Pelatowski Family In London: School's out...August travels!!!

With school out, we decided to make the most of the month of August and do some road trips around England before heading back to Connecticut for our annual summer visit. Our first weekend getaway was to Longleat House and Wildlife Safari Park. We happened upon this adorable little village of Great Wishford, which dates back to 1066. The village consists of a primary school, church, post office, and a pub!

St. Giles Church, Great Wishford

Longleat is a stately home near the towns of Warminster and Frome. It is known for it's Elizabethan country house, maze, landscaped parkland and safari park. The house in set in over 900 acres of parkland, with over 100,000 acres of woods and farmland. Quite an impressive view upon approach.

Upon arrival we drove through the safari park. The kids enjoyed seeing all of the animals, though were slightly disappointed the monkeys didn't climb on our car!

After the safari we spent some time walking the grounds around the house. The kids enjoyed the train ride around the property and well as the GIANT playground.

Sleepy Boys!

After a full day at Longleat, we drove the 30 minutes to Bristol to stay the night. Bristol is a city in south west England with an estimated population of 433,000. It is England's sixth and the United Kingdom's eighth most populous city.

City Hall

Bristol Cathedral

St Mary Redcliffe

The Hatchet Inn, Bristol's Oldest Pub
Circa 1500

Wills Memorial Building
Part Of Bristol University

Rainy England Doesn't Dampen the Spirits

*******************************

August 7th, the kids and I went to the Wetlands Centre in Barnes with Carol and her kids. The Centre occupies more that 100 acres of land and is home to many species of bird that can't be found anywhere else in London. In 2012 London Wetlands Centre was voted Britain's favourite natural reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards. The kids had a great time exploring and running around. We saw a ton of wild fowl and even saw the otters during feeding time. Mandy, Molly and Rory went on a scientific butterfly count through a garden, while the boys searched for bugs! Overall a great day out with friends!

Ryan, Liam, Mandy, Aiden, Rory & Molly

******************************

On August 10th, Keith and I
celebrated our 11th Anniversary!!
We went out for a fabulous dinner in the city,
followed by a late night stroll through London!

**********************************

So most will recognise this beautiful building as Downton Abbey, when actually it is properly named Highclere Castle. Ever since I started watching the series Downton Abbey, I hoped to be able to see the Castle in person. When I discovered that it was a mere 50 minutes from us, I packed the kids up and took the drive. From the minute we drove onto the property, I could hear the theme song playing in my mind! There was a glow around this building that took my breath away. It is an incredibly beautiful castle with impressive grounds.

Highclere castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set on 1,000 acres of parkland. The Carnarvon Family has lived at Highclere since 1679.

Mandy & Aiden in the
Wildflower Garden

Mandy caught some 25 Ladybirds
while in the gardens

The Monks garden

So happy we made the drive to see this beautiful estate.

*******************************

August 17th we made the trip back to Connecticut. Always nice to go home, catch up with everyone, drive on the wide roads and use full sized modern appliances!! Less than 24 hours after arriving home we opened our home to our family and friends for a picnic and to celebrate Mandy & Ryan's birthdays.

This year our baby girl turned 8! She is growing up way too fast! Mandy is smart, funny, determined, kind, honest and full of love and zest for life. She makes us proud everyday with all that she does. This year for her birthday she wanted to take a day trip into New York City. Keith and I took both Mandy and Ryan for a fun filled day with our big kids!

Of course no day in the city is complete without a trip to The American Girl Doll Store, The Lego Store, The M&M Store, FAO Schwartz, Time Square and a carriage ride through Central Park!

What else did we do while home...??? We went fishing with Papa, Shopping with Uncle Steve, Auntie Riss and Grammy, Dinner out with Amy, Jenn and Kim, Time with Great Grandma, Swimming with Mia & Kelley, Dinner with Grandma, Papa, Uncle Chris and Jen, Play time at "the bubble", Keith ran a half marathon...

We hung out with Camden...tried to get a good photo of the four kids...no luck this time!!