Chaos, Mess, more Chaos and yes, more Mess!

Oh my goodness I feel shattered!

Up this morning to get the boys dressed and breakfasted.  Quickly cooked some pasta for Seb's lunch and mixed it up with some ham, cheese, grapes and cherry tomatoes.

Saw Seb off to school and sorted out some of Nat's clothes for 'Little P'.

Was trying to quickly prepare some vegetables for a sausage casserole I was cooking in my trusty slow cooker.  Was in a bit of a rush as needed to drive over to pick up Little P and Baby H. Somehow while opening the fridge I managed to knock off a full bottle of miracle grow plant food which I had placed on top of the fridge to keep it out of Nat's way. 

Miracle gro exploded everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE.  All up my leg and over one of my relatively new shoes, all over my kitchen cabinets, up the front of the fridge and all up the wall. A big puddle of brown gunk slowly pooled over my kitchen floor.

I quickly whipped up the bottle and stuck it in the sink, opened the kitchen cabinet and grabbed some kitchen towel and began trying to clear up the mess.  Miracle Gro smells like marmite or yeast extract - not exactly the beautiful homely smell I usually aspire for.  Having used nearly a whole roll of kitchn towel to mop up the gunk before Nat could paddle in it, I stood up and whacked my head on the open kitchen door.  Brought tears to my eyes but I think they were tears of frustration rather than pain.  I then had to wet mop the floor and used a damp cloth to wipe down the cabinets, fridge and walls. Didn't have time to change my shoes so left the house smelling disgusting.  Drove over to collect the children and even though I was over ten minutes late leaving the house, the traffic was mircaculously clear and I arrived five minutes early - go figure!

Anyway, I had arranged to pick the children up early so that I could get to the soft play centre and be guaranteed a parking space right outside so that I wouldn't have to struggle with three children.  Unfortunately the other people who had also decided to arrive early weren't aware of my cunning plan and by the time I pulled into the car park there were no spaces left. 

I couldn't face the thought of trying to entertain two overly energetic toddlers and a baby at home for over five hours so decided to park on the road instead.  It may not have seemed far but trying to cross two roads and keep two willful toddlers holding onto the pushchair was a mammoth task and I was glad to finally struggle through the door of the soft play centre.

Soft play was exhausting too as no sooner had I picked up one child then another started crying for me.  Thankfully no dirty nappies while we were out as I am not sure how I would have juggled them all in the toilet.  Baby H needed carrying pretty much all the time and Little P is always quite clingy when we are out and wants me with him all the time so I can't go out of his sight.  Nat is a little braver and happy to run off by himself to play.  At one point he was on the small bouncy castle which has a bouncy slide attached to it surrounded by safety nets.  Unfortunately the bouncy castle / slide was not as blown up as it should have been and when he climbed onto the top of the slide he managed to roll back and got caught hanging over the back tangled in the nets.  He was screaming so I ran to try and rescue him still holding Baby H.  I tried to squeeze around the back of the slide to push Nat from underneath.  I think I must have pushed him a little too hard as he bounced over the top of the bouncy slide and landed up wedged between the castle and the wall.  I placed Baby H on the floor to go and rescue him.  He was balling his eyes out.  Baby H started crying because I had put her down and then Little P started crying because he had lost sight of me. 

All in all a successful morning out!

On the way back to the car I decided to try tying Nat and Philip's wrists to two ends of a dressing gown belt.  I then held the middle of the belt and led them back to the car.  That worked much better as they did not keep tripping over the wheels of the pushchair and neither could suddenly run off.
As I pulled up next to my car, I noticed a man in a white van was waiting for my parking space.  Great! Does he not have any idea how long it is going to take me to put three small children and a puschair into my car??  I felt obliged to rush and then I could not get any of the car seats done up so took longer than I would have done normally.  As I finally pulled away the guy in the van definitely rolled his eyes!  Despite his impatience I still stopped and asked him if he would like my parking ticket as there was still quite a lot of time left on it.

