London bound

This is my last installment of adventures from across the pond. We're packing up this morning and driving south to the big smoke, London. We have always been lucky to have a place to crash in London. Papa's sister, Auntie J has always lived on the tube line in London since Papa and I lived in England way back in the 90's, so there were frequent trips down to the big city when there was just the two of us. Now our friends R & A live here, so there's an added excuse to visit. We have a full day planned - a trip to the Star Wars shop - where we may or may not learn of our small fortune housed in Nana's attic, an afternoon in town with R, A and baby J and an evening comedy performance with Steve Coogan - one of Papa's favorites. I'm not sure if I've set myself up on this one, as he will invariably be quoting him all the way home on the plane tomorrow as a result.

The rest of the week has been nice. Thursday was rainy, so out trip into town was a quick one, but nice to get out of the house. Auntie J arrived on Thursday afternoon and we enjoyed a quiet evening all together watching TV movies. Our attempt to rent a new release earlier in town was thrown out the window when the rental shop required us to practically sign over our first born to get a membership. I love Schmoo too much to sign her away for just a movie. Yesterday was a fantastic day. A bit of a sleep-in for Mama and then a 17km bike ride around the local resevoir with Auntie J. Of course there was a big pub stop about halfway round, but we still made it in record time under beautiful sunny skies. We returned to find Papa busy in the attic sorting through his vast Star Wars collection. The evening was spent out for dinner at a fancy contemporary Indian restaurant. I did get to speak to the kids when we got home which is just what I needed.

Tomorrow begins the long trip home. It's been a good visit, despite the circumstances. Great to spend some quiet time with Nana and see some old friends and new family. Luckily we'll get a leisurely start, not having to leave for the airport until after lunchtime, but then it's a flight, a night in Vancouver and the big drive over the mountains home to our schmoogies! No doubt they'll be chomping on the bit to see what surprises are lurking in our bags, despite what sounds like a surprise filled visit with their Grandma Lady. Luckily they have a Nana who is happy to send a few things back to make them smile. I've got lots of pictures to share when I get back so the blog will have lots of colour when I get back.