Park, Park, Park & Park

We spent the last 24 hours out in Hampshire- in the countryside. The Vyne is a National Trust property where we spent a fair bit of time walking the grounds and having picnics. Here is C messing around on some playground equipment: And then we came back to London. And we headed straight for our own little piece of the countryside- our allotment. And ate fresh raspberries right off the bush.

We took Uncle Nate out to the country this afternoon for a good walk- near Windsor Castle. That's mad King George the Third in the background.

C met his Uncle Nate at Heathrow this afternoon. He arrived for a pseudo-gap year experience; a year long graduate school program that puts him in Geneva, Leiden, Vienna and London. He'll stay with us for a week, and educate C on various aspects of American culture. In turn, C will educate Nate on tractors, garbage trucks and where the best swings are in London.

Although this isn't the most flattering picture of our pride and joy, it was a classic situation. C is always excited every Friday morning to see the garbage truck. Here was my first installment in this ongoing story. The garbage men are always friendly and chat to him as he stands on the front wall. C is engrossed by the flashing yellow lights of the big green truck and the guys throwing bags around. One guy is always really animated, and invited C into the cab today. As you can see, the hulk looks like to type you wouldn't want to meet late at night. But underneath, he is really quite generous.

I think last time I did a shot like this was here . The first time I did it was here at 4 days old. The most recent installment: As every parent I'm sure says, "It's truly amazing how fast they grow."

Bells picked up Michael today at Heathrow as he arrived back from Afghanistan. C was very excited to see him and sing "Twinkle, twinkle little star". They spent some time in the backyard in their respective chairs.

C spent some time Sunday morning looking for me- over the wall where the London Triathlon finished. He did find me eventually- click here .

Following on last weekends tractor show - We spent the afternoon with Idoia, Inigo and Laia, our friends from the Basque country at a village fete in Regents Park. Part of the festivities included tractor rides!

Not sure I like the look of those noisy teen-agers down there.