Wightwick Revisited

It was a cold and wintery morning, Mother Hen had a taste for adventure so off we popped to the West Midlands, to pay a visit to Wightwick Manor. Last time we visited, the house was closed and the weather was incredibly soggy. I was super excited to visit here with the house open though, to explore the arts and crafts interior and the abundance of William Morris furnishings.
I wasn't disappointed.

There was so much to see, it was a little treasure trove. Every where we looked, we were surprised by something different and interesting. I knew it would be a winner with Mom and Roger. The house was so full of glorious light, I could bask in it for hours.

So it was a peaceful weekend without my boys. And luckily, this time, I didn't manage to get myself in any trouble! What a relief!

Snow Day

This morning we woke up to a blanket of thick, white snow! Though we were all super excited, we were quickly put off about needing to get to school and work. Whilst waiting for the verdict as to whether school would actually be open, Louie and I took a little walk to the edge of the village with our cameras. The snow was about ankle deep, so a fair amount compared to the dusting over the city.

The roads were a nightmare, it took an hour to drive 1 mile, and it took me 2 whole hours to get across the town to the office! Louie was nearly an hour late for school due to two stuck lorries but we got there in the end, 10 out of 10 for effort ;)

Winter Sun

Just a few snaps taken during a beautiful winters sunset. Dramatic clouds, shiny sunrays and striking tree silhouettes - it doesn't get much better than that.

A Room with a View

The sky out here is vast. I could spend hours watching the skies from our windows.

In the morning we see a myriad of pastel hues, striped across the sky. The clouds add another dynamic, making no two mornings the same.

Afternoons are reserved for fluffy clouds of all sorts. And rain clouds of course, but they are much less interesting when they wash the sky with grey.

Summer evenings give us stunning sun sets over the fields. The sun is big and round, almost feeling as though it is within reach. The windows flood with orange light.

And at night, come the stars. I never could have imagined so many stars. Living on the ourskirts of a city for 25 years has seriously hindered my ideas of the sky at night!

Places to Visit 2015

Last year, my places to visit list expanded our National Trust radar out of an hours drive. We had one hell of a year visiting so many beautiful places and I can't wait to have another jam packed year, well as much as possible that we can fit around the school schedule!!

Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

One from last years list that looks right up my street. The best of both, a fantastic looking house with plenty of gardens to explore and even a farm for Pappy and Mr Bee to enjoy!

Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire

We are already plotting a little weekend away to visit this splendid castle and a trip to see the sea. Mr Bee will be fascinated to visit a real, proper castle!

Ickworth, Southwold

Our little family are heading over to the East Coast for our summer holiday this year. Somewhere new, which means lots more National Trust places to visit.

Barrington Court, Somerset

One of the locations used in the TV series, Wolf Hall this will satisfy my love of history, architecture and landscaping! It may provide a good little 'stop off' on our way down to the south coast for another little trip.

Dovedale, Derbyshire

Now my body has decided to work half normally again, hiking has become a lovely passtime for our little family. We have been dreaming for years about hitting the Peak District with a picnic for a good old ramble, hopefully we will find time this year!

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

I am always trying to find places to stop off on the way up to Lancashire, or to visit whilst we are up there! And Dunham Massey, a First World War hospital is just to interesting to miss :)

Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire

As above, another little house that we could visit on one of our journeys. I have always loved the Tudors and their architecture so this one will definitely be a winner!

Through Louie's Eyes - 01

Yesterday Louie turned 5 and he received a camera for his birthday! What a lucky boy! Here are some photos that we took from his special day :)

 Selfies on the way

The view from the window

My Pals

 I think I've been spending too much time watching Mummy...

 

Malteaser Birthday Cake!

Pearly on the spinner!

Pappy in the ball pit!

Louie featuring Kyran's thumb, by Kyran!

FIVE!

Today, our baby boy turned 5. FIVE!
Goodness me, where has the time gone. Now we have a big boy, with a big heart, at a big school, doing big things! To celebrate his special day, we treated Louie and some of his best friends to a day at Twin Lakes, a local little theme park.

We visited last year on his birthday and had such a wonderful time, however he was the only little one with all of us adults. So we thought it would be EVEN BETTER with a group of his little maties.

So off we went, Rudy, Pearl, Kyran and Louie - the little clan of besties. They had such an amazing time riding the rollercoasters and chasing around in the indoor play areas. Though us Mums and Dads had just as much fun playing in the soft plays, the death slides were a hoot!

What is a party without party food? Nana and I put on a spread for everyone, including a chocolate Malteaser birthday cake.

The sun went down on such a beautiful day, with beautiful people celebrating our beautiful boy.

Home Sweet Home

Would you believe we have been in our little house for 4 months and I have yet to show you around! Better late than never, please find some of my favourite little corners of our sweet little home.

My sweet little kitchen windowsil

 My home couldn't be complete without a star

A bronze nutbrown hare and trinkets

 

 What better way to start the year in our new home

 Finally, a place for my books

Yes, more hares

 

And a bee, or two, of course

Textures for the sofa

Photo albums for the coffee table

And that is it! And I think it is a rather beautiful little place indeed.