Stay-cation

April 9-13 was a week off of work for David and the apprentices. With him gone the week before in Wales, we just decided to stay here and rest a little, as well as get together with friends and take a day trip or two.

Monday (Apr. 9) was a rainy day, so perfect for staying home. Got a little weeding done (our garden is so small it only takes about 30 minutes to spruce it up a bit!) before the rains came. We were going to go to a Welly Wanging tournament at a pub in Barton, but we didn't end up going because we'd have been cycling miles in the rain. BTW, welly wanging is a competition to see who can throw a welly (rain boot) the farthest.

Tuesday we caught the bus out to our South African friends' home in a nearby village and had a great time with them all day - the kids played really well together, and we enjoyed the time talking and grilling out (having a BBQ). When we were walking home from the bus-stop, it started hailing on us! 

On Wednesday (Apr. 11) we decided to go to Anglesey Abbey. Addie and I went four summers ago and had a great time, but that was in July. It was still very nice this time, just to be out in a pretty place with lots of open space for the kids to run around and explore, dig with sticks, etc.

Addie enjoyed running up and down this hill (while Schaeffer napped in the buggy).

David and kids enjoying the hyacinths in the Formal Garden.

Chasing partridges...

The kids running by the lake (before Addie just about fell in and covered her bottom with mud!)

Adelaide learning how to use the pullies in the old Mill.

Schaeffer running the grain cleaner sifter thing.

The same door, 

 

four years later.

Adelaide and Schaeffer in the little forest...

Adelaide in the same forest 4 years ago...

On Thursday we went over to our American friend's house, on the north side of town. So this time I made it up Castle Hill - small victory! Had a little time at the park before the rain came; then to their house for a play and packed lunch. That evening, David and I went to dinner at the Carter's house. David's gotten to know Andrew because Andrew is a pastor in a nearby village and has given some of the lectures at the Round Church to the interns. We took the train down to Royston and then Andrew picked us up and drove us to their home, up on a hill/plateau with a really nice view. We had a great time visiting with them and getting to know them better; a very like-minded couple with regards to theology, family, life, culture, etc. 

Friday (Apr. 13) morning we had a school mate over, as well as her Mommy. It's really nice to chat with people and pick up new tips or things going on in Cambridge. I got to go to the store myself that afternoon - the trailer is very convenient for grocery store trips! That evening, Angeline and Jon came over for pizza and a movie, and Jon stayed with the kids while David and I went to another Carter's for dinner! This couple we know from Adelaide's school; I've gotten to know the mom pretty well and really enjoy her, so this was a great opportunity to get to know them better, especially her husband. Very intellectually stimulating dinner conversation! 

Jon ended up staying over Friday night so we made a big breakfast with egg burritos. The Gobbitts came over 1-6ish. He is a pastor at a local church and David's really hit it off with him. We went over to their house for Sunday lunch back in December, so it was good to get the families together again. We went to the Gardens and then back here for a pasta bake dinner I had made that morning. Soon after they left, the Carters (Thursday night friends) called and asked if they could swing by. Their 4 and our 2 kids had a great time playing together while we caught up. 

Sunday, Apr. 15 was church in the morning, and then that afternoon our church was hosting a tea (dinner) at 4:30 for a group of Spring Breakers from Tacoma, Washington. I made some food for that, and loaded the kids up in the trailer. David went earlier to walk. This time I couldn't make it up Castle Hill - and come to find out, a wheel on the trailer was completely flat! Thankfully David was just a little ways away and came to help us get to church. Afterwards, we all walked back into town; the kids and I were going to catch a bus, but Sunday evenings they are few and far between. Rather than wait 20 minutes for the next one, we called a taxi which I really didn't want to do ($) but the kids LOVED!

Our Lupin and Sunflower seedlings coming up - exciting to watch new growth! Our little garden will not be able to contain all of these! I think I have about 40 sunflower seedlings coming up!!!!