Day 39 – Ainsley's Birthday, V/A Museum & Harrods

Today is Ainsley’s Birthday. She turned 7 today. After she awoke, we made her birthday cake. We didn’t have any beaters but we had one of those plunge blenders. It did the job, only splattered a little bit. After the cake was cooked, we headed out to let it cool. We took the underground down to the Victoria & Albert Museum (Named after Queen Victoria & her husband.) The museum houses a collection of everything. We only got to see a small part of the block long museum. We went to the “Kids Create” program. Today, they created stained class windows. The aide gave us some clipboards and sent us into the museum to look for patterns that they might want to incorporate in our “window.” It REALLY reminded me of Grace Art at school. Then we returned and for another hour, worked on our windows. Emily did design her window similar to what she had seen. Ainsley decided to make hers with a bunch of triangles. (Obviously we did not use glass but clear & colored sticky cellophane.) It was very educational and fun.

Then we got a backpack full of kids activities and went to head for the American/British exhibit but we were side tracked by the courtyard, the fountain and ice cream and never made it to the exhibit. It was a beautiful day out and a bunch of kids were playing in the fountain so the girls rolled up their shorts and splashed around. They also had an ice cream cone.

After about an hour, we left to go to Harrods so Ainsley could buy something for her birthday. We bought some decorations for her dollhouse in VA and we bought a WebKinz – Pink poodle – Ainsley named her Rosie. Then we hurried home so I could make dinner and Ainsley & Emily helped make the icing for the cake. Then I iced the cake, we had dinner and cake & more ice cream. We got a few phone calls via Skype. Then Ainsley opened her other presents – a small game and a painting of two horses that Emily made at home and brought here. She knows that here big present will be at home when we get back – Kit Kittridge. She said it was a good day. As her Uncle Matt said – she is 6 American years old & 1 British year old. Then off to bed.

Day 38 – London Eye - take 2 and shopping

Given the ease of driving to the city yesterday (and the fact that the store we wanted to go to was closed), we decided to head back into town today. Scott went on his bike ride out to Windsor (had tea & cake again) in the morning while we just relaxed here. Then when he returned we headed back into the city. Our first stop was the store since we knew it would be open. We ended up buying a new laptop bag and discovered that we can actually get some of the VAT (the 20% tax on everything) returned. We were pretty psyched about that!

After we bought the bag, we decided to take the tube back over to the London Eye so that Scott could experience it during the day. (When he went in January, it was already dark out). It was the last day our Merlin Pass would work on the Eye as it was not valid on the Eye in the month of August. Much to our surprise, we got in the queue right away and we were on the Ferris Wheel in about 10 minutes. We couldn’t believe our good fortune as we were expecting to wait for at least an hour.

Since we were finished so soon, we decided to go out to dinner. We found a little restaurant near where we parked the car and had a nice, but pricey dinner there. Then we drove back to the house and it took 35 minutes. Then off to bed as everyone was exhausted.

Day 37 – Leeds Castle & London

Today we set off east to Leeds Castle, in Kent near the coast. Our initial plan was to visit a second castle, however we got off about an hour later than we had hoped and we somehow missed a turn which extended our trip another 30 minutes so that we didn’t arrive until close to noon.

We first went to see that castle. It is a working castle. If you want, you can stay overnight there. They have meetings and weddings there. When we toured the castle, we learned a bit about the history of its owners. Emily found one owner of particular interest – Lord Fairfax. It was like a light bulb went on – “Wait a minute – we live in Fairfax County.” She thought it was very cool that the same guy that so much is named after back home lived at the castle once upon a time – or owned it, not sure how much he came to stay.

The we headed to the Maze and playground – I think all castles or palaces have them here! The maze was very good. We got lost in it before one of the staff in the center pointed us in the correct direction. Thank goodness, we did not have to go back through the maze to exit. Instead, we went through a Grotto beneath the maze. After that we got a snack and the girls ran off for a quick trip to the playground. The right across from the snack bar, they were having a bird of prey display. The birds they showcased were all different from the ones we saw at Warwick. After the show, we went to the Aviary to see the exotic birds they had on display. These were all tropical birds – many parrots, toucans and a bunch of similar birds with different names. They were very neat. The girls were both very interested and kept trying to squeeze their way up to the front to see as the guide explained about the birds.

Given that we were not going to try to get to the other castle, we returned to the playground and got an ice cream as well. We closed the playground down (4pm) and headed back into London. We hoped to make it to a store so Scott could purchase a new laptop bag, however, with traffic, we missed it by 2 minutes. The doors closed at 7. So we headed to a sushi bar we had seen when we came to see Phantom of the Opera. It was so brilliant. It had the plates going around the bar and you picked up a plate you wanted. The girls loved it.

After dinner, we headed back home. Once we found the correct road, it was actually not a difficult drive back to Richmond. I was very surprised at how easy it was to drive in. We made a pit stop at the Sainsbury as it closed at 10 and wouldn’t open til 11am the next morning and we needed milk. Then Scott decided that I should really drive home so I made my driving debut. Didn’t hit anything although I gave Scott a scare once or twice. It was a pretty straight shot home, but at the end, everyone, including me, decided that it was actually best if I didn’t drive.

Then off to bed.

