A week in Wales

We have just returned from our first family holiday – a week in the Irfon valley mid Wales. We found a gorgeous little stone cottage nestled into the side of Irfon valley with a lovely river flowing below. It came complete with a sloping colourful garden and regular visits from the owner’s three dogs – a collie, red setter & lab mix. It was picturesque, calm + the perfect antidote to our busy lives in London.

David and I had thoughts of catching up on some much needed sleep – but Alexa made this a bit difficult at first as she took some time adjusting to the new environment. We have purchased a travel cot for her – like a mini tent and she slept in this in the spare room, while David and I had a room to ourselves. Well when I say slept, she certainly spent plenty of time screaming in there. Meanwhile we took turns to sit next to her soothing and singing to her – the favourite song of the week being many many renditions of ‘10 Green Bottles’.

Meanwhile during her awake moments she was showing off her improved hand dexterity. She loves paper – picking it up folding it, ripping it etc. She was easily entertained as we gave her the cover of the TV guide to play with. She is also fascinated with our faces – she wants to touch us and play with noses, mouths, hair and eyes. This is heart warming until her pincer like fingers get hold of a bottom lip!

The area was fascinating to explore – made more so by balmy conditions with temps around 25 – 30 C. We were unable to do our usual holiday activities – mountain biking, day-long walks; but instead went for shorter walks, visits to an old historic garden (see pic of us 3 in garden - note how impressed with garden Alexa looks), and drives in the countryside seeing some of the best valleys Britain has to offer. One day we tiki toured down to the Gower Pennisula for a day at the beach. All three of us were able to enjoy the warm water with David and I going for dips, and Alexa dangling her feet in the waves. I was concerned that she may not enjoy the sea as the temps would be too cold, but no, she was captivated by the waves and happily, with the help of one of us, would jump the waves.

It was a perfect week! Now, back in London, I have thoughts of immediately turning around and heading back to Wales. It is stifling - hot & muggy with very little breeze. We can no longer hear the trickle of water rushing along the rocks from the stream below, or the calling of lambs in the hills. Our thoughts turn to our next holiday, in a fortnight, a weekend to the Isle of Wight.