London Calling

I just returned from London, after a wonderful week! In short, I babysat for great kids, and spent time with my awesome aunt. In more detail, I explored nearly every playground in London, discovered the best chocolate in the world (Candy Buttons), and came home with a beautiful new dress from the same shop where Kate Middleton purchased her engagement dress!

I arrived late in the evening, and Anne picked me up at Paddington Station. It's an interesting feeling to arrive somewhere without a working cell phone. Half of me loved being totally disconnected, and half of me felt really out of control. We went home to Anne's and stayed up all night talking!   

I babysat all day, every other day that week. Highlights included the duck tour, swimming at The Harbour Club, and riding Holland Playground's zip line. I was really blessed to be working with a family I'm very close to in New York. They treat me like part of the family, and do things like insisting I order a glass of wine with lunch. It doesn't get much better than that, folks! The kids all 3 have their own, fun personality, and I got to know them even better in London. Some of my favorite quotes:                                                                                                                           "Emily, I'm going to barbecue your bottom like a basket of boneless chicken wings." -4 year old who was not happy that I told him it was time to clean up.

My man, Henry and me!

Mr. and Mrs. Personality

Little Ruby

"This brush blew over from Buckingham Palace. The queen uses it to clean her horses." -6 year old referring to the scrub brush she found on the terrace of her flat.

The greatest family ever!

In addition to babysitting, I had a so much fun  with Anne, Sebastien and Lily. Seb and Lily are perfection in human form. They are such good kids, and truly a pleasure to be around. Whether it was telling jokes at the dinner table, or showing off hip hop moves (Lily has a fierce coffee grinder), we were always laughing.

My wonderful cousins. Love them so much!

We went to see Matilda the Musical on Wednesday night. The show was SO well done! They had choreographed swing sets, the most colorful stage I've ever seen, and a hilarious actor playing Ms. Trunchbull.  I can't wait for the show to open on Broadway in the US because it is truly a masterpiece. After the musical, I thoroughly embarrassed Seb when I hailed a cab NYC style. Apparently they don't scream or run after taxis in London...oops!

With Anne, I also had a delicious dinner at a French restaurant. 

 tried lots of new food and loved all of it! Anne has the most incredible group of friends. After dinner, we went to the Arts Club (most exclusive private members club in London) to celebrate her friend's birthday.  I met a lovely Swedish boy and enjoyed a dance or two. :) 

Anne and me outside The Arts Club

My dinner at Orrery

The next morning, we went and had amazing luxury pedicures at Beauty Works West, and then I was on my own for the afternoon. I navigated the city solo, only taking one cab all day, and went shopping at all the best places! That evening I cooked lasagna (success!)

I found this awesome, pink car on a Mews! I had to get a picture 

Not only was London and absolute blast that hardly felt like work, but it was also a bit of a vacation. I didn't have to balance day jobs with auditions, and run all over Manhattan like a crazy person trying to fit everything in. It was a slower, childlike pace of life, and just what I needed for "Spring Break."