A travel day from hell.

Yesterday was a big travel day for us. It was our first time going it on our own (no extra helpers or hands to help us navigate). We conquered Heathrow like a group of champs, passing out Rice Krispy treats and suckers by 9am to keep the kids occupied and in good spirits. We were weighted down with kids, bags, and so much crap (half the time I feel like I have under packed for this trip, until it is time to move us and all of our stuff). Everything went off without a hitch. We landed in Shannon, Ireland with no issues and settled into our rental car for the 2.5 hour trip to Kenmare. Dave managed the clutch with minor irks and jerks and quickly became accustomed to the left hand lane, until we turned onto N22.

We were 13km north of Kilarney, about 45 minutes from our destination when Dave couldn't get the car in gear, I told him we were in neutral and needed to find a gear when he said he couldn't even find the clutch pedal. It was stuck in the engaged position. I immediately suggested pulling over, which he did and we were stuck. He realized what had happened and disengaged the clutch but all gears were shot. We were pulled over near some overgrown foliage, so the car was alarming that we were too close to something and the noise about put us over the edge. Dave pushed us 12 feet forward to stop the alarming, all along this narrow two lane busy highway.

I immediately called the roadside assistance number and they assured me someone would be out within the hour (the hour!!!). Within about 30 minutes, a man showed up to assess the situation. He quickly conceded the clutch had 'gone flat' and that we would not be driving that vehicle. We would need to wait for a tow truck to tow both the car and us to Tralee to get a replacement. Meanwhile, we kept the kids busy with coloring books, iPads, eye spy games, and songs. Everyone took potty breaks on the side of the road, and someone even managed to go number two while hovering out my door. We were briefly entertained by a bumble bee who managed its way into our car, and quickly made its way out. Another hour goes by before O'Sullivan's tow truck showed up only to notify us that he is not equipped to take our children and we would need a taxi for that, one had been called and would be there in 20 minutes (gasp).

The tow truck driver came to the side of the car just as the last potty goer was finishing up and said he needed to move us as we were sitting in a very dangerous spot and he didn't feel comfortable leaving us there for another minute, I politely told him I had been feeling that way for the past two hours. He took the driver seat, Piper had been in my lap and he didn't even give me a chance to get her back into her seat. Dave had to climb in on Sully's lap and this man was more aggressive with the vehicle than I had ever seen. He rammed it into different gears, revving the engine, swearing and grunting and acting fast. I buckled Piper and I in and felt ever muscle in my body. I was so anxious. He did eventually get us to a safe grocery store parking lot where the car completely died. If there had been any chance left at its life, it was now gone. He told us to unpack the vehicle as a taxi would be along momentarily.

When the taxi driver arrived, we were told that rather than going to Tralee, we would instead be going to Kilarney as they had a vehicle there for us. I called Enterprise four times on the drive, getting disconnected after telling my story each time. Each operator asked who told us to go to Kilarney and my explanation seemed to complicate things. As it worked out, Enterprise was closed in Kilarney and wouldn't open for another 36 hours.

Fortunately someone from the Dublin office called me back and was able to connect me with the manager of the Kilarney location who showed up just in the nick of time...but the only vehicle they had was a compact car (lol). He said that in fact there was the proper vehicle in Tralee, 1.5 hours round trip from Kilarney and that was basically our best (and only option until Monday evening). This was when I lost it. I started crying and everyone involved was now feeling terrible.

After some contemplation, we decided it would be best for me to stay with the kids at the Gleneagle Hotel in Kilarney while Dave went to Tralee with Aubrey to retrieve the vehicle. The kids did well, considering. There was a fancy wedding going on and the fashion and gowns were incredible. We had dinner in a restaurant (a first for me, three on one in a restaurant), played in an arcade, ran around outside, and found Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on in the hotel bar area. Before we knew it (;)), 2 hours had gone by and Dave had returned with a replacement vehicle and a few groceries.

We set off toward Kenmare, getting in a small portion of the Ring of Kerry, which means curvy roads, sheep crossing, views, and driving through clouds. All awesome things, unless you have had the day we had and only wanted the quickest and most direct road home. We arrived at 8, 5 hours later than planned. But we did arrive and were so happy to be there.

Silver lining- at the last minuted, we paid double for our rental and opted for the full coverage/roadside assistance insurance route. And, it was worth it. This place is amazing, the views, the sea, the space. Its incredible.

2:30- Roadside selfies, still smiling.  

Sweet Greta, taking in the view from my lap. 

4:15- Action shot. 

