Home again, home again
Lovely to speak to everyone in Oz this morning/evening! We've probably given you all our news but here's a bit more just in case.
The Woolie week was very nice, with Amber and Maddy playing nicely and Sally jumping on Robert whenever possible.
Highlights were the body-boarding day when everyone had a go despite the having to wait for your body to go numb before really being able to enjoy it. Pat almost bought wetsuits for everyone, but was glad he didn't because it was the only day we managed to spend a lot of time in the sea.
We also went back to Goldan Sands where they've opened a very good plate painting area. Robert painted a plate and Maddy painted a money-box dog, which we will get when we next see Steve or Julie.
We met up with some frinds of Julie's who were the other two faces on the Friends Reunited logo. By the end of the week we had spent time with all four logoees as Rene and Nigil came down on Thursday.
Pat and Steve went out for a beer on Wednesday night, which was good fun. We went to the Golden Hind for a game of darts, and then downstairs to the Westbeach club where they had an open mike night. The first guitarist was excellent - he apparently has tourettes but managed to keep it under control. He was followed by a band made up of 15 year olds doing Muse and Green Day covers. Not bad at all -couldn't imagine The Station embacing an event like this. Everyone was very supportive.
Journey home was very long, which was lucky as the M25 had re-opened by the time we got to it.
Saturday was the opening day of the footie season so we all headed up to Charlton and got there just in time for kick-off. Rob loved it and Maddy liked the sweets. She didn't say she was bored until five mins before the end. The game was good although Charlton should have won. It finished 1-1 which the Scunthorpe fans were very happy with. Derby drew 2-2 with Portsmouth so they're just in the top-half on the Premier League at the moment!
On teh way home we went to Tescos and picked up lots of nice stuff to eat (and even a few healthy bits and pieces).
Everyone had a lay-in on Sunday. Or at least that's what Pat thought. Robert had shut himself in the Dining Room and had been playing on Club Penguin since 7am.
That's about it - looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday!
love
Pat, Robert and Maddy xxxx
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Wednesday 8August
Hit the beach!
Yesterday (Tuesday) Maddy was up early so she could go horseriding with Amber and Sally. They had a great time, and met-up with friends of Julie's who had a little girl called Erin who also went riding.
Maddy rode Minty again, who was very good, even though the saddle was a little loose so Maddy took some corners at an angle!
Pat and Robert went into town for a round of crazy golf and a bit of a shop. They both bought flip-flops and t-shirts and then headed back.
Poor Steve had been to Tescos to get everything for the barbie, so after a relaxing time on the verandah we all decided to hit the beach. When we got there the grey clouds came in and the wind got up. This didn't stop the kids (and Steve) from body-boarding but Pat and Julie stayed on the beach shivering and reading.
Erin and her parents (Dave and Jeanette) headed home and after giving the weather 20 minutes we decided to light the bbq in the dunes. Unfortunately we felt the first spots of rain as it started, and then it went out so we legged it for home, dropping Steve off in town to pick up a Chinese meal. Pat popped back down to get him and the weather was...glorious. So we ate outside while the sun dipped over Lundy. Never mind - BBQ tomorrow instead.
On Wednsday we all headed to Mortenhoe for a tractor ride down to the point to see the seals. We saw a couple from a distance and then headed back. The sky was very clear so you could see over to Wales, ad as far up as Pembrokeshire.
Then it was the long walk down to Rockham beach (where Soul Mates might be filmed). Steve made an excellent barbie, which everyone ate up, and then Rob decided it was worth the 30 minute walk back to the toilets... Later that afternoon we got back to the beach with some jellybeans and did a bit of rock hunting before heading home.
The kids then tormented the parents with water bombs until dinner. Pat and Steve are heading into town tonight so tomorrow's blog will be written quietly and possible with the odd typo.
Yesterday (Tuesday) Maddy was up early so she could go horseriding with Amber and Sally. They had a great time, and met-up with friends of Julie's who had a little girl called Erin who also went riding.
Maddy rode Minty again, who was very good, even though the saddle was a little loose so Maddy took some corners at an angle!
Pat and Robert went into town for a round of crazy golf and a bit of a shop. They both bought flip-flops and t-shirts and then headed back.
Poor Steve had been to Tescos to get everything for the barbie, so after a relaxing time on the verandah we all decided to hit the beach. When we got there the grey clouds came in and the wind got up. This didn't stop the kids (and Steve) from body-boarding but Pat and Julie stayed on the beach shivering and reading.
