Royal Victoria Park, Bath

We found this massive park while in Bath, it was like about 6 parks put together... the girls were very excited to get there!

We know that all good parks have ducks.... but the brilliant ones have swans!!

We decided to start at one end and work our way over to the other, a ride on the Merry go round was up first!

As you can see, there were heaps of people there.... but that's okay because it's huge!!!

So there are heaps of things for the kids to play on... but what do they find... that's right, SAND!

We finally got them away from the sand and it was good to see them slide, swing, run, jump and climb!

Leilani was very excited to see  the Ice Cream truck at the park, and although it was starting to get pretty cold we  couldn't resist getting one on the way out!

I'm not sure, but I think Emily enjoyed hers!!!

Now that's a park!!!

A Few Random Shots Of Bath

There were 3 of these places all looking into the middle (like 3 sides of a square) Just normal residential buildings I think. 

The Royal Circus, it's just amazing really isn't it!? (Looks better if you click on the photos!!)

Just an average street in Bath!

Look at those window shutters... think of all the combinations you could come up with!! 

Museum of Art (from the car).

Can't remember which Abbey this was, but we will head back and have a good look next time we go... this shot was again just from the car.

The Jane Austen Centre, Bath

Next stop in Bath was The Jane Austen Centre. I was just a tad excited!!! We got to hear about Jane's family and her time spent in Bath. I was hoping to have 'Tea with Mr Darcy' in the Tea Rooms but we were running out of time, so that will have to be next time!

Not sure what I did to Jane, but she would just not look at me...

... and Mr Darcy is not so nice without his head...

... but who could go past the language of The Fan!! Maybe they should supply fans at the next YSA dance!!!!

A Squirrel!

Whilst visiting Bath we saw our first squirrel! When Elle was in Finland she saw a few squirrels and I thought it was pretty cool - so I hoped we would see one!!! Watching them jump is awesome!! It was kinda a little scary though - It looked like it could jump and attack at any minute!!!!!!

First Sign of Spring... Yipee!!!

These little flowers are popping up all over the place... they are kinda like little tulips. It's exciting seeing the daffodils coming out too. Always a true sign that spring is near... I love it!!

It has warmed up a fair bit since we got here already. During our first 2 weeks the average temperature was about 1˚c now it's about 10˚c - 13˚c. It's still cold but no where near as cold as it was. You can now manage to get from inside to the car without  a hat, gloves and coat on!!! But you have to be quick!!

So Much To See In Bath

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does it's FANTASTIC!! Mick had to work the night shift last Thursday night, which meant he would spend the best part of Friday asleep. But not this time.... he managed to sleep for pretty much the whole night!! So when he got home Friday morning he said 'get ready we're going out'.... and where did we go??? None other than the world famous BATH!!!

Luckily Bath is only an hour and a half away because we will be going back there a few times!! There is so much to see, and as you know, you can only do so much in one day with kids!! Bath is probably the place I have wanted to go to the most so I was very excited to be there... the question was 'which way to go first?'

I guess I really wanted to see the Royal Crescent the most, so that's where we thought we would start. I was a little disappointed it didn't look like it does in Jane Austen's Persuasion!!! (With all the people roaming the streets in smart attire from the 18th century!) So I had to use my imagination here!! And I did get a glimpse of what it would be like living in the 18th century when we went into No. 1 Royal Crescent, where the Duke of York probably lived. It was fully furnished and had a guide in every room to tell you about life as an aristocrat!

We weren't allowed to take photos inside but it was very cool. I'm glad that we have a little more 'freedom' shall we say than those living during this time, but I do like the idea of living with a bit more order and respect. No one really seems to care and value anything much anymore. 

And here it is... the Royal Crescent!!

I was pretty excited....

... and so were the kids!!

Royal Crescent is hailed the most majestic street in Britain, this graceful arc of 30 houses (1767-74) is the masterpiece of John Wood the Younger. (From Eyewitness Travel -  Great Britain)

... more of Bath to come!