February started off with some snow. This pleased the boys greatly and they really enjoyed being able to play in it. It also was amusing to see how a little bit of snow can really slow things down over here. The snow didn’t last long, and by the end of February we were beginning to see hints of spring arriving. 
We took a trip into London early in the month an visited the Science Museum. This place is huge! We could have spent several days here so did our best to make the most of our visit.
Sam on the train to London.
We are standing in front of a huge functional mill engine powered by steam. It was constructed in 1903 and was used in a textile mill.
The guys are waiting for the show "Flash Bang Wallop!" to begin. This was an excellent presentation about combustion and explosions.
In "The Garden" play area.
Hard at work in "The Garden" play area.
This Tucker Sno-Cat crossed the Antarctic in the 1950s.
Tommy couldn't get enough of this tractor exhibit.
How could this ever have gone out of fashion?
The boys had their winter half-term break in February. We were thrilled to have a surprise visit from Memere during the vacation week! It was a relatively quiet week – the boys mostly played with Memere, but we also went on a few outings. 
We went to a Lego exhibit at Denbies Winery.
We also visited the Zoo at Chessington World of Adventures.
The only sad part was saying goodbye to Memere. Hopefully she'll be able to visit us again.
The weekend that Memere left, we went for a hike at nearby Box Hill. This National Trust site has beautiful hiking trails and will also host the Olympic bicycle road race.
The hill just begged to be rolled down!
The town of Dorking is in the valley below.
This is the grave of Dorking eccentric Peter Labilliere. He apparently requested that he be buried upside down here at his favorite spot on Box Hill. The story goes that he felt the world was so topsy-turvy that one day he would be right side up.
This fort on Box Hill was built in the 1880s to protect England from invasion from continental Europe.
Towards the end of the month, we took a little drive to the southern coast of England. We thought we’d stop and explore the town of Brighton for a bit, but when we got there we decided we’d all prefer a less citified beach experience so we continued driving along the coast. We eventually found a pretty spot with a rocky beach. We relaxed, had a snack, and some of us got a little wet! 
Original Composition 
Looks like everyone is having fun!! What a great thing that your Mom could come out to visit again.
Spring time is one of my favorites (and one of Richard’s) time of year in England. It’s so green and all of the different flowers popping up at different times, just beautiful.
Hi Ann! I can’t wait to watch as things come alive this spring. It’s going to be lovely.
Very, Very Cool that you are all having this experience and totally making the best of it!!
Cheers,
Mark
Hi Mark! We definitely are trying to make the best of this experience. Thanks for reading!
Amy,
Great photos of the family. You must have really enjoyed seeing your mother. Keep up the good work of making the most of your stay in England.
Louise
Thanks, Aunt Louise! We are having a wonderful time here.