Rocking London Like the Griswolds

Since I found out I'd be in Dublin the week after Spring Break, Gretchen and I figured it would be a great opportunity to take the kids, and ourselves, to see some of Europe.  After cashing in a BUNCH of frequent flier miles, we end up with a trip to London and Paris on our hands.  Yes, TWO foreign cities in one week, but that's how we roll – fast and furious!

After a painful red-eye across "the pond" we arrived in London around lunchtime and made our way to our flat which was just around the corner from Buckingham Palace.

Don't worry, they've got a bunch a gates to keep the riff-raff out.

The fountain just outside of those gates didn't look too bad either as a "front lawn ornament".

All in all, we had a "smashing" time trying to see the Queen through the gates!

We definitely took the time for a good visit to the Tower of London which was pretty cool.  Where else do you find a medieval set of castles, buildings and fortifications, all surrounded by a giant moat, in the middle of a city of 8.5 million people?  Yep, nowhere but London!!

This young member of the Queen's Guard was guarding the Crown Jewels which are in the building in the preceding picture.

He wouldn't let us take any pictures, so you're stuck with more exterior shots!

Did I say the kids where having a good time?  Well... I'm not sure, but Gretchen and I sure were soaking it all in and we were both blessed to have them there with us and for the trip itself.

The White Castle in the picture above (I spy Connor checking it out!!) looks pretty awesome, but be warned there are a TON of steps.  What do you get to see for all those steps you ask?  Lots and lots of armor...

You also get a nice view of the Tower Bridge (don't get this confused with London Bridge, which by the way is falling down) from the Tower of London grounds.

But, step out on the banks of the Thames River and you get a must better shot with the camera.

Speaking of the Thames (yes, it sounds like Tim's), we took a relaxing boat ride to rest our feet for a bit and as you can see, we saw more bridges AND we had a "brilliant" time as they say in London.

We walked around a bit and it is amazing the amount of detail that is seen everywhere you look; from the base of lamp posts to all of the beautiful monuments that you see on just about every street corner.

And everywhere you go, you somehow find your way back to good ole Big Ben!!

And what trip to London would be complete without a trip on the London Eye?  Not ours for sure!! 

You'll get some great views!

As Clark says, "Hey look kids, there's Big Ben, and there's Parliament... again".

Gretchen was happy sitting in the middle of the car.

Especially as we reached the tippy-top of the ride!!

All in all, a beautiful time with my awesome family in a pretty amazing town; I couldn't ask for anything more!!