The ABC’s of England with Gracee

A is for Airplane

As we landed at SeaTac, returning home from a “once in a lifetime” trip, completing a long nine hour flight, Gracee turns to us and says “more – more – airplane”. Gracee surpassed all travel expectations! Preparation and patience were key as I anticipated our first flight as a family. In the end – stickers, snacks, and Elmo books on the in-flight entertainment, were all she needed if she wasn’t sleeping. (Jump to “I” hear more specifics about in-flight details).

B is for Bathrooms

Not the most glamorous subject but definitely worth talking about. First, creativity is a must when changing a toddler in an airplane bathroom, but was a good change of scenery from our seats, giving us 5 minutes of different entertainment (if you’ve traveled with a toddler, you know exactly what I’m talking about). Also, discovered that kiddos may be allowed in pubs, but that doesn’t mean the pub is required to have a changing table.

C is for Caroline

Nana Caroline is Grandad’s mum who is a remarkably beautiful 102 years old and is as sharp as a tack. We were so blessed  to spend some time with her and give Gracee the opportunity to meet her Great-Great- Grandma. Crazy right?! Who do you know that has met their Great-Great- Grandma? Nana Caroline is so very wise and moments with her are an absolute treasure. I remember my first time I met Nana Caroline was at a vow renewal party for Justin and I on our honeymoon. And she took a moment to share with me her best relationship advice – “It’s not always just about the love between the two of you, but you have to remember the romance. Love is a great foundation, but romance darling is what keeps things interesting.” So true!

This time as we said our goodbyes, Nana Caroline held my cheeks and told me, “Enjoy the moments darling. In a blink of an eye time will have flown by and it goes by so fast. Make sure you enjoy her (Gracee).” When Nana Caroline speaks, you listen; and in the midst of a whirlwind trip, these were the exact words I needed to hear. These are moments we will never forget. Like the moment when we walked into Nana Caroline’s nursing home and there was a live band there celebrating the October birthdays. Ironically, they were playing the best sing-a-long tune – “Sweet Caroline” (I cannot make this up) and our tiny dancer couldn’t get enough. She kept running back to the banquet room wanting to hear “more-more-music”. I will never forget the image of Gracee dancing to “Sweet Caroline” as we visited the sweetest of Carolines. ♥

D is for Decor

Nana and Grandad’s home has decor in every corner. It is wonderful to walk around with Nana as she tells the stories behind each piece on display, but this also came as a concern upon arrival because most of the decor is breakable and Gracee is one curious little toddler. Although, Justin and I were so surprised how she quickly learned between what was okay for her to play with and what was off limits. She knew Nana had her “pretties” and Gracee had her toys.

E is for England

…duh.

F is for Family

Both near and far. This trip had one big theme and that was family. It was our first trip as a family, to be with family and Gracee Rae’s first time meeting family from England.

G is for Grandad

The man, the myth, the legend! There is never a dull moment with Grandad. He knows how to make everyone around him smile and has a genuine heart for all those he meets!

H is for Horses

There are two horses that live in the pasture next to Rose Hill (Nana and Grandad’s property), that runs along side their driveway. Most mornings (weather permitting) we would take a walk through Nana’s garden out to the horses and quickly the horses got a new nickname from Gracee – the “Nay Nays”.  In fact, the first morning we were there Gracee and I walked right up to the Nay Nays’ fence and one came right over to us (I think expecting a treat). Gracee was a little nervous, but so excited that the Nay Nay was so close. From that point they were friends and daily visits were a must.

I is for In-Flight

Our in-flight amenities made the 9-hour trip with a toddler not only bearable but comfortable. Thankfully we made the decision to be in Premium Business Class knowing it was a long trip, my husband has long legs and my Gracee girl has a short attention span. The meals were the best airplane food we have had. For example on our way home there was a meal or snack ready for us every two-hours. Justin was a big fan of his beef dinner on the way there and I loved the “Twister” popsicle on our way home, it was a sweet surprise! And Gracee? She loved that there were 5 digital Elmo books on the in-flight entertainment screen that she could continually click through.

J is for Jet Lag

Gracee was a champ and led the way for getting right on schedule. We arrived at 7:30am UK time (11:30pm our time), which could have set us up for an interesting adjustment. Instead, Gracee slept most of the flight to London and was so excited to see everyone, she stayed up until her normal nap time…poof right on schedule. Justin and I made sure to follow her example and took advantage of as many of her nap times as our nap times, so we were all on the same page!

K is for Kitchen

The heart of the home. We found ourselves spending lots of time in the kitchen. We would visit with Nana as she prepared scrumptious home-cooked meals and a beautiful evening with close family and friends with the most delicious treats! We giggled at Gracee as she would sweep right a long side of Nana with her own dustpan “shovel”. In the mornings, Gracee and I would sneak to the kitchen for blueberries, before everyone woke up. Or you could always count on a hot pot of coffee and a beautiful rose mug, ready and waiting for you in Nana’s Kitchen.

L is for Love (always)

Love that we had this opportunity. Love the family we got to spend genuine time with. Love the Seahawks. Love the crisp fall weather with the sun on your face. Love watching Gracee get to experience small things to us that were huge in her eyes. Love adventures with my little Peterson party of 3.

