Day 13- Monday, July 14, 2014

Last night, midnight our time but this morning for Emma just before they left to do all these fun things, Emma called.  She had moments of crying  but was doing well and excited to come home.  Not everything has gone perfect but she figured out how to make things work.  Hopefully she can bring that attitude home with her.  We love and miss her and can't wait to pick her up from the airport tomorrow.

Today, their last full day in Europe, Emma took part in an exclusive access meeting with a current or former Member of Parliament.  This unique opportunity explores the British Constitution and discusses the respective roles of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the Monarch, and England's long standing political relationship with the US- a true honor for Student Ambassadors.

Wonder what they are saying here:)!

Then they  explored the Tower of London, seeing the Crown Jewels where over 23,000 gems make up the collection.  As a prison, it confined such famous prisoners as Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh.  While visiting they saw the Yeoman Warders, or "Beefeaters", who guard the tower and are caretakers of the mysterious ravens.  Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the Kingdom will fall.

Then they Cruised the River Thames taking in many of the city's famous sights. 

They spent their evening experiencing the glitz and glamour of London's world famous theatre scenes, attending a performance of one of the capital's most popular shows, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".



 

Day 12- Sunday, July 13, 2014

Today they made their way to Buckingham Palace to view the precisely choreographed Changing of the Guard.  Did you know that Buckingham Palace is the official residence and principal work place of the British monarch?

No Emma in this picture but there in Buckingham Palace

Then they visited the Cabinet War Rooms.  These previously undisclosed rooms were Sir Winston Churchill's underground headquarters during WWII.









This afternoon they participated in a P2P exclusive drama workshop with acting coach, Christian Roe.  The workshop is designed to inspire and develop confidence, creativity and imagination while taking a hands-on approach to learning about one of England's most cherished arts.  Their Shakespearian themed workshop gave them an introduction to English drama and an opportunity to learn in a fun and unique manner.

Tonight I noticed a message on the phone, it was Emma at about 3:30pm our time ( we were at church) 10:30 her time.  Her friend let her borrow her phone to call home.  I wish she would have called my cell, I have been taking it to church for that very reason. She wanted to wish Tucker a happy birthday which was Wednesday.  She sounded very happy, I could hear girls giggling in the back ground.  I face booked the leaders to help her call home on her calling card rather than her friends phone so we don't add bills to her friends phone.  It was so fun to hear her voice.

Day 11, Saturday, July 12, 2014

Today Emma discovered London  with a Blue Badge Guide-an expert on England's capital.  They passed by sites, attractions and buildings often seen in the movies and which are world famous.  She saw the royal places, the lions in Trafalgar Square, the magnificent Palace of Westminster, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the most famous clock in the world, Big Ben.

Then they enjoyed one of the world's most spectacular views of London from the world's tallest observation wheel, the EDF Energy London Eye.  This astonishing 443 ft high ride provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city from 32 enclosed air-conditioned capsules.  The height of the London Eye is the equivalent of 64 red telephone boxes piled on top of one another.

Day 10-Friday , July 11, 2014

Today Emma became acquainted with the beautiful university city of Oxford, whose name describes a good spot for crossing the river (a ford for oxen).  England's oldest university was founded here in 1167.  The architectural beauty of Oxford's many colleges creates a splendid skyline of "dreaming spires."

Then they got to try the art of punting- propelling a flat bottom boat with a pole along the River Cherwell.  They drifted quietly through the unspoilt Christ Church meadows, where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice Through the Looking Glass.

I don't see Emma in these boat pictures but aren't those boats pretty cool?  I love the colors.

Then off to Warwick castle.  On arrival, they had time to explore this magnificent, medieval castle.  In 1068, William the Conqueror fortified the site, which overlooks the river Avon.  They explored the dark and gloomy dungeon, gruesome torture chamber and splendid armory.

 I love this picture with that smile I love to see. It looks like she is just loving it!


They were whisked back in time and invited  to train as a soldier in a specially recreated medieval encampment!  They were taught the arts of sword fighting, bill drill training and other pre-battle rituals before being treated to the spectacular sight of the firing of the world's largest trebuchet (catapult). 

I love the look on her face above, she looks like she is thinking, "he he, I get to hit you with a stick!" I am wondering who she is standing across from.  Here is the other side:

That look tells me it has got to be one of those boys, Jaxon maybe? (the boy with the stripe shirt and glasses)  I guess I will find out when she gets home:)

 

I just love to see her doing all these fun things.  I am so grateful to Mary Letterman for taking and posting all these great pictures.

Day 9- Thursday , July 10, 2014

Today Emma spent the morning at an outdoor adventure center, where she took part in various exhilarating outdoor pursuits.  It was a fun filled series of activities which involved tackling outdoor challenges as individuals and teams.  She took some old clothes and shoes that she could just toss because they were told they would get muddy.

 
These are the first pictures I have seen that she has a natural smile.  It looks like she has been able to finally relax and is having a BLAST!!  It makes me soooo happy.





 

 

After their fun filled morning they went to the beautiful city of Bath-home to Britain's only natural hot spring.  With waters flowing at a constant temperature of 115 degrees F.  The Celtic King Bladud discovered the Royal Baths in 860 B.C. He realized the spring's  curative powers by imitating his pigs and rolling around in the hot mud!

Day 8, Wednesday July 9, 2014

Today Emma's group made their way towards London. They had to remember to drive on the left side of the road:)

 

They joined up with some local students and experienced a day  of activities at a local school.

 In the afternoon they visited the mysterious prehistoric site of Stonehenge which dates back to 3000 B.C.  Scientists and archeologists alike are curious to know how people of the time excavated the huge slabs of stone with only the most basic tools and transported them many miles to construct this incredible monument.

I have really missed Emma and decided to write down the things I miss about her.  Here is my list so far:
* folding clothes I came across a few of Emma's, that made me miss her
* I missed her on the 4th when I was putting out flags (one of her fundraisers to pay for her trip) and then picking them up that night.
*I missed her while watching fireworks on the 4th
*I missed her when we saw Rio 2 on the 4th of July- I think she would have liked it.
*At the parade on the 4th I had to catch myself as I turned to say something to Emma about the pretty dresses on the beauty queens.  I would have loved to comment back and forth with her about the different dresses that were worn as we have a similar fashion sense.
*She is my shopping buddy and I love to shop with her. Saturday I took Harrison around to some places he wanted to go,  as much as I love Harrison, it is just not the same.
*Sunday I missed sitting next to her in sacrament meeting, helping her at times with finding differences in her picture puzzle book she likes to do.
*We all miss her need for treats.  Over the last few months she will make some sort of treat every few days-usually something with chocolate. MMMMM!
*One day I was craving chocolate covered strawberries.  Sometimes Emma and I will sneak and eat chocolate covered strawberries together, just her and I.  Although I was craving them, I ended up not doing it because it wouldn't be as fun without Emma.
*I miss that she is so willing to babysit whenever I need her to, while she is gone I have to figure out another way to do things when Harrison isn't there to babysit too.
*I miss reading with her.  We started reading "Maze Runner" together.  We sit and cuddle on the porch swing eating an ice cream treat while we read.
* I was doing a painting craft and usually Emma asks if she can do it with me.  She wasn't there to craft with me- I miss that.
*When I hear "On Top Of The World" or "Best Day of My Life" it makes me think of her and miss her.
I miss her every day, I am sure more things will come up:)