Erin and her parents (Dave and Jeanette) headed home and after giving the weather 20 minutes we decided to light the bbq in the dunes. Unfortunately we felt the first spots of rain as it started, and then it went out so we legged it for home, dropping Steve off in town to pick up a Chinese meal. Pat popped back down to get him and the weather was...glorious. So we ate outside while the sun dipped over Lundy. Never mind - BBQ tomorrow instead.
On Wednsday we all headed to Mortenhoe for a tractor ride down to the point to see the seals. We saw a couple from a distance and then headed back. The sky was very clear so you could see over to Wales, ad as far up as Pembrokeshire.
Then it was the long walk down to Rockham beach (where Soul Mates might be filmed). Steve made an excellent barbie, which everyone ate up, and then Rob decided it was worth the 30 minute walk back to the toilets... Later that afternoon we got back to the beach with some jellybeans and did a bit of rock hunting before heading home.
The kids then tormented the parents with water bombs until dinner. Pat and Steve are heading into town tonight so tomorrow's blog will be written quietly and possible with the odd typo.
Monday, 6 August 2007
Monday 6Aug
Woolie!
Pat, Rob and Maddy spent Saturday having a bit of a tidy-up and then packed their holiday bacgs and got going at around 12.30. Traffic was pretty bad so we didn't arrive until 6.45. Steve wanted to see the cricket (Kent were in the 20.20 final for the first time ever) so we needed very little persuasion to take the kids to the Jube for pizza and beer. (The kids just had the former - honest).
Unfortunately the miserable barman switched the tv over to some Arsenal game just as the cricket got exciting, so we came home to liste to it on the radio.
The weather had been good so we were looking forward to hitting the beach in the morning.
We all got up bright and early and were parked in Marine Drive by 10.00. Good move as the sun was out and the beach was not to crowded.By 12 it was a different story with loads of people arriving. We all managed to do some body boarding, which was great fun. Robert and Pat played boule, and all the kids played running down the dunes. We left the beach when the kids got tired and found that all of Devon was trying to get into Woolie. The car-parks were full and the queue went all the way up the hill.
In the afternoon we wandered back into town and all the kids had a tattoo and the girls also had a hair braid. It started raining so we just had to shelter in the Red Barn and have a meal and a beer or tow.
Robert slept very well but Maddy and the girls had a giggle session, so Maddy ended up sleeping in Pat's bed.
This morning (Monday) we were up early again and walked down to Barricane Beach. It was a bit cold so we had to buy a fleecy for Maddy on the way, and a pair of flip-flops for Robert.
It started to rain immediately but soon cleared up. After a good session looking round the rock-pools we had some excellent food from the hut. Maddy decided Pat's roasted vegetable melt was a lot better than her cheese bap and ate loads. Then it was time for another wander round the ponds followed by a quick dip as the tide went out. Suddenly it was 5.30 so we headed for Captain Jacks for tea. No food 'til 6.30 so Julie made a very nice meal back at the house that we all ate on the decking veranda. Very civilised end to the day watching the sun slowly set over Lundy.
Steve is currently reading Charlie and Lola in the style of an East End gangster to try and calm the kids down before bed.
Horse riding for the girls tomorrow morning and then some body-boarding and a barbie on the beach for tea if the weather holds.
That's aout it so far. The number down here is 0 (Liam's age) 71 - (Robert's age) 70202 but we'll be going home Friday if you want to call us on Saturday at home.
Glad to hear the reading and poem went well, and well done Liam and Lucy for being such good cousins!
Pat, Rob and Maddy spent Saturday having a bit of a tidy-up and then packed their holiday bacgs and got going at around 12.30. Traffic was pretty bad so we didn't arrive until 6.45. Steve wanted to see the cricket (Kent were in the 20.20 final for the first time ever) so we needed very little persuasion to take the kids to the Jube for pizza and beer. (The kids just had the former - honest).
Unfortunately the miserable barman switched the tv over to some Arsenal game just as the cricket got exciting, so we came home to liste to it on the radio.
The weather had been good so we were looking forward to hitting the beach in the morning.
We all got up bright and early and were parked in Marine Drive by 10.00. Good move as the sun was out and the beach was not to crowded.By 12 it was a different story with loads of people arriving. We all managed to do some body boarding, which was great fun. Robert and Pat played boule, and all the kids played running down the dunes. We left the beach when the kids got tired and found that all of Devon was trying to get into Woolie. The car-parks were full and the queue went all the way up the hill.
