On the 2nd day, Ian (and Mommy) created the Solar System...

In autumn of last year, Ian became fascinated by the planets of the solar system. Being the tactile sort of kid he is, he wanted to have his own 'hands-on' version, so we went looking around various shops and online locations for one. We quickly found out that the ones for sale were either a) really cheap, plastic and in no way close to realistic or b) ridiculously expensive. On to plan B, then.

Annie, in a stroke of brilliance, figured that we could make our own, using Styrofoam balls, paint and string. After a visit to the arts & crafts center in Teeside, and Ian and Mommy were ready to get down to the business of planetary creation. A few weeks later, a complete solar system emerged, albeit on the ends of kabob skewers on our dining room table. With a bit of string, some thumbtacks and expert positioning guidance from Ian, the planets assumed their places in orbit around the ceiling in his room.

Oh, not that Mommy's trying to show up God or anything, but her solar system glows in the dark! More pictures to come once Saturn has rings...

We had found a Mr. Potato Head for Ian's birthday, and of course, Isabella saw it. She spent the next two days chanting 'Potatoes Head, Potatoes Head'. Sensing a potential sharing disaster on our hands, we did what any other sane set of parents would do - purchased another one. 

 

Turns out, everyone in the family got in on the 'Potatoes Head' action...

Fontenay Abbey (part 2) - May 2011

The stairs from the Dormitory, which lead directly into the Church. No mistaking about what the center of life was in the Cistercian order.

 

The Dormitory

One can almost still hear the shuffle of sandal-clad feet along the worn stones of the cloister walkways.

The Abbey workshop and great forge.

 
If you look closely, they are smiling. 

Fontenay Abbey (part 1) - May 2011

Entrance to the Abbey...

Entrance to the Abbey Church.

The only statue in the Church proper; Our Lady and the Infant Jesus.

 
Looking back from the center of the Church, the scale of the place becomes more clear. The unadorned simplicity of the interior only adds to the sense of space. Its purpose is straightforward and clear - contemplation, prayer and sacrifice.

Pont du Gard - May 2011

Daddy & Isabella go a'hunting...

"Are you ready, Isabella?"

"Ready, Daddy."

 

Hunting hats - sorted.

Extra-special magic looking thing - sorted.

 

Behold! A great and terrible beast!

Well, er....it does have horns.