Busy Weekend
Topic: This and That
I took this photo this morning, actually. I thought Ryan looked adorable in this outfit my Aunt Jean gave him. Of course, I think Ryan looks adorable in anything!
It was a very busy last few days. Friday morning Ryan and I dropped Larry off at work so I could have the car. The first part of the day, I baby sat at a friend's house. Ryan loved that, since not only did he have someone his own age to play with, but he had a fenced yard to run around in. He spent pretty much the whole time we were there running around outside. After that, we went home, had lunch, then went to MHS to run some errands. When we were done, we picked up Larry and went back home. Larry watched Ryan so I could go for a run. It was gorgeous out, and I enjoyed my run.
Unfortunately, later on Ryan was sick (lower intestinal woes). Luckily he perked up after a while and was fine all through the night.
Early Saturday morning, I took Ryan in the stroller and made a quick trip to ASDA to get bread to make french toast. Yum! Later in the morning there was a baby sitting co-op meeting at a place called Hesketh Farm Park. (Click here for their site.)
Hesketh Farm Park It's a nice place with lots to do for kiddos of all ages. There's an indoor section where you can pet calfs, rabbits, and lambs, as well as look at pigs and piglets. In one area, a staff member plops a guinea pig in your lap as soon as you sit down. I don't think Ryan was prepared for that. He didn't take very well to the poor little creature. I was surprised, since Ryan loves kitties and doggies and various other animals.
In another area, there are little tractors for the under 3 set to ride (Ryan did that) and there's also a big sand pit to play in. For bigger kids there's a straw maze. There's also a refreshment stand. Outdoors there's a big play area, there are tractor rides, animal feedings (we took part in feeding carrots to donkeys), and a course for bigger kids to drive little tractors. It was a nice day to be out and about.
Later on in the afternoon, Ryan and I went to a friend's baby shower. That was fun. The hostess had a big fenced backyard. Again, Ryan spent pretty much the whole time we were there outside. He particularly loved this little car he could "drive" around. I'm pretty sure Ryan is one of those kids that will only come in for food. In fact, I got him to come in at one point by saying, "Ryan, food!" and he said, "Foo!" and came running in. At the shower he did something new and very cute. He went into his diaper bag and got out the camera. He held it up to his face (the right way out even! - but upside down), then said, "Yay!" while smiling.
Ryan and I went home, then after a quick trip with Larry back to ASDA for charcoal, we barbecued hamburgers. It was a long, but nice day.
Sunday morning I took Ryan with me for a run while Larry went to the gym. In the afternoon, Larry watched Ryan and I went to the Harrogate Flower Show. (Click here for the site.)
Flower Show This is a very big deal here. I missed the one last autumn, so I was very much looking forward to this one.
Parking was crazy. Luckily it was free, and there were shuttle buses. Otherwise, it would have been a good 20 or 30 minute walk to get from the car to the show.
There was pretty much anything and everything to do with gardening and all things horticultural. The show was HUGE, with both indoor and outdoor vendors and displays. I started out with the two indoor halls that had the bulk of the flowers and plants in them. You name it, it was probably there. Some aspects reminded me of some of the flowers we saw in Keukenhof. The cactus display reminded me of my desert home. I think it's funny that there's a British Cactus Society! I discovered that here they call geraniums "pelargoniums." Weird. Whenever I see geraniums, I think of my grandfather Walt. Actually, the whole show made me think of him. He had quite the green thumb. I know he would have enjoyed the show tremendously. I would have loved to have taken him there.
There were more exotic things like bonsai trees. There was even a display of carnivorous plants. I didn't take a picture of them because frankly, they gave me the willies. They had deep pouches that would almost twitch now and then.
In between the two halls was a cafe. It was extremely crowded. I got a snack and looked for a place to sit. There were two ladies who seemed like they were about done. I asked if they minded if I sat down. They were very nice. One of the first things they said to me was, "You're not local, are you?" I get that a lot! We had a pleasant chat before they left. Another pair of ladies came and asked if they could sit at my table. They were nice, too. They also said right off, "You're not from around here, are you?" I had to laugh since that was twice in a row. Again, I had a nice chat. It was good to have company while I ate.
I'd been at the show over an hour exploring the two halls before going back outside and realizing the extent of the show. There were large tents around the perimeter with more displays. There was also a tent called, "Deliciously Yorkshire" that had all manner of things to eat, from honey to sausage to cheese to chocolate. There was a bazaar tent, as well as a tent with various horticultural societies represented. There was a big tent with both miniature displays and big displays.
All in all, I am very glad I went. I plan on going to the autumn show if I can. I'll know better how to plan my time and what to look for.
Please click here for pictures from my weekend.
Late April Weekend
Posted by hkvlayman
at 2:22 PM BST
Updated: Monday, 1 May 2006 10:05 PM BST
Don't let it be said that I don't do requests! :) I actually don't have a picture of our current jogging stroller. This is a picture of the one we wound up having to exchange for the next model up (photo taken in early October). Totally worth the major pain it was, though. Here's a link to the manufacturer's website with a photo of the one almost identical to the one we have. Baby Trend Jogging Stroller
I took this yesterday. Ryan is sitting on a 4k (8.8 lb.) medicine ball. What's crazy, is he can also lift and carry that ball! I don't know if that's normal strength for a 19 month old, but Larry and I are impressed!
irritated