Autumn at Kew Gardens
Lots to see with autumn colours, beautiful vistas, the lake, old glasshouses, a great treetop walk, good indoor and outdoor childrens’ playground and of course the many displays and plantings grouped together (like the Holly Walk originally laid out in 1874). We probably only saw a half of the gardens.
Micah enjoyed searching for clues in a specially set up children’s experience related to deadly and disgusting plants. He also got a Venus Fly Trap plant now called Kew.
Lunch at Sevenoaks, Kent.
Borough Market
Cake, Pies and Chips
Fun times and lots of walks with the family which seem to gravitate to the coffee shop en route or end up there for coffee, pretzels and a babychino. For Matt’s birthday (15th ) we also had a nice lunch at the marketplace. For some it was dumplings but others had the best-est pies ever! Scrummy light pastry and delicious fillings – nicest is chicken and fennel. Micah and I made a birthday cake for Matt. Lots of fun and it tasted yummy too.
Family outings
So good to be with our London family. Over the last three days we have:
revisited Kingston Village – checked out the revamped market, vege stall envy – such a fabulous selection and enjoyed a good flat white with fresh pretzels. Coffee loyalty card gives us a free coffee after 4 purchases – great deal. Nice walk along part of the Thames with lovely autumn colours just appearing.
walked north along the Thames to Teddington Lock. Lots of activity on the water but no boats through the lock while we were there. The houseboats on the Thames are certainly a very mixed bag! Some of the houses on the other hand are very nice indeed. The Thames is only tidal as far as Richmond before the lock. Interesting that 100 little craft were rallied from here at the end of WW2 to rescue soldiers from Dunkirk.
London stopover
Lovely to see the grandsons and the “new” house. A bit closer to the village now – quick walk there after breakfast to sort the vodafone card. London wildlife visited this morning- a fox on the roof of the garden shed and a squirrel with a very bushy tail just off the deck.
Boarding…
Holiday over! What a fab time we have had with our London family and especially meeting the adorable Benji. Had “coffee” in a Kingston cafe with Micah today – such fun and lots of memorable moments together to take home.
The cruise was most enjoyable and we have a book or two to inspire us in planning another trip. Still have a few things to see in London so they are on the list for next time too.
Family Times
Our last week in London has sped by. The weather has not been ideal but we have enjoyed great family times at home and out and about. The men have been “deer hunting” and the ladies and Benji have been shopping! Lunches and walks.
Nan and Poppa had a special night looking after the little boys so their Mum and Dad could have a whole night away together – they went to dinner and a show and stayed overnight in London Central – mostly to celebrate of Matt’s special birthday today. We all had a great time! Lots of games and stories and the boys were very good! Nan and Micah iced the fruitcake, previously made, for morning tea celebrations for the birthday. Dinner out tonight.
The boys are growing so fast (as they do) and we have loved our time together here. Nice to see where they live, see where Micah will likely go to preschool soon, enjoy the beautiful Kingston area and do some different London things on this visit.
Deer in Richmond Park
Matt, Mark and Micah went deeper into Richmond Park (first by car then on foot) in search of deer.
The herds today seemed to have moved to different places – but after some patience and searching we did catch some glimpses of a deer running down the path near us, then when back in the car again herds grazing at the very western end of the park.