Kid Free Get Away

Adam's mom came to visit for a week and her only requirement was for us to get lost so she could have some one-on-one time with the grand babies. Not wanting to upset Grandma, Adam and I took an amazing trip to London.

We left early on a Wednesday morning, before the kids ever woke up and they wake up pretty early. The drive down wasn't too bad, it only took us 4 hours and that's only because we stopped off at RAF Alconberry to buy gas and we spent a good 30 minutes navigating the base.

Once in London we grabbed some lunch and enjoyed walking around. One of my biggest desires in life has been to get my picture taken at platform 9 3/4. So we went to Kings Cross Station and sure enough between platforms 9 and 10 my dreams came true...

Then at 2pm we headed over to the Apollo Theatre where I changed my clothes and got all dolled up for the musical production Wicked.

I felt a little silly after changing because most people were wearing jeans and sweatshirts. I felt out of place and ALMOST changed back into my jeans but then took on the mentality of why fit in when I can stand out. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was another dream of mine to get all prettied up and go see a Broadway show.

I absolutely LOVED Wicked. I could totally go see it again but in the interest of expanding our horizons we'll probably try to see a few different Broadway shows before we start repeating. I think the next one on my list is The Lion King.

 

The next day we went to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour The Making of Harry Potter. I don't know how to describe it other than excellent. We got to see real props, costumes, and even some sets used in the movies.

One of my most anticipated and enjoyed events was tasting Butterbeer.

It was sensational. I don't usually care for butterscotch flavoring but it tasted like a heavenly butterscotch cream soda float. Good to the last drop.

 

Tom Riddle's Grave and the Chess Pieces

 

 No. 4 Privet Drive

Potter's Cottage

Of course we have loads more Harry Potter pictures but I already feel like I've inundated this post with pictures. As we drove back home we talked about Spencer and Natalie. We wondered how they did and how Grandma was holding up. We weren't too worried about Spencer but Natalie is very attached to her momma and has hit the separation anxiety phase pretty hard.

We were pleasantly surprised to learn BOTH kids did great. I thought when we got home Natalie would jump into my arms and never let me put her down but she really was fine. They both gave us hugs and big smiles and then went back to hiding and hunting Easter Eggs with Grandma. Anyone elses kids still actively doing this? Finding eggs is my kids' favorite past time.

The kids were great until bed time rolled around. I think they were worried that if they went to sleep mommy and daddy wouldn't be there when they woke up. It took a few nights to regain their trust but now bed time is just as smooth and predictable as it was before we left. 

I could definitely get used to the occasional kid free get away, even if it did mean a few rough nights afterwards. Please grandma, come again soon! We'll give you some more one-on-one time with the kids!