This spring, for the first time, my two boys had separate weeks off school, so I decided to take them on individual one-on-one trips: Toby and I visited family in San Francisco, while Anton and I were excited to meet our English relatives, including his cherished cousin Jimmy. Here are some photos, if you’d like to have a look…
We kicked off in London, a city I haven’t spent much time in even though we’ve been to Cornwall so often (we typically just catch the train straight there). We were eager to discover it.
We really lucked out with the weather — the sun came out nearly every day! — and wandered around a lot with my brother Nick, my best friend Gemma, and my long-time pal Colby (above), all of whom live there. (Btw, in America, my hand gesture isn’t considered offensive, but I forgot it is in Europe! Gahh!)
My top cultural wish to the group was that we visit the National Portrait Gallery — how beautiful is this gallery wall?
We viewed a showing of Lucien Freud’s paintings. Were you aware he was the grandson of Sigmund Freud? So, an early nepobaby, but his creations were stunning and appeared so vibrant.
My English cousin’s boy, Jimmy — whom we refer to as Anton’s cousin, even though I think they’re technically second cousins? — spent the week with us, and before long…
…the boys created a secret hand shake and a secondary language of private jokes. We’ve always lived quite far from family, and it fills me with SO MUCH JOY to see them dive back into their friendship.
As one of the best parts of trips is doing pretty much nothing, one evening, after having dinner at the tasty Speedboat Bar, we turned on The Fugitive. (This Lindy West recap never fails to make me laugh.) It’s a really entertaining film to watch with teens, if you’re in search of one!
Next, we drove to the seaside town, where my aunt Janey and cousin Olivia reside. To get to my aunt’s place, you have to casually DRIVE THROUGH A FORD, which the boys adored.
How stylish is my aunt Janey, btw, in her babaà sweater and track pants??
We also visited my cousin’s house for olives, chips, and onion dip…
…and we snuggled outside under blankets…
…and my cousin prepared the most delicious roast potatoes.
Finally, we went to Cornwall, where my aunt Lulu resides (and where my grandparents lived, before her). This, above, is the view when you first step into the village — it takes my breath away every time!
The boys rode the suitcases down the path…
…until we reached our favorite spot in the world. xoxo
Soon the boys were leaping into the chilly harbor…
…as I cheered them on while munching roast chicken crisps.
We added our latest heights to the height wall (I hadn’t grown)…
…gave cuddles to Lulu’s dog…
…and ate numerous pieces of toast with every meal.
We usually remain in Lulu’s village for our entire trip, but we chose to take a brief trip to Glendurgan Garden, where the previous owners constructed a hedge maze for their 12 children. How impressive is that? “I thought this might be the worst,” Jimmy told me, “But it’s like actual heaven.”
Eventually, it was time to return home. We always feel so blessed to visit and a bit heartbroken to go. Don’t forget about us, England! We adore you and will come back. xoxoxo
P.S. Our England trips with the boys at different ages, and Lulu’s beauty uniform.
(Rainbow photo by my dad!)
