Day Out Little Chesterford

Or rather, Day Out Little Chesterford Science Research Park. That's on everyone's must-see list for England, right? That's where Mike works, and as his company was having their annual family picnic, off we went. And I'm glad we did! Besides that it was fun to see where my husband spends his days, and that it's a beautiful location, the picnic was fun as well. I was a little bit worried as we first arrived. Mike's company in San Diego goes all out for their family events - games, prizes, expensive entertainments. Once they had a carnival theme, where they had every imaginable carnival game your parents won't let you play, because they're a waste of money, all for free and with prizes. Another year they rented a place with a wave machine, swimming pool, and amusement park rides. Anyway, this was an old-school picnic. Croquet, bouncy house, puppet show (which my kids thought they were way too old for), and mostly just food and talking. I wasn't sure if it was something my kids would really appreciate, but we all ended up having a nice day out.

I wish I got some better pictures of approaching the research park. I knew it was in the country, but I was expecting big buildings and parking lots and lots of cement grouped together right off the road. Instead you're driving through the countryside, pull down a curvy lane, then behind some trees pops his building. The other buildings are all scattered around the park so that you don't really see them. It's just a different style than anyplace he's worked in the U.S.

 First, Mike had to show off the video in his company's lobby, which features a certain handsome and prestigious gentleman.

After initially dismissing all the activities as "babyish", Camille and Mike enjoyed a few rounds of lawn bowling.

 Camille and Anya finally got talked into trying the bouncy house, mostly so I could take their picture. Camille thought it was funny that one of the little girls kept following her around and saying, "You're a BIG girl, aren't you?". With a cute, little girl English accent of course. I'm not yet acclimated enough to be nonchalant about listening to English children speak. I find everything that comes out of their mouths absolutely adorable.

 After eating, we went for a walk around the research park. You may not be able to tell from the picture, but it's very country-ish. Behind the little fence is open fields.

 The whole research park used to be a country home. This is the original home, which is now used by another company. Mike's building is modern looking.

And then to end the picnic, Mike's work had a tug-of-war competition between departments. My girls are not yet too old and mature to be embarrassed about jumping up and down and cheering their dad on. He helped pull his team to victory, so it was a nice way to end our day.