Easter Holidays part 2

We spent the remainder of the Easter hols, wrapped up against the cold that has now gripped Britain. All rather disappointing after the marvellous Spring/Summer weather we were enjoying before we went to Italy. We headed to Suffolk to relieve the boredom, staying with top mates Rich and Justin. Since we last visited,  Smart Fox Cottage has undergone a major extension cretaing a huge new living space, extra bedroom and amazing bathroom (sorry no pics). On the way there we got a National Trust fix at the spectacular gardens at Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge, before heading to the boys's for dinner on Thursday night. On Friday, while Rick and Justin worked, we walked a few miles through gorgeous fields and woodland to the staggering beautiful Ickworth, another NT cracker where, as well as the splendid state rooms, the servants' quarters have been recreated to resemble life below stairs in 1935, which all Downton Abbey fans should check out immediately.

 On Saturday, still in recovery mode after Friday night's amazing venison stew and much red wine, we left the boys and drove to Surrey to Helen and George's to see Rob's dad Ian, recently arrived from NZ and here for the next 5 weeks. A lovely walk, great catch up and hours spent on the trampoline (the cousins) and a terrific pub lunch later, and we are now home, in front of the fire, ready for an early night as the girls go back to school tomorrow. Another great school holiday, with lots of adventures.