Last weekend we took Jason to the Devon Railway Centre in Bickleigh. I have to admit that we got lost going there. We saw a lot of the English countryside that we weren't planning on seeing. Ended up on some scary, narrow roads where we were thankful that no cars were coming the other way since there was nowhere to pullover or turn around for miles...
Jason LOVED the railway centre and he was at the perfect age to enjoy it! There was four to five old passenger cars that were converted into areas where model train systems could be displayed. The cases were equipped with push button response so the kids could make the trains start on their demand. Jason was so excited! Another three passenger cars were converted into a play center with wooden train sets, a play sand area and a huge ball pit. Jason of course loved the trains. He attempted the ball pit but once he found out he couldn't wear his shoes, he gave up on it.
There were two rails to ride there. There was a normal train ride and a miniature railway. Unlimited train rides were included in the admission. I think that we all enjoyed the miniature ride the best since it rode over to the gnome village. The "Gnomehenge" reminded us of Spinal Tap :)
Jason even got to drive his own train. He was in heaven! We only let him do it once, otherwise we would have dropped a ton of money on it.
Here is the website to the Devon Railway Centre: http://www.devonrailwaycentre.co.uk/
From there, we drove over to Lyme Regis which is known for its fossils from the Early Jurassic period. We walked down to the Black Ven part of the beach where the shale cliffs were to search for "dinosaur bones." We found some that were too big to take home but were pretty cool to see.
We did find a few fossils to take home with us. One of them looks like an Ammonite. Dave is going to try to break away some of the shale so we can see it more. It was a bit difficult for us to really search since I was carrying the stroller and our backpack while Dave carried Jason. Dave is going to try to go back after we leave to head further out and look in more detail. Jason liked looking for "dinosaurs" though he was hoping we were going to find a T-Rex. Maybe next time...
This weekend we took Jason to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Of course, he was obsessed with seeing the sharks. Between sharks and dinosaurs, I think it is a tie for what he likes best.
Being in Plymouth, we also were at the waterfront where the Mayflower left for America.
On Sunday, we went to look at some Celtic and Roman ruins near a town called Minions. Similar to when we went to the Dartmoor, Jason ran around for about 15-20 minutes and then insisted on Dave carrying him the rest of the way.
We stopped a great local pub on the way back to Tavistock. They had amazing Sunday roasts of any kind of meat you wanted and a ton of veggies and gravy. Yummy!
When we got back, I drove to the store by myself to pick up a few items. It's only a few minute drive, but hey it was something. Driving on the opposite side of the road really makes you pay attention so much more. There are so many roundabouts here, you really need to make sure you follow everything. I think that it will still be a while before I drive down to Plymouth alone. It took both Dave, myself and the GPS to find our way around.
Tomorrow I am starting Potty Training Boot Camp for Jason. I have to admit I am nervous but he's ready. Maybe he'll surprise me but I think I am in for a fight...
The weekend started with us finding out that we will have the flat to ourselves the entire time Jason and I are here due to some delays on the project. That actually works out for the best since Jason is definitely difficult sometimes as most two-year-olds are.
Dave and I decided to spend Friday night staying up finishing up Season Four of Dexter. Of course Season Five will be out when I get home but I will have to wait for Dave to come home to watch it...
Our weekend was pretty lo-key. On Sunday, we decided to explore the Dartmoor and look at some Celtic ruins. The energy was amazing and there are so many things to see. Plus being in the Dartmoor, we were surrounded by the free range sheep, cows and horses. We actually hiked by a bunch of rams. Jason loved it because he was just able to run. However, that meant he was tuckered out by the time we were done hiking to the first site.
I also had my first experience driving on the left hand side of the road. It is interesting trying to re-train your way of thinking. I think I was getting the hang of it. I definitely need more practice, like driving to places I'm familiar with. I don't think I could drive and try to listen to the GPS at the same time right now :)
After taking a week of rest, I am back to scheduling my day again. I need that structure if I want to reach my goals in more ways than one. Look out...I'm recharged and back on my game!
