"To Thine Ownself Be True"

      As the greatest church in the English-speaking world, Westminster Abbey has been the place where England's kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066.

     A thousand years of English history — 3,000 tombs, the remains of 29 kings and queens, and hundreds of memorials for many famous English men and women— lie within its walls and under its stone slabs. We all LOVED visiting this church, definitely a must see in London.  

William:    “I loved Westminster Abbey it was interesting and

beautiful.  The Tower of London was sad because they executed and tortured people there.  The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace was fun to watch. 

     The London Eye had a great view at the top.  It was SO nice to hear people speak English again!  The Fish and Chips were good, especially the chips. 

        Hamley’s was awesome!  It had more than 500 toys!  I posed with Lego statues and explored 6 floors of toys, games, and treats.  I got a remote controlled truck I can’t wait to use when I get home.  I hope my dad does not play with it before I return :-)

M&M World was really cool!  I used the M&M scanner and discovered that out of all the colors I was teal, which means I am thoughtful and think of chocolate often.  (Thoughtful?  Really?  As his mother, I do not think that would be the adjective I use to describe him.  However, who am I to argue with the all knowing M&M scanner?) We each got to choose a bag of custom M&M’s and I chose teal and turquoise milk chocolate ones.  YUM!"

Loved riding the tube too!

Weapons are the best!  Will asked for lots of pictures like this.

     Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace encompasses colorful spectacle and British pageantry.  During the Changing the Guard ceremony, also known as ‘Guard Mounting’, one regiment takes over from another. 

     It includes soldiers on horses, on foot, Police officers, and a military marching band that plays both historic and popular music such as the “Star Wars” theme. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and usually takes place daily at 11:30. 

     Depending on which flag is being flown alerts the public to whether the queen is home.  Her family flag was on the standard, and we heard from some fellow tourists that she had just left the palace moments before we arrived.  So close to a royal sighting!  Maybe next time...
    Side note about the English.  They know how to decorate a city!  As you can see from the pic, their flag is proudly and prolifically displayed, their guards uniforms are bright, visually beautiful, and perfectly groomed and the horses look even more immaculate.  These people really take pride in their tradition of pageantry and pomp.  (Lucky for us, as our scrappy American ways helped us defeat them in the Revolutionary War.)