Conkers

---

Well, today arrived with clouds again but we didn't let that stop us. We headed out past Leicester to a park called Conkers within the National Forest. Conkers is at the site of the Bath Yard coal mine. After it was mined out, the site was left abandoned for years. The National Forest (formed in 2000) took over the site. Filled pits in with water, made lakes, planted trees. You cannot tell it was once a coal mine. You feel like you're in an old forest. Fascinating. This was another kid-friendly day with another assault course which the kids tackled happily, a train ride from one part of the park to the other, an enchanted forest, a tree-top climb and lots of nature hikes. The day started cloudy and at one point it poured for about 10 minutes but then it was clear and sunny the rest of the day. We did take a bit of a scenic route through Melton Mowbray today and saw some of the less busy streets (that is vacation-code for we got lost). But we have made it back home now....Phew! Did I mention that Russell lost a tooth yesterday? The English tooth fairy was kind enough to come by and leave a quid under his pillow! Out to visit the chickens now - this is Rachel's favourite part of the day. Although right now she and Russell are really having some fun taking turns pushing each other in a go-kart down the hill in the back garden. It is such a fabulous (fab, as they say) backyard and will be tough to adjust to when we return to our tiny yard in Ajax........

---

Photos

Down one tooth, up a quid
Russell lost a tooth last night. He prayed to the English tooth fairy in an Harbyshire accent.

Teeter swing
At conkers the park had this teeter-totter swing thing. Whenever a kid jumped off, his opposite would slam hard into the ground.

Conkerchoo
Riding the train at Conkers.

I can hear you!
Russell became a giant bat with super-hearing. Right afteward he bit my arm. Hard. I think he became a vampire bat.

WAAAyyyy up high!
This assault course was clearly marked "teenagers and adults only" but as all the English sent their 3 year olds, so did we.

Comments

[Don]

Hey guys!
Love to get the updates. I have missed a few and am going to catch up on them right now. A pressing (touchy) question..... find a peanut butter or has Lori switched to Nutella??? Inquiring minds.... Can't wait to tell you guys about our full day trip to Versailles with George Costanza's mother. Toodles for now Don

[Wendy MacLeod]

So fun!
Hi guys! Thanks so much for letting me share in your trip! What an amazing vacation for you guys! One thing for sure, I get tired just reading about all the stuff you do every day! The kids will remember this for their whole life! Take care, Wendy

[Meegan]

fun times
Have been enjoying your blog! Such a great experience/fun you are all having.

[us]

so sorry
that you are not sending these blogs to us. Please do. It sounds as if you are having the time of your life!!!!!! Brendan is too, in France. Love from, us