Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle was having a medieval jousting day for a fun day out. The kids even had a chance to joust for themselves. They thought that was good fun and we didn't have to wait in line for too long, so I was grateful for that. Carter was just pleased they only had two plastic swords, so he got to use one of the real ones for the picture. Carter said, "All our training in the back garden has worked, we all got the three targets." I didn't know there had been training happening, but apparently it worked.

The real jousting was quite amazing as well. Mike and I are both waiting for the day where we could see a proper full on jousting tournament, but this will do for now. The show that was put on made you want to jump on a horse and try it for yourself, it looks challenging, but also very entertaining. The three middle kiddos were in one spot up front and ended up being right in the centre mocking the horseman on the opposing side, they enjoyed that part a little too much I think. Mason was able to get to the front as well with his wheelchair and he loved every second.

One of the knights having a 'fit' because he didn't get the ring off the post.

Gorgeous grounds, gorgeous castle, we could have spent two days and still had plenty to do. Good thing our tickets are good for a full year.

Mike and Mason having some fun with Mason's wheelchair. I was grateful we brought the wheelchair to this castle because the grounds were so massive, Mason would have been tired and cranky about an hour in.

Ale anyone?

The castle itself has gone through many changes through the centuries and that was evident during the tour. The library had to be my favourite room, when I asked about the oldest book they have in their collection she pointed out which one and said it was from 1638. The tapestry just below this text was dated between 1550-1600, is was so beautiful and also in such great condition for its age.

5th shelf up from the bottom, three books in from the right--the book is black in colour, dated 1638--amazing!

It was a good day to get some shots of all the kids together, it has been awhile since we had one. 

Bressingham Steam Museum

I know that I do picture overload, if this bothers you, you might want to stop here. The kids had half term this last week and that meant we had no obligation to do anything! We slept in just about everyday and did nothing on most days. We just played at the house, didn't make beds if we didn't want to, and that was glorious. I did however have planned to go to the Steam Museum with our Angelman Families that we have recently met. Spending a day with them makes me feel normal in a world where most of the time I feel like a one woman circus act.

Taylor is growing up into such a beautiful young lady, she makes me smile. Taylor was on the swing when Capris(who also has Angelman) started to 'push' her on the swing. Really Capris just wanted Taylor to get off, but she was very kind about it. I think all the other families that didn't know us thought we were rude adults because when Brennan got on the swing and Capris noticed she went and sat on him. Brennan just got out from under her and went on his way, thinking nothing of it. We started laughing and then realized that other adults had noticed and had looks of astonishment that we thought it was funny. To be an Angel parent is something truly special. ;)

Brennan loved the whole day out. Three trains, endless rides, what is not to love?

Mike had just got back from D.C. the day before and was a trouper and still came along with us. He really didn't fall asleep completely, even if he wanted to. 

Sweet little museum filled with antique trains and other antique treasures from through the ages. They had a little set up along the wall like you were in a little village, it was pretty cute.

Along with your days admission you also received three go's on the Carousel that was in the centre of the park area. The kids loved this, and I'm pretty sure Mason could have lived on there for quite some time.

There was also an area that had bumper cars and little rides surrounding that, plus little penny arcade games. The little rides were only 20p and we had a great time letting the kids go on quite a few, which is a big change from us telling them no all the time when we see these sames things, only they cost a pound/dollar per ride. Cameron was addicted!

Mason was being pretty shy on our trip, because Dad was around I think he was not branching out as much. We kept telling Capris to go and get Mason and once we were trapped on the train he couldn't run from her. Although this is my one of my favourite pictures from the day..so sweet. :) That is also our other Angel in the back ground there--I was sad we didn't get a good picture of all three of them, but getting one good one of just Mason is hard enough. :)

Seeing the coal being put into the fire! This was overall a fantastic day out for the family, it wasn't too busy, we didn't have to wait in a queue for long periods of times to get on the trains, and the kids thought it was amazing with little effort on our behalf, what could be better than that!?