Pelatowski Family In London: June...All about Fun, Sun and Sports!!!

The month of June was filled with so much time outside! Ryan and Mandy wrapped up their tee ball and softball, Aiden and I spent some amazing time strolling through Richmond park, I went to the Royal Ascot with the ladies, the kids had Sports Day at school, we celebrated Ryan's 6th Birthday, my cousin Ashley came for a visit and Mandy and I did the 5k Walk for Life together! Such a fun month!!

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What a season of growth Ryan had! Anyone who knows Ryan knows that he tends to be the more reserved of the Pelatowski crew. This was the first organised activity that Ryan joined and willingly participated in. He started the season in typical reluctant Ryan style, but ended as a confident little player. According to "Coach Keith" he "gets the game"; he is quick on the bases and has a great eye when up at bat. Way to go Ryan!! We are super proud!!

Miss Mandy has played with London Baseball for three seasons now. She started in the co-ed tee ball league, moved to the co-ed coaches pitch, and then this year progressed to the girls softball league. She started this season a bit unsure and reluctant as most would when joining a team where the girls were 1-3 years older. In true Mandy fashion, she took this challenge and ran with it. She tried her hand at catching, made contact EVERY at bat and even had the game winning hit one game! By the end of the season, she felt part of the team and the age difference no longer mattered! Awesome job Mandy!!

If you have read previous posts, you know how much I love and treasure my time in the parks and gardens here. One particularly gorgeous day, Aiden and I sent out on a big adventure through Richmond Park. This place is amazing, so much raw beauty! While exploring, Aiden and I came across a few deer grazing. We stood completely still and let them move around us. One deer walked right in between Aiden and I, so close I could have touched him as he went by. Though slightly terrified, I was amazing that we are able to co exist with these beauties!

A View of London from Richmond Park

Isabella Plantation is a woodlands garden in the heart of Richmond Park. It is filled with beautiful flowering plants and shrubs as well as many types of wildlife. When in bloom, it can be breathtaking!

On Tuesday the 18th, I ticked another item off the bucket list, The Royal Ascot! Carol, Erin, Katie and I got all decked out in our fancy hats and headed off to the races. Over the past 300 years, Ascot has established itself as a national institution, with Royal Ascot becoming the centrepiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world. Of course we went for the opportunity to see the Queen and wear a fancy hat!!

Cute & Fun

Ummmm???

Sports Day at Darell Primary School is a much anticipated day! The kids are excited to show off their athletic skills and compete in various events! This was Ryan's 3rd Sports Day but the first he actually felt confident enough to participate in! He did great and had so much fun!!

Mandy loves to compete and put her everything into each event she completed. She even took first place in the 50 yard dash!

Seriously, six years old? Where on earth has the time gone? I can remember the day Ryan was born like it was yesterday. Ryan has grown up so much in our three years here in London. His personality, sense of humour and confidence have developed, making him such a joy to be around (most days!). He has embraced the role of Big Brother whole heartily and still loves to be the pesky Little Brother to Mandy! We celebrated Ryan's day with cupcakes at school and a few of his best buds back at the house for a party! Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Liam, Ryan, Aiden, Maxim, Tom & Tristan

Maxim, Tristan, Tom, Ryan, Liam & Mandy

June 21st-30th my cousin Ashley came to visit. This trip had been one that she planned on taking with a friend who, last minute, decided she could no longer go. Ashley almost backed out as well. I'm very happy that she decided to come. It was great to see her and catch up and I think it was a trip that will stay with her forever. Not only did she tackled the major sights of London (some with me, some without), but she also saw Dublin and Paris all on her own! So proud of her!! Thanks for coming to see us Ashley!!

Ashley & Me with my friends Clair & Nicola after a fabulous dinner out!

On the very last day of the month Mandy and I participated in the Walk for Life at Old Deer Park. A group of mums and daughters from Darell school have signed up for the last two years, making it a fabulous tradition. It was great doing this with Mandy and hope we can make it an annual tradition for us as a mother/daughter team!!