Tag: animals
Natural History Museum
We went to the Natural History Museum last week in South Kensington, London. Hubby and I thought it would be a fun day out for us all on Imogen’s 2nd Birthday and the museum certainly didn’t disappoint a two year old who loves animals!
We highly recommend the Museum as an educational and fun family day out in London.
Imogen had her first journey on the London Underground Tube from Tower Hill to South Kensington. As a city girl born and bred she climbed into her seat and waited to go.
Imogen loved showing Mummy and Daddy the animals in the museum. There was plenty of finger pointing as Imogen went around and highlighted the incredible animals she saw.
The Dinosaur exhibition was very exciting with several moving replicas of dinosaurs including a T.rex. After closing her eyes initially when she saw the T.rex she then warmed to it when we named it ‘Mummy Dinosaur’ and she asked to see it again!
The amazing display of large Mammals includes a Blue Whale, the largest creature ever.
Inside the Creepy Crawlies exhibition we found spiders, beetles, crabs, butterflies, scorpions and many other species. And there were some extra big specimens!
The Natural History Museum building is a work of art with stunning architecture inside and out. The building was completed in 1880 and the museum first opened in 1881. The Museum is open every day from 10am but is closed from 24 to 26 December.
The Photo Gallery: The Letter C
This week’s Photo Gallery theme is The Letter C. Immediately Cats came to mind, my beloved rescue cats from New Zealand and London. These cats have been a part of my life over the years and I love each one dearly for their unique and special personalities.
It all started with Molly the tortoiseshell cat, when I was a second year University student in Wellington and I found myself missing our family cats. I was renting a flat and desperate to have some feline company during those long hours of study. The local RSPCA had a large selection but it was Molly who chose me. She jumped into my arms and ran up to my neck to snuggle underneath my hair, purring loudly.
When I moved to London I missed Molly and started to look for animal rescue centres near us. There are plenty in London but it was the Celia Hammond Animal Trust that really stuck a cord with me. They work tirelessly with very little funding to help animals of all ages who are neglected or suffering.
It was here that we discovered the beautiful black and white cat, Coco. She was very small and had a face like a kitten but she was obviously an elderly cat. She had been with CHAT for over six months and looked like she really needed somewhere to call home again. We rehomed Coco and found she had the most loving and playful nature. Every morning she’d jump into the bed with us for cuddles and in the evenings it was straight onto one of our laps. Coco was always giving affection and love.
During the three precious years we spent with Coco she battled through many health issues. We discovered early on that she had congenital heart disease and she later developed a tumour. Despite her age she will always be remembered as our little kitten.
Since 2008 we’ve had the adorable duo of Mia and Louis who are delightful sleek black cats and were also rehomed from the Celia Hammond Animal Trust rescue centre.
They’ve watched Imogen grow since the day she was brought home from hospital and have become accustomed to her cries of delight each time she sees them! Last week she ‘baked’ them a plate of cakes and they enthusiastically sniffed the wooden cupcakes before them which brought such happiness to Imogen.
I love having cats around Imogen, she has learnt to be patient and kind and caring and she tells me if she thinks they’re hungry or need a drink of water. Her level of empathy for living creatures is admirable and I’m sure it’s helped by having animals in our home.
Easton Farm Park
We spent a wonderful day at Easton Farm Park when we were on holiday in Suffolk recently.
Easton Farm Park is located near Woodbridge. To get there we drove through beautiful winding country roads, forests and farmland.
There’s a wide range of farm animals for children to see and feed including pigs, rabbits, chickens, goats and horses.
Imogen loved the tractors that are available for children to ride on. She couldn’t reach the pedals so Mummy and Daddy had fun driving her around the farm!
We all rode on a pony and cart which was a delightful experience for Imogen, being her first experience of a pony.
It was wonderful to see Imogen relate to the farm animals. We’ve read plenty of books with stories about farm animals and tractors so Easton Farm Park really brought this alive.
Easton Farm Park is very well organised with timed events giving families the ability to enjoy everything the farm has to offer.
The train ride is lots of fun for parents and children. It took us around the animal yard and past some of the horses in the paddocks.
And if you get caught by rain, as we did, there’s a large soft play centre for babies and children that includes a soft swing, ball pits and slides.
The outdoor play area has swings, slides and a flying fox for older children.
There are pony rides and hug a bunny sessions. Imogen desperately wanted to ride a pony when she saw the older children on them. We compromised and she happily settled for wearing a riding hat whilst watching the children ride the ponies!
It was a great day out and we’ll be sure to go back next time we’re in Suffolk.
Where’s your favourite family farm park?