In the afternoon we wandered back into town and all the kids had a tattoo and the girls also had a hair braid. It started raining so we just had to shelter in the Red Barn and have a meal and a beer or tow.
Robert slept very well but Maddy and the girls had a giggle session, so Maddy ended up sleeping in Pat's bed.
This morning (Monday) we were up early again and walked down to Barricane Beach. It was a bit cold so we had to buy a fleecy for Maddy on the way, and a pair of flip-flops for Robert.
It started to rain immediately but soon cleared up. After a good session looking round the rock-pools we had some excellent food from the hut. Maddy decided Pat's roasted vegetable melt was a lot better than her cheese bap and ate loads. Then it was time for another wander round the ponds followed by a quick dip as the tide went out. Suddenly it was 5.30 so we headed for Captain Jacks for tea. No food 'til 6.30 so Julie made a very nice meal back at the house that we all ate on the decking veranda. Very civilised end to the day watching the sun slowly set over Lundy.
Steve is currently reading Charlie and Lola in the style of an East End gangster to try and calm the kids down before bed.
Horse riding for the girls tomorrow morning and then some body-boarding and a barbie on the beach for tea if the weather holds.
That's aout it so far. The number down here is 0 (Liam's age) 71 - (Robert's age) 70202 but we'll be going home Friday if you want to call us on Saturday at home.
Glad to hear the reading and poem went well, and well done Liam and Lucy for being such good cousins!
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Thursday 3August
Party Party!
Pat, Maddy and Robert were up early so they could get to Bea's for her party at Drusillas Zoo. We finally got going at 10.15 with a van full of squeaky girls, Rob and Danny's son Jim (who must be a sucker for punishment). The girls had been very pleased to see Jim, even though he was in the middle of getting dressed when they burst in on him. The gang was; Maddy, Bea, Millie, Issie, Bryonie, Hope, Ellie, Rob and a couple of other friends.
Unfortunately we got to the park a little late so missed out on feeding the penguins. Instead, the kids got into their cossies and ran around in the very cold paddling pool, while the adults relaxed with a cup of coffee.
We then all went on Thomas the tank engine around the park (not quite all as Danny didn't want to take a kid's place - very thoughtful of him).
We then found the playground which was huge and all the kids enjoyed. And then it was time for lunch. The kids had a very patient waitress called Charlotte and an even more patient chef called Dave who came to see the kids. (They had been chanting 'we want to see the chef' for some reason).
After multiple goes on Muffin the Mule (coin operated toddler ride that was probably unaccustomed to having six squeakers draped off of him at once) we went for a walk around the zoo section. Lots of fun animals to see, and Bea was able to feed the penguins as well.
Back to the playground and we suddenly realised it was 4.30 - we were supposed to be dropping the kids back at 4! Quick phone calls to the parents meant we could hang around for a while longer. Then it was goodbye zoo and back home with lots of I-spy, what animal and any other games Pat could think of to keep the (comparative) peace.
Home, bath, bed!
By now (10am Sat) the wedding will have been a done deal so big congratulations from all of us here and best wishes etc etc to G&T!!
Hope the reading went well, Jess - I'm sure it did as it was a perfect choice.
We're almost packed for Woolie now and hope to get going after lunch. Pen's coming over later to feed the various animals and keep an eye on the place.
Not sure if we'll be able to write much in Woolie but hopefully we'll be able to do the odd posting.
Pat, Maddy and Robert were up early so they could get to Bea's for her party at Drusillas Zoo. We finally got going at 10.15 with a van full of squeaky girls, Rob and Danny's son Jim (who must be a sucker for punishment). The girls had been very pleased to see Jim, even though he was in the middle of getting dressed when they burst in on him. The gang was; Maddy, Bea, Millie, Issie, Bryonie, Hope, Ellie, Rob and a couple of other friends.
Unfortunately we got to the park a little late so missed out on feeding the penguins. Instead, the kids got into their cossies and ran around in the very cold paddling pool, while the adults relaxed with a cup of coffee.
We then all went on Thomas the tank engine around the park (not quite all as Danny didn't want to take a kid's place - very thoughtful of him).
We then found the playground which was huge and all the kids enjoyed. And then it was time for lunch. The kids had a very patient waitress called Charlotte and an even more patient chef called Dave who came to see the kids. (They had been chanting 'we want to see the chef' for some reason).
