Today was a great day! Aunt Marian took us to Lyme House & Gardens, which is about a half hour drive from their house. (I am getting more confident with driving, by the way. I still have to think through each step, and keep thinking "stay left, stay left", but it's coming! :) ) We lucked out with the weather. There was spotty rain, but pretty much every time we headed outside the rain was light, or it was sunny. Lucky us! But.... bring on the frizzy hair! :)

Here is a great shot of the Lyme House. Look familiar?!?! If you're a Jane Austen fan, it should. This is the house that they filmed the 6 hour version of "Pride and Prejudice" at - it's the outside set for Mr. Darcy's house, Pemberley. Cool, eh?!

While we were there, the author of a fairly new book called "Mr. Darcy's Diary", which is "Pride and Prejudice" from Mr. Darcy's point of view, was there at the gift shop signing copies of her book. So naturally, I bought one and had her sign it. I hope it's good! :)

I believe that the oldest part of the house was built in the 1300's. Much has been added through the centuries, and it's gorgeous! It's now owned by the National Trust.

Here are some pix from our time there today:

Inside the courtyard

Chloe, me, Janae

Tyler, Josh, Aunt Marian

Inside the house, tapestries from the early 1600s!

Having a little fun with the costumes

In the green house

And in the gardens

As I went through these beautiful gardens, I thought of my sweet friend, Tonya, who is an amazing gardener. :) She would love it here, and would have so much fun tending these gardens!

Our evening consisted of a lovely spread for dinner provided by Aunt Marian and Uncle Mick, and then a trip to the mall (for the kids' sakes), a football (soccer) game enjoyed by Dave and Uncle Mick, and then an hour of games around the table. Lastly, delicious Magnum ice cream bars. Don't tell me how many calories are in those creamy, high fat, high sugar bars - I don't want to know!

Twas a fabulous, happy day, indeed :)