This spring, my two sons missed school on different weeks for the first time. So I took them on separate one-on-one trips. Toby and I went to visit family in San Francisco, and Anton and I were excited to visit some British relatives, including his beloved cousin Jimmy. Here are some photos if you would like to see them…
We started in London. Although I’ve been to Cornwall many times, I’ve never spent much time in the city (usually just taking the train directly). We were excited to explore.
We were really lucky with the weather. The sun came out almost every day. — and walked around a lot with my best friend, my brother Nick. Gemmaand my longtime friend Colby (above), all live there. (By the way, my hand gesture is not considered rude in America, but I forgot that it is rude in Europe! Gah!)
My number one cultural request for groups is to go to the next location. National Portrait Gallery — How wonderful is this gallery wall?
I saw the exhibition of lucien freud paintings. Did you know that he is Sigmund Freud’s grandson? I mean, it’s a classic Nepobaby, but his work was beautiful and very vibrant.
My British cousin’s son, Jimmy, is called Anton’s cousin, but I guess technically they’re cousins again? — Spent a week with us and soon…
…The boys developed a second language of secret handshakes and inside jokes. We’ve always lived far away from our families, but it’s so nice to see them quickly return to our friendship.
One of the best parts of traveling is doing nothing, so one night, after having dinner at a delicious restaurant, speed boat barturned on The Fugitive. (This Lindy West summary always makes me laugh.) This movie is a lot of fun to watch with teens.
Next, we drove to the seaside town where my aunt Janie and cousin Olivia live. To get to my aunt’s house, I have to casually drive through the boys’ favorite Ford.
By the way, how chic is my aunt Janie in her hag sweater and track pants??
I also went to my cousin’s house for olives, chips, and onion dip.
…and we snuggled outside under blankets…
…and my cousin made the most delicious roast potatoes.
Finally, we headed to Cornwall, where my Aunt Lulu lives (and my grandparents before her). The photo above is the view when you first enter the village. It takes my breath away every time.
The boys rode down the road in their suitcases…
…until I reach my favorite place in the world. Shit
Soon the boys jumped into the cold harbor…
…Meanwhile, I cheered them on and ate roast chicken crisps.
I added my current height to the height wall (I hadn’t grown up)…
…I hugged Lulu’s dog…
…And I ate multiple slices of toast for every meal.
We usually stay in Lulu’s village for the entire trip, but decided to go on a little excursion. Glendargan Gardenwhere the previous owner created a hedge maze for 12 children. How cool is that? “I thought this could be the worst,” Jimmy told me. “But this place is like literal heaven.”
Finally, it was time to go home. We are always so grateful to be able to visit and a little heartbroken when we leave. Don’t forget about us, England! we love you and will be back again. Shit shit
PS Our trip to England is with boys of different ages and Lulu’s beautiful uniform.
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