After multiple goes on Muffin the Mule (coin operated toddler ride that was probably unaccustomed to having six squeakers draped off of him at once) we went for a walk around the zoo section. Lots of fun animals to see, and Bea was able to feed the penguins as well.
Back to the playground and we suddenly realised it was 4.30 - we were supposed to be dropping the kids back at 4! Quick phone calls to the parents meant we could hang around for a while longer. Then it was goodbye zoo and back home with lots of I-spy, what animal and any other games Pat could think of to keep the (comparative) peace.
Home, bath, bed!
By now (10am Sat) the wedding will have been a done deal so big congratulations from all of us here and best wishes etc etc to G&T!!
Hope the reading went well, Jess - I'm sure it did as it was a perfect choice.
We're almost packed for Woolie now and hope to get going after lunch. Pen's coming over later to feed the various animals and keep an eye on the place.
Not sure if we'll be able to write much in Woolie but hopefully we'll be able to do the odd posting.
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Thursday 2August
Catch-up Day
Not much to report today as Pat had a few phone-calls to make that seemed to go on all day.
Maddy and Robert played very nicely together on the lap-tops, and even on the Playstation as Rob introduced Maddy to the wonders of Burnout Revenge.
John popped over in the evening for a beer and a chat about the footie website, which has now got 250 members and had 1000 viewings. Not exactly Friends Reunited but a tad more popular than Screeming Custard's site.
Early nights all round as we need to be fresh for Bea's party at Druscilla's tomorrow.
Not much to report today as Pat had a few phone-calls to make that seemed to go on all day.
Maddy and Robert played very nicely together on the lap-tops, and even on the Playstation as Rob introduced Maddy to the wonders of Burnout Revenge.
John popped over in the evening for a beer and a chat about the footie website, which has now got 250 members and had 1000 viewings. Not exactly Friends Reunited but a tad more popular than Screeming Custard's site.
Early nights all round as we need to be fresh for Bea's party at Druscilla's tomorrow.
Wednesday 1August
Legoland
Robert's Record
Today we went to Legoland, for about 8 and a half hours.When we arrived we got a picure with a dinosor and a baby dinosor then we went to minyland and they had improved it since I had last came with more things like they had put in tor da france,big ben and a lot lot more.
Then we went to a roller coster it was a dragon one I stayed behind to look after the bag.When they came back they went on another one but I had an ice lolly so I didnt go on.Then we went to see a 4d show about raceing.We went on the sky ride next and got a lot of photos on it then we went on a thing were you pulled your self up and when you let go you go down really farst.Then we watched a reall life show while eating our lunch.After that we went to driving school to get are licence we both needed the loo so thats were we went next.Then we went to get candy flos,a drinck and dounuts and saw the show again then we went to dino land and went on some little carts and saw dionsaors.Then Maddy and dad went on a dino train that went round in a circue really farst I looked after the bag.After that me and Maddy needed the loo again then we went to see the other 4d show.After that we went to the shop and I got to of the new bionakols the under sea creatcion I got the crab and the shark Maddy got a toy dog and called it bengie.When we got home I started to make one of my bionakals it was the shark then it was tea and we watched brainiac and for tea we had paster with red sause.Then we went to bed at half nine.
bye bye
Dad's ramblings
As Rob says, we all had a good day at Legoland where it was sunny all day and not too crowded. We got there at 10:30 after battling with the M25 and assorted very-crowded A roads. Rob has covered most of the highlights of the day but I have to say he was very good about letting Maddy and Pat go on the rollercoasters.
The new London section of mini-world was impressive although we weren't sure why there was an armed policeman on top of St Pauls. The Downing Street display was good, with a 'Browns' removal lorry being loaded up with the Blairs furniture, complete with Cherie being carried on a sofa.
The new Viking ride wasn't quite open. They thought it would be opening in 7 days time but I think they're being a bit optimistic with that. They've buit on the old maze area to include one of those flume rides you do in a big sit-down tyre.
The show was very popular with the kids, so much so that we sat though it twice... Slightly confusing the second time as the actors had all swapped roles so the bad guy was now playing the hero. Not sure about playing with little children's minds in that way.
Rob and Maddy both got their driving certificates, and that was their favourite ride, apart from the 4D films. The new one was about a lego wizard, which had lots of things flying out of the screen towards you.
We were exhausted when we got home (Maddy and Robnert slept in the car) so there was just time for some pasta, then time for bed.
