Mummy was feeling ill, so wrapped up in the towels we brought! Meanwhile, Daddy took the children to see the waterfall. They enjoyed going on an adventure walk with Daddy.
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Cardingmill Valley revisited
We had a bit of a crazy week, and so decided to make the most of the good weather that was forecast and take another trip to Cardingmill Valley.
Mummy was feeling ill, so wrapped up in the towels we brought! Meanwhile, Daddy took the children to see the waterfall. They enjoyed going on an adventure walk with Daddy.
Mummy was feeling ill, so wrapped up in the towels we brought! Meanwhile, Daddy took the children to see the waterfall. They enjoyed going on an adventure walk with Daddy.
More sun, more outings: 31 May, 1 June 2013
As tradition dictates, it rained most of the days of the school holiday. By Thursday, the children were climbing the walls so as soon as I woke up on Friday and realised that it was sunny, I made a picnic and loaded the kids up into the car, direction Attingham Park.
I love living in Shropshire, I feel strong links to the places that surround where I live mainly because I have so many memories of visiting them as a child. I remember vividly, Grandpa preparing individual picnics for us as children and going in their mini van on little adventures to Benthall, Ironbridge, Attingham, Hodnet and Bridgnorth. The nostalgia evokes feelings of love and happiness that we always felt with Grandpa and Nana Fenton. We knew they loved us and they made up for the fact that we rarely saw our other grandparents.
It makes me smile every time I drive to Ironbridge and point to the house where Mummy lived and show the children the fields she played in or when I drive past Hampton Loade and think of Nana and Grandpa living there. So taking the children to Attingham park was a real pleasure today as I reminisced about going there as a child.
On Saturday we got up early and drove to Ynyslas with our friends the Pollands. We ran into the water, had a bbq (as usual, Mummy forgot to bring several things) but luckily, Hannah had remembered some of the things that I had forgotten so we all ate well. Afterwards, we went and explored the sand dunes and had fun running down them full pelt (yes even the adults). Jason and Gareth had a jumping competition to see who could jump down them the furthest. We rounded off the day with the Howlett tradition of fish and chips.
Family video here:
I love living in Shropshire, I feel strong links to the places that surround where I live mainly because I have so many memories of visiting them as a child. I remember vividly, Grandpa preparing individual picnics for us as children and going in their mini van on little adventures to Benthall, Ironbridge, Attingham, Hodnet and Bridgnorth. The nostalgia evokes feelings of love and happiness that we always felt with Grandpa and Nana Fenton. We knew they loved us and they made up for the fact that we rarely saw our other grandparents.
It makes me smile every time I drive to Ironbridge and point to the house where Mummy lived and show the children the fields she played in or when I drive past Hampton Loade and think of Nana and Grandpa living there. So taking the children to Attingham park was a real pleasure today as I reminisced about going there as a child.
On Saturday we got up early and drove to Ynyslas with our friends the Pollands. We ran into the water, had a bbq (as usual, Mummy forgot to bring several things) but luckily, Hannah had remembered some of the things that I had forgotten so we all ate well. Afterwards, we went and explored the sand dunes and had fun running down them full pelt (yes even the adults). Jason and Gareth had a jumping competition to see who could jump down them the furthest. We rounded off the day with the Howlett tradition of fish and chips.
Family video here:
Cannock Chase: 27th May 2013
I think May is quite possibly my favourite month, simply because we get two bank holidays (oh and it's Grandpa's birthday as well!!).
We were again fortunate to have a sunny Bank Holiday Monday so we decided to make the most of it. My darling Sarah (my best friend at University) suggested we meet at Cannock Chase, and we invited Hannah and the children to join us.
We ate our picnic (minus a couple of main components, yup, I forgot the bread!! Thank goodness there were two other women on the outing who were able to provide food to make up for my deficiencies!) in the park and then headed off on one of the trails.
Megan had been before, so she was keen to lead the way. She and Eden hit it off like a house on fire and were the trail blazers.
Watching the girls enter the fairy forest and see the fairy houses was absolutely magical. Ismay and Mia both gasped in delight to see the little doors carved into the trees. Even Aniah who is not yet three seemed in awe of the magic.
Eden (and Daddy) enjoyed banging on the drums at the end of the trail. We shall definitely be returning here again.
Family video here:
We were again fortunate to have a sunny Bank Holiday Monday so we decided to make the most of it. My darling Sarah (my best friend at University) suggested we meet at Cannock Chase, and we invited Hannah and the children to join us.
We ate our picnic (minus a couple of main components, yup, I forgot the bread!! Thank goodness there were two other women on the outing who were able to provide food to make up for my deficiencies!) in the park and then headed off on one of the trails.
Megan had been before, so she was keen to lead the way. She and Eden hit it off like a house on fire and were the trail blazers.
Watching the girls enter the fairy forest and see the fairy houses was absolutely magical. Ismay and Mia both gasped in delight to see the little doors carved into the trees. Even Aniah who is not yet three seemed in awe of the magic.
Eden (and Daddy) enjoyed banging on the drums at the end of the trail. We shall definitely be returning here again.
