Fit for a Queen.
What started out as a nice family vacation to London, England grew into one of the most amazing events in our life to date. Kevin was going to London on business and we've come to learn that it's an inexpensive way for me to travel with him, which let's us both see the world together. This trip was special because it was dedicated as being our first major family trip. Madison had never been across the pond, so what a great early Christmas present to all of us was to visit the Queen for tea.
The trip was short, but worth the haul. We were there for 5 days in total. The weather was cooperative for the most part, and Madison learned very quickly that it's best if she carries her umbrella, as the weather there is completely unpredictable. We found a nice local by our hotel, and fell in love with Doombar ale, and traditional fish and chips.
The proposal came on Sunday evening, December 6th, 2009. We had spent a lovely day walking around Covent Garden, riding the tube just about everywhere and spending a fun filled afternoon at Harrod's. Kevin had been suggesting different touristy things to do all day, and each time I said I wasn't interested, he moved onto the next suggestion completely determined. Little did I know he was looking for the perfect place to propose.
After we visited Harrod's and warmed up with a peppermint latte from Starbucks, Kevin said that Madison can't leave London without seeing one touristy thing. This lead us to Buckinham Palace. We took a doubledecker bus from Harrod's to Greens Park, and walked through the grounds to the Palace. It was dark by this time, and we spent the evening walking through the mist of a light rain, stopping to admire Diana's tribute fountain and having fun with the camera.
We were getting a little chilly and we're ready to find a nice cosy pub to make our home for the next few hours. After Madison got her fill of the Palace, Kevin called us up to the Queen Victoria Memorial Statue. Madison and I were looking over the edge into the water when Kevin leaned over me, gently held my face with his hands and gave me the most beautiful and sweetest kisses I've ever recieved. I thought to myself, well isn't this nice. They gave me butterflies. He pulled his face slowly away from mine and there was his secret smile from ear to ear, just for me. He then said "this place is fit for a Queen"... I smiled, as I love his sense of humour. He then took my hand and said, "and the perfect opportunity to do this." I was looking over the other direction and replied with a "to do what?". Down on one knee he went, and out came the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was seamless, perfectly orchestrated as though he's been practicing for months. His words rang in my ear like Westminster Chimes... "Carolyn Richardson, will you marry me!?". I was shocked. He got me. We had been talking about getting married but I hadn't put it in my headspace as part of our trip to London.
The trip was short, but worth the haul. We were there for 5 days in total. The weather was cooperative for the most part, and Madison learned very quickly that it's best if she carries her umbrella, as the weather there is completely unpredictable. We found a nice local by our hotel, and fell in love with Doombar ale, and traditional fish and chips.
The proposal came on Sunday evening, December 6th, 2009. We had spent a lovely day walking around Covent Garden, riding the tube just about everywhere and spending a fun filled afternoon at Harrod's. Kevin had been suggesting different touristy things to do all day, and each time I said I wasn't interested, he moved onto the next suggestion completely determined. Little did I know he was looking for the perfect place to propose.
After we visited Harrod's and warmed up with a peppermint latte from Starbucks, Kevin said that Madison can't leave London without seeing one touristy thing. This lead us to Buckinham Palace. We took a doubledecker bus from Harrod's to Greens Park, and walked through the grounds to the Palace. It was dark by this time, and we spent the evening walking through the mist of a light rain, stopping to admire Diana's tribute fountain and having fun with the camera.
We were getting a little chilly and we're ready to find a nice cosy pub to make our home for the next few hours. After Madison got her fill of the Palace, Kevin called us up to the Queen Victoria Memorial Statue. Madison and I were looking over the edge into the water when Kevin leaned over me, gently held my face with his hands and gave me the most beautiful and sweetest kisses I've ever recieved. I thought to myself, well isn't this nice. They gave me butterflies. He pulled his face slowly away from mine and there was his secret smile from ear to ear, just for me. He then said "this place is fit for a Queen"... I smiled, as I love his sense of humour. He then took my hand and said, "and the perfect opportunity to do this." I was looking over the other direction and replied with a "to do what?". Down on one knee he went, and out came the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was seamless, perfectly orchestrated as though he's been practicing for months. His words rang in my ear like Westminster Chimes... "Carolyn Richardson, will you marry me!?". I was shocked. He got me. We had been talking about getting married but I hadn't put it in my headspace as part of our trip to London.
Title.
Magical things happen in London
I smiled just about instantly, and started to giggle like a school girl. This boy really loves me! was the childlike feeling. Almost euphoric. He pulled off my glove and slid the ring onto my finger. I was speechless, and nodding yes, yes, YES! Madison had no idea and we could see her mind trying to make sense of what was going on. I then said "YES" and gave him a huge hug. The tears flowed naturally as thought they've been there all along and knew what was going to happen today. Madison then shouted "OMG Are you going to be my mom!!??" I said yes, and she pushed her way in between our hug. She was so excited. I couldn't have asked for a better reaction. She's a great girl, and I look forward to being a role model for her.
Once the dust had settled, we were on a high. All three of us could not get enough of each other. Madison was holding our hands for the rest of the night, and hanging off Kevin like a jungle gym. I asked her over dinner if she'd like to be a junior bridesmaid. She was taken back by my request, and graciously accepted.
Dinner and drinks were had at the Princess of Wales Pub off Trafalgar Square. 2 Pints of London Pride and an orange juice for the little lady. As the night wore on, the tears were intermittant and always full of joy. That night we snuggled into each other, with Madison cosy in her bed with bunny, took 3 deep breaths together and fell asleep. This was the beginning of our 35th lifetime together. And I can't wait.
Once the dust had settled, we were on a high. All three of us could not get enough of each other. Madison was holding our hands for the rest of the night, and hanging off Kevin like a jungle gym. I asked her over dinner if she'd like to be a junior bridesmaid. She was taken back by my request, and graciously accepted.
Dinner and drinks were had at the Princess of Wales Pub off Trafalgar Square. 2 Pints of London Pride and an orange juice for the little lady. As the night wore on, the tears were intermittant and always full of joy. That night we snuggled into each other, with Madison cosy in her bed with bunny, took 3 deep breaths together and fell asleep. This was the beginning of our 35th lifetime together. And I can't wait.
Madison showed her excitement for me and her dad.
