Cotswolds - 13 June 2016

I'm not sure why this photo was on my phone, but I love that it has the reminder of Kaylie's school picnic, The Queen's Picnic, that took place that day. The Queen's 90th birthday was in April, but it was celebrated again in June. There is always a parade in June for her birthday so that they chances of good weather are better!

We took Gramma to Bourton-on-the-Water. It was a rainy day!

We love this little sweet shop. It is really little!

They were also celebrating the Queen's Birthday.

We then went to Bibury.
This is the famous Arlington Row behind Addy. The rain was ending!

Me and my girl

Arlington Row. These were first built in 1380!
They were turned into weaver's cottages in the 17th century.

We then walked to the center of the little village of Bibury. 

I hadn't done that before, and I was so glad that we did! 

Yes, those are Spiderman socks. Love this girl.

It was a great day. About 2 weeks later, I received my very first speeding ticket in the post from this day! I was going 35 MPH in a 30 zone! Oh well, I had to pay for and attend a speeding course, but it was actually very informative. I am determined not to speed anymore, and not just because of the ticket!

Awards and Fish n' Chips - 10 June 2016

Gramma, Addy, and I went to Dallin's School to see him receive an award for getting the highest score, in his class, in the International Bebras Computing Competition. Go Dallin!

That same evening, we took Gramma to our local pub,
The Talbot Inn, so she could have some British Fish n' Chips.

Hampton Court Palace - 9 June 2016

Hampton Court Palace was the home of King Henry VIII(and some others before and after him).  I have wanted to go here for a long time, and I'm so glad that we finally did! We learned a lot about Henry. The most interesting thing that I learned about him was that he was, as a young man, very athletic. He was a jouster. He was seriously injured while jousting one day and never fully recovered. Henry's leg never healed properly and he walked around with a limp and an open wound for years. This is when he gained weight and became grumpy! I only think horrible things about Henry, but as I learned this I began to feel sorry for him. He lost his health and his love of sport. He was in pain and depressed. He turned to food and his quest for an heir. He must have felt the urgency for an heir after almost dying. Of course, I don't excuse him having 2 of his wives killed, I just understand him a bit more now.

There is a lovely walled rose garden. I think it was Gramma's favorite part of Hampton Court.

Why is it so hard to get kids to look at the camera?

This is the kitchen garden. I wish I had a garden like this!

Hampton Court Palace has a hedge maze that is 300 years old. It was fun to explore and get lost in!                                             

We made it to the center!

                                

Having a picnic in the garden.

This tree had mistletoe, which is a parasitic plant, growing on it.

The boys are going to cook some fish for us.

The kitchens(and fireplaces) here are huge!
Henry VIII like to entertain and these kitchens were made for it!

Love these chimneys!

This was a newer addition to the palace, built by King William III and Queen Mary in the 1600's.

In the back garden.

Napping.

I love all the yew trees.

This duck had just touched Kaylie's head as she was resting.
She was kinda freaking out :)

This is the rear and newer part of the palace.

I want a chocolate kitchen!
The kitchen told us how the chocolate was made here a long time ago.

The kids couldn't wait to go to the newly opened Magic Garden. This is a fun playground for kids!

Someone is watching all that enter the Magic Garden.