The Cotswolds and Ridge

We arrived in the UK and headed straight to the Cotswolds for a long weekend with John, Rae, Kristie, Andy, Sam and Anna.  Nate and Sarah's baby was due around that time so very sadly they were not able to join us.  The 4 cousins got straight back into playing as if they'd seen each other the week before and we were all so pleased to see that, despite her teenage years, Tess was still happy to play with the younger ones.  We went on lots of walks, picked blackberries galore, spent hours perusing the gorgeous shops in Chipping Camden, drank a little bit (!) and had some lovely meals out.  The most memorable was Sunday lunch at The Swan in Swinbrook which is owned by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, the last surviving Mitford sister.  Kristie has always had an interest in the Mitfords and has read lots of their books and all around the pub were Mitford family photos showing the local area.  We were given a large square table in a corner with views over the garden where the kids could run around and the food was exceptional - the pictures show what a perfect day it was.  

 Standing in the Market Place, Chipping Camden

Tess' birthday cake at a local tea shop

Climbing hay bales

 On top of the hay bale

 I'm biased but I think they're all gorgeous and could all be siblings! 

A big bag of blackberries

Lunch at The Swan Inn, Swinbrook

 On the bridge outside The Swan Inn after playing Pooh Sticks

 Andy and Kristie - we wish we could see them more often

 Tom loves Uncle Andy's stories

After The Cotswolds we did a quick pit-stop in London for 2 nights catching up with Tom and Cara the first night and spending the second night at Robert and Caroline's new house which is gorgeous and we were happy to note that there is plenty of room for us for future visits! 

Our next stop was Ridge.  We were beginning to feel a bit exhausted by then and Ridge was exactly what we needed - complete peace and quiet, the world's most comfortable beds, delicious food, fields with hills the kids rolled down endlessly and thousands of pheasants that the kids loved watching and chasing.  We did a day trip to Salisbury Cathedral (I was desperate to show the kids some "history") and climbed the spire which was a huge hit with all of us.  Grandpa Mark showed the kids his strong room which contains his guns and to Tom's utter delight the kids were allowed to set up a target and have a go with the air rifle.  Jules was pretty quick to get in on the action too!  

 Grandpa Mark, Mandy, Lenka and Callum

Tess, Tom and Callum - he loved all the attention from the kids

 Inside the spire at Salisbury Cathedral

 What our life might have looked like if we hadn't moved to Australia! 

 Tess lining up to shoot

Grandpa Mark, Tom and the target

He was a pretty good shot!