Rufford Old Hall

On Bank Holiday Monday we went to Rufford Old Hall. We set out from home intending to go to Formby beach but the queues of traffic going there were ridiculous so we turned around & headed for Rufford.
We had a lovely time exploring the house & gardens.
We loved this squirrel topiary! Behind it you can see a glass tower/window which is above the Great Hall. William Shakespeare performed in there when he was young (apparently!). The boys (just Timmy & Jordan as Luke was away at Grandma & Grandad's house) loved the peep hole in the drawing room which looks down onto the Great Hall. Timmy said 'It feels like you're right up in the roof! When you're down on the ground the roof looks a long way away but up here it's really close!' It certainly does feel as though you are in the rafters peeking down on everyone!
Annie Joy enjoyed a good explore about the grounds....

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.... she is in her element in the great outdoors & loves looking for 'wow wers' (flowers. Her name for anything plant or tree related including sticks & dead leaves!)

Annie Joy made a little friend while we were walking in the gardens too. A little boy about her age saw her looking at these ferns & they stood & stared at each other for ages! An old couple walking past were tickled pink by the two of them & said 'Oh! It's love at first sight!' :o)

Timmy found a stick that looked like reindeer antlers so he had to try it for size!

The boys played hide & seek. This is where Jordan hid. It was VERY effective!!

Timmy loved the row of round bushes leading up to the main door. He said they were like snowballs & could I take a picture of him as a snowman head please? Hee hee!

I took some lovely group photos of the three children too. Photographically speaking I think this one is better.....

.... but this one captures the feel & emotion of the kids better! (Wish I hadn't chopped AJ's feet off though!). All in all it was indeed a Grand Day Out! :o) Hope you're all well. See you back here soon I hope! :o)

PS Kirstin spotted the BIG news on the previous post! Check the comments to see what it is if you like or wait until I manage to post a proper piccie later on. TTFN!