The City of Bath

Also on our July 4th weekend, we had the opportunity to spend the day in Bath, UK(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_Somerset a town approximately 100 miles west of London. Eric and I found the town (especially the Roman Baths) extremely interesting. Bath is home to the only hot spring in the UK and the famous Roman Baths. This Roman site, built over 200o years ago, was originally created as a temple and bathing complex. We were able to tour the temple (mostly underground) and see the hot springs which still flow today.

Bath become a World Heritage Site in 1987. In the 18th century it was considered the leading center of fashionable life in England. Today it is still a major shopping destination and popular tourist location (http://www.visitbath.co.uk/).

Bath was also home to the British writer Jane Austen. Austen was named one of the most widely read and beloved English writers in history. Her works, published anonymously at the time, include Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

During our visit, we toured the Roman Baths (Tony got way too claustrophobic and had to wait outside), took a boat ride through the city, and ate at T.G.I.Fridays (which was a big treat to both Tony and Eric). We all thought it was an amazing city full of history, landmarks and culture. It's no wonder that Bath is a local favorite for many. When you come to see us :O) we'll be sure and take you to see it for yourself!

Stonehenge - A Step Back in Time

On the 4th of July weekend, our family headed southwest for a quick weekend getaway. We stayed at another military base (RAF Fairford) and spent the weekend touring Stonehenge and Bath. Stonehenge is a well known landmark all over the world. Some say it is the most important prehistoric monument in all of Britain. It is located in Wiltshire, UK and dates back to over 3100 BC. You can read more at http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/

The kids didn't quite understand why we drove all that way, along with many other tourists, to look at some rocks in a field. But Tony and I thought it was amazing to see first hand a monument we had seen only in history books.

For those that are wondering, we get to see our traditional fireworks, eat a hot dog and ride a few carnival rides. On RAF Fairford, they were having an American 4th of July celebration. It seemed quite odd to be celebrating our independence standing shoulder to shoulder with the English, but hey, the Brits will do anything for a party! Cheers!

Back To The Blog

Hello again and cheers from England. Sorry it has been so long since I updated the blog. We had computer issues for awhile, got a new laptop, survived a busy summer and now I am ready to get you caught up on all the Bomar travels. I promise to TRY and do a better job at keeping this current and you informed. Cheers!

A Royal Day in London

On June 13, 2009, we spent a fun day in one of our new favorite cities. We went to watch the Trooping of the Colour (http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/) parade in honor of the Queen's birthday. It was quite an event. Although we did not have the "golden tickets" inside the palace gates, we were able to watch the parade along The Mall on the way to Buckingham Palace. The guests with tickets were dressed very elegantly. The women wore fancy dresses and Kentucky Derby style hats. The men were dressed in suits with tails, often pinstriped, and some even wore a top hat. It was quite a site!

During the parade, we saw the horses, bands, a royal dog and, of course, the Royal Procession. We saw Camilla, Price William and Henry, several Dukes and Earls (Charles was in there somewhere) and Her Majesty the Queen.

Afterwards, we toured Westminster Abbey (http://www.westminster-abbey.org/home) Unfortunately, we were unable to take photos of the inside. It was amazing. Over 3,00o people are buried in this 700 year old building including kings, queens, Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens. Staring in 1066, 36 coronations have taken place in the abbey. Princess Diana's funeral was also held here in 1997. The highlight of our tour, was when Sarah and Eric were specially invited by a tour guide to sit in the Queen's chair inside the abbey. I wish I could have taken a picture!

It was quite a royal day full of memories we will never forget. Long live the Queen!

Belgium in a Day

Last weekend, as a late Mother's Day gift to me, our family went to Brugges, Belgium for the day. It's not that Tony didn't want to go, it's just the one day part that he was unsure of. I thought it would be a benefit, as Tony did not have to take off work, the kids didn't miss school, there was not alot of packing to do and someone else did the driving. The was an extended day trip offered by the base.

Well, our day did start VERY early as we were to meet the bus at 2:45 AM on Saturday morning. We boarded a charter bus, or coach as they are called in the UK, and we were on our way. We brought along a small blanket and pillow and the kids and I went back to sleep. We crossed under the English Channel by train (well the bus was actually loaded onto the train...amazing) in a little over 30 minutes. We came out in Calais, France and continued on into Belgium. We arrived in Brugges around 10 am.

We then had eight hours to explore this beautiful city (http://www.brugge.be/internet/en/index.htm.) We had such a fun time, even in the rain (which was off and on most of the day.) We took a boat ride through the canals, drank hot chocolate, climbed the clock tower, visited the lace shops and ate lots of Belgian chocolate. Eric enjoyed his lunch of mussels, while Sarah opted for the chicken nuggets. We visited the several of the church's including the Church of Our Lady, which holds the famous Madonna and Child statue by Michelangelo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_of_Bruges.)

When asked, Eric said his favorite part was the food and eating ice cream in the rain. Sarah said her favorite was the boat ride through the city. I thought it was amazing that we were in three different countries in one day and I did not have to drive. Tony said it was alot for one day, since we didn't get home until midnight, but still a neat and historic city. I think it was a once in lifetime Mother's Days...complete with chocolate, of course!

A Day in the Trees and a Night at the Sea

This past weekend, we decided to have a fun little family getaway.

After discovering a ad for Bewilderwood (http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/) and that the weather was supposed to be great, I planned a last minute weekend at the coast near Norwich.

We spent a fun day Saturday at the Bewilderwood park. It was so neat and super fun for the kids. There were tree houses, rope bridges, slides, zip lines and a boat ride. Apparently, the park is based on books by a British author. We haven't found the books yet, but we are glad we found the park.

Afterwards, we traveled an additional 30 minutes East and explored the town of Great Yarmouth (http://www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/whats-on/default.aspx.) The kids were excited to get to play on the beach, although Saturday evening was quiet windy and the water was freezing. It was much to cold to swim, but we brought along our sand toys. It was fun to dig, run and jump in the waves.

After a nice seafood dinner, we spent the night at a local bed and breakfast (http://www.shrewsburyguesthouse.co.uk/) walking distance to the coast. We enjoyed a great English breakfast and a long walk along the beach. After a nice drive and lunch at McDonald's (which is a treat for Sarah, since there is not one close by) we were back home in less than 2 hours.

We all thought it was a great getaway and a fun way to spend time as a family.

Easter Sunday

On the 12th of April, we had a fun and relaxing Easter Sunday with our friends, Tammy and Ryan Bloom, and their new baby boy Beau.

After a nice and very crowded morning at church, we were invited to their house for Sunday brunch. We had a great time and enjoyed the food, company and egg hunt. Since it was chilly and sprinkling outside, the kids chose to hunt indoors.

Here are a few photos from our day, including the traditional egg decorating.
Hope your Easter Sunday was full of happiness too!