Up & Down

Monday 23/6

Onto another week! I am loving this garden leave that Matt has between jobs. It’s like an taste of early retirement. The boys are in heaven. We decided to start the day at the cinema. It was going to be a hot day so we thought it would be nice to sit in air conditioning while we watch a new film. We went to watch Elio. Wow! What a great film! The music and story was amazing!

Once the film was over and we had a dance party during the credits the boys wanted to check out some of the shops we passed on the way to the cinema. We looked at them and told us that we did not budget money to spend so we could only go if they understood that. They agreed. And they kept their promise! It was nice not having them beg for toys.

We then had some lunch at Greggs. What a difference eating out cost in England verses America. We could easily spend $50 at a fast food place and at Greggs we spent only 12. Once we finished eating we went to the new soft play they had here at Westfield. The boys played together for 90 minutes. They were so happy together.

We walked around a bit more and then got home in time to make dinner. When Matt starts his new job he will be in the office every day and arrive after 7pm. Which means we will have more time with him if I resume the cooking. So during his garden leave we are cooking together and he is teaching me all our favourite recipes. I made some gazpacho tonight and it was so good! We played a bit before we headed to bed.

Tuesday 24/6

I woke up not feeling so well emotionally. My emotions felt like they were walking on a tight rope. Matt left after breakfast to do a drug test for his new job. He was gone for a few hours. I tried to carry on as usual. It shouldn’t have been too hard but I was not in good shape. I felt so overwhelmed by everything. My head was spiraling. I had a panic attack. And after lunch I had another. I felt so broken. When Matt got home he ran in and cuddled me up. Luckily the boys were happy playing together during all of this. Slowly I started getting my breath back.

Matt came with me to my friend Rachel’s house. The kids were so ready to play in the sunshine. I felt numb but I didn’t want it to spoil the day for the boys. I soon felt strong enough and had Matt go back home so he could get some things done. Seeing the boys have fun was sunshine for my soul. I needed it.

We went back home just in time for dinner. I felt broken and weak but I know this storm will pass. I know it’s necessary for my body to pass through saddness and depression. It might take a few days to feel the sun again but I feel okay here for now. What I need is what I have, Matt and the boys. They help me look heavenward.

Wednesday 25/6

I woke up with puffy eyes from all the wailing and sobbing the day before but I was feeling like the ground was less shaky below me. We all started the morning with yoga. I am determined to feel in better physical shape and my friends have talked to me about pilates. I am excited to make some goals.

After lunch George took a small nap. It was the first time he has had a home nap in a while. He really needed it. Once he was up we headed to Ravenscourt Park pool to have a splash. it was nice and warm so the boys were having a ball. They were splashing and running around for ages.

I wanted to join in on the fun too. I tried to get the boys with the shooters. They loved running away from me. I loved hearing their laughs. It was the vitamin I needed for my heart. I felt so much lighter. Because it was warm they stayed the whole 90 minute session.

But they were not done playing. So we walked over to the playground and let them go wild. They had so much energy. The nice thing about when I go to playground with Matt is that we can each take a child and play. I love being able to spend one to one time with them.

We stayed for about 2 hours. The sun was glorious. We ended our time there by playing in the sun. I got my toes in the sand too. Grounded made me feel centred. I felt like I could breath again. When we got home we had some dinner. Then it was time for snuggles in bed.

Thursday 26/6

Since I was feeling stronger and it was time that I gave Matt some time to get some things done. The boys and I went off to the Natural History Museum after lunch. When I have slow mornings I feel like I have more strength to conquer the day. We parked our bike at the chapel and walked over to the museum.

Since we are now members of the Natural History Museum we could go into the new space exhibit for free and whenever we wanted. I was excited to see what was there. The boys loved how interactive it was. They could touch different rocks from the solar system. Even the moon!

George and James loved finding the different robots. There were many different displays that had games you could play with real images from space missions. We took our time since it was so empty. I love that the boys have access to all of this.

