A Change for the Weather

We've seen a real transformation in the weather since we first got here. The first week was dominated by WIND!! Cold, chilling, wind. Then, occasionally, there would be some rain added to the mix.... it wasn't a vary hard rain, just enough of a misting to make the wind feel that much colder.

The second week, it seemed like the wind was calmer, but it was certainly still cold. We even had a spot of snow! It wasn't much, and it didn't last long, but it sure was pretty.
















And now, this week, it seems as if spring is emerging! In the morning, we've been waking up to frost; but a few hours later, the sun will be out, and it will almost feel warm. In the garden out front of our apartment, the flowers are even starting to bloom.

Last night, we got a call from a new friend, Kelly (we met her at Megan's last Saturday). She offered to pick the kids and I up and take us anywhere we might need to go today. I asked her if she knew of any playgrounds in the area. I wanted to get these kids out of the apartment, and let them run around and play outside!!

Well, Kelly picked us up this morning, and took us to a small, and very charming village called Pateley Bridge. There was a park with a playground there right next to the River Nidd. We had a wonderful time playing at the playground. Maddie was delighted to see that there were swings and a tall slide, and Tim enjoyed climbing a very tall play structure. It took him a few times to get enough courage to reach the top. But after that, we couldn't get him down. (I have a feeling that this kind of playground equipment would never be allowed in the states anymore. There was also one of those "merry-go-rounds" that you spin around on and get dizzy... you never see those in the states anymore, either!)

Anyway, it was a great day to be outside, get some fresh air, and stretch our legs. Hopefully this lovely weather will continue.