Payday Weekend

Weeks and weeks ago, we decided to plan a little day trip on the weekend after payday. We have had some busy, busy weekends recently so we wanted to have some family time before the summer holiday is upon us. We decided to have our annual visit to Sudbury Hall, as Mr Bee wanted to explore the Museum of Childhood. We have been a few times now and it never gets old, looking at all of the vintage toys. He played for ages with the Duplo in the play section, he built a pub (an obvious choice for a 5 year old...!). Then we had a relaxing wander around the beautiful house and garden, stopping off at the play park on the way out, of course.

And for the bit we were really looking forward to. We have had a very 'good' month of eating super healthy without having any take aways or meals out. As a reward, we incorporated a trip to the amazing 50s American Diner. Jaffa Cake Milkshake, a delicous burger and a huge stack of onion rings. It was amazing, as per!

Sudbury Sunday

Some well needed family time, out in the fresh air. The dust and pollution in the air still seems to be around making everything feel so dull, but it was warm and breezy and beautiful to sit and just enjoy the peace and quiet. 

Mr Bee had a field day in the toy museum after we munched our lunch out of doors, the first time this year. 

Jubilee Diamond

We had rather a surprise today at Sudbury Hall. As we entered the courtyard we were confronted by a huge diamond. From a distance it looked like honeycomb, but on closer inspection (and looking at the board!) we saw that it was in fact a 2.5 metre molecular structure of a diamond.

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last June, the people of Uttoxeter created a record breaking model of a diamond. 35990 transparent balls represent each atom of carbon.

The sculpture was displayed in Uttoxeter town centre and is now having a turn at Derbyshire's Sudbury Hall.

Mr Bee and Isaac had lots of fun peering into the model and pulling funny faces!

Sudbury Hall

Aah, a welcome return to outings with our dear friends Anna and Isaac! 

Today our adventures lead us to Sudbury Hall, a National Trust property in Derbyshire. Boasting a beautiful house, Childhood Museum and a fab little woodland play park, we had plenty to be getting on with, even though the weather took a turn for the worse.

Inside the courtyard, there was a large diamond structure, but I will tell you more about that later!

Mothering Sunday 2012

 Today I celebrated my third Mothers Day. We exchanged gifts, I received a new Cath Kidston cosmetics case and a lovely card, and we gave Nana her homemade card and gifts. Then we started to get ready for our special trip.

 As I was preparing the picnic, Mr Bee was so eager to get going that he put his 'suit' on and was raring to get out in the rain! We headed into Derbyshire to visit Sudbury Hall.

Anyone home?

'Louis the Lion' hoody by Olive and Moss

 The weather could not make up its mind but we took shelter in the Childhood Museum. We all enjoyed the museum, especially Nana.

Fascinated by the ceiling

Apparently I had this very toy!

 We were just in time for school. We waited in line to be allowed in to class, sat in our chairs and waited for the teacher. Mr Bee sat so well but did get restless. He went round collecting rubbers... luckily he gave them all back!

 The teacher even let Louie ring the class bell!

Couldn't miss a Muppet!

 We could not tear Mr Bee away from this school bus. He did not want to leave, not even for his lunch. Luckily we managed to distract him with a train.

Picnic

 Mr Bee was allowed to walk around the house on his own this time, however he was very eager to touch anything and everything. Papa Bee told him to keep his hands by his sides but he marched around like this instead. It was incredibly cute.

Mama always admires the book cases

 We decided to take the short trip back to the car in the horse and carriage for a treat. Saxon was such a beautiful and obliging horse. Mr Bee was fascinated.

The Bees in the carriage, rather windswept!

Our new friend, Saxon

 Whilst we were in the area, we decided to pay a visit to the 50s American Diner. I have been desperate to visit for months now as it looked so authentic and wonderful. There were some interesting cars outside!

What a beaut!

 We had the thickest most icecreamy milk shakes we have ever had! Strawberry for Papa and Mint Chocolate for Louie and I.

 

The 'Joe Dimaggio'

Waiting for pud, playing with the table confetti

 Us Mummies were presented with a single red rose at the end of our meal. Mr Bee was so excited to give the 'gower' to me, so very sweet.

 We all had such a wonderful day, finished off by a lovely relaxing bath. Perfect