School time!

When we were in the UK Raf was pretty brave! First he had a sleep over at Uncle Sam's, and then the next day - when I was away at a conference - he went to school with Rory. He had such a great time. 

It was a beautiful day so afterwards we went to the lido. It was freezing!

But there were all tired out!

Synchronized Scooting

Choo Choo... First Trolley Ride.

Clearly not our first trolley ride ever, but our first one of the season. And the first one without big brother, Raf.  Harriet really enjoyed it.

Sudeley Castle

One of my favorite days in the UK was our trip to Sudeley Castle in the heart of the Cotswolds, just a short drive from Melissa's. The day was beautiful - sunny skies all around us. When we arrived we first discovered a pond full of carp. Fortunately there was an older gentleman visitor who told us all about them, including how expensive they are!! 

And then we were off to explore some more.

And then inside. This was often the home (or at least holiday quarters) of Henry VIII and his many wives. They have a super exhibition of these women - and Raf was very interested in who survived, who was divorced, and who was beheaded.

Charlie found a model of the castle.

And the boys favorite part of the day? Discovering the Queen's toilet - made of red velvet!

And one of Harriet's favorite aspect of castle-visiting - eating cake

We stopped to chat to the carp again... and they came over and nibbled on our fingers. Well, my fingers as Raf was slightly terrified that they'd eat me.

And then, a bit late in the day, we found the most amazing playground.

Scarborough Marsh Field Trip

Sadly Raf's end of year party was cancelled at school, but fortunately I was able to attend the school trip to the Scarborough Marsh. It was a super morning with my favorite almost 8 year old. 

He's young enough that it's still cool to have mum there - and to even sit with me on the bus.

There were super guides. And frankly I learnt a lot.

Mud. Lots of it. How deep does it go? Layers and layers...

Algae..

Fish.

Food chain... Raf was the algae!!!

Really great group of kids. We've really lucked out in terms of the school and his classmates this past three years. May it continue!