Back home.  Baby H had fallen asleep in the car so that enabled me to finish off the sausage casserole and time to make lunch for the three kids.  Toddlers fed, Baby H awoke so I started to feed her then caught Nat and Little P throwing handfuls of sawdust from the tortoise cage all over the sofa and floor in the conservatory.  I herded them back into the lounge and settled them with some cars and fireman Sam where I could keep an eye on them while I fed baby H.  Then after seeing how well three little people can redecorate a dining room with three different flavours and colours of yoghurt. I decided some fresh air and a bounce on the trampoline would be a good idea.  The boys loved it but then I could not get them off again and as I had baby H in my arms I also could not climb on and drag them off.  I tried every bribe I could think of to coax them off but clearly bouncing with your best friend is far more appealing than the promise of biscuits, cake, chocolate or sweets!!

Finally it was time to take my lovely charges home to their dad.  I dropped them off and headed over to the shop to buy some bread and milk for my parents who arrive home tonight (yippee!).  Unfortunately Nat fell asleep in the car so I couldn't go into the shop as I didn't want to wake him but didn't feel it was safe to leave him.  In the end I called into the petrol station to fill the tank and pick up some bread and milk.  I then drove over to my parents, took in the post, watered the plants in their greenhouse and was just padlocking their gate when I looked up and realised I had left their back door wide open!  Doh!

On the way back home I drove past Seb walking home so he jumped into the car and told me about his day.  Back home, I popped Nat into his cot, made a cup of coffee, the first I have had chance to sit and drink today and collapsed on the soft to enjoy five minutes peace and quiet.

A Taste of the Carribean

I was up early this morning as I had offered to look after 'Little P' and his baby sister 'baby H' today.  I wanted to provide a meal for his family and knew I wouldn't be able to cook with three small children.  I therefore used the old faithful slow cooker to prepare Carribean Chicken.  Obviously in the recipe there is pineapple and peaches which presumably one might find in the carribean but celery came as a bit of a surprise and made me question how authentic the recipe might be.

Anyway, I love my slow cooker as it is quite satisfying to know that dinner is practially all sorted before 8.30am in the morning!  I made sure Seb had his breakfast and had packed his lunch, saw him off to school then drove the half hour trip to pick up my two charges.

Back in the car I set off and suddenly realised that I have never actually looked after  a 'pink' baby before, I suddenly felt concerned about how one is supposed to change a girl's nappy and whether there was some special technique I was blissfully unaware of!  Fortunately it never became an issue as no dirty nappies from either 'P' or 'H' today.  Wish I could say the same for Nat!!

Wednesday is the Mum's prayer meeting at Church so I drove straight there but having picked the kids up so early I arrived before any of the other mums.  As the car park is quite a walk from the church building I knew I was going to have a problem trying to herd three children safely accross the road.  I therefore pulled up on the double yellow lines and rang the bell.  One of the young guys working in the church opened the door and when he understood my predicament he suggested I pull my car around the back of the church to park in one of the church bays.  He said he would meet me round there and give me a hand helping the children inside.  When I drove round the back I realised there weren't any free spaces but he very kindly then offered to move his van to let me have his space.  He managed to double park his van next to someone else then came and escorted the boys while I carried baby H.

Mum's prayer was very good.  We had the lovely Emma Dawson (founder of the mum's prayer group) back with us teaching for the morning.  Emma used to run the group on our site but now she oversees the Racecourse mum's group and oversees the mum's groups on all three sites.

Emma has four sons and is pregnant expecting a little girl.  The icebreaker this morning was to come up with suitable girls names for them to think about.  Emma was then teaching on Ephesians 2 and in usual zany Emma style used practical visual illustrations to represent the Gentiles and Israel (I was Israel!).  We then had a really interesting and thought provoking discussion about how we each judge other people and what motivates those judgements or makes us think we are better than other people e.g. people without children who park in parking bays intended for people with young children.

After mum's group I bought the kids home and fed them lunch.  Having learned my lesson from last Friday when I left Nat and little 'P' to feed themselves and ended up with scrambled egg all over my dining room I decided to adopt a different approach today and fed each child individually in shifts.  Thankfully they all seemed very calm and played nicely and patiently awaiting their respective turns.
I put some rice on to cook in my rice cooker (another fabulous invention! for which I am very grateful as without it my rice is always inedible!)

Dropped the Children back at 2.30pm so I could be home for Seb coming out of school.  Thankfully no homework to do today.  I do always dread what new task he might come home with although to be fair he doesn't seem to have had as much homework this year as last.  Seb was pleased as he was awareded a Deputy Head teacher's award for a recent history presentation he had given.

