On Friday 18th December we received our first house guests. Sarah, Liam and Amy had been staying in Oxford with Sarah's parents and made the train ride / bus trip / and short walk to come and visit Hilperton. Amazingly, despite my rather dodgy directions, they made it safely. That afternoon I took the eldest (Abbey unfortunately being sick) to the park for a play in the freezing winter weather. I think they were all just pleased not only to be outside but also to have other kids to play with.
On Saturday, alas, it was time to return the Mercedes. Early that morning, while it was still minus 6 degrees, Sarah bravely followed me in our 'new' Citroen into Bath for the drop off and then the two of us headed into town for a girls day out. Nathan took one for the team and did a fabulous job entertaining the kids at home. This was my first time playing tour guide and despite a few wrong turns I did manage to show Sarah the sights as well as finish my Christmas shopping. I will have to work on my tour information so be prepared to be treated as a guinea pig if you are one of the first to visit.
That afternoon while it was lightly snowing everyone took a walk along the country lanes that surround our housing estate. The kids had a ball jumping on the icy puddles trying to crack the ice and not slip in. Amazingly this was all achieved and we made it home relatively dry if somewhat muddy. Their wellies are getting a great work out and you may notice in some photos that I now am sporting a very stylish pair myself (purchased that morning in Bath).
On Sunday Nathan gave Sarah and her kids a treat by driving them back to Bath train station in the Punto. We had a really fun time during their visit and will definitely miss them. Happily, we will be seeing them for a few days over Christmas when we visit Oxford so we didn't have to do the long term goodbyes quite yet.
Once they were safely sent on their way back to Oxford, Nathan met us at a local pub - the Beer and Barge - for the Sunday Carvery. The pub is set along a canal and it was lovely to be able to look out on the colourful canal boats. The water surrounding their moorings had iced over and we had to be extremely careful when walking about outside all day due to icy paths. After lunch we drove into Bradford on Avon and the kids both joined in with some winter crafts while Nathan and I had a walk around the Christmas Markets.
Sunday evening Abbey proved to us how much she is comprehending of her new surroundings. Whilst playing a game of 'shop' she sold me a puzzle for 10 pounds without even blinking. It will be interesting to see how quickly she picks up the accent as well.
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