Got up and yes sun has disappeared and it definately is chilly today. Hubby decided today will be a good day to go to Hay on Wye. We both love books, fortunately so do the kids, so after a hearty breakfast (aunt believes in cooked breakfasts!) off we set through wonderful countryside and winding mountain lanes towards Hay.

Now if you don't know Hay all that well, every other shop is a bookshop almost. You need something in particular then it is worth a visit to browse through the shops. One of them was a £1 shop - every book for £1 and they were new books, recent releases as well. To say it was packed out with people browsing would, believe me, be an understatement.

Eldest child was like a young child being let lose in a toyshop. His eyes lit up as we discovered more and more bookshops which we seemed to spend an age in. In true Hayden tradition, hubby, myself and eldest were laden down with lists of favourite authors and spent a happy few hours tracking them down as well as discovering one or two new ones. Oh and youngest came away with a few Peter and Jane books (remember the ladybird reading scheme?) so he was happy that he managed to add to his collection lol!

I would definately recommend the following bookshop though http://www.booksearch-at-hay.com/ They were really helpful in tracking down one book hubby was after and it is useful knowing they have a website!

The other ones I would recommend a visit to if you ever get the chance or are in the area are

http://www.hayonwyebooksellers.com/
http://www.bookends.uk.com/ (must admit I have used these from time to time on the internet!)

Oh and the weather turned out warm and sunny as well which was a bonus! Lovely teahouse we stopped at for lunch as well, down one of the many alleyways and quite reasonable priced as well!

Started well, got rid of the dogs to the kennels then drove all the way to Wales making it in 31/2 hours!

Record for me especially as there were road works outside Birmingham again!!

Got to Aunts house to find sister had been on the phone for the last half hour asking if I had arrived yet. She said she was on her way round (she was staying in the next village along) and took two hours to turn up - aunt not impressed as she wanted to dish up dinner! So saw sister, her boyfriend (who is one huge pratt) and the two friends they had brought with them. She eventually got the hint and left (two hours later) by which time aunt was not in the best of moods as dinner was getting spoilt (which it wasn't as she is a fantastic cook.

So next day dawns bright with an autumnal chill in the air. Went into town, did the usual shops and looked at the craft shops/model shops as well with kids. Walked along sea front (smichen, I did say hello to it for you,) drove down to Devils Bridge by which time it was raining, then drove round to Bwlch Nant yr Arian and did a small walk around the lake while watching the Red Kites feed. Walk was very easy really and there is a lovely visitors centre there. Paths are well laid out and along the way there are information signs which the kids loved reading as they told them all about the preservation of the Red Kite. Views were stunning and we vowed that we would go back to do some of the longer walks, but alas never did - oh well there is always next time lol!

View from car park of Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Had a fantastic time, totally relaxing, feel as though I have put on at least a stone, but did try to do some walking!

Good food, good company, and kids had a great time - they got totally spoilt!!

Off to catch up with everyone

Hugs xx