We managed to make it to Bristol for the big occasion this year. Saturday morning commenced with the traditional present opening in bed ceremony and then we headed off to Malmesbury and the home of the Naked Gardeners - the Abbey House Gardens. What a wonderful place. The boys spent most of them time stroking tame koi carp and catfish (we think) in the ornamental fish pond but there was still plenty of time to explore the gardens and the river walk. We even spotted the Naked Gardeners themselves but disappointingly (for Dad) they were clothed - albeit Mr Gardener was just wearing a thong.
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Lunch was very good in the Whole Hog and the only dampener was my car playing up on the way home resulting in us having to drive at around 45 mph along the M4 on the way back! Turns out the air conditioning compresser needs replacing.
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In the evening we went to Valentinos for a real Italian nosh up. When they found out it was Mum's birthday they brought her something with a flame on top - a flaming Zambucca!
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We had a leisurely Sunday morning browsing Dad's ancient photos of various great great relations, which was very entertaining - the boys now appreciate that Grandad's "Whee" hair is nothing new! A barbecue lunch under the new gazebo rounded off a perfect weekend.
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Here are some photos.
