Fountains Abbey

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Fountains Abbey. It's a while since we last visited but just as nice. We weren't rained on (and it didn't snow) but it was pretty cold. I think we were there two and a half hours and neither Beth nor Toby stopped once. We managed to avoid the playground (yes, what terrible parents) as it was too chilly to stand around watching.

We walked down the steep hill to the Abbey and made lots of noise in the cloisters (if you look closely at the picture you can see Beth's mouth is wide open in 'shout'!) then wandered down to the mill. Unfortunately not an ice cream day, more a hot soup in a flask one. We should really be trying out new locations since we still have our National Trust memberships. Perhaps we'll try Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire soon.

Two Whole Years . . .

I couldn't let today pass without posting a few photos and comments to mark the two year anniversary of us arriving back in the UK. This past year has been pretty settled especially compared to the previous year. Some days people, places and experiences in California seem like distant memories of another life, while other days I occasionally still find myself planning shopping trips to Target or an afternoon at the aquarium. Perhaps 2010 will be the year that we make it back for a visit. In the meantime, I thought I'd post some pictures of some favourite memories or places.

Of course we were/are Angels supporters and loved to spend an afternoon watching them win, especially when we got the cool seats behind home plate! Nothing better than a pile of nachos, a beer, the sun and a mix of people and baseball watching.



Here's a treat . . . a couple of never-before-published pictures from our wedding day. Perhaps we should plan on coming back next year and re-doing our vows for our 10-year anniversary; perhaps not, I don't know if Steve would say 'I do' a second time. ;)



We both loved Yosemite and camping. I think our of all the places we visited, it has to be our favourite. Locally (excluding Disney of course) we loved to visit the Huntington Library and Gardens, it was always so peaceful and every time we went we'd discover a new little bit to explore.


Finally I thought I'd include a picture of me on my last day at work - nearly four years ago! I know Christy had the privilege of sitting there after me (a very acceptable replacement) but unless Torrey is now in that seat there I hope it's empty as I'd hate to think that just anybody has their bum there. ;-}

This and That

I seem to be having real problems motivating myself to update the blog. I blame the weather as all I want to do is curl up in bed and sleep (are there any documented cases of human hibernation?). Thankfully we've had some company to provide entertainment. Last Thursday grandpa came for the day and I managed to get lots of good jobs done (clean the loo, etc.) and Beth and Toby got good company. We went over to Cusworth for a run around in the woods. We didn't stay that long as it was really cold and rather dismal.

The kids had a good time finding sticks, climbing on felled trees and playing the drums. It's rather unfortunate that the tea room closes so early or else we'd have stayed and gorged ourselves on cream cakes! Never mind, I didn't have to cook as grandpa had pre-prepared dinner for us all. Yesterday both grandma and grandpa came for the day and again I got lots of jobs out of the way and got lunch and dinner provided - what could be better?

At the weekend we went to Rufford Abbey Country Park, we haven't been for ages and thought it would be good opportunity to get outside and have a good play. We were a bit disappointed as both of the play areas were closed for refurbishment but there was still plenty to do. We took along some bread to feed the ducks but I think we may have left them just as hungry. Although the main play areas were closed there were still a few bits open for us to chase around and get muddy so despite the cold and damp we had a fun afternoon.

On a last note, I thought you'd all be amused to hear Toby's latest escapades. Recently he has become rather opinionated about certain things and very bossy. Last week we were browsing in a book shop, both kids happily flicking though books when a lady came our way to find a book. In a very loud and rather clear voice Toby told her, with accompanying hand gestures, "No! Go over there!" Thankfully he's young enough and cute enough to get away with it; usually in these situations I'd blame the parents but obviously in this instance that's certainly not the case. ;)

Happy Birthday Adam and William

Over the weekend we went up north to celebrate Cousin Adam and Cousin Williams birthdays, Adam was turning four and William one. On Saturday it was Adams birthday disco with all his friends from school and various groups. Fancy dress was optional and Beth chose to go in her party dress, Toby just went in smart clothes as the only dressing up clothes we have are princess/fairy outfits or Halloween cloaks!

Beth was a little overwhelmed to begin with and was more than happy to stand on the edges just watching. Toby had no reservations and threw himself on to the dance floor - he wasn't bothered about dancing but loved chasing round the room in circles (boys!).

I can understand Beth's reluctance to jump right in, there were nearly 40 children (brave Auntie Janet) all dressed up, there was a dj with music blaring and lights flashing and lots of parents stood around watching. Adam seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself (as Superman) and was very much the grown-up four-year-old; joining in all the games and being the perfect host. William happily watched and looked very cute as one of the aliens off Toy Story. Just before leaving Beth did join in for a little dance with Toby.

On Sunday there was a joint family party for both boys. Beth posed for a photo before we went but once there, she and Adam took off to play upstairs so we hardly saw them. Toby refused to be photographed so I've included one from last week just after he was shorn - he looks like a totally different boy without his mop.