Robert's Record
Today we went to Legoland, for about 8 and a half hours.When we arrived we got a picure with a dinosor and a baby dinosor then we went to minyland and they had improved it since I had last came with more things like they had put in tor da france,big ben and a lot lot more.
Then we went to a roller coster it was a dragon one I stayed behind to look after the bag.When they came back they went on another one but I had an ice lolly so I didnt go on.Then we went to see a 4d show about raceing.We went on the sky ride next and got a lot of photos on it then we went on a thing were you pulled your self up and when you let go you go down really farst.Then we watched a reall life show while eating our lunch.After that we went to driving school to get are licence we both needed the loo so thats were we went next.Then we went to get candy flos,a drinck and dounuts and saw the show again then we went to dino land and went on some little carts and saw dionsaors.Then Maddy and dad went on a dino train that went round in a circue really farst I looked after the bag.After that me and Maddy needed the loo again then we went to see the other 4d show.After that we went to the shop and I got to of the new bionakols the under sea creatcion I got the crab and the shark Maddy got a toy dog and called it bengie.When we got home I started to make one of my bionakals it was the shark then it was tea and we watched brainiac and for tea we had paster with red sause.Then we went to bed at half nine.bye bye
Dad's ramblings
As Rob says, we all had a good day at Legoland where it was sunny all day and not too crowded. We got there at 10:30 after battling with the M25 and assorted very-crowded A roads. Rob has covered most of the highlights of the day but I have to say he was very good about letting Maddy and Pat go on the rollercoasters.
The new London section of mini-world was impressive although we weren't sure why there was an armed policeman on top of St Pauls. The Downing Street display was good, with a 'Browns' removal lorry being loaded up with the Blairs furniture, complete with Cherie being carried on a sofa.The new Viking ride wasn't quite open. They thought it would be opening in 7 days time but I think they're being a bit optimistic with that. They've buit on the old maze area to include one of those flume rides you do in a big sit-down tyre.
The show was very popular with the kids, so much so that we sat though it twice... Slightly confusing the second time as the actors had all swapped roles so the bad guy was now playing the hero. Not sure about playing with little children's minds in that way.
Rob and Maddy both got their driving certificates, and that was their favourite ride, apart from the 4D films. The new one was about a lego wizard, which had lots of things flying out of the screen towards you.
We were exhausted when we got home (Maddy and Robnert slept in the car) so there was just time for some pasta, then time for bed.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Tuesday 31July
Swimming!
Today we got up fairly early and had breakfast watching TV. We did a bit more tidying up and then got goin to the Spectrum. Maddy was the dj on the way there and both she and Robert did some very good singing along to songs they'd learnt on Singstar.
The car-park was full but luckily the centre seems to absorb lots of people so the pool was not too busy.
Maddy and Robert played a great game called let's jump on dad in the small pool and then again in the wave pool. Robert had a go on the Splash slide, which he enjoyed, while Pat and Maddy went on the blackbury slide. After that there was time for a game of It, which was good fun.
Not surprisingly, the staff at Burger King had completely changed since last time, and there were lots of them too so we had lunch there. Maddy and Robert then both sat in the back of the car on the way home so they could play with their new Transformers action figures.
In the afternoon, Pat caught up with some stuff on the computer while Robert and Maddy played in their rooms with their rediscovered toys.
At about 5:30, Pat got a text from Danny saying they were going to the pub for an hour so we joined them for fruitshoots and budweiser. The kids had a great time running round the climbing frame.
We came home for Brainiac and toast and then two very tired small people went straight to bed, looking forward to a big day out at Legoland.
Robert's Report
Today we went swimming.It was great fun.On the way Maddy was incharge of the ipod and was not keeping it on random which was anoying,I like it on random,huf!When we got there it was hard to find a space,which made us worried because we thout the pool would be crowed and we would only get a short play in the pool,in the end it was very empty.We went in the shallow end first to play it.Then the wave mastion was on so we went and played in that pool for about half hour.After that I went on a slide while Maddy and dad played around,then when I came back Maddy and dad went on a different slide and I just waited for them to come back which took a long time.When they did come back we went back to the other pool and played it for a while then we just lazed around.We did that for 5 minutes then got out got changed and went to burger king for lunch and got a transformer action figer and went home for a little play then we watched brainiac while eating tea which was toast.
bye bye
Maddy's Letter
Today we got up fairly early and had breakfast watching TV. We did a bit more tidying up and then got goin to the Spectrum. Maddy was the dj on the way there and both she and Robert did some very good singing along to songs they'd learnt on Singstar.