Had to pop over to my parent's house to water their plants in their greenhouse and their hanging baskets, bring in the post etc.  The boys managed to have a fight over a watering can which ended with me having soaking wet feet and shoes!!  Thankfully it is a beautifully warm day today (26 degrees celsius) Rain forecast from tomorrow morning though so doesn't look like it will last!

I have prepared Seb's lunch for tomorrow and as David had a late meeting I had plenty of time to play with Nat and to sit out the front of the house with a cup of coffee while he rode his bike.

Back to work tomorrow then Little P and Baby H over again on Friday.  Bring on the weekend!

Things I Love

Laughter Hearts sparkles

Butterflies Swallows Fireworks

Diamonds  Friendship

Freesias Cross stitch  Dolls Houses

Baking Books  LoVe

Pink Flowers oil burners

Candles Swans Ice sculptures

The Ocean Autumn Sunshine Bonfires 

 Treacle Toffee Piano Music

Marshmallows Angels Peppermints RomanceTurkish Delight

Lace Flowerbomb Perfume Sugarcraft 

Ribbons Martini  Jane Austen and all things Regency

Pebbles Lanhydrock Singleton Versailles
Paris Roses Rain on Canvas
The Countryside Camping Rivers and Lakes
Jacuzzis and Saunas Treasured Memories Satin
Making Jam and Chutney Harps
Bunting Spanish Guitar Duvets
Log Fires Fountains  white water Rafting Carousels  Rocking Horses
Porcelain Dolls Swarovski Crystals Charity

Beautiful Bunting

I am really into bunting at the moment - probably because we have just celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and there has been bunting everywhere you turn but also because I think it just makes a home look more loved and pretty.  I am not particularly talented with a needle and can probably just about sew on a button.  I don't even own a Sewing machine but that was not going to stop me.

Originally I intended to make some bunting for either the landing or the lounge but I saw some very attractive blue spotted material and thought I might also make some for Nathaniel's bedroom.  In the end I decided I would make Nat's bunting first as a trial run, not having made anything like this before.

Firstly I made myself a template triangle about the size I wanted my bunting to be and then I cut out nine further triangles out of plain white paper (nine because there are nine letters in Nat's name).

Next I took my different fabrics and placed two sides together (good side facing in) then I pinned my paper templates to the material and cut around them with scissors.

Then I made sure the edges were neat and then I removed the paper and pinned the two pieces back together again.

I sewed down the two long edges of each triangle leaving a one centimetre gap from the edge and leaving the top edge completely open.

I turned each triangle the right way out and used the wrong end of a pencil to push out the point.

I then pressed each triangle with a hot iron.

I used cotton bias binding (about an inch thick) to join my bunting so also folded that in half and ironed it flat.  I played around with my triangles to decide which coloured materials best complemented each other and until I had decided on a sequencing order

Leaving a couple of inches for a tie back on each side,  I placed the first triangle between the two edges of the binding material and pinned it in place.

I left a gap of about one inch and added the next triangle, pinning each in place until all nine triangles were pinned to the binding.

Next I printed out some large letters on computer paper and cut around these for my letter templates.

I pinned each letter to some felt material and them out.  I attached the letters to my fabric triangles using a hot glue gun.

I then used cotton and thread to sew along the length of the binding material to attach each triangle securely in place.  I then removed the pins and hey presto - Bunting!!

I am quite proud of this as my first effort.  However, I can see how it would be so much quicker with a sewing machine (presuming one knew how to thread it and use it that is!) 

I think I might have just added a new must-learn skill to my bucket list (things I want to do or learn to do before I die!) and perhaps a sewing maching might also find its way onto my birthday wish list in the autumn  . . . although . . . . I had been thinking a good camera might be nice!!

Holly's Christening

We ended our visit to Cornwall on Sunday with an early start to pack and load our car before getting ready for Baby Holly's Christening.  The church service was lovely but quite long for Nathaniel who was very well behaved albeit a little fidgety.  George and Joe both looked stunning in their outfits but Baby Holly stole the show in her pretty little dress, she looked adorable.  Holly's sister Mary also looked very pretty in her outfit.  Chloe went for a fashionable chic look in a blazer and short skirt.

