John and Caroline encouraged us to come over for a visit with our 16 month old. Careful what you wish for…
It was the first time to visit London for all of us, and the first international travel for Charlie. We had a smooth trip across the pond on an overnight flight.
A long night and day, but getting close to the Jobe house.
The first order of business was a quick pint at a traditional British pub, which oddly enough also offered delicious Thai food “take away” (carry out).
It was GREAT to spend some more time with Jack. He and Charlie became fast friends. Jack learned how to tickle this week.
We saw lots of London sites and tourist attractions. Getting around town was easy, but we quickly learned that in and out of the Tube and all over the city, there are no ramps.
Jack also met his first (big) dog this week. Our good friends Lanier and Brian Pietras live over in London while Brian attends the London Business School. We’ve known each of them since our Freshman years at the University of Richmond. Like the Jobes, they are old and dear friends (who happened to marry each other), so there were lots of familiar faces on our trip. Jack met Josephine St. Claire, their red-boned coon hound, when they hosted us all for dinner. Baying at the end of a tight leash is how we’ve come to know and love Josephine. We later enjoyed a walk with the Pietras’s through Kensington Gardens on our only sunny day in London.
On more than one occasion Charlie has been accused of a striking resemblance to Winston Churchill, so a visit to the Churchill Museum and War Rooms was a must.
We had a later bout with one of the pelicans that inhabit St. James park. They stand 4 feet tall and have been known to swallow pigeons whole (you read that correctly). They like pigeons and Charlie’s Cherrios. His Dad, using a backpack shield and attempted kick to the head, was able to occupy the great bird long enough for Katherine and Charlie to make a quick get away.
The day’s excitement was far from over. Quite by accident, we stumbled upon the Queen on her way to open Parliament with her annual Queen’s Speech. It was an impressive parade of top military brass and royals. We struck up a long conversation with a lovely British couple who acted as our personal guide to the parade. They could not have been nicer and they have a good story themselves. Their son is Marcus Mumford of the Mumford & Sons band so, thanks for a great time, Mum and Pop Mumford!
We repacked and hopped a train out to Bath, England where we had rented a house for a weekend getaway in the English countryside. The Jolly Jobes at the famous Royal Crescent in Bath.
Jen, Jay, and young Michael Aldridge joined us for the Bath weekend all the way from Wiesbaden, Germany where they have lived for two years. Jen and Jay are also old and dear friends from the University of Richmond who happened to marry each other and who also now have a son and life long buddy for Charlie. This rampless museum of the ancient Roman baths from which Bath gets its name offered baby backpacks.
Seeing, hearing, and speaking no evil while dining out in Bath.
We got Jack a Paddington Bear to commemorate his first time on a train, which left from Paddington Station where the famous lost bear story takes place.
Jack can’t believe these people are back in his flat!
But, now we are off to Paris! Many thanks, John, Caroline, and Jack for such hospitality. We felt right at home!
…and, as we left, Jack and Charlie were sporting matching coats and matching runny noses.
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Awesome post Katherine/Charles! We had the best time with you all in Bath. It was so much fun watching Jack, Charlie and Michael interact. I don’t think I have laughed that hard in a long time. Who knew that baby hugs and but pats could be so entertaining? Enjoy the rest of your trip Hutchens and we will see you soon Jobes!