"The more violent the storm, the quicker it passes."

Day 88:

Last nights awful lack of sleep meant that when I got up I just wanted to get out. At times like this I feel so claustrophobic and I just can't breathe. Opeie and I decided to pack a lunch, books, and sketchpads and head to Titterstones (our own peaceful getaway). The weather wasn't great but we drove up as high as we could get, opened the boot and listen to the thunder, it was pretty beautiful. 

I hope these storms pass soon (all of them).

“'Pipe a song about a Lamb!' / So I piped with merry cheer.”

You've got to love the look of pure satisfaction on someones face when they tick something off of their bucket list. I asked Mrs M earlier if she wanted to go for a walk to break up her work day and It really did just that. We're lucky to live next to a huge amount of farm land and with so much greenery on our doorstep, we try and make the most of it as much as we can. 

Mrs M being a HUGE sheep enthusiast stopped to watch the lambs bouncing around one of the fields and then we continued to the surrounding woodland area where we had a wander before heading home. As we passed the other side of the field where Mrs M had been watching the lambs she noticed a farmers truck unloading sheep and lambs into the field and Ive never seen her move so quick, "come on, I might get to hold a Lamb". Me and Opeie couldn't keep up and Mrs M's power walking soon turned to actual running (Mrs M runs for no one!).

When we finally caught up with her she was chatting to the farmer and he told her that he would be bringing more in 10 minutes so naturally we had to wait. When the farmer returned and handed her a lamb to hold I saw the sort of happiness that I didn't even see when I popped that special question.

An unexpected afternoon stroll ending in sheep cuddles, I love living in Shropshire.

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms."

Finally some proper sunshine. We had some pretty great weather last week and we've been doing the best to make the most of it. A few days back it was hot and bright and it had put me and Opeie in a great mood. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said "ballpit" not my first choice on that glorious day but he was adamant so that's where we headed. As we drove down the country drive to get to Apley farm shop I noticed all the animals were out so I asked Opeie if he'd like to feed the animals first (anything to keep us out in the sun a little longer).

We'd visited piggs play barn loads of times, it's the cleanest soft play that we've been to so it's the one I'd rather go to, we've never taken advantage of the animals there though until now. Opeie loved that we could go inside the rabbit, chicken and Guinea pig run to feed and pet the animals.

there were Donkeys, pigs, sheep, goat, chickens, horses a pony and what i thought was a Llama, until Mrs M laughed and pointed out that it was an Alpaca (same thing aren't they? haha) 

It was only a couple of pounds each to get in and was worth every penny. The animals looked happy, the staff all had smiles on there faces (that could have been the sun) and although there was the disappointment of our bag of food running out it was a lovely way to break up the morning before heading indoors to a sweaty soft play area.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no job more important on the planet than being a mom."

I love Mother's Day, I love being able to celebrate Mrs M and all the amazing things she does. She always puts us first and always makes it so clear how much she loves us I feel so lucky to have her in my life and I would never take that for granted. Although sometimes she can feel a little pushed out when were doing our boy thing I know that if there's ever even a slight mention of cuddles the boys are all her, I completely understand though, I'm quite partial to a bit of her affection myself.

Mother's Day is a great way for the boys to make a fuss of mommy and despite us celebrating Opeie's birthday yesterday too he must have said 'happy mothers day' at least 50 times. They really do love their mom. Mother's Day preparation started around a week a go and although our house is full of craft stuff the boys were excited to see a new box of craft items for our little creative session.

Me and Opeie had used the bits to make mommy an I love you card a week ago to so we've made good use of it. we made her a sheep out of buttons, combining two of her loves, sheep and textile related things.

The boys wanted to make a Mother's Day card each and I also made one too because I wanted her to know just how much I appreciate her as a mom. I really couldn't ask for a better mother for our two boys she is a truly amazing woman. So production started and the boys were loving anything with a sticky back. I decided to use some pages from a Dr. Seuss book and hand sewed some buttons on. In keeping with Dr. Seuss Seth made a Truffula tree on his card which was very cute.

Cards made and gifts wrapped we hid them away and waited patiently for the mommy celebration to begin. 

As expected Mrs M was all smiles and couldn't get enough of her little boys yesterday. It's so lovely to be reminded every day just how much me and boys clearly mean to her as she truly is the most important person to us and we would do anything we can to make sure she is as happy as can be.

Happy Mother's Day Mrs M we are all so smitten by you xxx

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."

 I am feeling far to tired to be sitting at the computer this evening so tonight's post will be photo's from our day (i say that but Mrs M has just put some rubbish on the TV so i may end up on here all night), Enjoy.

Opeie launched a banana at a sheep and he wolfed it down, oops!!

A chilly walk through the hills at Carding Mill Valley

It's Mrs M's last few days of freedom as she told us this morning, She goes back to work Monday to Friday next week so she wanted to get out and do something. Seth on the other hand just wanted to stay in and wait for the postman as he is expecting some packages. But as Mrs M is the boss in our house we got ready for a day out. Seth decided that he wanted to go to Carding Mill Valley so we made a packed lunch for the car, wellies and everything we needed for wrapping up warm. The sun was bright and shiny and the sky was blue but it was rather nippy.

It was a nice drive down there and it didn't take too long, just long enough for Opeie to have a quick nap before the brisk walking commenced. Opeie was adamant that he was going to be wearing my hat and seth's gloves (quite the fashion statement). As we got closer to our destination we started to notice the snow and knew we were going to be in for a chilly mini hike.

We had a spot of lunch in the car when we arrived and then wrapped up warm for our rambling adventure. Seth finds it difficult to walk to far because of his muscles so the 10 minute walk from the car park to the reservoir took more like 40 minutes with the stopping for rests. It was lovely to be out and about walking though and the boys we're really enjoying themselves. Seth was desperate to get his wellies on so he could go splashing in the little stream and Opeie was just mesmerized by the sheep casually walking around.

We reached the Reservoir and Seth was looking a little tired so we all sat down. It was such a beautiful view...

After a 15 minute rest we headed back towards the car, the litre of water i had drank on the journey there was telling me that i needed to find somewhere before i burst, so we headed down to the coffee shop for a nice hot drink and a slice of cake, Seth for some crazy reason opted for an ice lolly?? Strange boy.

Seth by this point was itching to get back to the car so he could put his wellies on and go splashing but before leaving the coffee shop we popped into the gift shop next door and brought the boys a net each so that they could go hunting for little animals. Mrs M and the boys changed their footwear at the car and we headed to the stream which luckily was on a few meters away. Sadly i don't own a pair of wellies so i sat on the grass and took some snaps. Opeie slipped over while in there but luckily Mrs M managed to hold him up before getting a wet bum.

After the splashing in the stream the troops changed their footwear back and we headed home. Seth looked exhausted bless him. We were back home in no time and in the warm so we all went and had a cuddle on our bed. It was so nice to be out and about even with the chilly air. Seth's not with us tomorrow but we're planning on heading out somewhere nice for a walk again.