5:15- Three on one. 

6:00- Blew the budget at an arcade. 

6:30- Gleneagle Hotel

8:15- We've arrived! 

Major silver lining.

Hampstead, Tottenham, King's College ER, Kinky Boots, Brighton, Tower Bridge, Kew Gardens, and Dulwich

Our full holiday continues this week with more adventures, a few melt downs, two unexpected ER visits and a farewell to Matt and Cassandra. Gees, no wonder I'm so tired!

Saturday was spent in Hampstead, a very quaint and picturesque suburb north of London. We were pleasantly surprised by a beautiful park, Hampstead Heath where Parliament Hill is found. Locals gather here to take in the panoramic views of London over picnics and to fly kites. It was a bit of a hike with the kids, but was well worth it. We found a spot for lunch before spending some time taking in the perks of the park. When we returned we went for dinner as a group a a nearby restaurant called the Wood House, named after the adjacent Dulwich Wood.

Sunday morning was hectic as Dave and Matt had to scramble to find spot to print football tickets while at least two of the kids were melting down. After all was said and done, the guys were able to get to a very exciting game (Tottenham vs Chelsea). They both agreed it was a highlight. Cassandra and I were manning the home front when Piper took a tumble off the couch and was inconsolable. Upon Dave's return, he and I ubered Piper to the nearest ER where all x-rays came back normal and we were sent home with instructions to follow up the following day if there was no obvious improvement.

Unfortunately, Monday morning Piper and I found ourselves ubering back to see Dr. Claire who reassessed and decided to go the nursemaids elbow route, fortunately this was the culprit. She was able to pop it back and in and Piper was immediately back to her normal silly, smiley, and feisty self. We were more than pleased with the care we received. We connected with the group at Crystal Palace Park for lunch and a maze walk before returning home and prepping for a date night. We had drinks at an old bank converted into a bar and then saw 'Kinky Boots,' which was an amazing show. We got home in time to have a glass of wine with Matt and Cassandra and to compose a hilarious post card to Sarah. Before we knew it, it was 2am! Yikes.

We took the train to Brighton Beach Tuesday morning. Brighton is a perfect seaside town one hour south of London with a pebble beach and a landmark Pier. We snacked on fair style doughnuts, bought souvenirs, played at the beach, ran into Darth Vadar, and Sully beat Matt in air hockey. This was basically a day of delight (although cooler than expected) for Sully, as you can imagine. We came home at dinner time and ordered out before heading to bed at a decent hour, for the first time all week.

Wednesday was Matt and Cassandra's last day with us and we spent most of it catching the tourist sights we had missed earlier in the week. We walked across the Tower Bridge before completing more of the Jubilee Walk until the kids couldn't take another step. Fortunately, Matt had the idea of the day by suggesting we take a water ferry to our next stop, high 5s all around once we were on the boat. We stopped at a park near the London Eye where the kids spent lots of time playing and just being kids. We had a BBQ when we returned home and enjoyed reminiscing about the days before. We really loved having them along. They were great sports, up for anything, and ready and willing to help when we needed it. It was also great to get to know them on a more personal level. We will always cherish this time spent with both of them. We miss them already.

We ventured out on Thursday to the Kew Gardens. I have to say, we navigated quite well on our own, thanks to Matt and Cassandra for helping us learn the ropes and giving us the confidence we needed to manage all three through the train and the Underground. The gardens were lovely. We had lunch, did a treetop walk and spent lots of time at the play area where the kids met a few new friends (Greta was so excited to introduce me to her new friend, Haddie Rose), got their faces painted, and loved an ice cream treat. Both Greta and Piper fell asleep on the commute home- success.

Today was our last day in London and we spent it close to home. We finally made our way into Dulwich Village. We explored and took it relatively easy in anticipation of our travel day tomorrow. Ready or not, Ireland, here we come!

Saturday- Hampstead.

The stroll to Hamstead Heath with my girl. 

Parliament Hill with my babe. 

Taking in the view. 

Group photo. 

Mmmm, chicken nuggets and chips.

Sunday- a Herne Hill market sausage saves the melt down. 

The epic game, unfortunately Chelsea took the lead in the end.

Monday- the brave patient. 

Tuesday- Brighton Beach. 

This girl and her ice cream.

Cool weather = matching souvenirs.

Sunny weather calls for matching shades. 

Parmagrin after this rendezvous. 

Wednesday- The Tower Bridge. 

Toddler chasing with a view. 

Pip's popsicle break.

A pretty awesome playground.

