Day #1 - Hurry up and Relax!

Today marks the first official day of our fabulous U.K. vacation.  I'm not starting with yesterday as that was a travel day.  I will however give these few items an honorable mention from yesterday:

#1.  When we landed in Canada (we changed planes in Toronto), Peter said "So THIS is what Canada looks like!"

Pete and Em ready for the loooong flight!

Andy and I also settling in!

#2.  When we went past customs in Canada, the police officer asked me for my permission paper from Peter's father to be traveling to London.  As I hadn't thought of this, I explained that his father was also on his way to London, but going a different route.  After a few questions aimed directly at Peter "Who lives in your house?  Does your daddy know where you are?," the police let us go with a reprimand. Really, doesn't he realize how many details I've had to look after up 'til now??

Stockbottom House with the ENORMOUS van out front!

But really, our trip didn't begin until we had made it through London's immigration (no concerns about where the father was!) and customs.  We made it out of the terminal, met up with Steve who was waiting for us, and headed outside to our first host, Doric.  He had the largest van I think I have ever seen! We easily packed all our bags inside and away we went.

Doric impressing us all!

About an hour + later, we were entering the small hamlet of Stockbottom House, of which Doric and his wife Sara have a lovely home and guest house.  After we had settled in the guest house (Em, Pete, Steve and I are in the guest house...Andy gets their son's room in the main house), we showered and began our visit.  The first item on the agenda was giving the gifts we brought.  Doric promptly put on his Bears shirt, and went outside to attempt to throw a football. He showed much promise with his athletic skill. The boys and Emily continued to practice their throwing skills while I gave Sara the gardening gifts I had brought her.  She has amazing gardens that I need to photograph before I go!  If only I had half the green thumb she does...

The Village Church's graveyard in Pitton

After everyone had worn themselves out, we headed on into the village of Pitton for a tour.  It was a lovely walk with a brief stop in the village church as well as down various streets with lots of flowers and gardens.  We walked over to a play park where all the kids had a fun time (I think the teenagers were having more fun than Pete!)

After tiring ourselves out again, we stopped at The Silver Plough for a quick drink before heading back to the house for lunch.  With pate and brie in our stomachs, all the Americans started to wind down (except Emily and Steve).  Peter and I went for a nap, Andy ended up asleep as well.  Steve read and Emily went for a bike ride with Barnaby.  That girl is destined for a good nights' sleep!

Pete pets a cow!

After awakening, it was hard to get going again. We redirected Pete from his tiredness (read "nonstop crying") by taking him across the street to see the cows.  A farmer lives across the street and keeps cattle.  He also leases out part of his land for people to keep their horses on as well as growing wheat.  We were able to visit the cows and get licked, and we were able to pet a few of the horses.  The wind was picking up and it was starting to feel cold, so we headed back to the house for coats.

After we had warmed up, we all got back into the van and headed to an open field called Figsbury: an ironage hill fort.  It was a lovely walk with a view of the countryside.  On close inspection of the ground we found tiny orchids growing!  After a very windy walk around, we headed into the middle and practiced throwing boomerangs.  With the wind whipping around 60 miles per hour, the boomerangs flew far!  It was a combination of throwing and running after them (they came back and then some!)

Doric giving the proper technique lesson.  "You flick it!"

Back home, we settled in for the evening.  Sara made a wonderful pasta bolognese which we consumed in great quantities (outdoor activities will make you very hungry!) and then settled in for the night.  Andy had trouble even making it through dinner.  I trust everyone will sleep well and our bodies will finally be on England time tomorrow!