Wimbledon...3rd times a charm

Grace was excited to dress up for her first Wimbledon experience with a popped polo dress and a sweater around her shoulders. Who are we kidding? We were all excited to experience Wimbledon. Michael decided the day before that he was going to take off work on Friday. People have been casually telling us if we get there early all we need to do is wait in the queue (aka line) for tickets. Depending on the day, we may even get center court tickets to a high profile match. We researched about bringing a baby and I was fully prepared to find a pub or restaurant to read and hang out with Grace. If Michael was to score sweet tickets on the center court, kids under 5 weren't allowed. This later made so much sense because Michael said it was so quiet during the serves that he felt bad taking pictures even without the flash. 


Wimbledon attempt #1: We arrived at the queue by noon to find out that we wouldn't be able to get in until after 5:00 PM. Starting at 5 it was supposed to rain the rest of the night. We also had our first babysitter available beginning at 4 PM. Looking back, obviously we didn't plan well (ok, at all) and overbooked ourselves. Optimistic point- Mommy got a break in the morning. Daddy was on duty and I got to sleep in, drink my coffee alone and laugh out loud while reading Chelsea Lately. What do you do on a sunny day all dressed up just outside the Wimbledon grounds? Photo opp! 

At least we know we're obnoxious with her sometimes.

                                  

  

After enjoying a pint at a bar and before having a Mexican fiesta into a pub crawl in the west end of London. The first bar was on a boat that is permanently docked on the River Thames and overlooks the London Eye and Parliament.  

Wimbledon attempt #2: After waking up at the Blossom's house and a quick walk of shame home, we were out the door headed back to Wimbledon.  It was Saturday at 8:30 AM when we arrived, which is when the previous day's attendant suggested we come back. Strike 2--- they were already at capacity (8,000 people) and we wouldn't be able to get in until 5:00 PM once again, best case scenario. Online it said once they reach capacity they have a one in one out policy. I asked about this once we arrived and they said once 1,000 people leave; they allow the next 1,000 people in. That's not what I was picturing when I read 1 in 1 out. 


Attempt #3: Wednesday morning, Grace and I arrived at Wimbledon by 11:15. There literally was no queue at all! SCORE! After going through security we were finally inside the grounds on a beautifully sunny afternoon.

Being one of the top sponsors of Wimbledon, all the clocks on the grounds were Rolex time pieces.

Pimms with strawberries and cream- two staple items in the British culture, especially at Wimbledon. Thanks, Lauren Freeland for making sure I checked this off my to do. Side note: Pimms is disgusting, but the dessert was lovely!

Henman Hill (the viewing Hill of the jumbo-tron if you're not able to land premium court tickets) It reminded me of the lawn at a concert without the smell of pot. 

After Grace and I had all afternoon to enjoy the weather and sights at Wimbledon, I talked Michael into leaving work a bit early. I wanted him to meet us for dinner since there wasn't a queue. He wasn't the only one who had this idea. By the time he arrived, the queue was at least 2 hours long. That's when things got shady. I strategically slipped my wrist band off, gave him my ticket and sent him in. Grace and I made it back home just in time for her to get to bed on time. 

I think this is one of our coolest pictures. Thanks, Michael.

Remember this from last year? We were out at the cottage watching it. I was anxiously waiting it to be over because I wanted to be outside on the boat instead. Michael wouldn't have anything to do with it.

Just as Michael was about to go home after walking around the grounds for a couple hours, he saw an announcement on the jumbo-tron. Tickets to center court for only 5 pounds. He got in the queue and only waited a couple minutes to land 1st row seats in center court for a men's doubles match.