M is for Mick

Mick is one of Nana and Grandad’s friends, who so kindly drove us to and from the Seahawks game. We got to know Mick as we traveled to Wembley, learning about his coffee shops and taxi businesses, then were able to enjoy his company at the party the next evening. What makes Mick so memorable (besides his friendly demeanor), was at the party we introduced him to Gracee. She instantly and so proudly said “ELLO MICK!” as if she had picked up her own British accent (Jump to “T” to find out how he became “Choo Choo Mick”).

N is for Nana

Nana is one of the most thoughtful and caring person I know. I am so happy that Gracee Rae got to have some time with Nana as the two bonded over their love for sweeping and stuffed animals that sing. I love my time with Nana as she shares her many stories/experiences and her extensive knowledge for being the best hostess.

O is for Oakland Raiders

Three words…Sorry, not sorry! Oh wait, two more…GO HAWKS!

P is for Pubs

George IV Pub in Nana and Grandad’s neighborhood was Gracee’s first-ever pub experience. She did her mama and dada proud by leaving passed out over mama’s shoulder. This was probably one of Gracee’s favorite meals though. We ordered her the kids sausage with potato wedges and broccoli (her favorites) and she ate the whole meal, which is probably why she fell asleep so quick.

The Torch was located near Wembley and where we stopped as we made our way to the stadium for the game. Grandad instantly made friends (very typical) who were from Kirkland, WA and the UK. It was a group of business associates, who normally get together once or twice a year and knew the game would be a great reason for the trip. They were playing a game called “Spoof”. Each person has 1 to 3 coins in their hand, as they held their fist out in the middle, everyone goes around and guesses what the total amount of coins will be when the group reveals how many each person are holding. (For example- there are 5 people playing, so the possible total amount of coins could be anywhere between 1-15.)  The one who was closest to the total number wins and is out of the game.  You do not want to be the last person standing, because that means you are buying the group the next round! It ended up that our new group of friends were in the section above us at the game, so we made sure to meet with them at halftime to “Cheers” as the Seahawks headed towards a victory.

The Sword Inn Hand was a quaint pub and B&B in Hertfordshire. We spent our last evening there and it was a great place to cap the trip. Justin found his favorite Spanish beer on tap (Sam Miguel) and I had the most delicious melt-in-your-mouth cut of lamb with pureed potatoes and pesto. It was a wonderful meal, with wonderful people, completing a wonderful trip.

Q is for Quick

Wow…what a trip! After all the preparation and anticipation the trip went by way to quick!! Trips like this definitely require two weeks, but being that this was our first family trip, it was a good test run.

R is for Rose Hill

Nana and Grandad’s estate. Rose Hill is where we spent most of our trip and there is no where we would have rather been. Justin has many memories growing up visiting Rose Hill, which made it even more fun to watch Gracee create her own. Moments in Nana’s heart-shaped rose garden, sipping a warm cup of coffee in the chilly conservatory surrounded by an open view to the fall foliage, taking Gracee to the same spot where Justin and I renewed our vows – Rose Hill already holds so many memories for us, it makes me excited to create more!

S is for Seattle Seahawks

…for the win! Yes, they were the initial reason we began discussing making the trip to England and being that there is family there too was the best added bonus. Justin and I always said if the Seahawks play in England we will be there, and we were! The Seahawks came to play and made it one of the best games of the season so far! In fact…maybe we should play in England more often. 😉

T is for Train

We visited Mick’s coffee shop at the train station and Gracee got to watch a handful of trains come in and out of the station. We are on a big Thomas the Train “Choo Choo Tommy” kick right now, so for her to see them up close – it made her whole trip!  In fact, Mick became known as “Choo Choo Mick.” Thankfully, we were able to find a “Choo Choo Tommy” book with the noise buttons for our trip home and it made for a perfect souvenir, because the Choo Choo’s were definitely a highlight for Gracee.

U is for Uncle Larry & Aunt Tara

Uncle Larry and Aunt Tara made the trip from Portland to go to the game and celebrate their anniversary. We were so happy to have the opportunity to spend quality time with them! Normally we see each other for quick visits during the holidays or weekend trips, so it was awesome to create memories with them in England. Gracee had the opportunity to play with “Auntie Tar Tar” while Uncle Larry and us went to cheer on the Seahawks (Thank you Nana and Aunt Tara for taking such great care of Gracee). Just another reminder of how blessed we are to be surrounded by the best family!

V is for Van Hage

My favorite store! It’s a garden center that is only 2 minutes from Nana and Grandad’s. It’s not just your normal garden center, it also has elements of Hobby Lobby, Homegoods, Bath & Body Works, and Panera all in one! We had one day with nothing planned and this was definitely where I wanted to visit. When we arrived I was surprised to find that they were already all set for Christmas, with a giant reindeer (Gracee also thought this was a Nay Nay) out front! I could have spent my whole day there, but I would have returned broke with nothing in my suitcase except for home decor.

W is for Wembley Stadium

Made for a once in a lifetime experience to watch my favorite team, on the other side of the world, with fans from all over the world, in a world renowned setting!

XYZ… its not just about the places you go, but about the people you see, and the people definitely made our trip! Family, friends (old and new), and Seahawks – what else could you ask for?!