London Calling

March 26th - off to London!

Super excited to visit the Grenside family and explore the big city...

Kenzo did great on the flights. Maybe the TV screen on each seat helped?

Warning: A LOT OF PHOTOS, mostly for our memories' sake.

The buddies back together again!

A morning wrestle session at Jen & Nick's flat in the most perfect location. Right at the south foot of London Bridge and steps away from yummy Borough Market. 

Our beautiful goddaughter, Mary Scarlet Vaughan Grenside.

Walking off the jet lag on our first morning in London.

We had amazing weather the whole trip - sometimes a little chilly, but only one day when we broke out the umbrellas! So lucky!

Charging the photographer.

Our first real bobby! 

The view from the flat of beautiful Southwark Cathedral. Handy to have a clock right out the window!

With the amazing walkway along the Thames right outside our door, we went on daily rides with the kids. 

Just passing the Anchor Bankside Pub - typically beautiful and historic and charming. 

Kenzo and Max cruising the Borough High Street.

We went to see "The Velveteen Rabbit" for the twin's friend, Grace's, 4th birthday party. The Unicorn Theater only has children's shows - so awesome.

What a great production - Kenzo loved it, as well as the party after the show.

 

Jen made a red velvet #1 cake for Scarlet's birthday/Christening luncheon.

Inside Southwark Cathedral.

Happy Scarlet, waving away!

Friends and family gathered for Scarlet's big day.

Complete lack of decorum.

Delicious brunch following church at Duck & Waffle, perched 40 stories above London.

Stoked on the fanciest PB&J ever!

Tom & Dolores.

Nick & Jen.

Eric & Julie.

Kenzo, Max, Lola & Scarlet.

We were quite the mob everywhere we went. 

Tate Modern Museum - 10 minute walk from the flat.

We left town just before the Matisse exhibit opened - darn! 

Monster breakfast at a lovely bakery cafe down the street. 

Home base tube and train station during our stay.

Exploring around Chinatown.

Yummy dim sum lunch too. 

It's good to have a super hero with you when traveling.

I don't think it was even raining this day, but we were prepared!

Me and Scarlet on Tower Bridge.

Lola and Nick - the most incredible tour guide!!

Outside the Tower of London.

More biking shots.

A tiny hill = lots of squeals!

This was pretty much Kenzo's first time on a "big boy" bike since we've just used his balance bike at home.

He did great and loved it!

Great morning above London on the "Eye!"

Just in time to see the guards!

Buckingham Palace. Tons of people out on this sunny, beautiful day.

Horse Guards.

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous March

I was thrilled to be asked to coach the PSIA Women's Summit again at Squaw - what an awesome group of ladies!

Fran and I thought it would be hilarious, so we switched outfits on the last day of the clinic since everyone gets us mixed up anyway!

Kenzo's been enjoying his morning cuppa Milo, left over from the Aussie's.

Similar to Ovaltine, but better! 

Mister Cool at the park.

Yes, more gorgeous weather. Yuck.

Ninja robot.

Ninja robot with sword.

Love our little guy's imagination & playfulness! 

Spoiled rotten.

Well, he did have a good dinner before this...that counts for something, right? 

Our little daredevil getting more brave on the driveway, while giving me a heart attack.

And the ninja robot showing off his moves. He's a "good guy" by the way.

Monster Truck Jam

Well, it was bound to happen with a little boy in the house now.

We took Kenzo to Monster Truck Jam in Reno yesterday. 

Oh my.

Someone was fired up!

The sound of the trucks was deafening.

But exciting. 

We met up with the Mourning and Gregor families!

Kenzo and Willy.
 

Gravedigger!

Okay, I admit, it was pretty entertaining. But I think I can wait a few more years until my next monster truck show. 

The expressions on Kenzo's face as he watched the motorcycles jumping was priceless!

Impressed little boy.

The boys were feeling very festive with all the noise!!

Yep, it was pretty radical. Good people watching too!!

 

More fun with the Aussies

More fun with houseguests, who are more like family...

Kenzo did this all by himself - so proud. We started calling him "Kez-no" just to boost his confidence.
 

Gorgeous day at Kirkwood!

Keeping ourselves entertained in the car.

Brad came over for dinner with his new puppy, Blue!

Terrible photo from the fireworks show at Squaw!

 Van got her first taste of s'mores!

The next day we watched the Snowfest parade in Tahoe City.

Kenzo, Gabriel, and Noah.

These two are pretty easily entertained.

I wonder where the kids get that from....

In the years that Van & Eytan (and now Eva) have been visiting us, this has been the driest winter.

We kept Eva busy with springtime chores.

The buddies getting ready to head out.

Shopping in Northstar.

Yeti face.

 Giant burger lunch.

Dog hat from Auntie Van.

One more day at Kirkwood with fresh snow!

Poundin' beers!

The sun came out and baked all the fresh snow into glop, but we still had a great time.

Chris and Eric.

The Aussies on their way out of town...sad!

Eric escorted them to Reno and showed them a favorite Mexican food spot of ours. 

Fueled up for the flight!

Eytan and his giant burrito and Eric.

Time flies when you're having fun - can't wait to get together with our friends again soon!

...Ooh, some video clips too:
 

Eva practicing for her role as a flower girl...Kenzo "coaching" Eva!

And just some pre-dinner dancing with Auntie Van, Eva & the Wiggles!