Bits and Bobs - 2014

I've been really bad at updating the blog so thought I'd do an odds 'n' ends type of post with photos from the last few months . . .

In January Beth was a dancer in the village pantomime.  I was dubious as to whether she would hold her nerve when it came to the opening night but she (and the other seven dancers) did brilliantly.  The panto was Antony and Cleopatra (I doubt a common panto theme!) and it was on for five nights.

I think Beth really enjoyed wearing a costume and make-up and being up on stage with a load of her friends.  Toby had originally volunteered to be a dancer too but I think the boy to girl ratio (1:8) was a little much for him and he stepped aside after one rehearsal!

For Steve's birthday in March we met up with his brother and family at Fountains Abbey.  We picked a beautiful day and had a lovely walk and meal and the kids got to catch-up with their cousins.  It was lovely especially as we haven't been for a couple of years so the kids got to explore things all over again.

We have spent quite a bit of time around the village recently, mostly around the park and playground; we're very lucky to live in a place where we can easily walk straight from the house with the kids and not be worried about lots of traffic and crowds!



Yesterday we met up with friends that we made while camping in France last summer.  We took a chance with the weather and decided to meet halfway between houses at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire.  It's been a couple of years since I last was there and it's easy to forget how lovely it is. We did a fab five mile meander, stopping for ice creams and to explore interesting trees on the way.

Lastly, for this post at least, Beth received a trophy from her athletics club for outstanding achievement in the under 9's section.  I think the head coach was a little disappointed to find out she is only seven and won't be able to compete for another year or so (races are all for nine's and over) as she can be pretty speedy!

P.S. Here's a little message from Toby - testament to his patience - I'd be pushing it to draw a house . . .

Six Already?!?

Well, it's birthday season again - seems to come round quicker each year.

Toby requested a camera for his birthday and since we didn't really want anymore plastic monstrosities around the house, we decided to comply. He's also pretty careful with electronic gadgets so we figured he'd look after it. 

Good old Argos had the best deal on the camera we were after - a Canon Powershot A2500 - smallish but with a big screen, easy to use and not overly expensive. Toby was pretty happy and has been snapping away catching family life for posterity!

He did get a few other bits including a box of chocolates (of which he is very protective), the ghost hunt game and some clothes (borrrring!).  Oh, and apart from his camera, his favourite present was an outdoor remote control car from Gran and Grandad (which daddy is rather partial to also!).  It must be fairly robust as now, three weeks after his birthday, it is still in one piece and working!


Thankfully Toby did not want a party at home and opted for a trip to the cinema to see the Lego movie with three of his friends. In hindsight, a party at home might have been less stressful - who knew four boys could move so quickly and make so much noise and mess???

He's certainly growing up fast and turning into a great conversationist with a lovely sense of humour; fingers crossed he stays that way!

Now we have the Easter break to enjoy and Beth's birthday over the Easter weekend, pj days here we come!