Summer's almost over - it's actually rather nice today despite a rather heavy fog this morning but I suspect that won't last too long. It's already dark by 7pm and I've had to dig out my reflective vest for the early morning runs.We've managed to stuff quite a lot in since coming back from holiday, a few trips to National Trust properties and a couple of 'events'.
We picked a fantastic day to go and explore the new playground at Belton House in Grantham (top left photo). The kids are just old enough that we can actually go inside some of these properties without fear that we'll be ejected for our rambunctious behaviour!! I wasn't really sure if they would enjoy it - lots of rooms with four-poster beds, bizarre pictures and big staircases, but they loved it. Beth particularly liked the 16-foot tall bed and I suspect was a little disappointed when I pointed out that the ceiling in her bedroom would not withstand such an item of furniture.
Toby enjoyed it too but I think he prefers to be outside. A day or two later we had equally good weather for our trip to Clumber Park near Worksop (top right photo). We go there quite often especially Beth and I as we like the Saturday morning Parkrun event. My favourite part is the walled garden as there are so many ideas you can nick for your own garden and lots of fruits and veg to inspire you get growing.
Steve took a day off work and we met up with grandma and grandpa in the Peak District. We met at Longshaw Estate and walked from the car park, through the estate to a pub and back a different way. The views were amazing and we managed most of the day dodging the rain. The second photos on each side are from Longshaw.
A week or so after getting back from France, Beth and I flew over to Belfast to visit Great Grandma Ruth. Toby absolutely loved visiting earlier in the year and Beth didn't want to miss out on her trip!
We were very lucky with the weather and Beth managed to get a paddle in the sea and did pretty well with skimming stones. We spent time in GG's garden and I even got to have a run along the shore one morning.It was a pretty relaxing couple of days though I don't think I'll try taking both the kids together (and in November I'm sneaking over by myself for a night or two).
August Bank Holiday was nice weather so we walked to the next village to the annual 'Working Weekend'. There were a lot of tractors, shire horses, ploughing matches and various competitions of a farming nature.
We wandered round looking at the different machinery and the kids got to mess around on some of the tractors. I thought Beth looked quite at home in the driving seat. I'm rather hopeful that the kids will keep friends with the many kids that live on farms so they can 'help' with grass cutting and other tasks!
On the final day of the holidays we took a trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park with some friends. Poor Toby was again the only boy though contrary to the photo, he did have a good time!
The animals all seemed to be on their best behaviour and were awake and visible. My favourite were the giraffes. I think the kids rather liked the polar bears and the lemurs. Again we were lucky with the weather and it was beautiful until we were walking out the exit and it lashed it down.
To round the summer off, last weekend, we took Toby to his first concert. Since Beth went to her first in June, Toby has been desperate to go to one. His request was for either ACDC or Madness. Thankfully, they were both touring this year and when he hadn't forgotten by the middle of September, we managed to get tickets for Madness at Durham County Cricket Club.I'm very glad it was outdoors - I suspect they'd be totally put off with a sticky, smelly indoor venue.
It was a fantastic atmosphere with a eclectic mix of people - all ages and looks but more pairs of Dr Martins than I've ever seen in one place along with every type of hat and braces (suspenders)! There were certainly some interesting sights and the kids rather enjoyed people watching.The actual concert was great as they played all the classics and the kids could sing along to much of it. I think we'll be looking to see what summer concerts are on next year as it was a lovely family night out.
Just a few odds and ends to finish off . . .
My new job is going well though is rather hectic. It's an interesting building with a lot to look at just walking into my office. Hopefully, in time, I'll have a bit of a clue about the history and workings of all the clocks and regulators but at the moment they're just pretty to look at!Our sunflowers have continued to grow and are now rather tall (tallest one just measured at 9'2")! A couple that were ahead of the rest are now almost ready to be stripped and the seeds roasted, yum!
And last of all, a picture of curly Beth after coming back from the hairdressers.
