Holiday 2010

At long last I'm blogging some of the photos from our holiday - we came back last Saturday after a glorious week in Ilfracombe, North Devon.

Again (for the fourth year!) we stayed at Watermouth Castle in one of the apartments and this was the view on Saturday evening from our bedroom window across the front of the castle grounds and to the bay.

By staying in one of the six apartments in the Castle, we have unlimited access to the grounds and theme park where they sell ice-cream which Jacob thoroughly enjoyed!

We also have use of an indoor swimming pool. Last year Samuel would not get his face wet - this year he can do handstands in the water!!
On Monday we visited Exmoor Zoo - as we have on the last two years. Samuel was brave enough to stroke an Alpaca
And then we participated in Guinea Pig Fishing (yes, honestly! A fishing rod made from a stick and wire with a peg on the end holding a cabbage leaf. Dangle it into the enclosure and you are Guinea Pig Fishing!) The Keeper was most amused when Samuel asked "How long do they last for?" meaning, how long do they live!
Jacob managed to stroke a snake too.
On Tuesday we visited the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which is a narrow gauge train with approx a mile or so of track.
After an impromptu change of clothes for both boys (hastily bought a full change for each from Tescos) following an unfortunate incident for Samuel with Jacob caught in the cross-fire, we visited Arlington Court, a National Trust property where we joined the NT.

There were a number of sculptures around the grounds where the boys enjoyed copying what the statues were doing....

The boys and Simon took a horse drawn carriage ride around the grounds - I'm highly allergic to horses and was suffering even this far away!
This is the view on Woolacombe beach - the boys are paddling in the sea. Which turned into another full change of clothes. But I was prepared this time!

And Friday we visited another National Trust property - Dunster Castle. The Crypt is haunted and no word of a lie, when I went in and had a look around, the two drinks bottles I had in my shoulder bag spontaneously vibrated. And I was stood still with no-one (that I could see) near me. A huge shiver went up my spine. So I hastily went out into the sunshine!
As you can see, the weather all week was glorious! Then it rained whilst we were travelling home. A great week and we met some lovely people who we hope to see again next year!