Trains

Mark, Carl and Pa spent an afternoon at the West Somerset Railway. It is a preserved mid-century rail line that was a branch of the Great Western Railway running from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.

If you forget to close the gate, be sure you have 40 shillings in your pocket!

We spent some time admiring the vintage trains, and looking through the museum.

This locomotive was moving around to the front of its train.

This was the locomotive that pulled our train. All the rolling stock is from the 1950's and 60's, and has been restored to pristine condition.

This is the man that makes it go. He told me they use about half a ton of coal on each trip - hard work!

We pull into Crowcombe Heathfield, as Carl watches.

Ah... the glorious Age of Steam!

 

after mark's train shot

Bike Shopping In Bristol

A discussion about renting or buying bicycles led to Mimi and Pa making a trip into Bristol to check out bikes.

The first place we went was The Bristol Bike Project, which turned out to be not so great. But on the way back from there, we spotted this shop.

This looks like a nice one!

Be careful where you park.

We did a little shopping at a department store, then had them hold the stuff while we visited another bike shop down the road. On the way back, we encountered a traffic jam. Apparently, there was a bomb hoax near a theater a few blocks up the road. The main road became a pedestrian walkway!

Going up the escalator in the store, we had a nice view of a real pedestrian mall across the road.

A couple of days later, we journeyed to Clarks Village, a large outlet center type of shopping mall. Ada got her first lesson on Shopping In The Gap Store.

She also got to do some flying in the store.

Ada is always happy to see Mommy coming after waiting.

There were lots of beautiful hanging baskets of flowers.

Mark's Gig

On Monday night, Mark met up with several of his musical friends for a gig at The Riflemans Arms in Glastonbury. At one point during the evening, Mark decided to cut loose with his whistle. His tune received cheers and applause from the otherwise politely reserved crowd.

Sunday Roast And More Ada

On Sunday we were treated to a traditional Sunday Roast at the Burtle Inn (photo courtesy of Google.)

Ada really enjoyed getting to eat with Grammie Kate.

It was a beautiful sunny day - everyone was squinting. Mark and Pa rode over on Mark's motorcycle.

Ada is learning how to eat on the couch - a family tradition.

Ada tried on a hat.

She is crawling all over the place now.

This is the way Daddy showed me to do an E-flat.

Playing with Mimi.

Mark and Ada

Ada loves playing with Grammie Kate.

She seems to be mechanically inclined.

Mommy does the funniest things, sometimes!

Ada is developing a love for all things electronic.

She is learning about basket rides...

... and eating.

She loves Grammie Mimi, too!

We walk to town a lot.

Trip to England

Here's the plane that brought us to London.

Here are the people in the plane (it was unusually un-full.)

Here's the coach that brought us to Bristol.

Here's the reason we came!

Naomi's Birthday

Naomi is 6!
We got to celebrate with her a day early.
We began by organizing the day's okra crop by size.

 Next up was the traditional Treasure Hunt!
Under the baby bed...

 In Mimi's office...

 Behind the sofa...

 In the dryer...

 In the kitchen cabinet...

 And finally, in the oven...

 One of the best surprises were the books Aunt Jessica and Uncle Mark sent.

 For Danielle, too!

 Lighting the traditional Birthday Number Candle was exciting, as usual.

 Mimi had prepared an impressive array of goodies!

 Danielle chilled out with Veggie Tales...

... while Naomi posed for the traditional portrait, with her Chocolate Candy Kit.

Congratulations, Naomi! We look forward to many more celebrations!

Grandad's 91st Birthday

Check out his birthday celebration


Also, Aunt Margaret's visit

Bounce!...bounce!...bounce!

While at Hornucopia 2012, Mark did some classy bouncing for Ada's entertainment. Kind of a take on Tigger.

Naturally, Ada loved it!!