Wells Next to Sea, Mother's Day 2012

Wells Next to Sea is an idyllic seaside town due north of us.
We spent the day getting excited about becoming parents and enjoying the town. 

F-15s Up Close & Personal

One of the benefits of living near and (for Adam) working on an Air Force Base is getting a chance to appreciate the aircraft. F-15 bombers fly out of RAF Lakenheath. The planes are very, very loud and very, very cool.

On a day in May the AF Surgical team at Lakenheath invited their counterparts from West Suffolk and Addenbrookes Hospitals (in Bury St. Edmunds and Cambridge respectively) to visit the base and tour the planes. So we went along too. The picture quality isn't great, but it will do.

East Anglia Game & Country Fair

We participated in a very English past time: we attended the East Anglia Game & Country Fair in Norwich. There was everything from Dock Dogs competition (see below) to retrieving competitions, equestrian events, tweed jacket and wellie sales, craft booths, and plenty of British food (think take away curries and pork sandwiches with crackling). It was a state fair, British style.

Tanka, the Wonder Dog

Again, Please!

30 seconds in the retrieving competition. Not bad, son.

It is lambing season...

Castle Rising Castle

Castle Rising is an incredibly quaint village. The majority of the Village is owned by the one particlar Lord (whose name I do not know), and it has a distinct village feel-- do not try to find a street sign; you will not be able to find one. And the Village also happens to be the location of Castle Rising Castle (I'll give you one guess as to the name).

The Castle Gate

The Castle-- it is in great shape!

Laura & Gideon- So much fun!

Do you see the knot?

Also, as a side-note, the Village also contains a *great* interior decorating shop called Unique Gifts and Interiors (http://www.uniquegiftsandinteriors.co.uk/) which is also now selling beautiful hats and wedding gowns (they have a replica of Kate Middleton's gown and veil). It makes a trip to the Castle a great girly day out.

We ended the day with a pinic along the sea in Hunstanton. It was great.

The Castles & (White) Cliffs of Dover

WHITE CLIFFS
After an early morning run along the English Channel, we hiked the 8 mile round trip trek along the unmistakable White Cliffs of Dover. Luckily, we all made it back in one piece, despite an attempted climb down the cliffs by the pup. The cliffs are beautiful.

 WALMER & DEAL CASTLES
Before we hiked the cliffs (but after our run), we toured Walmer and Deal Castles, both built along the English Channel to protect England against any potential attack by France. Walmer Castle was eventually turned into a very posh residence, hosting royalty. It was a particular favorite of Queen Victoria.

Cannons still in place at Walmer Castle

The gardens at Walmer

A chair that was (as they say) upholstered in fabric chosen by Queen Victoria herself.

The dining room in Walmer Castle.

Deal Castle, however, has always remained a fortress.

DOVER CASTLE
Dover Castle, also situated along the English Channel, is immense. It contains tunnels that were used as a control center during World War II, while the castle itself is completely decorated as it would have been during Medieval times. Due to time constraints, we decided it would be best to return for another visit after a brief tour of the property.

Dover Castle

The Knight and his Squire out for the day at Dover Castle. It was a bank holiday/family day during which all the royalty come to life.

Our Own Canterbury Tale

We spent Good Friday in Canterbury. We had fresh fish at Chapmans restaurant for lunch, toured the town and Cathedral, had a great English meal at Deesons Restaurant for dinner, and caught the Good Friday service at Canterbury Cathedral, consisting of a presentation of the Requiem by the Cathedral mens/boys choir. It was an amazing way to spend Good Friday, even if we didn't run into the Miller, the Wife of Bath, or any of the other Pilgrims along our way.

Canterbury Cathedral

Easter Garden at the Cathedral

Shrine to the Martyrs within the Cathedral

Lambs

Just as it should, every spring brings with it new lambs. 

Living where we do, we get to see many, many babes as they are born.
And it never gets old. 

Seen at one of the farms we pass every Sunday on our way to church.

The lambs at La Hogue Farm Shop & Cafe where, if on time, you can help give the babes a bottle.

My friend's son, age 2, with the lambs.