While our staff team was in town, we were able to make a quick trip out to see the Tour de France, as they rode through Sheffield this year and catch a show of a friend's brother. The next day my parents came to town and we ventured around Sheffield with the boys.
Waiting for the riders!
They're coming!
Top of the peloton coming through!
Also a quaint concert by friend John Mark Nelson who was in town doing a show in London. His sister Ann was visiting with us and is a co-worker back in the US!
Gray and Jacks were also ecstatic to see Gram and Grandpa (aka "Gam" and "Gampa/Gampy"). Mom and Dad flew to England early last week to spend some time with us here and we were so thankful! It was such a blessing to see family in Sheffield. The boys also loved seeing them and it was really sweet to see them light up with them!
We drove to "collect" them from Manchester and the only way to get there is through the Peak District. It was beautiful. Grazing sheep, rolling hills, dry stone walls that seem too picturesque and surely are from centuries ago. Though the drive took twice as long because of traffic and little windy roads through the countryside, we were all excited to see Mom and Dad. We headed to the Waterfront Quays after picking up my parents and had lunch after watching some boaters and ducks.
All are happy here!
The boys napped in the car on the way home and then it was time to play with Gram and Grandpa. They brought some car stickers that kept the boys busy for probably at least 30 minutes! Then we headed to the Thyme Cafe- one of our favorite restaurants in Sheffield.
Please note: left side is Grayson's ordered pattern and the right are Jackson's haphazard stickers!
Wednesday we headed to Starbucks (naturally!) and then to the botanical gardens. It was beautiful and warm!
Georgia boy at heart: Jackson exploring the Dogwoods
They manage to wrestle anywhere and everywhere!
Adventuring in the rose garden
In the afternoon, we showed them around the "city centre" (downtown area). We walked past the big theaters, saw City Hall and the beautiful Peace Gardens and walked through the Winter Gardens (Sheffield's very miniature version of the Como conservatory in MN).
Thursday we stayed mainly around the city centre. We don't have a coffee pot in our flat so we headed to a local coffee shop and then made our way to the National Emergency Vehicle Museum. This is 2 year old boy heaven! All kinds of fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances! Vinatge and new, American, English, and European models were all there. G and J loved every minute of it! They pointed out each wheel and tire and climbed into every open door! It was great.
G's happy post-milkshake 'stache!
After lunch and naps we walked to a favorite park downtown, ran a few errands, and then headed back for dinner. Mom and Dad watched the boys so we could go to a friend's small birthday gathering. We were thankful!
On their last day, we headed back out to the Peaks, but this time further south to the Chatsworth House. It was the site of the latest Pride and Prejudice filming. Gorgeous! It cost a fortune to actually tour the home and gardens (about 100pounds, or $170) so we easily settled for playing with the boys in the green lawns overlooking the small river and beautiful mansion. After lunch at the Fox House, a favorite pub in the Peaks, we headed home. We had a low key evening so Dad and Mom could soak up time with the boys.
The men helping build a dry stone wall..
Playing hide and seek with Grandpa around the statues
The Chatsworth House; tower to left used to be their stables
Playing with airplanes in the grass
The gorgeous bridge to get on the property
It was such an enjoyable visit! The weather was amazingly sunny every day!
