Monday, August 31, 2009

In the Night Garden

We had a late-night visitor tonight, as this cute little hedgehog decided to make an appearance.

 
 

He (or she!) is more than welcome to eat up the slugs that seem to love our garden at the moment!

Jenga

It's amazing how much concentration it takes to play Jenga...

 
 

But Daddy looks a little constipated...

 

P.S. Will isn't smoking a cigarette in these photos, but sucking a lollilop!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The not-so-great outdoors

The plan was for Hannah and Thomas to sleep outside in the garden tonight (in a tent, before anyone calls social services!)

The excitement was palpable as we put up the tent and brought in the books, magazines, sweets, etc...

 
 

Unfortunately, Daddy (who was sleeping in the kitchen by the door, in case of emergencies) was woken up at 11:30 that night by a Hannah who couldn't sleep. Which also woke up Thomas, who then couldn't sleep. So, everyone ended up in their own beds that night by midnight!

The Family That Went Up A Hill And Came Down A Mountain...

We took advantage of a sunny Saturday and headed up Garth Mountain today.

As seems to be becoming usual, the children left the oldies behind...

Some great views from the top.

And the opportunity for a family photograph, care of the timer on the camera!

We nearly got a wet Will, though - this photo shows him about to lose his balance and fall in a stream because he was waving so vigorously! Luckily, Ruth managed to catch him before he went splash!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Happy Birthday, Granny

It was Granny's turn to celebrate her birthday today, but once again there were lots of willing helpers to blow out the candles!

 

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Happy Birthday, Grumpy!

Grumpy had his birthday party today at our house. He was serenaded by the house orchestra!

 

When you get to Grumpy's age, it's hard work blowing out all of your candles. Thankfully, Will was willing to help out.

 

Grumpy seemed to enjoy himself, and even got introduced to Spotify while he was there, which was supplying the party music. Who says that you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!?

Friday, August 21, 2009

Surfin' Safari

We took a detour on the way home from Craven Arms and headed for West Midlands Safari Park. The sun shone, the animals (and children!) behaved, and it was a great end to the holiday!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Piddling in the stream!

The children (and Uncle Tim who was the only grown up brave enough to face the icy waters) made the most of the last day of our holiday with some paddling.

 
 

Unfortunately, Thomas actually ended up sitting in the stream, not just paddling - but that's what holidays are about!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Happy 2nd Birthday, Will!

Will was lucky enough to celebrate his birthday while we were on holiday - one of the pluses of an August birthday! The only problem was that he had to share his birthday cake with more people!

 

Mummy helped with unwrapping the presents...

 

...and Anya demonstrated how to use them!

 

The woodwind section of the orchestra provided the party music.

 

Stokesay Castle

Still enjoying our holiday in Craven Arms, we headed along the road from our cottage to visit Stokesay Castle, where we were treated to tales of knights and battles, archery demonstrations, and the chance to dress up as knights.

The castle itself was beautiful...

 

... but the kids felt that it was missing a TV, so they converted the well into one!

 

Some great photo opportunities when the costumes went on!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Going up...

It was mountaineering-time today, and the grown-ups had trouble keeping up with the going-ups!

And Will wouldn't allow himself to be left behind!

The views at the top were well worth the climb!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Exploring...

No summer holiday is complete without a long, lazy walk in the countryside.

 
 

Poor old Chloe found the stingy nettles though...

 

No gruffalos in this deep, dark wood.