Dad and Barry Visit

A week and a half ago my Dad and Barry arrived for their first visit to the UK and to meet Ellen for the first time.Unfortunately, though, the weather was cold and rainy every day of their stay.

On the day after they arrived (Friday) we drove up to Chester, a town founded by the Romans in 70AD and whose four main roads from the center cross were also laid out at this time.  What's unique about Chester are the "Chester Rows" - double covered walkways around the buildings leading to shops and entrances to buildings. In addition Chester is one of the best preserved wall cities in England with most of the wall still surrounding the town.

 Eastgate

 Behind the Cathedral

 View of the front of the Cathedral

 A building at the Cross as part of the Chester Rows

 One for Mom and Norm - we realize it doesn't say "Baby Oaknuts", but we thought of you anyway.

On Saturday the sky cleared up in the morning, so we went to local Attingham Park for a walk through the walled gardens and a tour of the mansion.

 In the walled gardens

Dad and Barry left Sunday for a few days in London and returned on Thursday.  Thursday was Jeff and my 4-year anniversary and Tuesday had been Barry's birthday, so we celebrated by having dinner at our favorite restaurant, The Mitton and Mermaid.  We drove down to the town of Ludlow on Friday, but I guess due to the rain, we didn't manage to take any pictures... gee, rain truly puts a damper on things!  Dad and Barry flew out on Saturday morning. I'm just so glad my dad got to meet his granddaughter while she is still so young.

 Grandpa and Ellen time

 

 

 Dad and Barry about to enjoy the lemon layer cake I baked

 My dad ordered and brought over the quilt I wanted so badly for Ellen, as well as the matching fitted sheet that I didn't think would fit... but it does! These match the bumper that my mom brought over in February. There are owls and birds all over it. I plan to hang the quilt over the cotbed (crib).  Ellen's room is finally coming together!  Now, if only we could get her to sleep in her crib... (we've just started working on that!)