While we were there Matt was getting the lesson done for Sunday. Last week the bishop called us to be co teachers for the visitor Sunday School class every week. There are over 100 visitors that come every Sunday during the holidays. I am still wrapping my mind around teaching adults, but Matt is ready for it. So he is taking the class as I help George in Nursery who still needs someone in there with him. Matt was in the chapel testing his power point while we were at the museum.

The boys wanted to explore more of the museum so I just followed their lead. They wanted to see the dinosaurs. Mostly for the giant robot Trex. Then we walked through some new exhibits nearby about the planet and how we can help fix it.

The next request was to the creepy crawlies. They love seeing all the bugs and creatures up close. It gives me goodebumps but they love it. This section of the Natural History Museum does have AC so I don’t mind it.

Before heading out George wanted to go up the escalator since it has been fixed. He loves this escalator that takes us through a globe. I am guessing it’s due to his enclosing schema. They then said they were done. We meet Matt at the church who was getting his lesson done and then cycled home together.

But the boys were not done with having fun. We got home and had dinner but they still wanted to enjoy the sun. So we got them on their bikes and scooter and headed out for a walk. We ended up going to the park since we had some chalk.

They had the best time drawing pictures. Even Matt got into it. We could have stayed here all night. I was feeling so much lighter and felt the sunshine in my soul again. I was still overwhelmed with everything on my mind but I felt stronger and more hopeful. Just before 8pm we headed home and got ready for bed.

Friday 27/6

It was an early morning but we were happy to be doing our usual cycle through the parks and passed Buckingham Palace to the National Gallery. I loved having Matt by my side. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world when he is next to me. I am his.

We arrived just in time for our art class for the kids. Since we are members here we also get access to free classes for adults and kids. I love doing these with the kids. One day I will come to the adult ones. I will love that! So the first part of the session we sat in front of Van Gogh famous flowers. I love this painting so much.

Then it was time to go back to the studio and explore the world of texture and art. There were more kids in this session but that didn’t seem to bug the boys. They went straight to the art tables to create some paintings. They loved experimenting with chalk and making the paint thicker.

We went from section to section exploring the different material. I loved watching James and George explore. Matt had a good time too. He is not into messy play but since becoming a parent he has really tried haha! I am proud of him.

Me on the other hand, I love getting messy. I love being in their world. I feel like they are my brothers at time when we are exploring and learning. They teach me so much. I am so grateful for this extra time I have with them while they are little. They are all mine.

Once our session was over the boys asked us if we could go to the M&M shop which is just around the corner on Leicester Square. So on we went. The boys picked out a treat and then we walked over to Pizza Hut to have the lunch buffet. The boys ate so much!

We then got on the bike and said goodbye to Matt. He went home to get a few things done as we were meeting up with my friend Amanda for a play date. We wanted to check out the new Lego Play installation at the park. The boys were so happy to see Grey.

James and George were obsessed with the slide. They ran so fast over and over again to get back up the stairs. They had so much energy. They did rest for a bit and built some lego inside the dome. I loved seeing them in the zone.

After about an hour we went around and inside the Serpintine Gallery. The boys wanted to explore the space. The art exhibit was really cool as well. I loved seeing that it was nature themed. The boys did a really good job at not touching anything.

We then said goodbye to Amanda as she headed off to pick up Reed from school. We had one more adventure planned yet! So we parked our bike and made a small walk to Kensington Palace. Along the way we had the funnest time playing together.

We finally made it to the gardens of Kensington Palace. The tunnel was in full bloom since last time we came. It was so beautiful and shaded. The light that came through the leaves made it look like there were starts on the ground. I could sit here all day.

Once we were inside we grabbed some audio tour guide for kids. James loves playing the games on this. We first walked through Queen Victoria’s childhood rooms. The boys love being in the toy room and taking all the toys out. I let them take it all at their pace.

