Tricycle Practice

Aidan has been practicing riding his tricycle in the kitchen over the last few weeks. He has been pushing along with his feet on the ground and has just recently started to figure out the pedals. Steering, pedaling and keeping a helmet on a humongous head is quite difficult I must add. We are close and almost ready to bring the skills to the park.

Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge connects the castle to both sides of the Thames. It is one of the most famous landmarks in London. Aidan was crashed out in the stroller so missed the family shot.

The sword or the ax?

On the lawn behind me is the location where royal beheadings took place. Commoners were not executed on the castle grounds so they took place in front of hundreds at Tower Hill, across from the castle. The King wanted to use a little discretion for the royal executions. How nice. Swords were used in the beheadings of royalty and axes for commoners. Two of Henry's wives were beheaded there, Katherine Howard and Ann Boleyn. Ann's remains are buried in the chapel behind the lawn. You can see my respectful reenactment.

This shot is taken in the cell where prisoners were kept waiting their execution. Dozens of etchings in the walls can still be seen written by the prisoners held in the cell. Spooky...

The block and ax used for executions. Ok, I'm getting a headache.

Knight Knight

There were huge rooms filled with armor from various knights and dukes throughout history including their horses' armory. I was quite offended that anyone would take their horse into battle but you probably figured that. Aidan thought he needed a picture taken in front of every knight so not to worry, I only included a few.

Tower of London

Recently we visited the Tower of London. It is located on the Thames River, downtown London. It is actually a castle and is known to be the place where many were executed, especially in the time of Henry VIII. The Crown Jewels are located there (can't take any pictures of those) as well as an enormous collection of armory and weapons. So, here we go again, more knights for Aidan!