Gardens — Blog — They Grow up so Quickly

Wow, what weather! With lockdown eased and a new tier system looming, we headed to meet some friends at Castle Howard. What started as a nice day, ended up bitterly cold and windy.

We arrived a little early so did as we usually do and went and had a cup of tea. James was on top form, supping away on his hot chocolate like a real little man.

It was not long before our friends arrived and we headed into the Castle Howard estate. The weather started nice, however, over the course of the day, that was too change. However, we headed in, sunglasses on a spring in our step.

We headed into the woods first to try and tire the little men out before lunch and the play park. It was a great idea as we spent a good couple of hours exploring.

Before too long though it was time for lunch. we managed to bag ourselves a table by the lake. By this time, the wind was blowing a gale and it was bitterly cold. We huddle up with a cup of tea and shivered our way through lunch.

Once we had scoffed lunch, we unleashed the little ones on the play park. Despite the kids throwing themselves all over the climbing equipment, the only casualty was Lyns as she brained herself on a beam while trying to take a photo.

Before too long though, it was time to start thinking about head back. We, of course, took the scenic route via the pond and the walled garden. The kids got absolutely drenched as the wind was whipping the fountain water through the air like a hose.

Even though the wind tried to blow us away and we got drenched through, covered in mud and freezing cold, we all had an amazing day, as usual!!

So it has taken me the best part of a week to get round to writing about our adventure to Nunnington Hall. I am currently mid budget process at work and it has been busy, along with trying to fit in dinner out, spending time with Lyns and James as well as life in general. However, up for a run this morning and now I am sat watching magic school bus with James whilst he eats his breakfast, letting Lyns have a lie in for an hour or so.

Last Sunday, Lyns was on nights so I went and stayed with mum and dad on the Saturday night to give me a little time to go out for a run in the morning. I was up at 4:30 and on the road by 5:00. Nineteen miles and three and half hours later I was back. James had not caused too much chaos but he made the mistake of running to give me a hug when I walked in the house. All I got was 'urrrrrrgh you're all sweaty daddy'. After a quick shower and a spot of breakfast, or three as I was starving, we headed out to Nunnington Hall.

Nunnington Hall is situated out towards Malton as was a very pleasant drive. Parking is in a lovely woodland carpark, might not be so lovely on a wet day, and you walk on a bridge over a stream to get into the grounds. By this time the sun had come out and it was turning into a lovely day. First things first though, lunch. We found a bench in the sunshine and pulled out our picnic. Grabbing a coffee from the coffee shop we had a very pleasant lunch.

Around the picnic benches there was a giant Jenga set as well as a quoits. Dad and I introduced James to this and he had a very fun time throwing the rings around. I do not think he fully got it as grandad and I were hit by the rings more than stake was but thats life.

After James had exhausted himself trowing rings at everything in sight he had a bit of an explore. He was amazed by all the insects living in a tree and loved all the cobwebs everywhere. At the moment he was to know the why, where and how of everything.

After we had finished playing, it was time to explore the gardens a little more. Walking round the next corner, there was croquet on the lawn with deck chairs spotted all over. James was fascinated by the hammers and balls. Grandad and him had lots of fun. Grandad was hitting the balls and James was collecting the balls up and bringing them back. Looking back on it, it was like a game of fetch for James but he had a wail of a time.

Nana directing from her favourite position

After James and Grandad had terrorised all the people sitting having picnics on the lawn, some of those shots went flying, it was time to explore the gardens. There was lots to see, a wild meadow to run through, a bird watching area and a small vegetable garden.

Exploring the potting shed, I found something that caused huge merriment. A couple of skipping ropes. I had a go first, luckily there is no picture evidence, and then Grandad and James had a go.

By now it was getting towards time to head home but first we had to have a look round the house. They had a wildlife photography exhibition on which I found really interesting as the pictures were amazing, but James also found it fascinating. He was amazed by all the macro shots of the insects and the pictures of all the animals. It gave him an opportunity to see animals he would not usually see and to see creatures in a way he would not usually see them.

However, this could not last so we found a lovely little play area in the house that was full of books and toys.

After this, it was time to head back to the car. After driving back to Nana and Grandad's and then a quick car swap, it was back home to see mummy who had been looking forward to seeing James all day.

It was a lovely day out in the sunshine with lots to do. James had oodles of fun, as did we all. James and I will have to take Lyns back at some point, if only to beat her at croquet!

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