Two of the Brats (the ones of British descent) and myself went to Nottingham, UK for their cousin Sarahs wedding on the 31st. The wedding was lovely – not a very big affair, but just right. The girls met all their relatives (their uncle didn’t know we were coming, so he had to have his jaw stitched back on after it dropped to the floor…) The bride and groom were beautiful, and so happy to see us. They have a little preemie girl too – she’s 18 months old, and was the prettiest little bridesmaid in her pearly white dress. As for the location – a hotel, but set in a hunting lodge from the 17th century, smack in the middle of Robin Hood country – Sherwood forest.
Now, when I say hunting lodge, do you think of a small timber building with a leaky roof and an open hearth? Not so. This was a castle, very well kept, set in a huge park, complete with its own chapel. Absolutely beautiful!
The girls got to see their grandmother, who didn’t feel up to attending the wedding, but who was all right, considering her age and situation. We were afraid she wouldn’t recognize us, but as it turned out, she’s quite lucid. She was so happy to see the girls, and it was lovely seeing her again.
We also got some shopping in. What I mean to say is: the girls got some shopping in. So many stores selling pygmy clothes, so little time! I think we went into every one of them. What they ended up with were stacks of CDs – and shoes. Not your Manolo Blahniks or the like (I just windowshopped for those – however beautiful, I could never pay $600 for a pair of pumps!), but the choice within the “normal” price range is very good over there too.
We managed a second visit to Grandmother before going back as well, and had a lovely few hours in town with the bride, groom and tiny bridesmaid. We got soaking wet on a regular basis (as you do in England), and had dinner with the girls uncle.
A busy few days, but very nice. The girls just love going over there – it makes their British genes feel at home, which they thoroughly enjoy. Their father would have had his 58th birthday today, and I know they’re thinking about him and of their recent trip to his home ground.
Stumble it!
