Planes, Trains and Automobiles... Our Trip to England - Part 1

We just returned home from a two and a half week trip to England with all the kids.  It was a really great trip and since I have so many pictures and memories I want to record here, I will post all about it in parts.

Part one is devoted to transportation.  Traveling to and from and in England was fun, albeit a bit stressful at times.

This trip marked the first plane ride for Jerry and the girls.  They all seemed to enjoy the thrill of taking to the air and somehow we managed to navigate three airports with three little girls, one teenager, 5 backpacks and 5 carry-on suitcases without losing anyone or anything...miraculous!

Once we were in England, Rob picked up our rental car...a manual transmission, diesel, Ford minivan.  We can't seem to escape driving a minivan.  It's just how we roll.  Anyway, it was a great car and Rob did a fantastic job learning to shift with his left hand from the right side of the car on the left side of the road.  Of course, he had a little help from his lovely wife in the passenger seat.  It sounded something like, "Aaagggh!  What are you doing?  You're going to kill us all!".   He really did a pretty darn good job and by the end of our trip, he had mastered the English round-a-bouts...think Chevy Chase in European Vacation..."Look kids.  Big Ben...Look kids.  Big Ben".  You get the idea.

Once we got to London, we had ditched the euro mini-van and purchased passes for the London Underground.  The London Underground System or Tube is fast and fun.  For some reason unknown to me, the Tube enjoys fame that most subway systems don't.  You can purchase all sorts of tube themed souvenirs from dish towels and coffee mugs to tube map underwear.  Just don't forget to "Mind the Gap".

Stay tuned for part 2 of our English adventures..."Fun with the Fam".