Day 36 – Last day of Horseback Camp and Bowling

Today was Emily’s last day of horseback riding. Ainsley & I dropped her off and quickly ran to the bus to get into Kingston. We booked a bowling appointment so we wanted to get there fast. We got to bowl a little before our appointment and we got 2 games finished in 45 minutes. I gave Ainsley a 50 point handicap and she beat me in both games. She scored a 65 ~ 115 in the first game and then in the second, even though I was hurrying her, she got 10 points higher and got a spare! And came pretty close to a strike and another spare. We quickly ran out and got to the stables just as Emily was finishing up. For Emily’s camp, they each got certificates and Emily got a ribbon because she and her teammate came in 1^st place in the quiz at the end. Emily said they got to play a bunch of games on the horses during the lesson and she got to give the horses treats and groom Trigger.

After horseback riding lessons, we went into Kingston and had dinner since we knew Scott would be home late after his Jiu Jitsu class. We decided to go to Tony Romas - a ribs place that I went to in Florida many years ago. It was very good, familiar even though it had been over 10 years since I had been. Emily had her first ribs. Ainsley opted for some penne pasta. The kids meal came with some carrots/celery & dip and dessert. However, the service was a bit slow. But for the first time, I got free refills on my drink. I was almost through my first drink when the waitress showed up with a second diet Pepsi. I guess because it is a US chain, they have free refills. Highly unusual. After the very long meal - just under 2 hours, we went to Sainsbury quickly for some essentials and then off to home for bed. It was the longest we had stayed out by ourselves. We were all exhausted.

Day 35 – Horseback Camp & Baskin Robbins

Today was the 3^rd day of horseback camp. Except today, only Emily had camp. Ainsley and I watched 15 minutes of the horseback lesson and then we headed to Kingston. We went to the Baskin Robins and had some ice cream. The bus dropped us off right in front of the IC shop. We hung out there for a while, did a bit of reading on the couches they had there – white leather couches – a Baskin Robbins meets Starbucks. But the ice cream was the same and very tasty. And I was very surprised to see that the store remained open to 10 pm in August. I was shocked since most of the stores in Kingston and Richmond close at 6. They almost had US hours!

Then we headed back to the Kingston Stables to pick up Emily. We took the bus back to Ham and went to the Library again. We already finished a book each so we wanted to exchange them. I also signed them up for the summer reading program there. They only have to read 6 books, they get stickers after they return a book. After they have read and returned 6 books, they get a medal and a certificate is sent to their school. I explained that their school is in the US and the librarian seemed to think that it could be mailed to Flint Hill. Won’t Mrs. Nenninger be surprised? We’ll see if it does happen. We then headed to the Shady Lane playground again. There, they met some kids so we ended up staying for almost 2 hours. Then we headed home for dinner and bed.

I can't believe Week 5 has already come to a close. We have done a LOT in 5 weeks!

Day 34 – Horseback Camp and puppy playdate

Yesterday, we made a playdate with our neighbor. She drove to Scotland this weekend to pick up a puppy Golden Retriever and boy have the girls been excited for her return. Since she was exhausted after her drive home yesterday, we made plans for today. It was good because it got them up and out. We went over to her house and got to see little Archie. He is adorable. So small – 8 weeks old. He kept slipping on the wood floors but seemed ok in the kitchen so we all hung out there. Until he gets all of his “pokes,” he shouldn’t go outside because of all of the foxes. Laura is scared he may catch something and given his uncordination, he wouldn’t be able to run fast either. The girls gave him treats and helped teach him to sit – he did it once. They tired him out and he fell asleep which was our sign to leave so Laura could get some work done.

We arrived at camp nice and early. Ainsley and I worked on some math summer work – each girl has a workbook to complete that their teachers gave them at the end of school. Then we played a mean game of Uno while Emily had her lesson. Then Ainsley went for her lesson at 3 and I quickly ran home to get something for work sent off as it wasn’t ready when we had to leave – there went my 1 hour of free time.

Today, they did most of the same things as yesterday in the riding part of the camp. Today was Ainsley’s last day. She was very excited because today, she got to brush the horses instead of taking care of the tack. Emily did some cleaning of the saddle – got to rub it down with oil. Then we headed back home for dinner & bed.

Day 33 – Horseback camp

The girls had their first day of the only camp we are signed up for here – Horseback Camp. Emily had camp for 2 hours everyday from 2 – 4 Tuesday - Friday and Ainsley had camp for 2 days from 3:00 -4:30 (Tuesday & Wednesday). This overlap gave me an hour to myself which I spent there because I didn’t know I was able to leave.

Half of the time was spent riding and half of the time was spent in stable management – good deal for the stables. Parents pay to have their kids help in the stables. Emily rode Stella, who was very naughty. Stella was also quite large for a Pony. She learned how to trot while standing. She played 2 games – one while on the horse. She said it was really fun. She met one of the girls who is 11. The other two girls were sisters 12 & 13 years old (the camp is for ages 8 – 14) In stable management, Emily got to brush the tale of a pony. She also got to feed the horses a snack. Emily also got a horseshoe as it was the day that the horses had their horseshoes changed out.

Ainsley rode Trigger again – the Shetland pony. She only had one other girl in class with her so they got a lot of personal attention. They played the same games as Emily and Ainsley said it was quite fun. In stable management, Ainsley was a bit disappointed as she actually had to do real work – cleaning the tack. I think she was hoping to also brush the horses coat. Maybe tomorrow.

After riding, we went to the library to get out some new books, went to the dry cleaners to pick up something I was supposed to get on Saturday and a little bit of playing at Sandy Lane playground. When we finally got home, the horseback riding was all they could talk about. It was a “great” day according to Ainsley even if she had to clean the tack.