England 2: Getting Underway

Given that Josiah was in a fair bit of pain to start and still recovering from surgery, we didn't try to do much of anything on Wednesday or Thursday other than visit with family. It was nice to take it easy for a few days, and happily, Josiah could hardly have had a better place in which to recuperate! Ann sewed up some super cute slings for him, brilliantly tailored several shirts so they could get on and off his thickly bandaged arm, and found the perfect chocolate "Mr. Bump" as a special gift (which he still hasn't eaten, because he loves it so much!). No surprise, it didn't take too long for Josiah to start perking up. By Thursday evening, we ventured out for a little walk down in Wimborne after supper, and on Friday we enjoyed several hours at the model village with Ann, Grace, and Olivia. The week disappeared without much proper holiday making...but all things considered, we were happy that our vacation was able to get underway as quickly as it did.

 Josiah with his prized "Mr. Bump" chocolate. The white chocolate bandages are hilarious! 

On our Thursday evening walk, throwing leaves, flowers, and sticks into the water below.

At the Wimborne Model Village on Friday. In addition to the wonderful model town layout (which I remember so fondly from my own childhood, and which depicts Wimborne much as it was when my Mom was a child), they now have some play areas, a Thomas train layout, and little Wendy houses. Josiah, Grace (center) and Olivia had fun building a small house within this particular house here! 

Posing near the village. 

William, as usual, was more interested in sticks and rocks than the attraction itself. We had thought he might enjoy peering into all of the little windows to see the miniature layouts and shop fronts...  Ah well!

Later that afternoon, a big teddy bear picnic was arranged in the back garden. Fun! 

Because Josiah's teddies and William's ellie had to go through the wash, they observed the picnic from the drying line, with their picnic food clipped to their paws. Fortunately, the animals were quite satisfied with this arrangement. 

Friday evening, we went to my cousin Danni's house, where she and Adam put on a wonderful cookout with all five of my English cousins plus various significant others. I wish we could have spent more time just visiting with everyone evening, but the boys required a fair bit of attention. Even so, it was great!