Our London Tour

Yesterday we went into London as tourists(this was for Jude's London theme that he has been learning about). We were hoping for a sunny day like the day before but sadly it started off with rain, fortunately it was really quite warm - temp about 18 deg. We took the open top bus to view all the London attractions. Jude was so excited to see in person all that he had seen and learnt about in books and crafts. We also so enjoyed seeing how much Ciara understood and took in, she loved the day too.
Waiting for our first bus, we had made good time to get into London by just after 9am.

It was certainly a day for funny faces from the children, in all of the photos we took they seemed to be pulling the funniest of faces, good thing the wind didn't change.
Taking photos out of the bus gave quite a watercolour kind of feel. This is St Paul's Cathedral.
Jude was so happy to see "The Tower Bridge" - I think being a boy this one appealed to him the most.
Going over Tower Bridge.
Mike getting a shot of my birthday presents, a new red coat and a pair of very cosy Ugg boots.
On our way to Buckingham Palace.
Jude having a peek through the fencing.
The guards patrolling outside.
The elaborate gate.

More funny faces by Jude.

The whole of Buckingham Palace, we were finally going to see the Changing of the Guards. We have been in London so many times to see it, but have always missed it, so planned our day around being here when it happened.
We headed off to the park next to the Palace for some lunch first.
Ciara loved chasing the pigeons, I love the autumn colours in this shot.
Eden taking a photo of dad and mom.

Dad messing around!
Ciara full of happiness running toward her daddy.
An interesting water feature in the middle of the park.
Eden on dad's shoulders waiting for the Changing of the Guards.
And here they come(or go), I had to take the picture above people's heads

Ciara absolutely loved watching the guards marching past and hearing the music. The whole day she did not stop talking about "Buckem Palace and the horsies" and has watched this video over and over. I love how you can hear Eden, Niamh and Jude giggling and talking - they were so excited.
Big Ben - the gong along weighs 14 tonnes, more than a double decker bus. The long hand is 14ft and weighs 2 tonnes.
Big Ben with Parliament houses, the speaker at the House of Commons is the only one who actually lives there.
We ended the trip off going to see the street performers on the South Banks.


Eden was highly amused by "The Invisible Man".