Family video here:
Norbury Junction
We are typically English; the merest hint of sunshine sends us racing for the front door! Today we decided to take a trip to Norbury Junction with our friends the Forsyths and Pollands.
The children enjoyed riding their scooters and looking at the boats. We walked along the tow path and the children fed the ducks and cute little ducklings.
On the way home we stopped off for ice cream and a play in the park. The children were really well behaved (a relatively rare occurrence at the moment) and Eden said to Daddy "this was the best day ever!" (He often says this at the end of the day, but it's still sweet every time we hear it).
Family video here:
The children enjoyed riding their scooters and looking at the boats. We walked along the tow path and the children fed the ducks and cute little ducklings.
On the way home we stopped off for ice cream and a play in the park. The children were really well behaved (a relatively rare occurrence at the moment) and Eden said to Daddy "this was the best day ever!" (He often says this at the end of the day, but it's still sweet every time we hear it).
Family video here:
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Eden and Elisabet vivent la difference: Trip to Lyon; 17-19 May 2013
Earlier in the year I took the girls to London for some special time and had promised Eden that I would take him away for some special time too. Anne-Isabelle, my dear friend who I knew from my Sanofi days has been to visit us consistently over the last few years, but I haven't visited her in France since I took Mia when she was a baby, so it was high time that I made the effort. She moved to Lyon from Nice for her job so I was excited to see her new town, particularly as I had only been to Lyon briefly once before.
Eden and I began our journey by taking the train from Telford to travel to BHX.
The plane was delayed, so we entertained ourselves by eating cake!
Eden LOVED the aeroplane, even though he looks a bit worried in the pictures, he loved take off and landing.
When we arrived, the weather was beautiful. We decided to make the most of it by taking Eden to Parc de la Tete d'Or which had a zoo in it. It then decided to rain!!
After the rain stopped, the sun came out again and we went to see the roman remains of the city.
The next morning after breakfast, we went to the local market. This is one of my favourite things about France, walking down the market stalls, tasting produce, looking at the amazing wares. Eden enjoyed it too saying "I like the snacks mummy" (referring to the samples we were being given as we walked around.)
After lunch we went to a museum about Film which Eden enjoyed. He loved seeing the batman mask and Harry Potter wand. He was delighted to rounded off the day by spending some of his pocket money that Aunty Karen and given him by buying some posh ice cream in a really nice palour.
Our little break ended far too quickly, we rounded off the trip by taking Eden to a proper French restaurant. The food was amazing. When I asked the chef what was on the children's menu, he said "trust me, I will bring him food to eat". I was a little doubtful when he emerged with a bloody steak (when Eden asked about the blood, I said it was special ketchup!!), but to my astonishment, he ate every single mouthful and then some! The trip wouldn't have been complete without a tantrum, and after a couple of hours, Anne and I managed to coax Eden to play in the park to expend some energy before the plane journey back.
It was amazing to spend time with Anne, our friendship spans 15 years, and even though we only get to see each other once a year, we always pick up where we left off. It was also lovely to see her new apartment and the city where she lives. Lyon blew me away; all the charm of Paris but much friendlier and more colourful, the architecture a distinct mix of the alabaster of Paris and the colourful rendering of the South.
Eden and I began our journey by taking the train from Telford to travel to BHX.
The plane was delayed, so we entertained ourselves by eating cake!
Eden LOVED the aeroplane, even though he looks a bit worried in the pictures, he loved take off and landing.
When we arrived, the weather was beautiful. We decided to make the most of it by taking Eden to Parc de la Tete d'Or which had a zoo in it. It then decided to rain!!
After the rain stopped, the sun came out again and we went to see the roman remains of the city.
The next morning after breakfast, we went to the local market. This is one of my favourite things about France, walking down the market stalls, tasting produce, looking at the amazing wares. Eden enjoyed it too saying "I like the snacks mummy" (referring to the samples we were being given as we walked around.)
After lunch we went to a museum about Film which Eden enjoyed. He loved seeing the batman mask and Harry Potter wand. He was delighted to rounded off the day by spending some of his pocket money that Aunty Karen and given him by buying some posh ice cream in a really nice palour.
Our little break ended far too quickly, we rounded off the trip by taking Eden to a proper French restaurant. The food was amazing. When I asked the chef what was on the children's menu, he said "trust me, I will bring him food to eat". I was a little doubtful when he emerged with a bloody steak (when Eden asked about the blood, I said it was special ketchup!!), but to my astonishment, he ate every single mouthful and then some! The trip wouldn't have been complete without a tantrum, and after a couple of hours, Anne and I managed to coax Eden to play in the park to expend some energy before the plane journey back.
It was amazing to spend time with Anne, our friendship spans 15 years, and even though we only get to see each other once a year, we always pick up where we left off. It was also lovely to see her new apartment and the city where she lives. Lyon blew me away; all the charm of Paris but much friendlier and more colourful, the architecture a distinct mix of the alabaster of Paris and the colourful rendering of the South.
