We had some free time near the end of Fall Break and after some digging around, scored some cheap flights to London to celebrate my 40th. There is SO much to do and see in London, and we only had a weekend, but we checked off some things on our long London list. We stayed at a hotel I’d definitely recommend, the St. Ermin’s Hotel in St. James’ Park. We LOVED it! Highly recommend. It was a little bit of a splurge for us, but since it was my 40th, we went for it. Nice, big rooms, lots of history, and a great tea. From the St. Ermin’s website: “In 1940 Winston Churchill, held a historic meeting at St. Ermin’s Hotel. He asked a group of remarkable people to join him in ‘Setting Europe Ablaze’ – this elite set, were to become the founding members of the SOE (Special Operations Executive). The unit carried out covert operations during WW2, from their headquarters – an entire floor of St. Ermin’s Hotel, whilst MI6 were stationed two floors above. SOE agents’ printed secret coded messages on pieces of silk, an original sample hangs in the Lobby, hunt it down and try to crack the code.  In the 1950’s the spy Guy Burgess (part of the infamous Cambridge five) handed over secret papers to his Russian counterpart in the Caxton Bar.” Pretty cool!! Headquarters during WW2!

We loved visiting Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and playing in the phone booths. Vin loved the Imperial War Museum. I loved Selfridge’s, being the Mr. Selfridge fan that I am. Sophie liked Primark on Oxford Street. Marc loved the fish and chips in the classic local London pub. Juliana liked Hamley’s Toy shop, until she didn’t anymore, and had a meltdown. Everyone loved the Wonka Tea and seeing the Lion King in London’s West End. It wasn’t enough time, and next time we’ll definitely hit Churchill’s War Rooms and maybe Wimbeldon. But it was London. Even if just for a few days. And it was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday with my four most favorite people.