Welcome to part two of the Doves year in photos covering May to August 2014. If you missed part one, you’ll find it here.
May kicked off with a visit to National Trust managed Winkworth Arboretum where there were not only oodles of bluebells but Azalea lined steps too. We had a special visit to Bocketts Farm when POD fed the animals for the first time. The look on her face was just priceless.
The #alphabetphoto project kicked off in May too and we paid Chilworth Gunpowder Mill a visit to get that A is for abandoned! So excited it’s back this week!!!
Another National Trust gem we visited for the first time was Headley Heath. A designated Site of Specific Interest with a mix of open heathland, shady woods and steep chalk grassland valleys.
Some may find it excessive but June saw three visits to RHS Wisley. One of which including stumbling upon the most magical poppy field and the other getting lost near the rose garden. Too much loveliness at this time of year!
We absolutely loved the SEA LIFE aquarium in Great Yarmouth. Some 50 displays including a 250,000 litre tropical ocean exhibit and tunnel where you can gaze at SEA LIFE’s largest inhabitants – sharks!
The lead up to BritMums was incredibly busy but the event itself as brilliant as it always is. Awesome speakers, great workshops and the opportunity to catch up with friends – both old and new. After I returned home we took to Frensham Little Pond in Surrey. Owned by the National Trust, it’s an idyllic location with a beach and a lake. Absolutely the perfect place to just hang out and unwind for a couple of hours. We even saw a snake!
We went to Butlin’s at Bognor Regis for the first time and were pleasantly surprised with what was on offer. POD had the best time meeting all her favourite characters and we discovered how awesome Butlin’s is.
With POD’s birthday on Christmas Day, this was the first year we had her party in the Summer. Donning her Christening dress, we had a BBQ, played games and enjoyed the sunshine. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.
July also saw a visit to Cassiobury Park, a blogger meet-up at Hitchin Lavender and more lavender loveliness at Mayfield.
August saw POD take on the role of a pirate! We took a few days off and escaped the rat race too by heading to Suffolk. We hit Thetford Forest, ate ice-cream
and had the most awesome time at Felixstowe beach. POD even got to go for her first dip in the sea!
August also saw POD visit Peppa Pig World for the very first time. Peppa and George are her favourite characters so you can imagine how excited she was!
So that’s it for the second slice of our year, keep your eyes peeled for the last installment!
So many lovely photos, especially of POD. Love the Lavender field shots
What wonderful pictures! I just can’t pick a favourite, thought I had then scrolled down! Beautiful huni x
Love the colors! Its nice to see you in one of the photo too! I don’t think its excessive to see RHS 3x =P if I have memberships to these amazing places I would use it everyday =P
Beautiful photos!
This is such a lovely idea. I love a recap of part of the year, and may have to borrow that idea. Beautiful photos, and I especially like the one of Pod feeding the sheep!
What fun! The photos are lovely.
We haven’t been to Paultons before but it looks lovely! Love the pics of the poppys too x
Great idea to do a round-up. I love all the photos, especially the one with POD wearing her favourite hat 🙂
Oh my, such stunning photos. The poppy field is so beautiful. x
Such a good idea to have a summer birthday as well as winter! Lovely pics – my favourite’s the flowers in earthenware bottles.
Wow, what a beautiful post, those pictures are truly amazing, you captured beautiful moments, of your family. x
It’s nice to do a round up post of the year like this, I should’ve done one but I’m far too lazy! So many beautiful photo’s, especially love the Poppies. x