We're Back and we're tired

This is is the first of what is sure to be several posts about our trip to England. First of all I have to say that our trip would have been totally different if it wasn't for Des' brother and his wonderful wife. David and Alison picked us up from the air port and shuttled us around all over the place. They helped us make arrangements for hotels, bus tickets and purchasing an overseas English Heritage Pass (highly recommended).

Like I said, David and Alison picked us up from the airport and promptly began our jammed packed tour of various parts of England. I honestly don't remember parts of the dive between destinations because I was asleep (we landed in Manchester at 6:15AM UK time which is 11:00PM in Canada). The photo above is of Peveril Castle. The only part of the castle still standing is the keep, which has had extensive conservation work done to it allowing people to enter previously inaccessible parts of the structure. It sits on top of a hill and you can hike all around it. I was in heaven because it was virtually impossible to take a bad photo in that setting.

This is a photo taken in the valley below the castle. The castle would have been behind me. Every one else had moved ahead already, but I just could not resist and I had to keep shooting.

As we hiked along the valley I couldn't help but picturing this setting as something out of a book or movie.

This is the Keep, which was built in 1176

The countryside is so beautiful. The farm lands look more like highly manicured lawns than anything else. All of the fields are separated by rock fences and trimmed bushes. Everything was so green due to the year round moisture the area gets.

Our next stop was Bolsover Castle. The original fortress was purchased in 1612 and was continually added to just because the owners had the money and wanted a "fashionable retreat."

Our last sight we visited on our first day was Rufford Abbey (c. 1170) which was transformed into a "great house"

the gardens offered some nice locations for us to take some nice shots of the two of us and Des alone.

We can't thank David and Alison enough (even though they ran us into the ground the first day) for helping us with our trip.

Here we all are in front of Rufford.

We will be back with another instalment of our trip in a day or two so stay tuned if you would like to see more.

Ben's Big Day

Yesterday we held Ben's baptism at the church. it was a really nice day enjoyed by family and friends. Ben was excited to be baptised and said he just wanted to stay in the water because it felt so nice. Des gave a really good talk on baptism and Ben's Sunday school teacher spoke on the Holy Ghost.

Ben turned 8 on April 10th and he was able to spend the day with his extended family in Lethbridge while Des and I were in England. We are so pleased with Ben and his decision to be baptised and are glad that some of our family and friends were able to support him on this special day.

10 years in the making

Well we finally confirmed that we are on our way to Jolly Old England for 11 days in April. Des has a brother there going to school and we thought that now would be a perfect opportunity to see him and his family. Des and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this year and we both have never been off the continent. No kids, no work... no kids. speaking of kids, this will be the first time we will be away from them for more then a day or two.

We are so excited about our joint adventure. My only dilemma is what photo gear do I put in my carry on bag (max 10kg)? just my camera body and 3 lenses Weigh that!

Best Dressed

Last night for our combined Young Men's/Young Women's activity we had a Kub Car rally. Ben and I had fun working on our car together. As soon I showed Ben the box of supplies that we had to work with he was adamant that we make one to look like Lightning McQueen. It took us a little while but we finally got it done.

I Last night at the rally we only lost two races the whole night ( I didn't tell Ben we only ran two races before we were knocked out though). All was not lost however. We ended up winning the best design award. When I told Ben he was so excited. So excited in fact that he took the car to school today to show his teacher.

Where Has Time Gone?

It's hard to believe that Sarah is already 9 Months old. She is standing on her own and is growing so fast.

A Walk In The Park

This wast weekend we decided to do something fun. For Des that was going shopping and for me it was taking pictures. So we headed down to Medicine Hat and I dropped Des and Sarah off at Costco while I took Ben and Rachel to Kal Tire to get some nuts on a tire re torqued (evidently, I learned that the Kal Tire by Costco is not very busy so you can get in and out really quick). After a while we came out of the store a little heavier and headed down to Police Point Park (first time for me, one of many for Des and the kids). Des took me to a place that she thought would be perfect for pictures. When we arrived at the location I saw what she was talking about it was perfect (some shade, a path, a bench and lots of over hanging trees).

On the way back to the van the kids found a hollow stump/log and had fun climbing in and out of it.

The sun was going down and the light was good so we took advantage of the opportunity for some more family pictures.

As a side note,

I learned that Sarah is a very easy baby to get to smile for the camera even when no one is behind it. I think it might be the flashing light.

For those that have not been, I would highly recommend going to Police Point Park in Medicine Hat. It's beautiful this time of year.

Are You Ninja Enough?

Under the veiled mist and darkness the ninja moves stealthily towards his victim. The unfortunate soul is only able to glimpse his attacker before he is silenced forever.




This is what happens when you get a 7 year old that can't wait for Halloween and his father that is equally excited get together and take pictures.

I couldn't help it. What are you supposed to do when your son comes up to you and asks you to take a picture of him as a ninja? You pull out your camera and start shooting that's what!



If you are interested in seeing how I did this shot check out my Photography Blog for the full story.