It was nice to meet some of Joe's friends and family as well as to see George's mum Sally again.

After the service we had a short drive to the Royal Duchy Hotel where the reception was being held.  It is a lovely hotel on the seafront with fantastic views of the sea and coastline. We were greeted with glasses of sparkling Rose wine.  The Children had a separate games room with a pool table, games and a Nintendo Wii.

The adults sat or stood chatting in the lounge bar where the cake, gifts and cards were displayed.

The food was served on tiered plate stands with smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches, the most delicious fruit scones with Jam and clotted cream and several different types of cake including, chocolate, fruit, ginger and carrot cake.  Nat enjoyed helping himself to several slices before we realised what he was doing!

We had a lovely time soaking up the atmosphere and chatting to George and Joes friends and family.  I also made some last minute arrangements for one of George's closest friends (also from Brighton) to mind Nathaniel on Tuesday as I had been left with no child care and she has recently qualified as a child-minder.

Unfortunately we had to leave the reception before the end as we needed to make a start on the journey back to Brighton.  We said our goodbyes and surreptiously changed out of our Christening outfits into jeans and something more comfortable in the middle of the car park!

The drive home was rather long and painful.  It was raining most of the way and Nat had a short sleep but woke up screaming and inconsolable.  I had to lean into the back and hold his hand to console him which was not particularly comfortable.  Although we seemed to have a much clearer run for most of the journey we managed to get stuck in traffic just outside Salisbury and sat for about an hour without moving.  We finally managed to take a diversion and followed an alternative route.  We stopped for about half an hour for a drink.  I then swopped seats with Seb and jumped into the back of the car to try and entertain Nathaniel for the last leg of the journey.  We finally got home about 9.30pm and after unpacking the car we ate some dinner and bundled the boys off to bed.

It was a fantastic week away but we are still trying to catch up on our sleep and get ourselves sorted out again.

The Champagne Lifestyle

Our last full day in Cornwall today.  We drove to Carlyon Bay today to the Carlyon Bay Hotel where the boys dropped George and I off for a spa day while they went off to Mevagissey.

The spa was wonderfully relaxing.  We changed into our swimming costumes and donned our white robes and slippers.  The Spa had a beautiful heated pool with a very hot separate jacuzzi pool.  Around the pool were a number of reclining beds and comfortable chairs looking out over the lawns of the hotel where we could watch a wedding party that were having their photos taken.

We relaxed on some heated stone chairs and were suddenly surprised when the spa attendant and a barman appeared out of nowhere with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and a bowl of strawberries that had apparently been arranged for us as a surprise by Joe!  I don't think I have ever drunk so much champagne in one week before!

We really enjoyed floating in the pool chatting and making the most of some uninteruppted time together.  We also made the most of the sauna and steam room too.

We could see the outside pool through the windows and as George assured me it was a heated pool we both slipped through the sliding door and went to dip our toes in.  It was absolutely freezing!  George turned around to me and said "OK maybe not then! But I am really impressed you were willing to go in if it had been warm". I replied that I was still willing to go in if she was.  We stepped onto the top step and George gasped from the cold.  I therefore pushed her right in and plunged in after her.  The staff all seemed quite bemused that we were swimming on our own in a freezing cold outdoor pool as were some stray wedding guests that we had to sneak past as we crept back into the spa.

We finished our Spa visit with a treatment each.  George was taken into an adjacent room for a facial and I was led by the other therapist to the upstairs therapy room for a back massage.  Unfortunately the trip to the upstairs therapy room involved us walking through the main corridor of the hotel past the reception room where the tables were laid for the wedding guests, right at the moment that the bride was enthroned on a chair in the hall having her photographs taken.  I was hugely embarassed to be walking past guests dressed up to the nines in only a white towelling robe, slippers and with a while towel over my head and I certainly received a few strange looks and raised eyebrows.

However, the massage itself was really lovely and relaxing and was a lovely way to unwind and end a busy week.  After we dressed there was just time for a final glass of champagne in the opulent lounge bar before the boys came to collect us. 

On the way home we stopped at a wedding dress shop so George could show me the wedding dress she has chosen.  She put it on and walked out looking absolutely stunning and elegant in satin, lace and sparkling diamante.  I might be biased but I thought she looked breathtakingly beautiful.  Can't wait for her and Joe to finally set a date so I can start to get excited!!

