After much debate we decided to try our chances with the crowds and weather and go down to the Jubilee River pageant. It was a smashing success! We packed a change of clothes and went straight from church down to the river, stopping to pick up a picnic along the way. Little C took a short snooze while we walked down and got situated. We got there around 1:15pm and ended up about 4 deep from the front, but with a large viewing screen right behind us, so we were pretty pleased with our spot and began formulating a plan for how to best raise the boys to see the boats go by. The boys were kept fairly entertained by the historical footage on screen and an endless supply of treats. As the royal family began to board the barge the lady in front of us asked if the boys would like to squeeze up front. Matts was a little nervous, (honestly, I was as well since it meant they'd be out of our sight) but they decided to go for it. Matts watched the pageant leaning over the railing, but G was too short to really see well, so a very nice stranger asked if he could put G on his shoulders. G spent the rest of the pageant monologuing and received a pence for his commentary:).
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| Watching and waiting |
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| For each new section of boats Little C would yell out "THEY'RE COMING!". After 1,000 boats it was still amusing. |
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| Waving at the Royal family. Matts is convinced Queen Elizabeth waved right at him, G is partial to the "Princess in Red", aka Kate. |
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This time the pleased expression was spot on!
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| The Union Jack was waving proudly |
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| On our walk home we passed the National Army Museum and stopped to make crowns, play in their great kids zone and view diaoramas (Matts' current activity of choice?) |
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| Even in the rain, we (at least I) enjoyed some Gelato. |
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| It was only fitting to walk home on a rainy London evening. |
As we were thanking the ladies who helped the boys get to the front they commented on how polite and well behaved the boys were. It was just the cherry on top of a wonderful day. We went down to the river today with no idea what to expect and everyone was so generous and kind. The atmosphere was vibrant and the sense of history and tradition was amazing. The people were excited and proud to be there.
Plus, it's really cool that our kiddos got to see history made.
Well done London, very well done.
5 comments:
so exciting!!! Glad you guys got to join in the festivities, the boys will never forget that!
What a neat experience! Love that London is rubbing off on you guys! It'll be a little tricky to get acclimated back to Atlanta after all of this!
jealous!!! i'm glad you guys get to do this with your boys. it will be an experience they'll always remember. have fun over there!!!
I'm so glad that you got to be a part of the Diamond Jubilee. The boys will remember this for a long time! It sounds like you are doing some wonderful things with your cute family while you are in London! Take care of yourselves!
All your England updates make me so happy, what a fun time! And you already are sounding more English, brilliant!
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