It is still winter but these pink tipped tulips are keeping us hopeful for spring, which should be just around the corner!

The Workhouse

It was a cold and rainy day today, but we didn't let it stop us from heading out for the day. We picked a new place today, and it it was a pretty perfect choice really, seeing as it kept us inside for most of our trip!

Last term, Louie was learning about 'the old days' at school, so it did seem like a perfect fit. He practised the old fashioned ways of washing and was quite astounded at the ways the paupers lived in the Workhouse. I'm sure it seems like a twisted fairytale, far far away from what we are used to in the here and now.

We peered through all of the windows, thankful for the shelter. The rain didn't let up for our entire trip!

It was a nice way to end the Half Term break, for Louie anyway. Back to school tomorrow and back into our routines we go. Until Easter.

Homework

Over half term, Louie's homework was to visit the National Space Centre in preparation for next terms module on 'Space'.

It was the first time we have visited the space centre, as I have been waiting until Louie is old enough to properly enjoy it really. Though he had a wonderful time, I don't think we will come back too soon, as I think he will benefit from it more when he is a little older! But he had a great time looking at the rockets and planets and astronauts, hopefully he is ready for his next term at school.

Wistow

Half Term seems to have blessed us with some gorgeous weather! The sun was shining and the weather was mild so we spent the afternoon exploring some more of the Leicestershire countryside with some old friends.

Hello...

Spring! Mid February and signs of spring are showing.

Snowdrops are lolling their heads in our garden, there are sticky buds on trees all over and daffodils are available just about everywhere, brightening up the dullest of days.

Of course, spring means warmer weather (at some point!) which then means spending more of our time out of doors. In the garden, the park and of course in the countryside. As much as I love the winter, it is much more fun when you can feel your toes!

Beacon

Today we spent a very eerie morning at Beacon Hill Country Park in the very, very foggy woods. Grandma Julie, Dave and Logan came to visit us for the weekend so of course, we needed to get the boys out of the house to use up some of their energy!
We played in the natural play areas, sleepy Louie got a bit annoyed that his sticks kept breaking then we warmed up in one of our favourite haunts, the Badgers Sett.

We can't wait to do it again soon.

Half Term Hero

Yesterday, I was very kindly given a few hours off from work to go and watch Louie receive a 'Half Term Hero' award. It was the first time he has been given anything so special and it was a really, really sweet assembly for all of the kiddies involved.

Louie's teacher said that she was really impressed with Louie this half term, for working really hard with his reading, writing and number work. That she can always rely on him for his good behaviour and that he works well with the other children and is good at sharing and turn taking. He always has a smile on his face and she was particularly impressed with his Lego and K'Nex creations!! (no surprises there!)

It is safe to say that we are incredibly proud of him!

The Best Medicine

 Last night was interesting, Mr Bee has had a cough for a few weeks now but last night, he coughed so much that he made himself sick, just about everywhere. So I gave him the choice of where to go for a good, brisk, chilly walk to see if we could cure the cold. Of course he wanted to go for a walk around Calke, as the gardens are open for the year.

 

I had been up since so early (someone turfed me out of bed at silly o clock) so I didn't even notice how early we arrived at Calke. It felt like lunch time to me! But we were very grateful to have the gardens to ourselves. It is such a peaceful place at this time of day, it isn't the first time that we have been the first people in! However when we made it back to the visitors centre, it was absolutely heaving!

It was such a beautiful morning, well spent indeed.

Bloom

Who doesn't love a little posy of fresh flowers?

(even if you did buy them for yourself!)