the big (royal) day

We all got up and headed down to the procession route to see if we could get a glimpse of the action (and we managed more than just a glimpse!).

Lots of people!

Everywhere!

Carter was poised as the prime lookout on Daddy's shoulders.  His job was to alert us of what was coming on the road ahead.  We positioned ourselves along the mall about two-thirds of the way between the horse parade and Buckingham.  We were right next to speakers that broadcast the entire ceremony and commentary of where the new couple were and what they were doing.

 The Queens Guards were positioned along the entire path with their automatic weapons and bayonets.  Complete with fluffy hats.

 This photo shows the Queens Guards and Buckingham down the road.

 Averie really enjoyed God Save the Queen during the ceremony.

First come the horses and more guards.

 and then....the new couple themselves passed by!

 and then the Queen and Prince Phillip (playing second fiddle on this day)!

 and then Charles and Camilla and Kate's parents.

At the end we headed toward the Palace to catch a glimpse of the kiss, but got stuck behind the Queen Victoria monument! So frustrating to be so close but just not quite close enough! All in all though it was an amazing experience just to be part of history!

Mike

the night before

I haven't been following the wedding coverage as we don't have a tv and I haven't had a chance to read the papers on a daily basis. However, it's hard to ignore the growing anticipation for the big day, as stores, restaurants, etc. decorate and prepare for the wedding. The people that we've talked to here seem to be passionately on either one of two sides: the 'get out of town' camp, or 'plan for a stake out' camp.

My Mom and Aunt Linda arrived just in time this morning for the festivities, so on a whim, we decided to go down tonight to  check out what the masses are doing in preparation for the big day tomorrow. As sceptical as I was, it was impossible not to get caught up in it all and by the end, we were eagerly waiting by the gates of Buckingham Palace alongside everyone else to catch a glimpse of something...

Just across from Westminster Abbey where the first group of tents we saw were staked out

Westminster Abbey in the background

The walk up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace - people had tents, chairs, blankets, food, wine, etc. They were selling everything from flags, to pillows and duvets on the street! 

My Mom and AL. Turns out they're die hard fans!  ;D

The media booths across from Buckingham

Will and Kate?????

We lost Mom for awhile... oh there she is! 

Now where's AL?! 

Guess the Queen's in town... ;)

By sheer luck we happened to be in the right spot at the right time... something's about to happen...

The Queen and Prince Phillip!!

It was a pretty amazing experience after all. The energy and camaraderie of the people down there was incredible! Can't wait to see what tomorrow will be like and if we'll be able to see anything... 

Jenn