Also on the way home we called in at a beautiful little shop which sells all sorts of little gifts, ornaments, knick knacks and objects which appeal to me and my taste.  There were so many hearts and gorgeous items.  I managed to restrict myself to buying two 'must-have, can't-live-without' items which will no doubt feature in a future blog about my new favourite things.

Unfortunately while we have been away I seem to have managed to damage the lead that links the camera to my laptop so have not been able to download any photos over the last couple of days.  I shall have to add some in when I get back and can get the camera lead working again!

Back at George's we packed up most of our things and loaded the car ready for an early start tomorrow as we will be driving straight home after the Christening and reception. Joe fetched Fish and Chips for us all and picked up the lovely Christening cake.  We sat at the lovely table in George's kitchen while she opened some christening cards and gifts that they had received while the kids walked up to the park for half an hour while it was still light.

The children are all tucked up in bed now and the adults are all hoping to get an early night too!  This week has just flown by - always does when you are having fun doesn't it?  Looking forward to the Christening though, Holly is the most beautiful baby and is going to look so cute and adorable in her little outfit!!

Two Farms, an Elizabethan House and a Windy Beach!

Yesterday David and I took the boys to Calestick where we visited Healey's Cyder Farm and learned how they make and bottle cider.  We tasted a few different ciders, fruit wines and different jams. We also saw some pigs, goats and a horse.  While we were there the boys got to hold a 2012 Olympic Torch!

After that we drove a little further and stopped at Calestick Dairy and Ice-cream Farm.  Again there were more farm animals, including a pony, chickens, ducks, two large pigs and eight little piglets.  Seb and I were fascinated watching the little piglets running around their pen, especially when one accidentally ended up on the wrong side of the fence and was desperately trying to get back to it's mum.

Meanwhile Nathaniel was more taken with the farmyard cat and we practically had to tear him away from it to go and look at the dairy and ice-cream making factory. 

Of course we had to end our visit tasting some different flavoured ice-creams and we each enjoyed either a tub or cone of our choice.  Naturally I went for my all time favourite ice-cream flavour which is Rum and Raisin.

Back in the car for a drive on to Trerice which is a National Trust Elizabethan House and Garden.  It is always good to make the most of our National Trust membership and there are so many National Trust places to visit in Cornwall.

In the house Seb tried on some chain mail armour which was incredibly heavy to lift over his head.  It is amazing how the old Knights ever managed to stay upright let alone ride or fight.

After  a walk through Trerice Gardens we piled back into the car and drove to the North Coast of Cornwall to Perranporth Sands.  A beautiful picturesque cove with a long sandy beach, crashing waves surrounded by cliffs.

We parked at the top of a hill and firstly stopped in the little town and bought some Cornish Pasties then we walked along to the beach and sat on the front eating them.  Then we walked over the sand as the sea was out.  I had rolled my jeans up to keep them dry and had rolled Nat's trousers up and put his wellies on so he could splash in the little pools and rivers of sea water.  Nat had a great time jumping in and out of the water but it wasn't long before he jumped right into quite a deep puddle and soaked his jeans and filled his wellies with water.

We walked down past some caves in the rocks and Seb climbed a big rock in the middle of the beach.  As we walked around the otherside we were really surprised to find  a large pool of sea water created in the rock being used as a swimming pool by a few children.

The wind was really blustery and although the sun was warm, the wind whipped up the sand.  As we had stood on the promenade looking out to sea David had commented that it looked a little hazy.  I suggested it was probably a sea mist but as we walked out towards the sea we realised it was actually gusts of sand sweeping accross the beach.  The sand blew in our faces and pelted against our bare skin so that it actually stung a little.

It was such an incredibly beautiful beach and on a nice calm day would have been wonderful but with the wind and the huge waves it was far too dangerous to even contemplate swimming or paddling in the sea itself.

We arrived back to George's house around six O'clock just before her friend Sarahjane and her husband Steve arrived with children Sam, Anya and Ellie.  They had also driven down from Brighton for the weekend to be there for Holly's Christening. They unloaded their car and then we all went down to the Ferryboat Inn on the beach for a quick drink before dinner.  Nathaniel went out on the beach for a walk with David to collect pebbles and shells.

