Happy happy Thursday, friends!
This time last week, our kids were wrapping up their last school day before our Fall Break, and then we were heading to…
…the airport for a very special trip to London!
Over the summer, when we were discussing places to go this year on our break, we kept going back to London. Even though Andrew and I went twice just last year and my three bigs had all been there before, it truly is our favorite international city, and now that the kids are older, we wanted to do it again.
We planned, booked and headed out last Thursday late afternoon…
…I just love this guy so much. We’re about to celebrate 20 years of marriage and let me tell you, he is my favorite travel partner. He’s my favorite everything.
So…fast forward severalllll hours, and the Shull six landed around 7:00 AM in London, went through customs, grabbed our bags and headed to our car service to take us into the city. We all had made an effort to sleep on the flight,and even though we weren’t super well rested, we had a full day ahead of us to enjoy.
We loved staying at The Landmark so much last October with the Slaughters, that we decided to stay there again this year too.
We had two rooms for our family of six…
…so we checked in, everyone showered and changed clothes…
…and we headed to the hotel restaurant for a little pick me up before walking to lunch…
…yes, please!
This hotel is seriously exceptional. It’s gorgeous!
After some coffee and a minute to get our plan together, we headed to lunch at…
…The Globe 🙂 .
Andrew and I love pub food. Love it. We often split a beef and ale pie and fish and chips. It’s the perfect lunch! We knew to walk to this lunch spot because they have gluten-free options. We research this in advance as much as we can.
After we were fueled, it was time to head over and see…
…Buckingham Palace! Awwwwww! We always love stopping and saying hello to King Charles.
Listen, half of their eyes are closed, but geez, I love them. This trip made me miss our time together on Nantucket so much. I just LOVE having my little family all together.
After we saw the palace, we took a nice walk…
…over to…
…Harrods 🙂 . We basically decided we should eat our way through London this year, so visiting their Food Hall is a must…
…our family bought everything from macarons to sushi for a snack.
Love them.
And them! The name of this game today was eat, walk, enjoy the beautiful weather and don’t sit long enough to fall asleep.
After a full day of walking (my kids love popping in the parks), we went back to our hotel, freshened up and headed to…
…our dinner right by the London Eye!
The views right outside this restaurant were phenomenal!
Dinner at Gillray’s was delicious! We all loved every single thing we ordered.
Give me a great British burger with fries and some sort of amazing bacon jam, and I’m such a happy girl.
London, you are beautiful at night.
…we had a great first day!
Now, don’t forget, if you want to check out…
…our Fall Break on Nantucket last year, you can HERE.
Or, if you want to check out…
…our trip to London with the Slaughters to see our favorite official do his thing last October, you can HERE.
You guys know how much I love my travel agency. We are women that LOVE to travel and LOVE to send others on vacations too. We would love to help you with your next vacation. Whether you want to head to London or Paris or Walt Disney World or maybe a cruise or Hawaii or Mexico or Toyoko or Sydney…we want to help! Please reach out to us today, so that we can connect with you.
In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
What a fun start to your trip! Looking forward to reading more!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kara says
Looks like the perfect vacation! What is you favorite time of year to visit London?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve never been and not loved it, but going in the fall is wonderful…and when we went in January, it was extra magical too. Lower crowds, bundle up weather…it was wonderful in the winter.
Paige E says
I absolutely love these posts! We don’t get to travel, so “visiting” different cities and places through your blog posts are delightful!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much! xx
Meghan Webb says
This makes me want to go to London!
Melissa says
Curious how you were able to check into your room so early in the morning – did the hotel grant you an early check-in ahead of time? We always struggle with that!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s one of the things we always try to help our clients with when planning vacations abroad. We would love to help you with your next trip!
Kara says
Shay has mentioned before that they pay for a night before they actually arrive to ensure early check in. I think it is a great idea if you have the funds. Not sure if that is what they did this time, but I know she has mentioned it.
Mix and Match Mama says
That is certainly one of several ways to do it!
Nik says
Great pictures! Thinking about planning a trip (Boston to Ireland) and can’t decide if it’s worth it to get my 3 kids business class seats. Thoughts?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think that’s really up to you and your family. I have clients who find value in it and other clients that do not based on their kids’ personalities/sizes/etc. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. I always think traveling for kids is bonus enough no matter where they sit on the airplane.
Jenny Byrd says
Hey Shay! I filled out a questionnaire several weeks ago with your travel agency and never heard back:(
Mix and Match Mama says
I just looked using this email and didn’t see any inquiries from you. I’m not sure what email you used, but if you email me directly, I’d love to help! mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com
Thank YOU!
Debbie says
I can’t say enough good things about the Landmark! Fabulous hotel! My family has stayed there on two different trips, and I can’t see us staying anywhere else in London! In May we had their tea service. It was delicious, beautiful, and well-served.
Kay says
I’m in beautiful Rhode Island right now celebrating my 20th anniversary! (Though we’ve known each other since middle school). Happy almost 20th to you too!
Tasha says
Hi Shay! Do you make a daily itinerary for your trips? And if so, what do you use (notes app, google doc, excel spreadsheet, something else)?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do! It’s part of the travel agency itinerary we give each of our clients. It’s both digital or can be printed.
Kristin says
London is my absolute favorite….now I’m pretty sure that has something to do with getting engaged at the top of the London Eye at sunset but besides that I can’t wait to go back. I think if I could I would live there
Bronte Reed says
I’m curious to know if you all fly business, premium economy, or regular economy when traveling? Obviously you have more chance to rest in business class but not sure if it’s worth the extra cost? Especially with a larger family? Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
We fly a variety depending on the destination. On this particular trip, Andrew and I flew business and the kids flew economy. It really does vary from trip to trip.
Tara says
You leave your 4 kids in another part of the plane? I have kids similar ages and can’t image not sitting with them especially if there was an emergency. Also, kids sitting alone and possible predators and a long overnight flight is a scary thought.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yeah, sometimes I totally do. My kids are old enough and quite capable to sit a few rows behind me.
Bronte Reed says
Thanks! I’ve been the kid in economy with my mom in business before!
Nades says
I have a teen son and 2 teen daughters. How did you do the sleeping arrangements? Were all 4 kids in one room with 2 beds? Sleeping arrangements are always a struggle when we travel.
Mix and Match Mama says
It varies with each trip, but on this one, Smith got to have his own bed which he loved. Kensington and Mades almost always sleep together when we vacation.
Maria says
Where was Mades? In with you and Andrew?
Mix and Match Mama says
What do you mean? Where did she sleep? She slept in my room with the girls (in K’s bed).
Maria says
I meant Ashby. Did all 3 girls sleep in one bed?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, we had two rooms and four beds. Ashby slept in a bed by herself.
Sheaffer says
HOLD UP. That picture was just from last year? Smith looks like a totally different human being!!!! So many changes!
Anna says
We were in London the exact days that you were (I was following along on your Instagram) and missed you by just a few hours at some places. It is hands down my favorite city and we have been a number of times in the last few years – this time we spent a day in Greenwich and we loved it! A great place to spend a day with kids or empty nesters like us – great new discovery. Also – thank you for recommending Berners Tavern a few years (?) ago – it has become our favorite London restaurant! We were in London to see the Bills game this time and NFL Commish. Roger Goodell was at the next table over from us at Berners Sat night – a fun sighting. I appreciate how you detail your trips – I always get good ideas – thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish I would have met you!! Wasn’t the weather GOREGOUS?!
Amy says
I’ve already told my husband you are planning our trip to London when we go (hopefully sooner than later!). LOVE these posts. Thanks!