Our Big Trip

We were lucky enough to be able to spend the last week or so visiting with Lo's sister who recently moved to the UK after marrying a lovely British bloke. I'd never been to the UK so when I found out we were going, I was thrilled.

Our home base for the stay was this little cottage in Bredan below. It had been a horse stable in a previous life. Horses don't live there anymore. It was just perfect for the three of us. And it had everything. It had a dishwasher. I don't even have a dishwasher at home. It had a loft bedroom, and cathedral ceilings. Steps away was a fully equipped park for the kids with a dreamy stone playhouse and an indoor pool. It was a short walk past a perfect lawn-bowling green to our UK hosts' home. Were we spoilt? Understatement of the year.

We spent the first few days eating, drinking and making merry. First, we celebrated the Royal nuptials. And then we celebrated our own hosts' wedding. For these occasions, they rented a bouncy castle, and large blowup slide for the kids, both of which I had to inspect for bounciness and slidability o' course.

We visited some local landmarks: the gorgeous Tewksbury Abbey...

with its vaulted ceilings and amazing stained glass windows.

We visited the town of Tewksbury. It was lovely. Everywhere in the town there were handcarved details like this door.

We went to Stratford and the birthplace of Shakespeare. The Avon river was home to many boats and waterfowl which enthralled the boy and his little cousin.

We visited a few antique shops some of which were tucked away down pretty alleys overflowing with vines and whose floors were striking cobblestone works of art. I want one.

We visited Warwick Castle where my camera died. Sadly, no pictures.

We feasted like kings. Our hosts served up some fantastic meals. One night we had the beloved fish and chips. Another night we enjoyed Indian food. Still another, we had a pig roast with all the fixings. One night, our hosts roasted lamb, baked yorkshire pudding, and grilled root vegetables. And another night they took us out to enjoy the ambiance of an English pub. I mean, they seriously went all out to keep us entertained and well-fed. I'm still full just thinking about it.

Our boy had so much fun visiting his cousins. He played and bounced like a wild-man and stayed up late every single night. He'll be tired for the next 3 weeks. He actually wants to go to bed. It's a miracle!

The English countryside with its pretty villages was so beautiful. I can't say enough about how picture perfect all of it was. I am in love with those hand-built stone walls that line every field; I want one. There are green hedges that soften every property line and vines growing with abandon everywhere. I can't imagine a more picturesque place to live. Unfortunately I was so busy taking it all in, I mostly forgot to take pictures. I guess this means I'll have to go back...

Oh darn.

Well you have a restful weekend, and a very happy Mother's Day to you if you're a mom! I'll see you again soon!