Sunday, August 26, 2012

Much ado in Stratford-upon-Avon...


Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare is a gorgeous town and a must see if you are in the Midlands area of England. We spent two days visiting Shakespeare's old stomping grounds, which alone was pretty awesome, but it was a charming town as well with tons to do for the kids. Bronwen enjoyed visiting the birthplace of the author of Gnomeo & Juliet (she watched on our last flight back from WA) and by the end of the trip we had both kids reciting excerpts from Romeo and Juliet:

Bronwen & Alex: "Soft! Look out the window breaks!"

(Romeo: "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?")

 Hee hee :)

  

Shakespeare's house where he was born, raised, and began his married life...



Shakespeare's street (I'm sure it's changed in the last 400+ years)...

The old town area


River Avon

The kids and I enjoying one of the beautiful riverfront parks

Peak in someone's garden
The family home of Anne Hathaway where Shakespeare courted her before he married her...
Anne Hathaway's cottage


cottage garden

orchard

 
A woodland walk behind AH's cottage with fairies and quotes from A Midsummer Night's Dream displayed throughout...
 



 The home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna and Dr. John Hall...
Hall's Croft
And in case you've ever wondered what it's like getting on the Chunnel train...
 

Monday, August 13, 2012

First camping trip with the kids....

And it was a success!!!  The kids had a blast and slept great which was my biggest concern.  We spent two nights near Spa in the Ardennes camping with our Irish friends Siobhan & Declan and their little guy Conor (the one with the adorable curls!) It's been a while since Steve and I have been camping and we were slightly unprepared but between both families we managed. It was so much fun that I am already looking forward to our next camping adventure!

The campground...

creek in Spa d'Or
 Playing in the tent...


 Cooking...

the chef
 Dinner...
Irish bacon cheese burgers

 Dessert...
My boy knows how to eat chocolate... through every orifice.
 Bed time...
 Breakfast...
 The Fennessys...
 The Morrisons...

Thursday, August 9, 2012