There's just something splendid about London on an early September morning, when the sun shines bright but the wind blows cold and the sky blue against red brick brings back years of joyful memories of friends and discovery.
Half a decade has gone by since the last time I've been in the city and half a life has gone by since living here. We only had a few days but it was a packed kaleidoscope of the greatest hits little girls' edition. They declared that London is Amazing, in a reverent tone I hadn't yet heard them use about anywhere else. Seeing them in that familiar window at Monmouth Coffee or that familiar walk across the park, every scene and architecture, every cobblestone reflection and perfect flower reminded me of a beautiful and distant-enough memory. It felt so easy, so full-circle and so deeply idyllic, it was like time slowed to remember, for just a few days.
The truth is, this year we were too stretched and late to plan their birthday. There was no party, no cake, no fuss, I told them it was because they'd be away and they accepted it without questioning, the way only second-borns can. I'm so glad they have each other to share experiences and I too will save it as a precious dream for rainy, cold days. Happy birthday my not-so-little girls, I know my days of cuddling you are numbered but I'm not willing to let go of your sunshine yet!
