We’re back from our two week European adventure, and I’ve finally had time to reflect, to unpack, and to look back at photos and really digest all the memories we made. Was the trip exhausting with the three kiddos? Yes, it was. Did we get about a tenth of the sightseeing done that I ultimately would have liked to see? You betcha! Was it exactly what my soul needed as as Mom and as a woman? Also, absolutely yes. Ian and I arrived home definitely needing a vacation from our vacation, but we also both agree that memories were made for both us as parents, and for the kids, that we will never forget. We had the BEST time.

Most importantly, we got a ton of family time in! We spent so much great quality time with the kids, and also with our extended family, and it was really nice to get that in. As the kids get older, it has become so clear how quickly life goes by, and how they are growing up before our very eyes. Mateo especially feels like a kid now and not so much a baby. Wellllll… I take that back a little, since his daily nap while in Europe was both the most annoying thing to keep up with– and also our saving grace! I actually took a nap at the same time as him most days! I have to say that it was impressive how all three kids rolled with the punches, culturally, and switched from having a 7:30/8pm bedtime every night to going to bed closer to 11pm in Europe! While I can’t say that the kids started off the trip being very flexible about certain things (Like having “weird” breakfasts, or the lack of AC in some places, or the longer wait times generally), by the end of the trip it was obvious how much they had learned and grown from the travel in such a short period of time. It made me realize that more travel is so good for them, and that it ultimately does so much to expose them to new cultures and to improve their flexibility!

I’ll say that we were super spoiled on this vacation for a few reasons: 1. We were gifted by Pappy T’s work company with Business class tickets to-from London, which was obviously INSANELY lovely and really made the long-haul flight a billion times easier in every way. 2. We had really wonderful apartments to stay in, thanks to Pappy T and my Dad and Stepmom, that were not only beautiful and well-appointed but extremely comfy for everyone. I’ll link the Rome Airbnb below because I know so many of you were curious about it! 3. We had family members in both cities who helped us watch the kids and even took over so we could go out and enjoy a drink or dinner just the two of us. Having these little breaks, and helping hands, while we were gone was a game-changer. It really does take a village, and I find that it especially does when your kids are in a new environment. We are so grateful to everyone who made our trip so wonderful!

I’ve included a ton of our personal family photos here, but I also wanted to add some of our favorite things we ate, saw, and bought while in each city! And make sure you stay tuned on my Instagram and Tiktok for much more Europe content. I’ve barely posted any of it yet, and I got so much good stuff!

LONDON

To Do:

Primrose Hill Park– We had the best time exploring this beautiful park right next to Regent’s park. The parks in London have the most beautiful culture, with families and groups of friends filling them and bringing so much lovely life to the hills and pathways. The Primrose Hill Playground in the park is SO fun, and brand new. Highly recommend if you have small kids! There are also bathrooms and a little cafe right there for an ice cream break or coffee pick me up.

London Zoo– The London Zoo is so much fun! We loved the exhibits, especially the tigers! And the cafe there is the best Zoo cafe I’ve ever been to. The gift shop was also one of the highlights of the trip for the kids. Highly recommend!

Shrek Adventure– This was recommended to me by a friend, and while I was skeptical, it ended up being the MOST fun! It’s about an hour long and perfect for ages 3-10. Plus, I loved that it was indoors so it was completely unaffected by inclement weather. You can even buy combo tickets for it and the aquarium or london eye!

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not– Pappy T took the big kids to this exhibit one day during Mateo’s nap and they had a total blast. The London version has so many great British figures in it, so it doubled as a history lesson. And they got some super fun photo opps!

Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s– I met my girlfriend for a traditional afternoon tea at this gorgeous, fancy hotel, and it did not disappoint! The tea itself was so delicious and beautiful, and the room is so over the top and a really special experience. I love, love, loved getting away for some girl time and experiencing this!

Hamley’s Toy Store– this store is an experience in itself! It’s like FAO Schwartz on steroids! It’s a must-see if you’re in London with kids

Guys & Dolls the Musical– I’m still thinking about the magic that is Guys & Dolls the musical! We absolutely loved every minute of it, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it is up there in the top three shows I’ve ever seen in my entire LIFE. Run and see it if you can!

