Kedleston Trails

Easter isn't easter without a National Trust egg hunt! As we were short on time, we chose a nearby property to visit and ended up at Kedleston Hall. It was wet and muddy and Pappy was wearing thoroughly inappropriate footwear... nonetheless we soldiered on and completed the quite difficult egg hunt! (Did anyone else find it as hard as we did?!)

Next we visited the house and took part in another trail, this time we were hunting for little fluffy chicks. I think I can speak for most of the families participating that the adults had more fun than the kids did!

It's safe to say we made the most of a wet and miserable day, once again!

Playtime

Louie's Bedroom

We changed Mr Bees cot for a bed at the beginning of December and it has taken me this long to get some photographs of his new bedroom! I don't think I have taken any photos of his room since we first finished it before he was born. Some things have changed now, with the addition of a shelf on the door wall and the lovely blue star lamp on the window wall.

Bookshelf, hand made coat rack (courtesy of Papa) and various art works on the wall.

 This is my very treasured picture book collection. I have always loved picture books, and my obsession really started when I was working at Borders. Everyone always thought I was strange for buying childrens books, for myself... I got away with it a little easier when I started working in the childrens section, and often I would find books coming home with me, just because they are beautiful. It means that Louie has a lovely library of books which will last him for years. Of course, that is just a small glimmer of all the books I have accumulated for Louie, there are shelves and shelves of them all over the house.

 We couldn't get the matching duvet set as it was discontinued around the time that Mr Bee was born, but Laura Ashley still made the beautiful starry quilt, which Nana treated him to for his big new bed. You can also see the cute bunting on the wall, the star lamp and his aeroplane mobile which he still loves to gaze at.

And lastly the shelf that Papa painted and put up. We bought the shelf not that long after Louie was born but it only got put up a few months ago! It has made a home for some of the many gifts that our lucky little bee has received. Including his Steiff bear, silver christening gifts and the gorgeous felt boat picture that Grandma Val made for him. Not to mention the painting which I did in 1992!

I absolutely love Mr Bee's bedroom. I am so proud of how beautiful and perfect it is. There is literally nothing I would change in this room!

Party Weekend

Mr Bee has been enjoying opening his advent calender. Thursday was a magic flannel as a present. He played in the water for ages and got thoroughly soaked!

Mr Bee has a new best friend, Panda! They have been doing everything together this weekend.

 On Friday, Mr Bee and I went out with Anna and Isaac to the garden centre. Louie was very excited to see all of the Santas and decorations. He is very excited that Santa will be coming soon. I can't wait for his special trip to see him next week.

Louie and the Camel

'Baa' at the sheep behind the donkey!

Isaac loved the decorations!

 When we got home, the house was all ready for the family party which was to take place on Saturday afternoon. Mr Bee had great fun playing around with all the extra tables and chairs.

We had all the family at our house for the annual get together. Unfortunately, all of my photos were rubbish which is a shame because Mr Bee had so much fun. My cousin was here with her little boy, Jacob. He and Mr Bee had awesome fun playing together. Louie was so busy loving him, and including everyone in whatever he was doing that he didn't go to bed until very late!
Sunday the stragglers were here again for the biggest Sunday lunch you have ever seen! All 18 of us queued up in the kitchen for our lunch and battled for a seat at our extra long dinner table. Even, Vito and Becka, Mr Bee's new best friends came between Papa and Vitos hardcore revision session at the library. They have lots of exams this week and are very busy bees!

The house is calm again now, back to its normal quiet self.