Fun and Frolic with Family and Friends from Across the Pond!

  Dear family and friends coming to visit us in London has been such fun! We've so enjoyed sharing the city we love with many people we love! Introducing them to many of our favorite haunts and activities has been a treat for us and they've all said they're now fans of this fascinating city and surrounds, too!

Highlights include . . . 

* A short, but sweet visit with my wonderful sister, Anna, and her delightful beau, Paul, was a great treat! They were on a stop-over in London from attending a wedding.  All too quickly they were back to Singapore and work.  Hurry back!

* Dave and Kalenn and their daughter, Kami, from home in Georgia are some of our favorites and they were delightful taking-on-the-city partners!  We vacation the same crazy-fun way --- hit the ground running and go 'til you drop!  We took in lots of great spots, laughing all the way. Tower of London, Rope Walk's Maltby Market and Borough Market (chock full of gourmet food stalls and two of our favorite places to eat here), elegant Hampton Court Palace, The Cafe Royal Hotel for a scrumptious tea time, the hilarious show "The Play That Goes Wrong," and an amazing Indian food dinner at Cinnamon Kitchen were among the happenings.   

Of course, we hit the view at the Sky Garden, Fortnum & Mason and Harrod's department stores, and Hamley's Toy Emporium together.  Then they also took in lots of other places while we spent time with Justin, who was here for an international case competition with BYU.  He and his 3-member team won the U.S. Unilever competition among college students -- very exciting! -- and then came to London for the next step.  We got to witness the think-tank in action!  Their finished product did them proud -- and we got to enjoy their company! 

* Marian and Anne from our San Jose, California home days are two of the lovely ladies from my 10-mom, 30+ year strong, Play Group! This bunch became friends when our first children were mere weeks old and have found strength and joy in each other and our families for all the years since.

Our trio had a blast exploring London as we romped through an action-packed 4 days in the city to the regal Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, historic Tower of London, elegant Fortnum & Mason (luxury department store) for a spot of tea, and opulent Hampton Court Palace.  Of course, we had to munch at Borough Mkt., Bengal Clipper (neighborhood Indian food gem), Poppies famous fish & chip diner and our favorite restaurant here, The Opera Tavern Café (Iberian pork and tapas)!  Touring St Paul's Cathedral, the Sky Garden and losing it in laughter at The Play That Goes Wrong (it's hilarious and a repeat fav.) were other treats together.

* Sister Sara Ranck (the daughter of sweet cousins, but more like a niece to me), has been in the London North Mission for the last 18 months as a missionary for our faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She teaches people about Christ's divine mission and saving power, provides service and blesses the whole place with her warmth, electric smile and strength of testimony.  

We were thrilled to be able to see her a few times during her tenure here (with permission from her mission presidents, of course ;)  ). Catching up with her on her birthday for a quick hug while a much of our bunch was here, once for lunch at a yummy hamburger and shake place (a taste of home), and once on the day she left to go back home to Utah where we got to share a few hours were all special times to be sure!  

Well done, Sister Ranck; you blessed London, and we miss you here.

* Friends of our kids (and now of ours, too) were also able to stay a few days here and there.  We got to know the darling Collette family and enjoyed visiting with them while they were in town.  Also, we met-from-afar through notes and Emails with Ben and Sara Martin who had fun in London, and kept our flat company while we were away.

So wonderful to build and further great friendships with all these amazing people.  Thanks for letting us share our London tips and treasures!