Matilda The Musical – My kids recently have become obsessed with the movie version of this musical and they were SO excited to see it while we were in London! They loved this, and I will say that Ian and I enjoyed it as well! It has just enough adult humor that flies over the kids’ heads, and the music is really great. Plus, it was really inspiring for Marlowe and Major to see a show filled with kids their age!

To Buy:

To be honest, the most shopping we did in London was at the toy spots for the kiddos! I wish I had more time to shop around a bit. I really like the little stores along Regent’s Park Rd. in Primrose Hill, but that was about as far as I got!

To Eat:

OKA – we ate at this spot in Primrose Hill three times! It was a great asian fusion spot with great options for both us and the kiddos.

Little Bread Pedlar – This spot had the most delicious bread and pastries in the mornings, with a line out the door on the weekends!

The Ivy Cafe – I absolutely loved having lunch here! The decor is so stunning and inspiring, and the food and drinks were both delicious

Soutine – We had dinner here one night with the whole family the french brasserie food was so good and the ambiance was fantastic as well.

Gaucho – This Brazilian steakhouse was a really fun and chic spot to grab dinner before the theater. Our steaks were so good, as were the cocktails. And the waterfront location is great as well!

Sumi – The best meal we had in London! Ian and I fell in love with the hand rolls and gorgeous japanese appetizers. Plus they had a really fantastic cocktail program (with great Mocktails, too!)

ROME

The Airbnb we stayed at had two bedrooms and was ultra chic, with a breathtaking view of St. Peters and a large garden! It was the perfect setup for us, and I highly recommend it.

To Do:

Piazza Navona – this square is one of my most favorite Piazzas in Rome, ever since I was a little girl! I used to feed the birds here and visit the famous toy store at the corner. The fountains are still breathtaking no matter how many times I’ve seen them!

The Pantheon – This remains my favorite ancient site in Rome. It’s a must to visit while there! I find it particularly romantic for some reason, so I recommend going towards closing time, and sharing a cocktail in the square after!

The Hop On/Off Bus – There is a bus that lets you hop on and off at the various sites around Rome, and it’s a MUST if you’re sightseeing with kiddos. So convenient!

Photos with Flytographer– We spent an hour at dusk shooting family photos with Flytographer, and it was one of my favorite things we did. I loved the combo of meandering through beautiful sites while snapping pics!

Castel Sant’Angelo – This is a really cool site for kids to visit, and happens to have a cute little playground and shaded area behind it where we took respite from the heat and played for a while after visiting.

St. Peter’s Square – We didn’t last long in the crazy heat, but St. Peter’s was a must to show the kids because it is so impressive and memorable. Plus, it was nice to show them the up close version of the view from our apartment!

Porto Ercole – We went to the beach in Tuscany for the day, and had the best time ever! I love how the landscape of the woods comes right up to the beach, and there are the nicest, chill beaches that are perfect for families. We had the most delicious seafood meal right on the beach!

To Buy:

Antica Farmacia – One of my favorite things to do in Italy is to buy fabulous products at the local pharmacy! The have beautiful soaps, perfumes, and lots of skincare products that actually have different (better) ingredients than the same brands produced at American locations.

La Friulana Shoes – My sister taught me about these gorgeous velvet shoes that are a traditional staple of Venice. There is a little shop in Rome that sells them! I got a few pairs.

Manebi – This cute boutique has resortwear and the cutest accessory selection!

Cartoleria Pantheon – This has been my favorite paper shop in Rome forever! I always bring back gifts from here for friends and family.

To Eat:

Hosteria Da Cesare – this is my Dad’s favorite restaurant in Rome and THE place for seafood! It’s delicious!

Tre Scalini – This is our favorite place to get a granita or a coffee in Piazza Navona.

Old Bridge Gelateria – This is our family’s favorite place for gelato in Rome!

Terrazza Barromini – It’s a splurge, but this restaurant on top of Piazza Navona is the most beautiful place to grab a delicious meal.

Pizzeria Goose – This is our family’s favorite Pizzeria in town! So delicious and not too touristy.

L’Insalata Ricca – We stumbled upon this restaurant known for its big individual salads served in pita bowls. It was actually so so good, and a nice break from all the pasta and pizza! There are a few locations around the city.

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Photographs by Julia Dags | Copyright © 2023 Happily Eva After, Inc. All Rights Reserved.