Back at the house we enjoyed an indoor barbeque with BBQ Chicken, burgers, sausages and salad.

I can't believe how fast the week has flown by.  It has been so lovely to stay with George and Joe, they have made us feel so welcome and have been so generous and kind to us all.  I have really enjoyed having some time to catch up with George and to get to see her lovely new home finally.  It is our last full day here tomorrow then on Sunday we have Holly's Christening and the long drive home.  Boo Hoo!!

A Fishing Cove, Torrential Rain, a Lighthouse and not much Talent

Another liesurely start yesterday.  I prepared dinner - two large trays of Pasta Bolognese topped with Cheese.  Then David and I jumped in the car with the boys and went for a drive down to Lizard Point. 

Despite the forecast having been good for the afternoon it was a grey and miserable afternoon.  We stopped at a small Fishing Village called Cadgwith which we have seen on a recent television series in which a Marine Biologist called Monty spent six months with local fishermen learning how to be an old fashioned fisherman.

The Fishing cove involves a steep walk down the hill.  We parked in the car park at the top and made our way tentatively down the path.  The heavens opened and we were caught in a torrential downpour.  We rushed down the rest of the way and hastily made our way inside a nearby restaurant called "The Cellars".  It was a lovely little restaurant run by a local fisherman and his family.

We obviously both wanted to try some local catch.  I ordered a crab baguette and David went for the Smoked Mackerel Ploughmans.  Both dishes were delicious and we hungrily tucked into our food.  Nat enjoyed a big plate of scrambled egg and toast but Seb was not hungry after having devoured a huge breakfast.

Finally the rain eased off enough for us to brave leaving the restaurant.  We popped into the ice cream shop to purchase some postcards and a box of fudge for me to take into work when we get back.  Then we climed a steep ladder to the crows nest art gallery and gift shop where I bought a small print of a painting of Cadgwith cove.
We endured the long climb back up the hill and set off in the car carrying on our journey to Lizard Point, the most southerly part of England.  We parked and were almost blown away when we stepped out of the car.  We struggled accross to the Lighthouse and Heritage centre and could hardly breathe the wind was so forceful and strong.

The heritage centre was fascinating and I loved reading about what life was like as a lighthouse keeper.  Meanwhile David and Nat built a lighthouse out of soft blocks and Nat was thrilled to topple it over on top of Seb.

Then we were called for our group tour of the lighthouse which was also really interesting.

Back in the car we headed back to George's house and when we got back were greeted with the announcement that after dinner we were having a talent competition!  Great!  What to do as I don't have any performance talents. I grabbed a pen and some paper and spent 20 minutes scribbling out a short poem then I had to go and cook and dish out the dinner.

The talent contest was actually highly amusing and made for a very entertaining evening.  Nathaniel started with a little chat and a song then Seb did a mind-reading trick which had everyone very puzzled.  Chloe played a tune on her guitar and David and played a piece on his cornet. George and her sister Sam did a re-enactment of the Yodelling puppet scene from the Sound of Music which was really really good. 

Little Joey did a comedy routine, I read my poem and Mary and Abbie performed a couple of songs and dance routines.  Throughout the night Little Joey did an excellent job of compare and told some funny jokes.  Big Joe came home from work and did a quick change into a frock to do a little song and dance routine as 'Josephine'.  A very very funny evening.

This is the poem which I wrote and read out.  It was written in a rush so the rhyming isn't perfect!

An Ode to My Best Friend George

One sunny day in February '99
I was sat in the baby clinic biding my time

In came a girl with pretty brown hair
who sat down beside me on a grey plastic chair

She was bouncing a bonny baby girl on her knee
and she seemed really friendly as she got to know me

After our babes were weighed and checked
we walked home together, as you might expect

Although we'd just met, we hit it off right away
then exchanging addresses, we parted that day

Before long we'd met again and became friends
within weeks I was driving country curves and bends

As we headed off to Cornwall on a short break
with our children in tow, a great time we did make

Meeting new people, days out - all unplanned
Seb and Chloe on the beach eating sand

Then I got sick and what a horrible drive
all the way back to brighton, feeling only just alive

Since then there have been so many escapades
with George and I acting crazy, oh how we've played!

Weekends in Southend in the casino by the sea
Eating crab sticks on the beach, George ashamed of me!

