London sans enfants

Randy was back in the UK for work and was going to head to London for one night to meet up with his friend Tony, who was in London on business.  He threw out the idea of me joining him for the weekend and I most certainly couldn't pass up that opportunity assuming I could find someone to watch the kids!!  The kids were off for an extended sleepover with some friends and they were probably more excited for us to leave then we were.  I had a nice leisure train ride to the airport and before I knew it Randy and I were heading to our hotel in London.  The Paralympics were still going on while we were there so there was still a lot of activity and we were able to see many of the Olympic venues around our hotel.

London eye

Area outside our hotel, which was right next to the M&M store.

It just so happened that some friends of ours from Switzerland were in London without kids as well and we met up with them at a Thai restaurant at Churchill Arms.  The food and atmosphere was great and then we were off to Waxy O'Connors for a few drinks before a night cap at The W bar where we were staying.

We spent our full day shopping and riding the double decker hop on hop off bus taking in the sights of London.  It was a beautiful day and we finished it by heading to the play Billy Elliot.  It was a fantastic play with many characters being played by children, such amazing talent!!

Loved the red telephone booths everywhere!

London Bridge open for a boat going through.

Square outside our hotel that had Swiss decorations on the pole holding the clock.

Parliament and Big Ben

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

Front of Buckingham Palace

Getting a US favorite at Chipotle - we would have gone back if we had more time : )

It was a short trip, but much needed and we truly enjoyed getting away and not having to worry about speaking a different language!!  We will definitely be getting back with the kids since Hailey has a couple friends from the UK.  Not too mention, we would like to actually take in the sights, such as the Big Eye, London bridge, and London Tower, rather than admire from the distance.

Dragonboat

The first weekend in September was spent in the same area of Switzerland as Sydney skating camp this past summer.  I had signed up for Dragonboat raises to raise funds for cancer prevention.  I had gone once before school was out last June to learn the basics, but fortunately we had a practice run on Saturday the day before the official race.  It was chilly and rainy on Saturday and while it was fun, it was very wet and cold.  We all hoped the weather would improve for the races on Sunday.  Sydney signed up for a mini-dragon boat with a team of 6.  It ended up being Sydney and the boys, which reminded me of my college days when it was usually Nic, Randy, and the guys.  It even ended up happening when we went to Australia.  The married couple Nic and Randy with 6-7 of his single friends.  I don't remember exactly how many, but let's just say it was rather entertaining!

Sydney was in the first heat and they would only continue if they won.  We figured it was a win-win.  If they win they get to move on, but if they lose they get to go home to be in a warm house.  The weather was better, but still chilly and wet at times.  Well, they "won" and were able to hang out, have some fun while cheering on the mom's before heading home to a warm and dry house.  Their boat was a row boat with a stuffed dragon attached to the front.

Sydney and her team paddling back to shore.

Our team the DiVine Paddlers started with a group that walk the vineyards every Monday and Wednesday.  This was the second year for this team and a majority of us had never paddled on a Dragon boat before.  We were just excited to get out for a day even if the weather wasn't the best and who would have ever guessed we would make it to the finals.  I rowed for our first race and it was exhausting and I used muscles I don't used much.  I am going to pay for this later.  After the first race, we worked through the logistics of who was going to sit where, who was going to be the drummer, and who do you watch to make sure you are in rhythm.  I did something I normally would not do and volunteered myself to be the drummer.  Time to stop taking a back seat in my comfort zone and dust off the cob webs from my loud softball voice when I was in high school.  I may not have a voice when all is said and done, but at least my body wouldn't ache!  In the below picture I am in the front sitting with a drum between my legs and two sticks to drum to the beat of our rows.

Heading back after our second race and our best time.

To our amazement we had a excellent second run and qualified for the final heat.  We ended up in 4th place and were very proud of what we had accomplished given how new our team was.  A few weeks later we all gathered for drinks and dinner.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to join since we had company.  I hope to participate next year as it was a great event and a great cause.  If the weather were better, Randy and the kids would have stayed since it was a very family friendly event, hopefully next year!

Casey and I before our first race.