Taking the boys to the theatre

We took the boys to the theatre to see a production of Beauty and the Beast at the Sunderland Empire.

Samuel Last day of Playgroup

Samuel's Summer show. My baby's last day of playgroup. In just a few short months he will start Reception.

Owen Sports Day

Owen had a Sports Day to wrap up the end of term. He had a wonderful Reception year. He learned how to read, write and do arithmetic, and is really looking forward to Year 1 with Mrs. Sanderson.

North Yorkshire

Streets in Whitby

Whitby

Robin Hood's Bay

This weekend we did a little camping in the North Yorkshire Moors. We came back a little early on Sunday due to the rain. We spent much of Saturday in the rain, and it appeared Sunday wasn't going to get much better, so we packed up and headed home. Despite the weather, we had a lovely time on Saturday in Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay. Two absolutely gorgeous places. Whitby is an old fishing village with cobblestone streets. Much like York, it is very touristy, with many restaurants and shops, but also has some great historical places and spectacular sea views. Robin Hood's Bay is a small fishing village. It has tiny streets and houses so close together they seem to be linked all into one. It was quite a walk from the top of the village to the bottom, but the views were amazing (even in cloud cover). The boys had a great time playing on the beach. We just barely made it out before the beach was submerged by the incoming tide. There was a section of the beach that was completely covered by seaweed. When we were walking through the seaweed Owen said, "I think the Seaweed monster is going to get us." I was actually convinced of this myself. Mike and Samuel dredged right through the thick of it, while Owen and I went around as best we could. Another lovely weekend. Now we are excited to see Mackenzie, Briahna, and Grandma next week!

Folly Hall Farm Campsite

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey

Robin Hood's Bay

attack of the seaweed

Robin Hood's Bay

Rain soaked in Robin Hood's Bay

 

 

Fun in the North Sea!

Today we went to the beach with Samuel's playgroup class. The weather was absolutely perfect, unlike when Owen's reception class went and we got very wet in the pouring rain. The beaches here are lovely and we are so lucky to be so close. However, the water is very very cold... Samuel's lips had actually turned blue at one point, But he had such a wonderful time playing with his friends.

Lake District

We took a day trip to the Lakes today.  We had a great time, the weather was absolutely beautiful and the scenery breathtaking. We went and had lunch in Pooley Bridge and then walked along Lake Ullswater. We then explored Brougham Castle near Penrtih. Built in the 13th century the castle is in ruin, with great little passage ways, spiral staircases, and an amazing view across the countryside.

Playing at the Pub

Samuel a little overloaded

Walking from Pooley Bridge along the Lake with George, Scott and Jarrod

Great view from the top of the castle

Relaxing with Jarrod

Brougham Castle

Brilliant weekend camping with friends!

We went camping this weekend with three other families. We had a really good time. The kids loved playing with their friends and enjoyed making new friends on the campsite. The campsite was great for them to run around. And Ross brought a fire pit which was great for the adults later on in the evening. Fun was had by all! We only camped about 15 miles outside of Newcastle, but the countryside was just gorgeous. Saturday, we went for a nature walk down by the river, played at the playground, waded and skipped stones in the river, and then unwound at the pub, before heading back to bbq our dinner, and sit around the campfire. Sunday, we went exploring at Prudhoe castle and had a lovely picnic. The weather was fabulous, warm and sunshine all weekend!

Our little village of tents

Nature Walk

Kids walking across the bridge

River Tyne

Samuel at the playground

Owen very pleased with himself climbing up the monkey ropes

Wading in the river, fishing, and skipping stones

Picnic by the river

Look mom I have found a worm

skipping stones

Look mom I found a worm too!

Ollie and Owen collecting stones

Adult play time, pints at the pub while the children play

Watching the train

Prudhoe Castle, "Prudha"

Ollie was giving everyone a guided tour around the castle

Jack, Esme, Owen, Erin, Ollie, Samuel, and Ben in the back

Castle building

Mike and Paul building the very difficult red castle

Owen finishing the castle

Nature walk around the castle

Finishing out a lovely weekend