I made it!" He did and I almost didn't! In the last shot, in the distance, you can see the trebuchet, a huge catapult used to protect the castle. They still use it for demonstrations.

Dungeon

Warwick has the creepiest dungeon and torture chamber you can imagine. You have to climb down a narrow staircase to a

tiny, dark, cold and wet room. You can actually see marks in the stone where people scratched names, messages or just generally creepy marks. Aidan didn't want to go but once he saw other little kids make it out, he decided he had to as well. We made a quick trip down while singing a jolly song to make the whole experience less scary. "We made it!" he yelled as we reached the top! (The nasty looking thing hanging from the ceiling is what was used to hang people from. Yikes.)

Potty Training

Many castle rooms have amazing views of the river. You can see the view Aidan is seeing out the window. Next to the window is an old toliet. Aidan was fascinated to see that when you look down the toliet there is a long drop to the river below. He did not like learning that the poo poo and pee pee used to go straight into the river. He kept telling me, "That not good Mama, that not good." I guess he appreciates a good modern flush.

A Short Knight in Shining Armor

As the day progressed, Aidan became more and more brave with all the knights standing around not looking very friendly. We now have daily sword fights at home with all the knight gear Grandma bought him at the castle!

The Great Hall

The Great Hall is filled with swords, armor, helmets- knight gear. For a two and a half year old, it doesn't get much better than that!

Falconry

Falconry is an ancient sport that was very popular in medieval times. The castle offers Bird of Prey demonstrations which we loved. You may want to enlarge the second shot to see the eagle preparing to land. Very cool. The Castle offers a Bird of Prey Experience which gives people an opportunity to spend the day with a falconer to learn how they handle the birds. I bought Dyl a ticket for his birthday!

Castle Shots

Warwick is an 11th century castle and one of the oldest castles in England. It is located in the city of Warwick. William the Conqueror started the initial construction.

Warwick's grounds are amazing. Huge old trees, flowers and the River Avon.

Warwick Castle

Next we visited Warwick Castle, about an hour Northwest of London. It is a classic medieval castle with a dungeon, towers, knights and plenty of spooky stories!

Where is the next castle?

And still more gardens!