The car-park was full but luckily the centre seems to absorb lots of people so the pool was not too busy.
Maddy and Robert played a great game called let's jump on dad in the small pool and then again in the wave pool. Robert had a go on the Splash slide, which he enjoyed, while Pat and Maddy went on the blackbury slide. After that there was time for a game of It, which was good fun.
Not surprisingly, the staff at Burger King had completely changed since last time, and there were lots of them too so we had lunch there. Maddy and Robert then both sat in the back of the car on the way home so they could play with their new Transformers action figures.
In the afternoon, Pat caught up with some stuff on the computer while Robert and Maddy played in their rooms with their rediscovered toys.
At about 5:30, Pat got a text from Danny saying they were going to the pub for an hour so we joined them for fruitshoots and budweiser. The kids had a great time running round the climbing frame.
We came home for Brainiac and toast and then two very tired small people went straight to bed, looking forward to a big day out at Legoland.
Robert's Report
Today we went swimming.It was great fun.On the way Maddy was incharge of the ipod and was not keeping it on random which was anoying,I like it on random,huf!When we got there it was hard to find a space,which made us worried because we thout the pool would be crowed and we would only get a short play in the pool,in the end it was very empty.We went in the shallow end first to play it.Then the wave mastion was on so we went and played in that pool for about half hour.After that I went on a slide while Maddy and dad played around,then when I came back Maddy and dad went on a different slide and I just waited for them to come back which took a long time.When they did come back we went back to the other pool and played it for a while then we just lazed around.We did that for 5 minutes then got out got changed and went to burger king for lunch and got a transformer action figer and went home for a little play then we watched brainiac while eating tea which was toast.
bye bye
Maddy's Letter
Monday, 30 July 2007
Monday 30July
Tidy up, Tidy up, Put it away!
Bit of a day off for the three stay-at-homers today. The meter-man got Pat up at 9, which was good because as he was standing in the drive, in his dressing gown and trainers, struggling with the garage door while the MM looked on with a seen-it-all-before kind of look, Pat realised the old bathroom shelves might fit in Maddy's room.
Before he could try them out through, the intrepid explorers phoned from Oz, which was very nice.
After breakfast, Pat measured up and found the shelves would fit, so Maddy 'carefully' made a big pile of all her stuff in the middle of the room so they could fit in. Then Rob got in on the act and put everything he owned in Granny's room to make room for the other bathroom shelves from Ashburnham.
Pat cut the other bookshelves in half too and screwed them to the wall above the kids beds, while they sorted their books out.
We had a quick lunch break and then got back to it. Well, Pat did - the kids had had enough and decided to play with all the fun stuff they'd uncovered. Then they got into their swimming trunks and ran around the garden for a while and bounced on the trampoline.
Pen came round to collect the keys and spotted a few baby fish.
Pizza, chips and peas for tea, followed by peaches and ice-cream. That healthy regime will be starting soon...
Robert's Record
Today we had a big tidy up in our rooms, it was fun for a while till the hard work started I had to move evry teddy,pillow,cover ,sheet and book out of my bed and into Liams room, which made a big mess a very big mess,sorry Liam.I also had to sort out the books with Maddy for the ones that I wanted to keep and the ones that Maddy wanted to keep,the rest went to charaty.Then I moved everything from under my bed to grans room so dad could get the playstation under my bed then we stoped for lunch.After lunch dad got back to work me and Maddy played with some of our toys that we found while we were tidying up then me and Maddy got our swimming costumes on and got the water pistoll out and had a water fight,soon we got bored and scwertid the windows then we got cold and went in.Pen came round while me Maddy had our water fight I got changed as soon as we got in Maddy stayed in her swimming suit.Then we watched t.v till dinner which was pizza,chips and peas,we whatch the simsons.Then we went to bed with my three tedys
bye bye
Maddy's letter
Today me and robert tidyd up are room's. Dady helped us a little. Me and robert got two new shelves one for are books and the other for are toy's. Penny came round. After i finisht my room i asked robert if he wanted to get the water pistol's out. And he did want to get them out. But we coudnt yet we had to sort out some book's by seeying if robert or me wanted them and if we didn't we put it in the charoty shop pile. When we had finisht we went out side and got the water pistol's out. We didnt realy play water fighting we squrted water at each-other and squrted the window's. We got quite cold so we went in. We went in and watched tv then we had dinner and for dinner we had peas chip's and pizza. When we were eating we watched the simpson's then daddy started to do more work.
