Peter Pan and Beware of Swans

The kids are out of school this week, so yesterday after Gracie took a nap, we took the train in to London.  

Our original plan was to go straight to the science museum, but I agreed with them that it was too pretty not to be outside. 

Kensington Gardens is a 270 acre "Royal Park of London" and open free to the public.  

Kensington Palace requires tickets for admission (and more planning when taking a 3 year old).

It is so large that we didn't even see all the statues, fountains, and bridges. We did see some very intimidating and aggressive wildlife— probably strung-out on enriched white bread scraps.

I took this pic of a swan right before it lunged at me.  As a self-respecting Gilmore Girls fan I should've known to keep a safe distance from swans.

The marker at the intersection of two walkways will clue you in to why Kensington Gardens is special.  Around the flower in the center it says "The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk."

Yes, this is where Diana's Memorial Playground is located.

The teepees are part of the Peter Pan-themed playground in her honor.

Diana was well known as a warm and active mother, and loving to children she met around the world.

I think she would've loved that there was a place created in her honor, simply for the purpose of bringing joy to children.

There was even a pirate ship in sand to play in.  This is a photo from their website.

This is what the pirate ship looked like while we were there -- you can tell that it was Half-Term holiday!

Next to the pirate ship -- again, in sand -- was an area with stone "islands" and water.

Not really the best surprise for me as a mom who came in to the city on an Autumn day with no extra clothes and places to go afterward.  

But what fun is childhood if you can't smear wet green swan/duck/bird poop on your dress and socks get a little dirty and then wear it out in public with no shame?

At least I had some wipes and a pull-up-turned-wash-cloth with me...

J won the "clean" award bc he never even took off his boots.

Or his jaunty little cap, for that matter.

We had a really fun time at Princess Diana's playground and definitely have to go back to Kensington Gardens. 

 On our way to the science museum, I saw this on one end of the park (I don't know what it is but it was big and beautiful from afar), and we never even toured Diana's flower garden.

When I have great days out with my three dirty little blessings, I don't want them to grow up.

Maybe Peter Pan was on to something.