We began our next day in London by passing Britain’s most notable icons:  Big Ben, Parliament, and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.  Our first official stop was Westminster Abbey.  My husband really wanted to see the Churchill War Rooms.  Now a museum, visitors can see the secret World War II bunker that tells the story of Winston Churchill’s life and legacy.  It was a little confining and I remember the baby was afraid of the mannequins.  I love a good gift shop though and I still have my pen that looks like a lit cigar.  The most delightful surprise came after we emerged.  We found ourselves right across from the most charming park with a pond and all sorts of breeds of ducks, geese, and pigeons we had never seen before.  St. James’ Park is at the heart of London and the oldest of the capitol’s eight Royal Parks.  Next to benches the fattest squirrels I have ever seen in my life sat waiting for food.  Given that back home Burk calls our well-fed squirrels “Blub Blubs” that is really saying something!  We had just finished lunch and I had taken the bread simply because I cannot stand to waste food and I thought the baby might like some later.  My little one who loves all animals wanted to feed our bread to the wildlife, and I was thrilled with our good luck.  One squirrel took our offering directly from our hands and it was a joyous delight.  Our girl shrieked and clapped with glee as she carefully studied the birds gathered around us.  Our favorite was a goose with pink feet.  Speaking of pink, we joined our extended family for dinner at London’s oldest restaurant, The Rules.  Opening in 1798, it has spanned the reign of nine monarchs.  I decided to have the pink cocktail favored by Princess Diana.  The venerable establishment was posh, quiet, and the median age I would say was sixty.  I must have been delusional to think I could bring our one and a half year old!  As a still new mother I had no idea what I was doing.  I did not know to bring any little toys to entertain her and I remember getting a picture of her “reading” the menu upside down.  To this day I cannot believe our little girl sat perfectly content in an old high chair for almost three hours!  She wore a little green velvet dress bordered with tiny rosettes as well as a matching hat and coat.  At some point she pulled off her little hat, smiled and clapped.  Looking back I think it was sheer insanity and bringing a baby into such a place was probably breaking the rules.  But we did it.  My husband and I still speak about that evening with an incredible amount of disbelief, nostalgia, and love.  The American athlete, actress, and fashion model Aimee Mullins said, “Life is about making your own happiness — and living by your own rules.”