Bit of a day off for the three stay-at-homers today. The meter-man got Pat up at 9, which was good because as he was standing in the drive, in his dressing gown and trainers, struggling with the garage door while the MM looked on with a seen-it-all-before kind of look, Pat realised the old bathroom shelves might fit in Maddy's room.Before he could try them out through, the intrepid explorers phoned from Oz, which was very nice.
After breakfast, Pat measured up and found the shelves would fit, so Maddy 'carefully' made a big pile of all her stuff in the middle of the room so they could fit in. Then Rob got in on the act and put everything he owned in Granny's room to make room for the other bathroom shelves from Ashburnham.
Pat cut the other bookshelves in half too and screwed them to the wall above the kids beds, while they sorted their books out.We had a quick lunch break and then got back to it. Well, Pat did - the kids had had enough and decided to play with all the fun stuff they'd uncovered. Then they got into their swimming trunks and ran around the garden for a while and bounced on the trampoline.
Pen came round to collect the keys and spotted a few baby fish.
Pizza, chips and peas for tea, followed by peaches and ice-cream. That healthy regime will be starting soon...Robert's Record
Today we had a big tidy up in our rooms, it was fun for a while till the hard work started I had to move evry teddy,pillow,cover ,sheet and book out of my bed and into Liams room, which made a big mess a very big mess,sorry Liam.I also had to sort out the books with Maddy for the ones that I wanted to keep and the ones that Maddy wanted to keep,the rest went to charaty.Then I moved everything from under my bed to grans room so dad could get the playstation under my bed then we stoped for lunch.After lunch dad got back to work me and Maddy played with some of our toys that we found while we were tidying up then me and Maddy got our swimming costumes on and got the water pistoll out and had a water fight,soon we got bored and scwertid the windows then we got cold and went in.Pen came round while me Maddy had our water fight I got changed as soon as we got in Maddy stayed in her swimming suit.Then we watched t.v till dinner which was pizza,chips and peas,we whatch the simsons.Then we went to bed with my three tedys
bye bye
Maddy's letter
Today me and robert tidyd up are room's. Dady helped us a little. Me and robert got two new shelves one for are books and the other for are toy's. Penny came round. After i finisht my room i asked robert if he wanted to get the water pistol's out. And he did want to get them out. But we coudnt yet we had to sort out some book's by seeying if robert or me wanted them and if we didn't we put it in the charoty shop pile. When we had finisht we went out side and got the water pistol's out. We didnt realy play water fighting we squrted water at each-other and squrted the window's. We got quite cold so we went in. We went in and watched tv then we had dinner and for dinner we had peas chip's and pizza. When we were eating we watched the simpson's then daddy started to do more work.
Sunday, 29 July 2007
Sunday July29
Hever Castle
We hurried back to the castle forecourt where the knights had taken up station and waited for King Henry VIII and his queen to appear and give a not-too-cheesy speech. We then followed the king up to the events field for the games.
The sun came out and the kids managed to get a place near the front. Robert loved it all - four knights jousting, fighting and generally hamming it up with a supporting cast of squires and serfs.
Bit of a lie in for Maddy and Pat but Rob was up at 6:30 as usual. How does that boy survive on so little sleep? Pat had stayed up way too late to finish the new Harry Potter (best of the recent bunch, since you ask) and was a bit bleary over breakfast.
Just time to make some packed lunches and set the SatNav before heading off to Hever Castle. The weather was behaving and there was no traffic. Even when we got to Hever, there was no traffic - looks like everyone else had more of a lay-in than Maddy and Pat.
We went straight round the castle, having first marvelled at the fat fish in the moat. Lots of Tudor stuff, suits of armour etc. Mildly diverting for the kids, quite interesting for Pat.
Just time to make some packed lunches and set the SatNav before heading off to Hever Castle. The weather was behaving and there was no traffic. Even when we got to Hever, there was no traffic - looks like everyone else had more of a lay-in than Maddy and Pat.
We went straight round the castle, having first marvelled at the fat fish in the moat. Lots of Tudor stuff, suits of armour etc. Mildly diverting for the kids, quite interesting for Pat.
Then it was outside to find a wasp-free spot for lunch.
We were adopted by a little Sparrow/Wren(?) who kept darting out from under a hedge to collect the crumbs. It was scared off for a while by a coach load of eastern European teenagers and their two nun-minders as they photographed every inch of our lunch area, but reappeared when it quitened down again.
