Friday, June 27, 2008

Still more of the adorable village


I think we'll be going back!

More of the adorable village


Thanks again to Danielle's aunt Carol for taking us, she knows all the hot spots for two year olds.

Bekonscot


Today we visited a model village near us called Bekonscot. It is a 2 acre minature village that has been around for nearly 80 years. Throughout the village are farms, fields, castles, lakes and working trains that run through the village. It was adorable and Aidan loved it.

First Train Ride


We took our first train ride to the house of a friend we met at a toddler music group. Elmo went with us and we cho-choed the whole way there.

Sheep Pasture


The castle's family also raises sheep so there are hundreds of acres of gorgeous sheep pasture on the castle grounds. Unbelievably huge old trees are scattered throughout the grounds. I don't think the sheep know how great they have it!

Happy Mama


I just can't seem to get enough of the castles. This one is just outside Newbury where Dylan works. It is called Highclare Castle, one of the wings is still inhabitated by the same family who has lived in it for generations. Styker's summer party was on the castle grounds last weekend. Part of the castle is open to the public for tours and is also available to rent for events. I am trying to find my way onto a guest list.

Happy Kid


The farm also had some great play equipment which always makes us very happy.

Tractor


Along with a real tractor ride around the farm, they also had some old tractors for kids to sit on. We had a bit of a meltdown getting off.

Odds Farm


We have been going on some day trips with my friend Danielle's aunt who ironically lives in Marlow. She is wonderful and is kind enough to show us around and spend the day with a toddler! On this day we went to Odds Farm, a farm that caters to kids while also raising rare domestic breeds of animals. We rode on a tractor, fed the goats, cows, pigs and sheep and cried when the rooster sang his cocka-doddle-do. As a result, they have quickly gone down on his list of favorite animals.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

More swans


This is the little path that you take to get to the footpath that follows the river. It is really pretty, more royal swans too.

Swans


Aidan has also made friends with the ducks and swans that live in the river. Luckily for him the swans are quite tame. There is a tagging ceremony every year where they are officially named the Queen's swans. I have to admit they do act like the royal swans, they quite well mannered but one did go in my bag looking for food. I was afraid he might report me to the Queen so I let him help himself.

Picnic


We had a picnic in the park and what you don't see is Aidan barking at the birds and chasing them away. I guess that is what you do when you have been raised by dogs. (He has also been barking at the neighbors.)

Cotton Candy


I bought him cotton candy of course! He really learned a lesson today at the park!

Car ride


And automobiles! Immediately following this ride he had a complete meltdown in the middle of the park because he wanted to continue riding all night long. So how did I handle it?

Train ride


Trains...

Airplane ride

I apologize for the following picture extravaganza of Aidan riding rides.
Planes...

Marlow Regatta


The Marlow Regatta, an annual rowing competition, occured this weekend. A huge fair comes to town, fireworks and rowing races. Yesterday was the skull racing and today there are dragon boat races. I'll have more shots later to share. For now Aidan will star in the next few posts.

Park



We have already put in many hours at the park. It is incredibly kid friendly, there are toddler areas, activities for new walkers, and equipment for big kids too. The ground is a spongy material so really nice for tumbles. It located in the bigger Higginson Park which has gorgeous walking paths along the river. My personal favorite is the Cafe in the Park which is a fantastic cafe where we have had lunch and I have had my fair share of lattes.

High Street


This is a shot of High Street. There are many great shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is just a few blocks from the bridge which is the bottom of High Street and is also where Aidan's beloved park is located. We'll go there next.

Claremont Gardens


Not very exciting but this is a shot down our road to give you some perspective where we are situated. It is a nice quiet road without a lot of traffic.

Cutting the grass


Dyl and Aidan working hard to cut the grass. Dyl ditched the gas guzzling John Deere and traded it in for a good old fashioned hand powered mower.

Backyard



We love our backyard. There is a small potting shed, deck, treehouse and slide and play house for Aidan. There is great gardening potential. I will include a few more shots of the backyard next.

House


This is our house on Claremont Gardens. It is only a few blocks away from High Street, which is like Main Street in Britain. We have wonderful neighbors, one who invited us over for a BBQ last night. (I know it's a big surpise but no, it's not our Bentley.)

Marlow





Greetings! Dylan, Aidan and I are settling in well and enjoying living in our little village called Marlow. It is located just west of London, about 25 minutes from Heathrow. We have frequent plane and helicopter traffic which Aidan never gets tired of. From the main road into Marlow from the highway (or motorway here) you cross this really adorable and skinny bridge. I'll get more shots of it later. The River Thames runs underneath and this is the same river that runs through London. It is very recreational with many river boats and rowing.