Levi and I spent 9 days in London, a trip that was long overdue. It was one of the greatest gifts I gave myself and him. Levi was finally able to explore his "birth" city, reconnect with friends and spend time with his mama 1 on 1. We actually did quite well traveling too. Levi adjusted beautifully to GMT time, and was so curious about the architecture, the history and 'his' story. It definitely was a trip I will always remember.
Levi bounding past our favorite spot in our old neighborhood 'La Fromergie'
1st night in London, and once we got the boys in bed, we scurried off to a delicious curry dinner and to see the lights on Oxford street. London lives and breathes Christmas.
Levi at midnight (up b/c of jet lag) and Maureen couldn't wait to snuggle him
Levi playing at his old playground by our flat
A new la boulangerie opened on Marleybone high street, and it is incredible
Our high street
We spent an afternoon with one of our most favorite families...The White Family... Simon, Serena, Felix, Freddie and Oscar.
The boys happen to be home from boarding school, so Levi was in heaven with 3 older play mates.
They past down their beloved Chelsea 'Terry' jersey.
Levi fell in love with the tube.
Levi celebrated his 6th birthday with his BFF Harry, who was born a few minutes after him, in the room next door.
Kristi planned a beautiful party in Notting Hill.
The blue chicken is new accent in Trafalager Square, and you can't miss him. He's huge! We did a big bus tour around town and Levi loved him.
Levi was most excited to see 'Big Ben.'
We even went and checked out our old building.
Levi was able to catch up with Thomas, our favorite door man.
This beautiful door was just down the street from Kristi's flat, and every time I walked by it we had to stop. Look at those leaves?!
For a California boy, Levi felt right at home in the drizzle.
Harry & Levi
We went ice skating three times- this is in front of the Natural History Museum. This particular time was a little challenging, because it had been pouring all day!
I always point out UCLA Santa Monica hospital when we drive by it so Felix and Gus know where they were born. Finally, Levi was able to see the hospital he was born!
Levi was mesmerised by the window display at Hanley's
The window display at John Lewis was out of this world. Meet Monty and his penguins.
Levi took this picture for John, since Monty is sitting in his favorite chair!
Sometimes we just had to take 5 after doing so much walking!
We had a yummy lunch with Courtney at Liberty's, one of my most favorite dept stores!
Levi even got to play with Manjola, our sitter who first help us parenthood as expats!
Walking through Regent's Park was a definite highlight
Serena and Simon took me to a play in the West End, which was fantastic
We conquered Winter Wonderland at Hyde park with our dear friends Amy and her girls
More ice skating with Georgia at Winter Wonderland
Amy, Lola and Georgia
I met this beauty my first weekend in London and knew instantly we would be life long friends
We had a slumber party at Amy's new flat in Hamstead and Levi and Georgia didn't miss a beat, picking up where they left off this summer when Amy and the girls visited LA
Thanksgiving walk through the Heath!
Levi and I made Thanksgiving dinner for Kristi and Ben and the kids
Levi and Harry had so much fun. Emily was ready to see Levi go, she was ready to have her brother back!
Natural History Museum!
A day with Darren...LOVE!
Santa in Covent Garden made out of 30K lego pieces!
Ice skating at Somerset House, which is absolutely beautiful
We spent our final day in Barnes with Kristi, Ben, Maureen and Ulrik and
all the children. They have the most amazing movie theater. The kids
watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, while we brunched.
These three are inseparable. We were all shocked by how well they played. A kinship from the beginning that is surviving the geographic distance.
Love these girls
Sweet Nikolaj having a heart to heart with Ulrik
Such a treat to be with these two special girlfriends for a week!
Just like old times, we laughed the evening away, while the children destroyed Maureen and Ulrik's house
Levi still asks me when he can go back to London. Don't worry darling. It will always be a part of our story.
