D learning to drive
At the earlier mentioned meeting of South Africans, Marya (Louisa's mother) gave D a driving lesson. After lunch, they took themselves off to the backyard and cut the lawn.
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C's Godmother
His godmother Louisa and her family are in town from South Africa. That is Tommy on the far left- Louisa and Peter's son whom Bella is godmother to as well.
Happy birthday from a bunch of weirdos
Grandma showed up with some great masks. So we put them on for her birthday celebration.
D reads at church
She stepped in to replace C and read the whole Journey of the Magi piece to a full congregation, during a Carol service.
Hockey: Into the Finals
The Wimbledon team made it through several matches today, and found themselves in the finals. Unfortunately, they lost and took second, on a penalty shootout. It was a new experience for C- they haven't started practicing for those situations yet.
A Muddy Walk
Up to Leith Tower in the Surrey Hills. C did some mountaineering and D ran through the forest puddles.
Out at the farm
We drive out to farthest Essex today to see Uncle Adrian and family. And dogs. All 6. Here's Lindsey and Tilly with my lovely girls.
A different school
C has spent the last few days with me at work, mostly doing his schoolwork. But it has provided the opportunity to learn more about the broader world of work- how to function in an office with dogs running around, what a commute is like, where to get a variety of lunches. And today, I took him to one of our construction sites to inspect progress and meet the Polish builders.
Spain to the UK to the USA
A good friend of Godfather Ubu came through London and stayed with us for the weekend. Alayna saw most of the important sites, and gave the kids a good dose of Americana.
NFL in London
We're at Wembley Stadium- all 85,000 of us- for the Eagles Vs the Jaguars. It was epic. And D enjoyed it the most!
D performing Mama Mia
A great half term activity- D doing a dance class and then a short performance for parents.
D's cross country race
D ran as part of the Sheringdale team this weekend against several of the local schools.
D Wins The Splits Competition
D's dance class held a summer competition to see who could increase their flexibility the most. Winners were announced this week, with D taking top honours.
In London for the ballet
Out for lunch first, then meeting Grandpa and Ganny. And Adrian and family.
Ice Cream in Soho
D and I went shopping into the West End. Ice cream first, then shoe shopping afterwards. Good old American Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.
Nude Swimming
We did a bit if this while at our own pool. But Bells found a full-on (full-off!) Nudist beach outside Sopela. Most of us partook.
A Stop in Larrabetzu
On our way north from Madrid, we sponteneously stopped in one of our favourite places. While there, we ran into our nanny from 2010- Jone. And her Dad, whose house we stayed at on another trip. It felt great to be back. But we missed the fiesta by one day.
To The Bullfights!
In a small village nearby, they staged a bullfight. Seeing the banners, Grand-Dad, C and I had to go and see it first hand, for the first time. It was fairly traditional- costumes, horses, some well dressed people. And in a small stadium that I'm sure had been around for 100 years. But it was more gory than we expected. The death of the bull is bloody and tragic. The three of walked away from it grateful for the experience, but not inclined to go again.
Pig's Ear!
On our way home from dinner, we walked past the village butcher. Earlier in the day, Bella sent Grand-Dad in to buy a pig's ear. He had to order in Spanish. We then boiled it with beans for a lovely stew. And then we had one as a tapas at dinner.
Segovia- Home of a Roman Aqueduct
After a hot walk around the town, we find ice cream and with the Roman Aqueduct in the background.
Outside a Vermuth bar in Madrid
We all journeyed into Madrid for the day. Some walked around street markets, others took tour buses. And some stopped to sample vermuth- a typical Madrid day drink- at 1pm.
A hike up to Valle del Los Caidos
Through the pines, about 3 miles. This is a very impressive Franco Memorial to the Spanish Civil War. The basilica is dug out of the granite mountainside, and is about the size of St Pauls in London.
After paella, before a swim
We ordered a huge paella from a local restaurant, ate well in the middle of the afternoon and then all jumped into the pool.
Oh No! Car Trouble!
...and the battery dies 50 miles north of Palencia. Two hours later, we were into a rental car and back on the road. The kids were troopers!
Day 2: The Ancient Cave Paintings
The original cave paintings are off limits now, but the museum is worth the trip. Then off to the playa.
And the last Ballet class of the year
Today was Watching Day. D showed a great deal of effort and poise.
