it's that time of year again

football season is definitely one of the best parts of the year. Bring it on Utah. Win or lose they still hold my heart 

London day three

Today we went to Kensington palace. It was incredible. I think William and Kate are brilliant and I loved seeing the area they reside in. It was also fascinating to see princess Diana's old dresses that are so iconic. 

We rode on the Thames on a boat and that was really fun to see the old castles up against the new modern architecture. 

We then went out to our hotel near the Gatwick airport and went to the London temple. It was so simple and so beautiful which is what the gospel is. The interior was different than anything I have seen and I absolutely loved it. 

London day 5

This is the day I looked forward to most. I had dreamed about this moment for a long time and it was my turn to finally tour the very place where the Harry Potter films came to life. It was amazing and beautiful and informative and I could have spent the whole day there. We were able to walk into the Great Hall and see up close costumes and tables and dumbeldore's podium.

We also saw so many props. Did you know there are over 500000 props used to make the Harry potter films. they literally had everything.

One of the funniest things we saw was the animatronic voldemort they used in Harry Potter's death scene at kings cross. 

It was absolutely the best thing ever and I am so thrilled I could see it for myself. 

London day 4

Meghan and I were lucky enough to stay in London am extra couple days on our own. Our first stop-King's Cross station and platform 9 3/4. My letter finally came. It was amazing. I loved everything about seeing that. I know some people will think I am crazy because a majority of the things I had planned for London were based on Harry Potter, but I couldn't not go see the thing that affected my life so much whilst so close. We also saw the outside of St. Pancras station which is what they used to film the outside of the station. 

We then visited abbey road which more spectacular than I imagined. I knew it was on a busy street in London but I was surprised at how nice the locals were to stop driving so frequently. We made sure to sign the wall at abbey road studios and leave our mark. 

We journeyed to the theatre district and along the way found the spot where they filmed the ministry if magic. It was on a quiet street and we were able to take as many uninterrupted pictures as we liked. 

Meghan and I went to Matilda as well. British theatre is amazing and I loved that the actors all had the accent. The children of the show were absolutely brilliant. It is hard to believe how talented children are sometimes. I was very pleased with our choice in show. 

Scotland

After we were finished with the Harry Potter museum, we left for Scotland. Terry picked us up from the airport and he rented a car. It was quite hilarious/ scary/ terrifying to ride in a car with someone who has never driven on the opposite side of the road. What an adventure in itself. 

On Sunday we drove to the little village of Alnwick (pronounced onick) England and went to a small branch of 25 people. It is incredible that no matter where you go the church will be the same everywhere. 

After we visited the alnwick castle which is the very castle that inspired hogwarts. We saw where quidditch was played, where the whomping willow was and where Hagrid brought in Christmas trees. I absolutely loved it. 

The next day in Scotland we went to the elephant house where J.K. Rowling first wrote Harry potter on napkins. It was amazing. 

After we explored the castle a little but and had a delicious lunch of beef pie and potatoes-traditional Scottish food. 

Disneyland Paris

Our first full day in Paris was actually spent at Disneyland! We couldn't not go being so close and with visiting there on both mine and Meghan's bucket list. It sure was an adventure. The park is 20 miles outside the city so we had to take a train with many other disney loving people. The park itself was very similar to disneyland California but a lot smaller. It was also super busy being a summer day and all. 

They had similar rides but they also had a finding nemo roller coaster that was pretty fun and a ratatouille ride (which was awesome because that is one of my favorite Pixar films). Indiana jones was a lot different seeing as it was a roller coaster outside. Space mountain was the best though. It was an actual roller coaster that started outside. Phantom manor aka haunted mansion was also a lot better than disneyland and pirates was different but equal caliber. 

It was a lot of walking as usual and a lot of people but still so fun. It wasn't quite the same disney feel but still so worth it.

Paris day 2

Today we went up to the Eiffel Tower. It was incredible. Tip for if you ever go- pay for a pass that let's you skip the line. It will be so worth the few extra dollars. 

We explored around that area for a bit and then went to notre dame cathedral which is another incredible site. It is hard to believe how long some buildings have been around for. We had a traditional lunch of baguette sandwich and crepe and it was delicious. 

After Meghan and I took off on our own. We walked by the siene river and the louvre and through the orangerie and around. Paris has some amazing parks. They had some nice lounge chairs that were perfect for naps and just taking a break (yes I did take a nap in a park in Paris). 

Our last stop of the night was the Louvre.

What a fascinating place.  

Paris day 3

7 airports, 6 flights, 25 hours total in a plane, 25+ train rides and we are finally back in the states. 

This trip has been an absolute dream. I can't believe 12 days have passed and in those 12 days I was able to see so many iconic places I have dreamt about since I was a child. I absolutely loved everything about each place we visited and the different foods we were able to try and cultures we could experience.

Foods tried-stake and ale pie over mashed potatoes, fish and chips, clucker sandwiches, digestiv cookies, baguette sandwiches, cheese and baguette, macaron cookies from laduree, crouq sandwhich, Crepes, waffles and so much more. 

Our last full day in Paris we slept in for the first time the whole trip and boy it felt nice. We went to the Luxembourg gardens to walk around and to the arc de triomohe. They were both amazing. Paris is such a bright fun city to be in. We went to Montmartre- a quant neighborhood atop a hill. There were incredible views of the city. After Meghan and I went on a a little adventure to find and ice cream shop that everyone says is the best in the city. It was behind notre dame and it did not disappoint. It was the best ice cream I had ever had in my life. 

We explored paris by night and seeing the Eiffel Tower in the sunset was breathtaking. The whole city was incredible at night. 

I am sad to have left this beautiful place but it only makes me want to come back again. Au rev-our Paris. You will be missed