Dinner prep on our last evening together. 

Thursday- managing all three on the Underground like a boss. 

Three top walk at the Kew Gardens. 

Matching spider face paints. 

Kew Garden Pavilion. 

Friday- introducing the kids to the British pubs on our last day. 

Cheers!

Piper likes fish and chips about as much as Dave does. 

Dough balls, Sydenham Hill, City Centre, Horniman Museum, The Polka Theatre, and more.

The adventure begins!

After so much planning and trip prep, we are here! We arrived in London on Saturday after an overnight flight which actually went better than I had anticipated. Greta and Sully slept for most of the flight while Piper only slept a few hours, but was very manageable the whole time (except for a 2am scream session - ugh). We had a car waiting for us at the airport which was really nice as we were able to skip the Underground and train drama. We all slept in intervals and poor Sully got carsick. The driver was less than impressed. After we got settled and cleaned up, we walked to a favorite spot of Dave and Matt's for dinner and turned in early.

Sunday was spent at the Herne Hill Farmer's Market for perusing and lunch followed by an amazing stop at Brockwell Park. It was fun to see the kids play alongside the local children, listening to the different accents was so charming. It was a great introduction to the train and an easy first day. We returned in time to grill burgers that evening.

Monday was spent at the Horniman Museum with an amazing view of downtown London. What a treat that was. We had lunch at a take away counter and sat at picnic tables near an open space for the kids to keep themselves occupied by chasing pigeons. I can still hear their giggles and screams of delight. Dave and I took the train to Brixton to a British Pub for beers and burgers. It was so nice to get away and have some adult time.

We ventured in to London on Tuesday. Its about a 30 minute commute from here. We navigated quite well, major thanks to Matt and Cassandra for the extra sets of hands and eyes. We saw Big Ben and did the London Eye before finding ourselves on the Jubilee walk being entertained by street entertainers, the merry-go-round, and cotton candy. It turned into a really great day. Matt and Cassandra stayed in London while Dave and I made our way back. Its been great to give each other breaks.

Hyde Park was on the agenda for Wednesday. We arrived in time for lunch at the Serpentine Cafe and then a walk through the park. Cassandra and I broke away to a small shopping area for a bit while Dave and Matt managed the kids. We hit up Hamley's flagship store on our way home which was overwhelming for all, as you can imagine. After we returned home, Dave and I went for dinner at The Paxton, a restaurant about a 15 minute walk from our 'Holiday House' followed by (too many) glasses of wine on our patio with Matt and Cassandra.

On Thursday we went to a darling children's theatre called the Polka Theatre where we watched a play set to many different instruments called 'Hatch.' The kids all sat really well and we all really enjoyed the afternoon out. Matt and Cassandra had another date night while Dave got Pizza Express to go and hung with the kids. It was a much needed quiet evening after several full days.

We went into London again today (Friday) for a duck boat tour which was really fun, but the kids were busy, especially when we were stuck in traffic. After the tour, we went to a street festival for lunch and then came back early, just in time to miss a pretty decent rain.  Dave and I had a date night in London, we strolled the streets and saw '42nd Street.' We were giving a standing ovation and the man next to me was in a single seat and commented to me about the talent. I agreed with him and he said one of the main characters was his daughter. It was so awesome, he was so proud.

My current takeaways- I had been so anxious about this trip, but it turns out the kids are so adaptable. We had a couple of nights of hard sleep and tired times during the day, but they have done really great. It is so cool to expose them to so many things. Dave and I are under no false illusions, Piper certainly won't remember this trip, but she will still see photos and hear of us talking about our memories. Dave is mostly on cloud 9 as he has literally been hoping for a holiday like this for years. We are excited about our future travels with the kids- the world is our oyster (card ;)).

Enjoy a photo overload below.

Departing Sioux Falls. 

We made it! First thing researched was Pizza Express. 

Sunday morning- Herne Hill Farmers Market.

Exploring the Dulwich Wood. 

Horniman Museum on Sunday.

Photo op with an ice cream bribe. 

Family photo at the Horniman overlooking London.

The walk downhill through the wood to our train stop (Sydenham Hill).

The girls fast asleep at our 'holiday house.'

Tuesday- Lollipops in London.

The London Eye tour. 

The Jubilee walk. 

And then we found cotton candy! 

Smiles ALL around. 

An unexpected surprise on our walk to the toy store.

Back at the holiday house-
the kids who live here have awesome things! 

Wednesday, mastering the train. 

Best friends, totally loving this experience together. 

Date night!