American Mum: Nana's Fun-Filled Visit, Part One

I am not sure who was more excited about Nana's visit...the kids, me, or Nana herself! She was so very anxious to meet Cora and see how much Dylan and Amelia had grown since she kissed them goodbye on New Year's Eve. Of course we see her via Skype a few times each month, but being here to spend time together was wonderful for all of us. I loved having another adult around to talk to and laugh with about the kids. She was a big help with the kids and the house. We stayed busy each day and tried to show Nana around Chippenham a little, despite the many rainy days. She braved over 18 hours of travel on her own, and she took the train from London to Chippenham. When I picked her up at the train station, after hugging and loving on the girls, she got in on the driver's side...oops! I think it took her almost all week to get used to getting in on the other side of the car.

Nana made it!

We waited for Dylan to get home from school before we opened the treasure box. Nana's suitcase was FULL of snacks and gifts! She also brought baby clothes for Cora, and she managed to squeeze in a few outfits for herself.

The kids loved playing with Nana on our driveway. I believe she was the "Big Bad Wolf" and they were trying to get away from her. I heard lots of squeals of excitement so it must have been fun.

Nana got a little nap on Friday morning with Cora while I volunteered at Amelia's preschool. Our little Cora decided she would NOT take a bottle, so Nana rocked her and she slept until I got home at noon.

We walked to pick up Dylan from school since it was a nice day (well, nice day for England). Dylan had a red, white and blue dress down day at school for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He sported his new personalized USA soccer jersey from Grandpa Trost.

The girls in their jammies on Saturday morning.

On Saturday, we went into downtown Chippenham. On top of the vendors selling things in the streets, there was a folk festival, so it was crazy. They had everything from tap dancers and fiddler players to wood carvers and people with bells on their legs and crazy hats on their heads. It was interesting to say the least.

The kids enjoyed watching the folk dancers.

We dodged the festival and headed to the playground for awhile.

Cora fell right asleep in the carrier while they were at the playground.

Daddy got her right to sleep back at home. Both looking good in purple.

Such a cutie in my cousin, Lily's, purple outfit!

Nana arrived just in time for the Queen's Jubilee celebration. There was lots of red, white and blue around town and even red, white and blue M&M's in the markets. Both Dylan and Amelia made crowns and flags at school. They were off school for the week of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It was their half term. Eric was actually off work that Monday and Tuesday as well since they were bank holidays.

One of the many flags around town

Several houses had flags hanging for the Jubilee.

King Dylan and Amelia taking turns in the "throne". The Queen was all over the newspapers.

Playing the Gruffalo game on Sunday afternoon. (If you have not heard of the Gruffalo, it is a cute book that is very popular over here in England.)

Cora trying out her "throne".

On Monday, we went on an adventure to a castle. It was the Farleigh Hungerford Castle from the 14th Century. With admission, you are given a device to take a self-guided tour. There was not a lot remaining of the castle, but the kids managed to have a wonderful time climbing around and exploring. It turned out to be a nice day to be outside. Their favorite part was learning how to shoot a bow and arrow. Do not worry...the arrows had suction cups on them. Nana ended up buying some for them to bring home. Perfect on the sliding glass door!

Dylan trying out his bow and arrow at home. Notice his tongue...he is concentrating!

On Tuesday, we went to the Bowood House and Gardens for our first time. We did not go into the house, but we hope to in the future. The Bowood Estate holds numerous unique items such as Queen Victoria's wedding chair and Napoleon's death mask. On the grounds, they have an amazing adventure playground with a life-size pirate ship, giant slides, ariel rope walks and trampolines. Of course we headed for that first. When the rain came, we went to the indoor softplay palace.

Amelia had no fear!

This rope bridge was the most challenging. Daddy helped them on this one.

Such a great playground!

Once you get across all of the bridges, there are huge slides to come down.

Their first time on boat swings...fun!

Dylan coming down the slide

Amelia holding on to cross a bridge

We played on the pirate ship, even in the rain. Boy we've come a long way since living in South Carolina last year! Rain does not seem to bother us much anymore.