Here Comes the Sun!

When the sun shines here in England you make the most of it. You never know how long it will last so you certainly don't want to waste a minute of it. Thankfully we've enjoyed quite a few sunny days lately so what have we done to celebrate?


We enjoyed a picnic in our back garden.

Nell absolutely loved looking up at the trees above.

We made the most of a day off school.

The union Clara's teacher belongs to went on strike one day so the children in her class were asked not to come to school, but Jonas still had school so Clara and I had a fun morning together (with Nell of course). We went to breakfast at Betty's where Clara remarked "They like to make the food fashion-y here...like more yummy, that's why it takes longer to get your food here than McDonalds". It made me laugh and sigh with relief that she knows what good food is. After Betty's we went to an indoor play area until it was time to get Jonas from school. That afternoon, the sun came out brightly and the two spent the afternoon outside blowing bubbles.




We enjoyed an afternoon playing in the garden. The owners of our house take such great care of it (well actually they pay a very diligent gardener to take care of). Yes, I am truly enjoying not having to do yard work for a few years while at the same time having a garden more beautiful than anything I could ever produce.





We were planning on washing the car, thus the bathing suit Clara has on, but why do that when you could go to Valley Gardens to play and have a picnic. Much better use of an afternoon.



And when the 4th of July came around and it was actually good weather, we invited some friends over for a BBQ.


It had to start after school of course since our children were all still in school that day (made it hard to feel like the 4th to me). We had fun planning and Clara helped me decorate when she got home.


Jonas was so excited for everyone to come that 30 minutes before it began he insisted on sitting at the table and waited there patiently. All he had was a straw and the centerpiece to keep him entertained but that did not bother him one bit! I honestly tried to get him down and have him do something "fun" but he wouldn't consider it. I thought he looked pretty cute - either that or pretty lonely, take your pick.


The BBQ was so much fun. We had a great time talking on the patio while kids ran around playing. Clara, Gwen and Emeline decided to share this drink:


Here's what it looks like when 3 girls share 1 IBC Cherry Limeade at the same time -


When we were all tired out from our activities, what better than to climb into bed and snuggle together? Clara and Nell sure think it is a good idea.

Nell and Jonas also got some good cuddle time in. Jonas just discovered that if he puts his finger in Nell's palm, she'll grab on. He LOVES it and does it multiple times a day. Each time he tells me "Mama, hand, pit-ur", translated "Mom, Nell's holding my hand, take a picture". If I say not right now he responds with "AWWWWWW" said in a very dramatic manner. But if I say "Sure", you get a smile like this.


And if the sun just gets too bright and you need a bit of shading, Nell has just the solution for you.

**My apologies to my friend who does not like song titles for blog titles - you know who you are - but I couldn't think of anything else**