#andwerehoff London-Oxford-Bath on Annika's Birthday

I couldn't bring myself to get out the iPad to blog yesterday, but I better not get too behind. I think I will remember things, but that is no longer true. #true :)

Yesterday we started early in the fairly heavy rain, and spent more time than we expected at the Tower of London. We got in on a free hour tour with a Beefeater who was informative and hilarious. This has been the royal residence, burial ground, the mint, barracks, stash of weaponry, and execution site (last execution was during WWII). 

This is in front of the White Tower, which is the one most commonly known as the Tower of London. 

To the left is the Chapel Royale (3 queens buried here after their execution, as well as many other important folks like St John Fisher and a Man for All Seasons, St Thomas More. The left four story is the Tower's Doctors home, and the one closer to the chapel is the Chaplain's home. The Beefeaters live surrounding much of the complex. 

We went to the British Museum (think Smithsonian?). We saw lots of cool stuff, but the Rosetta Stone was one of the highlights.

Wicked at night in anticipation of Annika's birthday. Wow! We all love this musical, but especially in a crown that is uninhibited in praise and applause. What a great night. We were cutting it close for transport to get to the Apollo Victoria, but we went to the Apollo instead. Panic! Black Nanny 911 Cab! Made it! 

Tuesday started with a totally gluten free plate of 14 pieces of bacon and a proper cup of tea for Annika. She shared some of the bacon. Annika is a joyful gift to our family. I really am glad she was born.

On our way out of London :(  We took an hour bus ride to Paddington train station, and then an hour train ride to Oxford. 

We didn't have close to enough time for Oxford. Walking down Broad street, we came across this important place. #goodness

Magdalen College in Oxford is where CS Lewis taught, was converted, and wrote many of his books. Here is the walk up to the New Building (1735!) Beautiful gardens. #beautiful

Peter is pointing at the window (and the window to the left) which CS Lewis occupied during his tenure at Magdalen.

The Inklings haunt. 

A night at our new digs. The youth hostel in Bath. No kidding, this is an awesome city. I like this picture, because Joy caught the frisbee mid-air. Our boys are great frisbee throwers.