Sunshine and showers

August is all about sunshine and showers.

On a lovely sunny day earlier this month we visited Lytham Hall

There's a lovely plant shop and cafe.

Lots of walking for Penny (the dog)

 We have had a few showers, although the children do love a 'stay at home day'

My Sons had another round of bone strengthening treatment at Alderhey Hospital.

Three days, fuelled by cake and KFC, hes an absolute star!!

We visited Preston's Markers Market and I met the lovely Beth, the designer and maker of this beautiful card. Pop over to Instagram and have a look @_field_day

Also this week I finished two horses. One with a grey nose and one without.

We had a lucky break with the weather and visited Lancaster.

Then the best day of the week, we headed to Blackpool Zoo.

It was a party of ten, my parents, my sister and brother in law, my two children and three of my nieces. It was a day filled with laughter, lots of wasps, a few cheeky seagulls and lots of animals!!

'Mum, did you look at the weather?'

The answer is yes, I did look at the weather, but I needed to get out!

The children needed some fresh air and Penny needed a walk.

But the thunder started as we got in the car.

The rain started as we drove down the street.

The rain bounced off the road as we drove to our destination.

And it rained and rained as we walked happily along.

But it was nice to get out (for me and Penny)

Everywhere is so lush and green

But the storm clouds didn't leave . . . . 

Lets hope the sun is coming out soon.

A few days away

We've had a super busy, gloriously hot, few days away.

First we headed to Edinburgh

(lots of pictures, in no real order)

The gates to The Botanical Gardens, very beautiful but difficult to photograph!

My smallish boy has just turned thirteen, so he was having a 'teenagers rest'

Beautiful lavender, covered in bees and smelling divine.

The Queen Mother's Memorial Garden.

Look at all the shells 

 

And a pine cone ceiling!

Next we visited Berwick upon Tweed

The weather couldn't have been nicer.

We drove on, stopping at Seahouses for a spot of rock pooling

The smallish boy spotted this unknown sea creature and I was instructed to take a snap so we could identify it later. (still not done that)

 Another day and another beautiful day out.

Alnwick Gardens

Last time we visited I was pregnant with the smallish boy!!

Then onto Alnwick Castle

You imagine the thick castle walls will make it lovely and cool inside . . 

You would be wrong!

We walked back through the town, then the gardens.

And another set of beautiful gates (also difficult to photograph)

  Then to the beach.

My family all know, that for me a holiday near the sea isn't complete until you've dipped your toes in the sea.

 

Look at my beachcomber boy.... 

Although we're back home now, fingers crossed for more days out over the summer.