The Medleys: Sunday Summer Picnics

One thing I have discovered that I love about London is how relaxed it gets when it warms up. There is not a lot of air conditioning to be found and suddenly in a land where personal style seems to be as important to some as brushing their teeth something wonderful happens. All of the black, layers and perfectly styled from head to toe city types are replaced by light colored, flowing, fresh faced beach hair relaxed types. It makes everyday feel like Summer holiday and the heat slows almost everyone’s walking pace. There is less bustle and less pushing but, admittedly, more B.O. on public transport. The other side effect of this is people throng to public gardens. It is wonderful to see hundreds of people resting on the grounds of Kensington palace.

Our church has some green space outside of it with lots of shade and several benches. One of our favorite things to do on Sunday has become having a picnics after the service. We still haven’t adjusted to the lack of air conditioned spaces and our house gets really hot during the midday. It is just nicer to be outside and I am not complaining for the excuse. It takes some planning and a lot of equipment but it is totally worth it to just sprawl out on the ground for a few hours. I go out and set up while Trey goes to the store to get sandwiches , fruit, chips and carrots and hummus.

Ellie and Tate can be occupied for hours just laying around looking at the trees, birds and sky.

It is a special time where we are completely away from distractions. No T.V., no computer, no work, no people asking us questions about London or the house.

The babies are especially loving to practice rolling over outside.

It is so fun to see them want to get to something or interact with someone and just flip over and try to swim away. Tate loves to be left alone on the blanket where he can see us but he feels like he has all the space in the world.