Our very crazy weekend-and-a-bit adventure to the UK is coming to an end — I’m currently writing this as we are flying over Gloucester. So many trains, so many platforms, and a lot of Arsenal fans. But we made it up to Sheffield just fine, somehow managing to reach every train as it was about to depart, and Maeryn did a lot of dancing at the wedding reception. The way back felt more of a rush; Mum & Dad going to epic lengths to get us to the train on time, only for us to arrive and discover that the train was a few steps beyond standing room only. We had to hop platform and wait a little while longer, which at least allowed us to get lunch. The next train was a little less packed, though I did share my seat with a 4-pack of Stella, one of which had mostly emptied out on the seat next to me. So if anybody on the 12:35 from Sheffield to London was annoyed because I took up two seats, I swear I was actually doing you a favour.

We met up with every single Arsenal fan when we hit the Victoria Line, but eventually, we made it to the hotel and then to the real point of the trip: yes, another visit to the South Bank! This time though, Tammy had scoped out an adventure playground in Jubilee Gardens, where Maeryn demonstrated her new climbing skills and I mostly looked on in horror. Dinner was provided by Waitrose and perhaps the most expensive hotdog we’ve ever bought (£10 in front of the Royal Festival Hall!), but Maeryn ate the entire thing. Meanwhile, she’s sat next me eating a packet of Waitrose marshmallows like a very proper girl. Stuffing them into her face, mainly.

A very short visit, but a good warmup for Christmas, where we’ll be home for a much longer period of time, and we’ll see even more cousins!