Girls weekend in London

The weekend after we went to Köln, I went to London with some girlfriends. After being in France for almost a whole year, stepping off the train in London was like a breath of fresh air - I could read signs and not have to translate, listen to other peoples conversations, ask someone a question and not think of how to say it in French - it was great! One of our friends that lived in Strasbourg last year, moved to the UK last summer, so it was a fun weekend to connect with her again. We had so much fun walking around, going out to eat, sightseeing and shopping.

My first purchase was an umbrella. Thankfully it only rained on Friday and the next 2 days were sunny.

We made the trip to the Boden store, however it was pretty disappointing. 

Walking along the Portobello Road Market - so many fun stores! Had to make a stop in the hummingbird bakery. I had the best cupcake ever!

Notting Hill is adorable!

Taking a black cab to see Jersey Boys.

On the last morning, we took the signature double decker tour of London. It sounds a bit cheesy, but it was the perfect way to see the city knowing I could sit there for an hour with no children, not have to walk anywhere, but still check the boxes of major sights to see.

After the bus, we had to make a stop for Fish and Chips, a bookstore to buy books in English for the kids, and then back to the train station to get the train back to Strasbourg. It was such a great weekend!

Köln, Germany

France has 4 bank holidays in May, so it ended up being a big travel month for us. I had this trip booked months ago when I was trying to be organized and write all of the holidays in the calendar. When we actually got to the weekend, I think we would have all rather spent the weekend at home, but we went anyways.

One thing Germany is great for is kid friendly restaurants. Outside beer gardens are fantastic for taking kids! There are things for them to look at, kid-friendly food, they can be kids and no one cares. France, on the other hand, is very difficult to take kids out to dinner. The restaurants don't open until 8 at night, French meals last at least 3 hours and there are hardly ever any highchairs or changing tables. So, anytime we can sit outside in a beer garden in Germany and enjoy a meal out with our kids, it is a great time!

The cathedral in Köln was amazing. I think it jumped to the top of the list of European cathedrals we have visited. It was hit by 15 bombs in WWII, but stayed standing.  

140 foot tall ceilings inside.

We don't do a whole lot of museums on vacations. It is a struggle to take the kids into them and to be honest, Ken and I aren't all that into them either! We did decide to make a stop at the Chocolate Museum on Köln. I could get into that!

We all made our own chocolate bars. Not surprising that mine is the first one gone!

Loving their chocolate bars!

Ava was having a "hard time" when we visited the cathedral in the morning and she refused any pictures. In the afternoon, she was in a much better mood!

A fun little spot along the river.

Such a tired boy!

She loves German sausage!