Countdown

The time has flown by since Dan and I decided to get married. In 5 months we I have done so much, so much that my wedding planner app thinks I am over half way prepared and we still have a whopping 408 days left, which seems like a lifetime away.

So where are we? 
Venue picked and booked along with officiant.
Dress sorted and all ready for final alterations.
Shoes, hair piece and hairdresser booked.
Flowers planned and ready for me to arrange the week before the big day!
Bridesmaid dresses decided for all girlies.
Caterer chosen, menus to finalize.
Evening entertainment organised for a big surprise.
Cake chosen and decided!
Invitations ready to print.
Save the Dates ready to mail.
The best photographer on board.

With a year left for everything to fall in to place, I think we are pretty well organised!

Summer 2013 Bucket List

The weather has been teasing us with high teen temperatures masked with harsh winds. This week I have been longing for the summer, an unusual thing for me as many will know!

Daydreaming of spending hazy afternoons with picnics at the meadow, playing in the brook, listening to summery tunes and feasting on home made picnics.

Camping in the Cotswolds, our annual family trip moved to summer from the autumn.

Visiting more country houses and gardens, Kedleston Hall, Stowe, Farnborough Hall.

Eating breakfast al fresco.

Summer munches, homemade ice cream, strawberry picking, summer pudding, homemade jam.


Our late summer holiday to Cornwall. A week by the sea, exploring the beautiful beaches and quaint villages. Cream teas and pasties in our favourite haunts.

Spending the entire day in the garden, playing football and cooling down in the paddling pool.

So how much of the list will Summer let us get through I wonder?

A Busy Day!

 A morning trip to the local farm. Anna and Isaac wanted to visit the city farm so we headed out with a picnic. The boys had such fun, however it didn't take us long, so after our little car picnic (it was a bit windy!) we moved on to the Abbey Pumping Station to have a nosy around the museum. Mr Bee was completely in his element, playing with the trains and exhibitions.

Yet again, we headed onto to the next destination, Belgrave Gardens, We saw some beautiful flowers and played on the awesome little park.
A lovely spring day, albeit windy!

Catching Up

Weekends have become a rather mundane part of our week. With the winter drawing out, we have been staying closer to home, having ritual Sunday morning breakfasts, bread baking and finding some fresh air. This week has been hectic. Work has been full and busy, and not without its distractions - rescuing a poorly stray cat from the local village car park. Luckily 'Pip' is safe and sound and looking for a new home. Meanwhile, Papa has been knuckling down trying to get all of his assignments and dissertation finished. He has been working hard and we have been trying to keep out of his way!

Sunday morning, Mr Bee and I headed off on a little drive into the countryside to find somewhere to walk. Louie was keen to use his binoculars, he loved looking out over the view, he didn't spot any birdies though. We were so pleased to find a new place to explore and can't wait to bring Pappy to come and play!

Spring

This week has graced us with some milder temperatures thank goodness! Double figures and just about warm enough to not need to bother with a coat meant our weekly outing with Anna and Isaac ended up at Bradgate Park.
The sun may not have been shining, and Mr Bee did complain that the sky was foggy a few times, but it was mild. We fed the ducks, walked for a good long while and had such a yummy lunch at our favourite village tea room.

Bookworm

While The Cat is Away...

This weekend, Mother Hen headed North East for her annual family get together. All six of my Grandmas children make the effort to have a weekend break together in memory of their mother and to reminisce on the good old times.

Leaving us Bees to rule the roost so to speak! Starting with a trip to our local amazing farm shop (which is more like a local farm supermarket) to pick up fresh goodies for the weekend. We always relish having a free reign in the kitchen, cooking things that Mother Hen doesn't like. 

 Fresh from the Farm Shop

 Homemade Mac and Cheese for the Mr

 

 Homemade Sourdough Loaf

  

Risotto filled Peppers served with Sweet Potato Wedges

 Fresh American Style Pancakes and Maple Syrup

 Roast Ham with all of the trimmings.

Raspberry Curd Steamed Sponge Pudding

A weekend of good food, chilling out, family time and enjoying the small amount of sunshine we were blessed with over the last few days!

Light

Entering British Summer Time means we are having much brighter evenings, despite the chilly weather outside. Begging the question

'Why do I have to go to bed? It isn't dark yet Mummy'

Queue a big fun bubble bath, take as long as you like little bee.

Cameraless

Today, Mr Bee and I took some time out. We got up early and headed west for a little treat, a trip to the Alton Towers Splash Landings Water Park. Mr Bee hasn't been himself for a few weeks now so I thought some time with just the two of us might cheer him up a little bit, and where better than Alton Towers (which I hear about twenty times a day from him!).
Still a little small for the flumes, he enjoyed the little paddling pool which surprised me, as he always loves to swim. After a few hours playing, our little bee was worn out and hungry. He suggested a lunch at Calke Abbey
which he saw the signs for on our journey in. Clever boy.

On our arrival, we realised they were having one of their 20th Century Alive theme days, with a tea dance in the afternoon. After the last dance we went to, Mr Bee was very excited! We danced the hokey cokey, hands, knees and bumps a daisy and various parlour dances before getting distracted by ice cream! After a little walk, Louie decided he missed his Pappy too much and he wanted to go home.

24

 This weekend has marked my 24th birthday. Spent with family, we have eaten out far too often, gotten frozen to the bone on more than one occasion. I was spoiled with some more lovely gifts (all opened by Mr Bee!) and recieved countless cards.
For the day, we visited Upton House, a beautiful estate encapsulated in 1930s glamour. Decidedly less colourful than our last visit, we walked the gardens, playing in the snow. Nana and Grandad were very taken with the house, enjoying the paintings and relatively mod cons!

  

We hurried home, ready for my big surprise (as outlined in the crossword!). Dinner for two, at seven, followed by a good nights sleep and breakfast at our favourite haunt, Mai Yango (which you may remember from our anniversary last year).
Compliments to the chef for the most fantastic meal we have ever tasted, followed by a bottle of bubbly and a film back in our huge bed.
A perfect birthday.