Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II {London, England}

We feel so fortunate to have been in London for "The Great British Summer" as it was commonly called.  With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, there was certainly a lot of excitement in the air.  The entire city was all decked out for the celebrations, and favorite sights of mine included the Union Jack flags at Covent Garden and on Oxford Street, Union Jack flower beds at Regent's Park, and bunting everywhere! 

The final day of of the Jubilee procession was rather rainy, but it didn't stop the celebrations. Our little family had a tea party in the morning (with chamomile lavender tea for the adults and hot cocoa for the kids), we went out in the rain to see the flyover, and then I joined ladies from my church at the Hyde Park Chapel in South Kensington for afternoon tea where I had at least 17 helpings of one of my favorite British desserts: Eton Mess.  It was a fabulous day.

Below you'll see a smattering of images from around the city near the time of the Diamond Jubilee.  I am a huge fan of the Union Jack. I love the story of its creation (patron saint flags for England, Scotland, and Ireland all overlaid. Poor Wales isn't represented), and the design is just so grand. I adore it.

 

 

 

The Cotswolds {Gloucestershire, England}

The Cotswolds. Nothing I could say would have the slightest hope of conveying the charm and beauty of this incredible part of England. With the timber-framed cottages with thatched roofs, the charming stone high streets, wibbly-wobbly rooflines, the fields of sheep, the charming gardens filled with English peonies and roses, it's almost too much to take in.  It almost feels like you step back in time when you are there.

If you ever find yourself in London (which people often do), take a day trip to the Cotswolds and stay at least one night. I've said it several times before, but London is not England.  This is England.  The Cotswolds are amazing.  You'll want to stay for at least a week once you're there, but a full day will allow you to explore some of the quaintest, most charming little towns you'll ever see.  These pictures were taken just a few days before Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, and the Union Jack bunting and festive decor made these Cotswolds villages all the more charming.

Below you'll see images from some of our favorite places that are not to be missed: Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper and Lower Slaughter (aka the Slaughters), and Chipping Campden.  

Ah, England. How I miss you.

*The first picture is for my Grandpa. Peonies always remind me of him, and the Cotswolds is one of his favorite places. We visited all of these Cotswold towns with my siblings, parents, and grandparents while Kyle and I were at grad school in Oxford, and it was one of the most magical days I can remember. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 Are you ready to jump on a plane yet?