The maze was shut as it was seriously waterlogged. I remember last time I went there were some big puddles, suspect a lot of it was under water this time as the area floods pretty quickly.
After lunch we went to the water maze, which the kids loved and Pat avoided. Maddy managed not to get wet at all. Robert wasn't quite so lucky. There were getting cold so we had a look at the indoor model house enhibition - pretty impressive.We then wandered up to the adventure playground where Maddy and Robert climbed the tower in the fort/maze and then we headed back down to get a drink. Unfortunately it started to rain so we were just getting up to grab a table inside when two knights appeared on horseback - the jousting was about to begin! 
After lunch we went to the water maze, which the kids loved and Pat avoided. Maddy managed not to get wet at all. Robert wasn't quite so lucky. There were getting cold so we had a look at the indoor model house enhibition - pretty impressive.We then wandered up to the adventure playground where Maddy and Robert climbed the tower in the fort/maze and then we headed back down to get a drink. Unfortunately it started to rain so we were just getting up to grab a table inside when two knights appeared on horseback - the jousting was about to begin! 
We hurried back to the castle forecourt where the knights had taken up station and waited for King Henry VIII and his queen to appear and give a not-too-cheesy speech. We then followed the king up to the events field for the games.
The sun came out and the kids managed to get a place near the front. Robert loved it all - four knights jousting, fighting and generally hamming it up with a supporting cast of squires and serfs. 
After standing watching the fun it really was time for a drink so we grabbed a table and filled up on fizzy drinks. Nothing quite like chemicals and sugar to get you moving again. So it was back to the water maze for one last run around (packed full of soaking wet kids and anguished parents worrying about their cars, ha ha ha) and then we went to the bookshop to get a wildlife book for Maddy and a footie book for Pat. Nothing for Rob so I 'owe him one'.
Maddy kept us entertained with on the way back by telling us every single animal in her new book. Hot-dogs, beans and chips for tea (vegetables? pah, who needs 'em) and the rest of Ice Age2. Must be bath and bed time soon.
I expect the kids are tired too.
I expect the kids are tired too.
Robert's Record
Heaver Castle was great!!! The jousting,the water maze and the little bird that stayed with us for the whole of the time we were eating our lunch, we called him plumpy. It was very very sweet. We went round the castle and found a lot of very intresting things like the paitings,weapons,furniture and a lot more. I hope we can go again to Heaver Castle and I'm sure if I do go again it will be much much more funer. Im so tired I could sleep in the streets,on the pavment.
bye bye
Maddy's letter
We went to heaver castle today and had fun! I like my new book. It's about animals that live in England. I hope mum had a good journey and that Liam and Lucy were not very bonkers. When we went to the water maze the second time my right side all got wet!
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Saturday July28
After a day spent shopping, ironing and packing, Jess, Liam, Lucy and Mary were ready to go. The bags had been weighed to ensure they all sneaked in below the 20Kg limit and every item of clothing owned by Lucy had been reviewed before being packed or discarded. Rosy bear was put to bed in Lucy's suitcase whicle Liam helped get the top box back on the van.
Following a rough and ready baked potato and bean-mess meal, Jess went to do the on-line check-in at 5:30. Plenty of time before the flight left at 9 (checking in electronically meant they only had to turn up 1.5 hours before takeoff, instead of 3). Except... the flight wasn't eligible for elctronic check-in! Everyone in the van, NOW!
We got to Gatwick North Terminal at 6:15 and after numerous hugs all round watched the intrepid Bristows head for the terminal gates with their new bags trundling along behind them.
Back to the empty house for Pat, Rob and Maddy, who decided to make lots of noise playing Sing-Star. Then it was hot-chocolate and Ice Age 2 followed by bed. First big day out tomorrow ~ Hever Castle to see some jousting.
Following a rough and ready baked potato and bean-mess meal, Jess went to do the on-line check-in at 5:30. Plenty of time before the flight left at 9 (checking in electronically meant they only had to turn up 1.5 hours before takeoff, instead of 3). Except... the flight wasn't eligible for elctronic check-in! Everyone in the van, NOW!
We got to Gatwick North Terminal at 6:15 and after numerous hugs all round watched the intrepid Bristows head for the terminal gates with their new bags trundling along behind them.
Back to the empty house for Pat, Rob and Maddy, who decided to make lots of noise playing Sing-Star. Then it was hot-chocolate and Ice Age 2 followed by bed. First big day out tomorrow ~ Hever Castle to see some jousting.
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