The cake was very cool and it was a very enjoyable weekend. Once again Beth has got visions of grandeur in her head in anticipation of her birthday. Thankfully since it's not until April we can talk down Adam's parties and hopefully get away with something slightly less spectacular (though just as fun!).

Pretty Snow

Just a quick one so I can post some photos of all our snow. It started around 6:30 this morning and only just stopped at 9pm. We were meant to be visiting grandma and grandpa but we didn't even get out of the village as there was an accident blocking the road. Probably a good thing as we'd never have made it back.


Steve got sent home from work at lunch so we headed out on the sledge for a bit, stopping off to build a snowman with Tim. After nap time and dinner we had another little walk and Steve, with enthusiastic help from the kids, built a snowman in the front garden.


Lovely as it is, it'll be horrid if it turns to ice. It'll definitely still be there in the morning but it would be very nice if it rained really hard tomorrow night and it was all gone by Thursday morning!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you have a happy and healthy 2010. Can't believe the Christmas holidays are over for another year and Steve's back to work tomorrow. Beth's not back at nursery until Thursday (due to teacher days and window replacements) so I'll have to manage on my own (gasp) with both kids all day . . . Not sure I can remember how, I think all the Christmas present toys will be out along with the left over chocolate; I predict that Steve will return home to mayhem, mess and depending on 'the cycle,' either a sugar high or a total slump!

Since Christmas we've been doing all sorts, on Boxing Day we headed up to see gran and grandad. It wasn't snowing but it was still cold and very slippy making it really hard to walk anywhere or do much outside. That wasn't a problem however since Santa visited and left lots more pressies (courtesy of family members - thank you) to entertain. Toby was very impressed with his new train (what could be better, a new train and a bacon sarnie?!) and Beth loved everything (mainly the act of tearing things open) but especially liked her new selection of skirts. Toby got a few clothes also, here he is looking very dapper in his new rags from Auntie Sheila and Uncle Colin.

We spent a day visiting cousins Adam and William. It was great fun playing with all their new toys and games. Just realised looking through the photos that there are none of Beth and Adam - they were never still long enough to snap them and all the ones I have of William are of the back of his head so it looks like Toby was having a ball all on his own!

We started off the new year with (great) Auntie Liz, Uncle John and cousin Jonny. It was a great way to spend the day; fab food, a lovely walk and great company. We went to feed the ducks - they were rather cold and seemed very happy to have a bit of bread. The kids made themselves very much at home much to the annoyance of Barney and Mac, the two dogs, who I'm sure have had nightmares ever since.

Yesterday my friend Jane from uni and her family came to visit. It was fantastic to see her again (after 11 years) and to meet her hubby and children. Beth was a little apprehensive about meeting Charlie (4) as she really wanted a girl friend but they turned out to have a lot in common and had a blast. Toby wasn't fussed who came to play and was more than happy to meet Eva. Again I seem to have been a little crap with the photos and missed Beth on her whiz about.

To finish the hols we decided to take a trip to Lincoln (about 50 mins away) as recently so many people seem to have been praising the city. It was a really cold morning but really nice to be out and about. We parked and walked up the very steep hill to the castle and cathedral. The cathedral is very picturesque especially with the added ambiance created by the bells tolling for the morning service. We had a very enjoyable coffee/hot chocolate and biscuit before slowly heading home.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas everyone! Hope you're having a good one. Yesterday we went to see grandma and grandpa along with auntie Jane. For a while we weren't sure if we'd make it down to see them as it snowed quite a bit on Wednesday night. Thankfully once we got out of our road, it was fine. We had a fab day that consisted of food, presents, food, drink and more food (just as it should be)!

For a bit of exercise we went to the park with the sledge. There wasn't a huge amount of snow but there was enough snow and crispy stuff to keep it running. Toby wasn't too bothered; I think he liked the idea more than the actual act. Beth on the other hand loved it and just wanted to go "faster, faster". Both Steve and Jane between them took both kids down the big hill in the village - I lost my bottle a bit and had visions of hitting a bush and being catapulted across the park . . .

Christmas lunch was lurvly! Despite vowing not to over indulge, I overindulged (but not too much)! We got to open some presents from auntie Jane; a little early but hey, we thought she'd like to see how much we liked them and since we wouldn't be seeing her today it was a favour! In all a great day.

Today amazingly Beth didn't wake up till 6:30 and Toby 7am so it was quite a civilized morning. Beth wasn't fussed what was inside her presents, she just wanted to open, open, open. Toby was the opposite and wanted to see exactly what everyone got and how it worked. They got some pretty good presents (and there are still a few hanging round to be opened after naptime).

We had a lovely walk before lunch, especially since there was nobody else about. Lunch must have been the quickest ever for Christmas Day since we had leftovers from yesterday followed by lots of chocolate. :) Steve was very impressed with his presents from the kids - new masterpieces to replace the ones done last year.Hope you all had as good a Christmas as us - we're not quite done as it's being extended while we go to gran and grandads!