Bank Holiday: 6th May, Cardingmill Valley
It was truly amazing to have a bank holiday weekend that was sunny! That hasn't happened in a while so we decided that we absolutely had to make the most of it. We began the day having a leisurely breakfast and then took the children to the local park.
When we got back we had a lovely lunch (left over takeaway, Daddy's favourite!) and then waited for the Pollands to come over whereupon we headed off to Cardingmill Valley. The carpark was full, so we had to park in Stretton and ended up walking quite away until we found a picnic spot. (I was quite impatient in this regard and drove Jason slightly bonkers asking him where we were going to set up). Jason found us a perfect spot right by the stream. The kids had great fun splashing about.
Family video here:
We rounded off the evening with a meal out and a play in the park in Priorslee. Ismay and Mia particulalry enjoy being the eldest children, "looking after" Zak and Aniah. We are so blessed to have such good friends in our lives, they make our days brighter.
Family video here:
When we got back we had a lovely lunch (left over takeaway, Daddy's favourite!) and then waited for the Pollands to come over whereupon we headed off to Cardingmill Valley. The carpark was full, so we had to park in Stretton and ended up walking quite away until we found a picnic spot. (I was quite impatient in this regard and drove Jason slightly bonkers asking him where we were going to set up). Jason found us a perfect spot right by the stream. The kids had great fun splashing about.
Family video here:
We rounded off the evening with a meal out and a play in the park in Priorslee. Ismay and Mia particulalry enjoy being the eldest children, "looking after" Zak and Aniah. We are so blessed to have such good friends in our lives, they make our days brighter.
Family video here:
Elisabet's Birthday Weekend: 26-28th April 2013
What a weekend! I had planned to do various things with friends, but April turned out to be a really busy month for people so decided to keep it quiet. Mummy and Daddy very kindly came down to stay to look after the children as we had planned to go to Alton Towers with our very dear friends the Pollands. Unfortunately, Gareth was called into work at the last minute so they very kindly took us out for dinner on Friday to one of our favourite places to eat, The Olive Tree instead.I was so spolit. J bought me a Nano for running with and a lovely retro radio, I had some beautiful flowers and gifts from various friends and the Pollands bought me the most beautiful dress which fitted perfectly.
The next day, Nanah and Grandpa took the children on a nature walk and Jason and I had a fabulous day at Alton Towers. We only had to queue to go on two of the rides, the rest we could just walk straight onto, and my back held out until we went on Air!
The next day, Nanah and Grandpa took the children on a nature walk and Jason and I had a fabulous day at Alton Towers. We only had to queue to go on two of the rides, the rest we could just walk straight onto, and my back held out until we went on Air!
Weekend In Oxford: Saturday 20th April 2013
I think we have all realised by now that I am a glutton for punishment with slight masochistic tendencies! I really enjoyed completing my Masters over the last 9 months, and the work I did on my dissertation regarding TA deployment really interested me and I felt like I wanted to continue to research the topic. Jason and I talked about the possibility of me continuing my studies, and he reminded me of the time early on in our marriage when it seemed like all he did was study and I turned around to him and said "Don't worry, it will be your turn to support me one day when I decide to do a doctorate!" and said he was happy for me to do that. My head of study invited me to apply to Oxford Brookes for a studentship and after a fairly lengthy process I was offered a place on the programme. I felt really honoured to be chosen, especially to study at a University which leads the worldwide debate on educational matters. Thanks to everyone who supported me during the process, especially my wonderful Mummy who did a lot of proof reading.
Brookes offered me a place on either the Ed D or PhD programme, and invited me to attend a seminar to enable me to choose which one would work best for me. As this was to be held on a Saturday, we decided to make a family weekend of it. So we booked a Travel Lodge and hoped for the best.
The children enjoyed keeping us awake till 11!!! They eventually dropped off and allowed us to get some sleep.
In the morning, we had breakfast in our room (mini cereal boxes, the kids thought this was great since we usually have these as a treat for birthdays and Christmas) and then drove the few miles to the campus where the lecture was to take place.
I had an amazing time, it felt so good to be able to debate with intellectuals who were as passionate about educational matters as I was. Jason however, got the short straw. Apparently Oxford isn't really geared towards children, so I think he was tearing his hair out slightly to find ways to entertain the kids, but managed to find Oxford castle which provided him with some respite from Eden's persistent "What are we doing now Daddy?" line of questioning.
Brookes offered me a place on either the Ed D or PhD programme, and invited me to attend a seminar to enable me to choose which one would work best for me. As this was to be held on a Saturday, we decided to make a family weekend of it. So we booked a Travel Lodge and hoped for the best.
The children enjoyed keeping us awake till 11!!! They eventually dropped off and allowed us to get some sleep.
I had an amazing time, it felt so good to be able to debate with intellectuals who were as passionate about educational matters as I was. Jason however, got the short straw. Apparently Oxford isn't really geared towards children, so I think he was tearing his hair out slightly to find ways to entertain the kids, but managed to find Oxford castle which provided him with some respite from Eden's persistent "What are we doing now Daddy?" line of questioning.
