Day 5 Cannock Chase and Lamb Roast

Grant was up early this morning and went for a walk into the village via the canals to buy the paper. He couldn't believe how many fishermen were out fishing today. But being a Sunday it is very popular, and Jack tells us, the fishermen like to have a wager on who will catch the most, and they take it all very seriously, and hate anyone making any unnecessary noise!  By the time he got home Marni had cooked breakfast, pancakes for everyone, and dare I say it but the golden syrup in the United Kingdom is so much more delicious then the stuff we get in Australia!! 

The days have been absolutely beautiful, crisp and clear with not much wind, and whoever said it always rains in the UK is lying, we have not had one drop of rain!  So with the sky a bright blue, it was decided that a morning in the Cannock Chase was in order.  The Cannock Chase is East of Penkridge running between Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Stafford, and is 68 square kilometres in size, and is the home to many famous mountain bike trails. We went to the Tackeroo Site, where everyone had had the same idea as us, being a beautiful Sunday, there were walkers and bike riders absolutely everywhere!  When you look at the photos below though, you can understand why.

Looking back over the Rugeley townsite and farm land

Different carvings can be found throughout the park

The six cherubs!

Gary, Katie and Ashleigh - they couldn't resist!

Katie and I on "papa bears chair"

All the girls on "papa bears chair"

The Pope Family

After a lovely morning wandering through the park, the kids building cubbies, and kicking the footy around, it was time to head home.  Once we were back, Katie's Gran (Granny Annie) came to visit. What a dear lady she is, and in she came bearing gifts - Easter eggs, cakes, flowers, beer and champagne. She coped very well with us all, I'm sure it must be very daunting meeting an Australian family of six, but Annie took it all in her stride, and it will be lovely to see her again soon.

After lunch, Gary, Jack, Jacks mate Matt, Grant and Kyle headed to the cricket club to watch the Liverpool vs Man City Soccor match. This was the match of the round with the two top teams fighting for the top spot on the ladder.  Katie and I stayed home to prepare the lamb roast for dinner, Lexie and Ashleigh painted their nails, and Nathan and Marni walked to the shops, then we all went to the club to watch the last 10 minutes of the game. Liverpool came out on top with a 3-2 win, much to the delight of most, especially Gary and Jack!

After a few bevvies, not to sure how I feel about the Thatchers Cider yet, so I made sure I had a few, we headed home for Lamb Roast with all the trimmings, and Apple crumble with custard and ice cream - delicious!

Lamb Roast in the conservatory

Lots of laughs, and lots of stories, we finished tea, and the kids cleaned up. 

Tomorrow we all head to London, it's the first time Jack and Lexie have been to London, also, so we are all very excited about what the next couple of days will bring!

Today's Highlights

* "Phil Wippy" the ice cream truck man came by again today - the girls were very happy with their tubs of fairy floss for £1 each!

* Cooking up a storm with Katie

* Thatchers Cider (my choice of beverage... for the moment)

* Trying Black Pudding for the very first time (and for those who don't know what black pudding is -  google it!)

Lots of love

Chrissie x