London Wetland Centre

On New Year's Eve we did not stay up to watch the clock strike twelve (it was a lot easier in CA when we could ring in the new year with NYC at 9pm), but we were awoken at midnight by a symphony of fireworks going off all across London. It was unbelievably loud and festive.

On New Year's Day we woke up early and visited the London Wetland Centre to go bird watching. Who would have guessed that there was a wetland not too far from us in the middle of London?

M&J at the entrance:

We had signed up for a 1hr. bird watching tour however being 'quiet' is key to bird watching...not something K was too keen on. So rather than ruin the tour for the rest of group we decided to walk around at our own pace. C on the watch:

J&K on the walk:

K was a master at puddle jumping. Unfortunately he also managed to fall into the puddle more than once so that every piece of clothing was wet and muddy. Not that he cared.*

Throughout the wetlands there was the most gorgeous living fence made out of weaved vines. Pictures do not do it justice.

Back at the entrance, there was a children's discovery centre set up like an arcade. Not only did the kids have fun, but Grandma and Daddy did too. Grandma's water gun marksmanship was especially impressive!

My favorite game - "Shoot Your Poo" - otherwise known as discovering how wetlands filter waste and pollution.

We enjoyed the location so much that we decided to become members. I'm excited to see what it will be like in the spring.

*That afternoon, K proceeded to get violently ill and did so throughout the night. Luckily by the morning he was back to his old self again. We're pretty sure it's something he swallowed diving into all of those puddles.