One of their favourite rooms is the small ballroom where Queen Victoria hosted her 16th birthday. There are little figures on the top of candle posts and they love following them around. I also loved seeing the oldest surviving dress they have from Victoria’s childhood. It is the same one use in the painting behind it.

James and George had a good at playing king at the table Queen Victoria would meet with the government leaders. I love being in this palace. Growing up I loved everything about Queen Victoria and watched all the documentaries and films. It feels surreal standing here.

We the went up to the King’s Apartments. I love the staircase leading up. The boys insist on the lift but I convinced them to take the scenic route. In these rooms is where James really gets into his audio guide game. He loves it. WE sat around in the game room for a bit and played cards.

These rooms are so grand and beautiful. But they sure are hot. I don’t know how the monarchs survived in these palaces in their massive dresses. The apartment’s then led to the special exhibit called dress codes. James was excited to explore it.

There were loads of outfits that Princess Diana wore. But also, dresses from every monarch. It was so cool to be so up close to their dresses. I loved seeing the detailing on the different outfits. So much work was put into these dresses.

It was nearly 5pm so it was time to go home. The boys were ready to see their dad again. I am trying to give Matt time on his own while he is on garden leave primarily so he can work on side projects. This is a time he’ll never have again. He spends most of his time with us but when I have a meet up with a friend there is no reason for him to stick around.

Back at home we had dinner and then playtime until it was time for bed. The boys were so exhausted. They were so quiet all evening. I love seeing the result of a full day. You can see they are so content. When it was time we snuggled up into bed.

Saturday 28/6

We were planning on taking the train that morning but we looked at the commute and saw some cancellations. So we thought we could just cycle to Canary Wharf. Yup. A 90 minute cycle! We thought why not? It was a long cycle but it was nice to chat to each other. The boys took their yotos so they were happy too.

We made it just a bit after the film started. We come here every year once in the summer while they do their outdoor cinema. The boys love being here. The film they were showing was Wallace & Gomit. I am not a big fan of claymation but this film was so good! It’s so British haha!

After the film ended we loaded back on the bike and cycled to Wandsworth. It was an hour cycle there and this time there was a bit more sun… So we got a bit sunburnt. We made it to the Wandsworth chapel just a bit after it started. The food was ready and the sun was out. The boys ran over to the bouncy castle.

Honestly it was the best stake activity we have been too. We loved every second and wished it had been longer. It was so good to see the boys having so much fun with bouncing and face painting. I loved chatting with friends and making some new ones. It was the best! I love our stake. When it was time to leave we got back on the bike. It was another hour home. My bum was so tired of sitting on a bike seat all day. At home we got ready for bed and snuggled up.

Sunday 29/6

We got ready as soon as we could but we still made it late to Sacrament. The only empty pew was the first one so that is where we sat. James brought his Minecraft blocks which kept him busy. George packed his dinosaurs and was happy playing through all the talks.

The last speaker was Elder Cook. Apparently he was just passing through with his family on holiday. It was so sweet to hear from him. Afterwards the boys went over to shake his hand. This is the second time we’ve seen him in person. It was very special.

It was Matt’s first Sunday teaching the visitor Sunday School class. While he did that I took over with George and stayed with him in nursery. He had a lovely time with his friends there. I see why he still wants someone around and the primary is always in need of an extra hand in nursery so I am happy to help.

Once church was over I headed to choir practice. We are singing a beautiful song called The Lord Bless You. James and George happily played until it was over. I love being in choir mostly because I get extra time with my friend Monica. We stay and chat for ages. She is like a sister to me and today we were matching! I love her so much.

We then headed home. The boys wanted to play and play so I called my mum. We spoke for ages. I miss her so much. Then it was time to make dinner. I made the famous Stobbs pasta that Matt makes. Then once we ate I had a video call with my friend Larlee who has recently moved back to Connecticut. Max was missing James so they had a bit of time to talk and laugh. It was nice catching up with Larlee too. I miss her like crazy. After that we ended the night with snuggles. It is getting so hot now. I hope we survive next week!