Walking on the flats with mud squelching under our feet
basking in the sunshine and enjoying the heat

George has long been my very best friend
our friendship is special and will have no end

George is such and amazing true girl
who is beautiful and witty, charming - a pearl

She is generous beyond measure, without compare
Always thinking of others, she really does care

Her attention to detail and her beautiful home
Her wonderful children are a credit beyond none

There is beautiful Chloe, quirky and fun
Pretty, intelligent Mary and Holly sweet as a plum!

Then there are her sisters Jane and Sam, maybe more?
Nephew and Nieces Sarah, Abbie and Joe

A lovely family all so friendly and kind
Terribily interesting and chaotic just like mine!

Ok so George is messy and a little crazy too
you never know what to expect, or what she might do

Be prepared to be insulted or highly embarassed
but there is no ill intent no ever any malice

If she does something awful she may hide in shame
like telling a restaurant that she is just on her way

When really she just totally forgot to turn up
with the other eleven people for whom she had booked

But for all her faults I love her to bits
she's the bestest friend in the world and no other would I pick

And now she is with Joe, a very charming guy
rather good looking, intelligent, not at all shy

He is terribly funny and makes my friend laugh
they are really good together so long may it last

Now they are engaged and soon will be wed
living happily ever after  . . until they are dead!


Ha Ha Ha . . . that is why I am not, nor ever will be, a poet!!

Three Trains, a Rowing Boat and a Magnum of Champagne

Yesterday after a leisurely start to the morning, David and I took both of our boys out for the day to the Lappa Valley Railway.  It was a beautiful but at times hair-raising drive out through some very narrow country lanes and as we arrived the sun began to really shine. 

The Lappa Railway is a great family day out.  The entrance ticket includes trips on three different Steam powered minature railways the first of which takes you out to a lovely wooded area with a boating lake, crazy golf course, a brick maze and a children's playground.  You can also catch a ride on one of the other two railways or take a walk through the woods.

When we disembarked off the first train Nat couldn't wait to get going.  Firstly we attempted the maze, Seb was the first one to successfully make it to the centre and to ring the bell in the middle.  I had to abandon my effort as Nat was already charging off towards the play area.

He had a go on some slides and a sit on digger before trying the roundabout, the seesaw and the fort.
But I think his favourite was the rocking train.  Meanwhile Seb climbed to the top of the climbing frames, now a very easy task for him.  Also Nat loved the pedal cars especially when Seb pushed him around the track really fast.

We then walked down the hill and enjoyed an ice-cream before taking the second train ride around the outside of the maze. 

Next we tenatively lowered ourselves into rowing boats and were pushed away from the bank.  It was lovely rowing around the lake with the sun beating down on us.  David, Nat and I were in one boat and Seb had one to himself.  We also followed a mother duck and her little ducklings around the lake as Nat was absolutely fascintated by them.

After the boating we caught the third train out to another play and football area.  I sat basking in the sun while David ran around with the boys kicking balls and chasing each other.

When the train returned to pick us up again, Seb decided he was going to race it back to the depot and he arrived back long before we did.

Finally we collected our clubs and went out to the Crazy Golf course.  It was a ludicrous game of crazy golf as Nat just could not or would not get the hang of how to do it properly.  Firstly he kept running off with all our balls or fetching them back for us if we "missed" and didn't get a hole in one.  Secondly he kept using the wrong end of his club - more in the style of playing snooker!  And if that didn't work a good kick with his foot or a gentle push with his hand usually saw his ball safely into the hole. I am not sure what the family trailing behind us made of it all but Nat had a good time and we found it quite amusing!

We caught the train back to the car park and headed back to George's house for tea.  On the way we stopped to pick up some fruit scones to have with Raspberry Jam and clotted cream for an after dinner treat.  Unfortunately they didn't have any clotted cream left so I picked up a can of squirty whipped cream instead.

George's sister Sam also arrived yesterday with her twins Abbie and Joey so it was really nice to see her again. The Vicar came over to make the final arrangements for Holly's Christening on Sunday.  After he had left we had dinner, then Joe's friend Lucy joined us and we all enjoyed a Magnum of Champagne which George had chilled so that we could all celebrate and toast her and Joe's engagement.

The evening ended with the kids having a squirty cream fight. Cream ended up everywhere and we are still clearing it up today!