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I'm a little belated on the news, but here it is.  We are staying!  It's just too much fun and we can't go back to real life yet.  So, if you have had any thought of coming to visit or join in on any future adventures you've got another year!  (Seriously, we'd love that.  Shoot us an email and we'll talk!)

Kew Gardens in the Spring

I'm ashamed of myself that I let a small thing get under my skin and practically ruin the day. Camera lens issues again. I'm not going to whine but anyway, besides my bad attitude this was a glorious day.  Kew Gardens is approved as a place to recover from a fit of the grumps.

This year I learned the difference between the two types of bluebells that are found in England.  I taught the differences to the boys and in no time they were experts.  I love watching them put knowledge to work.  Just for fun, here are the differences.

Native bluebells are the wild kind.  They are darker blue, smaller, sweeter smelling. 

Spanish bluebells are domesticated, larger with a thicker stalk, lighter in color and striped.  They also do not smell as nice and are dominant.  In recent years Spanish bluebells have been taking over the territory traditionally belonging to the native bluebells. 

I have heard several comments this year that it seems like there are more native bluebells in the woods again, which is hopeful.  There are also plenty of Spanish bluebells in garden beds.  I hope there is room for both.

The log trail is a favorite with our kids.  Big pine cones.  Rocket flowers.  Such a good place, Kew. 

Osterley Park in Bluebells

(Too many picture alert!!)

Being proud new owners of National Trust Membership we wanted to flex our wings a little.  Most of the properties are a good hour+ drive outside of London--you really need a car to get to them.  However, one treasure is on the Picadilly line out toward Heathrow and fully accessible on public transit.  So off to Osterley House and Gardens we have gone--twice now--this bluebell season.  The first time during a school day just me and Eliza and our dear friends (who are moving away in a few weeks and I cry when I think of it--losing bestest friends is getting harder each time I have to face it) and it was heavenly.

Then I insisted the rest of the family come experience the magic place.  Helping Erica get back to Heathrow a couple weeks back gave us the perfect timing.  It was a Monday holiday here in the UK so Collin could come with us.  Having daddy around makes everything easier and better.

Bluebell season is two weeks and fleeting.  Blink and it's gone.  I know for sure it's where the fairies live. 

Spring is a time for ducklings and goslings.  This swan was keeping its baby safe and warm.  So sweet.

It's against the law to pick bluebells (they are a bit endangered, actually) and I impressed on Eliza (and the boys, but they really weren't the culprits) the importance of being extra soft with the flowers.  But if there was one already picked she spotted it and carried it with her.

I had this vision of a little girl in a white vintage dress in a meadow of bluebells.  I tried at least three times in various locations to get the image I wanted (finally succeeded at Kew--next post!) and Eliza was remarkably cooperative about my attempts.

 The kids liked the house and the walk in the woods just fine.  But the rope swing?  Bliss.

 

Aaaannnnd den building in the woods.  Eliza defending her fort from the brothers but she was ganged up on, unfair.  Then Davy began building a new one.  I have a video I'll compile at some productive moment, it was too cute not to sneakily document.  Eliza went to play with her daddy, who is much nicer about things.

The house has been used in films.  You may recognize it if you're a Cary Grant fan (who isn't?) from "The Grass is Greener" or, more recently, "The Dark Knight" as the bat-cave entrance (a bookshelf in the library that actually is a secret passage!).  The kids played hide and seek with all the columns and generally made a lot of noise.

Inside the house is beautiful.  Down in the servant's quarters is the most amazing kitchen with hands-on activities and a full dress up room with an impressive collection of fancy dress.  Including "bum bums" that Eliza was fitted out with for dancing at the ball with a handsome prince.  

Such gorgeous days out.

Spring Comes to London

Ahh, I think I'm in love.  This spring is phenomenal.  Simply and truly glorious.  All the flowering trees and bushes and plants.  Collin's allergies acting up a little bit but not too out of control.  I can't get enough of these days being outside and enjoying the sun. 

Eliza can have flowers that she finds on the ground.  Sometimes I also let her choose one blossom off the tree or bush if one already on the ground is not to found.  I suppose I'm more chill third time around.  Also, she seems to respect that we must leave them for others to enjoy and I know she'll carefully carry her blossom around with her for the longest time. 

A friend who is moving (nooo--it begins!  The exodus from London of many of the friends we've been lucky to make here is something I've been dreading.  End of an era.) gave Eliza some dress up jewels when they were clearing out.  So much happiness from so much plastic.

Longer days, meeting new playmates at the park after school.  Practicing for summer.