The Cotswolds

This October half term, we set out for a little break (two nights) in the Cotswolds. My main goal was to see some autumn leaves and relax. I rented us a lovely, cozy, little cottage in Cheltenham (about a 2 1/2 hour drive from our house). Charles and I have learned over the years that when traveling with children, always book a flat or some kind of cottage that has a kitchen and more than one bedroom. That way, the kids can have breakfast first thing in the morning and you don't have to go to bed the same time they do. Recently, we have gotten even more lax and just picked a place, rented a cottage and then figured out what we felt like doing upon arrival. There is no need to pack too much in and feel like you need a vacation after your vacation, especially when traveling with children.

So we got up Wednesday morning, took time for a nice breakfast and then packed our things. It was raining, so we decided to watch a movie and then leave afterward. We left mid-afternoon and arrived in the early evening (due to some traffic). The girls are always excited to see the place that we rent and eager to pick out which bed or room will be theirs during our stay. We then left to find somewhere to eat, after which we picked up all kinds of special groceries (splurging on things we don't normally buy) for breakfast in the morning. We then return back to the cottage and settle in for a cozy movie together.

The next morning after sleeping in and a leisurely breakfast, we figure out where to go. In this case, we wanted to see some autumn leaves, so we decided to drive further east and a bit north to Ludlow in Shropshire. It was a nice drive and a lovely little village with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside from an impressive castle in the middle. There was a street market going on that day so we each found something different for lunch that was appealing.    

I love the Tudor architecture.

After lunch, we went and explored the castle.

The castle was founded in the 11th century. It was a major base in the War of the Roses (Sammy knew all about this war and proceeded to tell us all about the fight between the Lancasters and the Yorks. She learned about it last year during her Tudor studies). In 1501, Prince Arthur, (son of Henry VII and brother to Henry VIII) with his bride Catherine of Aragon, lived here for a short time. Mary Tudor, daughter of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII, heir to the throne of England, spent three winters at Ludlow between 1525 and 1528, along with her entourage of servants, advisors, and guardians. (I found this interesting since I read Phillipa Gregory's book, The Constant Princess which talked a great deal about Ludlow castle and Mary's winters there.)

The River Teme

This is the circular chapel which is very unusual, perhaps unique in Britain. It is an example of Romanesque architecture and dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. The chapel has been dated to the 12th century based on its style.

The sweeping views of the countryside from one of the highest towers. We drove back to Cheltenham that evening and enjoyed dinner out and a relaxing evening in.

After our jaunt around the castle, we drove through more of the gorgeous English countryside and enjoyed the view at times too much (almost swerving off the road). It was the perfect, relaxing holiday. We got to spend some much quality time together and everyone was happy. It made the one week half term feel so much longer.

Sadie Picture Update

Here are the latest pictures of our darling little chubber...

Ok I realise these two are not Sadie but I had to sneak it in. They made their own paper puppets and backdrop and put on several plays for us. This one is the farmer and the chicken. Very creative!

I am not choking her, just trying to catch all her spit up. She seems to be doing that a lot lately...

Halloween 2014

Here is Sammy dressed up for a Halloween Monster High party. She was really excited about all the make-up I put on her. She looked amazing! She learned a very cute zombie dance and performed it for the parents.



On the Monday before Halloween, we had a "Halloween Bake-off" with some friends. We made toffee funny face apples, Halloween sugar cookies, peanut butter and white chocolate eyeballs and punch with a frozen floating hand in it. The children also did several Halloween crafts. However, the weather was so nice outside that midway through we ditched everything and took everyone to our favourite climbing tree and rope swings in the forest and then came back and finished up the party. It was a fun-filled day.

The toffee apples seems to be the only thing I got pictures of. They turned out great loaded with tons of sweets and popcorn.

We are going on our fourth year here in England this time around, I guess it is time to show the girls that tooth brushes can be used for more than just scrubbing the toilets. I guess we should check out a dentist too...

Here is all the drawings the girls made for our front window. They worked on this for several days. I was quite impressed with their artwork!

And this is Halloween night, dressed up and all ready to go out trick-or-treating!

Alex was Wonder Woman (though I couldn't get her to wear her entire outfit all at the same time - here she is with Peppa Pig slippers). Sammy and Abby were both witches of some sort.  

Here is Alex trying to imitate the Wonder Woman stance with both hands on hips. Her belt is on backwards...

Here she is after I finally convinced her to wear the "boots." Her belt is turned around but she does not have the little crown/tiara on her head...oh well...She is blocking our "finger gun bullets" with her bracelets.
 It was a fun night. Our friends, the Bishops came all the way from Idaho to go trick-or-treating with us. We walked our neighbourhood for an hour and a half. I don't think they got as much candy as you would have in the States but I think it was plenty and no one was complaining afterward. In fact, Alex ate several pieces of hers and then said she had enough. She gave all her candy away and then wondered why she didn't have any the next morning....