The First 48 Hours
Our trip to Europe started with an uneventful 18-hour journey during which Camlin slept only 2 hours. But despite her loss of sleep and 5 hours of time, Camlin had plenty of energy to chase after Nanny's frail dogs, try out everyone's shoes at Auntie Bridgett's house, and run around the garden at Auntie Helen's family gathering - all that on the first day!
Camlin hugging Corey and playing with Coral
The Wedding Party
We got a late start on Saturday after catching up on some rest; but we made it to the pub on time for the combination celebration of Shelley and Paul's wedding and Paul's 40th birthday. After a quick trip over to St. Andrews for a nice service, we all settled back into the pub for an evening of drinking and dancing.
We had a great time catching up with family and Camlin exhibited a slight crush on little Sam, dancing with him, copying his break-dancing moves, and blowing bubbles with him in a shared lemonade.
The highlight of the night was when Cams emerged as a future rock star with her 10-minute karaoke performance. It started with her taking the mike from another karaoke performer to la-la along, quickly changed over to Hannah Montana's Best of Both Worlds (which she continued to sing despite what track was playing), and ended with the DJ putting on Hannah's song so Camlin could shine. After a huge applause, Camlin finally gave back the microphone!
The Happy Newlyweds
My immediate family (except Cath and Clive)
Camlin singing karaoke and dancing with Abigail
Camlin and Sam blowing bubbles
Family Outings
On Sunday, we enjoyed the afternoon with most of the family at The Twirl of Hay (a pub with an indoor playground). Trudi and her son Callum joined us too, which was a big treat. We then headed to Wigan to visit my Granddad Jones for the last time (he died on July 3rd).
Monday was a nice dry day so we took Camlin and Abigail to the Farm Park, along with Trudi and Callum. We had a great time feeding the animals, taking a tractor ride through the fields, and playing on the zip line.
Abigail feeding the lamb
Cath, Abigail, and Camlin on the tractor ride
Me and Dave on the tractor ride
Can you guess why this horse's name is Smiley?
For the next three days, Camlin stayed with Nanny and Granddad while Dave and I enjoyed some needed R&R in Barcelona with Pete and Bridgett. (Watch for another post coming soon ... I think 3 days kid-free in Barcelona deserves its own post!) Cams was kept really busy with a trip to Whiz Kids, the movie theatre (to watch the Hannah Montana movie), and a day at the Welsh Mountain zoo. She had a great time with the family but she was still happy to see her mom and dad when we returned.
Our last day was spent shopping, eating pasties (man, I miss pasties), and a family farewell dinner at the pub. Camlin entertained everyone with another rock star performance when she stood on the picnic table outside and used the umbrella holder as a microphone. And once again, she sang Hannah Montana's Best of Both Worlds. (By this time she was pretty good, especially since my mum and sister Shelley got her a microphone that plays the song - something she still plays with at least once a day.
Camlin with one of Nanny's dogs
Camlin with Granddad Popplewell and the other dog
The Trip Home
The journey home was one full of heavy hearts and plane delays, finally arriving home, shattered, after 20 hours. But it was worth it. We had one of the best and busiest vacations ever. This one will definitely be hard to top!
Camlin - with too much energy - at Newark airport
Additional Pics
I couldn't resist adding these in because she is just too freaking cute!!
