Beanbags!

Just Like Old Times

The traditional Wednesday get together that we all once delighted in has sadly wained since some of us have returned to work. Trying to arrange for all six of us (+7 children) to occupy the same space is proving such a task, let alone the chaos that ensues when we do manage to pull it off. On Wednesday this week though, there was a glimmer of the old days, when Coby and I, along with Michaela and Lola and Maddy (but minus Louis) spent the afternoon in Angela's garden catching up with Alicia and Sammy, who we've not seen in a long, long time....

Race for Life 2008

Another year, another Race for Life and I can't lie - it was tricky. Only 5km, but with the sun beating down, dodgy knees, dodgy back, a headache and a few hills to climb, I was glad to cross the finish line and receive a medal. I finished in around 45 minutes with Coby and Al waiting for me at the end. Congratulations to everyone who took part, over 2,000 women joined forces at Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage - a very popular venue with my race at 11a.m and a second in the afternoon. Thank you so much to everyone that has sponsored me - over £400 so far - and there is still time to sponsor, so anyone wishing to add to that amazing amount, click on the justgiving widget on the right of the blog. Ok, off for a cup of tea....

With Sue & Annabel

The start line looms ahead...

Done!

Proud to be racing with mum in mind

Coby shows off mummy's medal

The Race for Life gallery

I did it for you mum!

Cutie Pie

Where's Our Baby Gone?

Coby looks all grown up.....

Birthday Girls

We spent a lovely weekend in Somerset celebrating auntie June's 60th birthday...oh and my birthday too! Coby sung Happy Birthday to me and gave me some gorgeous cuddles and said "I love you very much" - best present I could have wished for!

On Saturday night, June held her party at the local golf club in Taunton. Lots of family joined us including Teresa and Martin as well as Roxann and Guiseppe who came all the way from Scotland. Coby looked dashing in his fake tuxedo t-shirt and swirled on the dance floor with the ladies in their pretty dresses...

Guiseppe, Martin, Dad & Coby all looking dashing

"May I have this first dance, auntie June?"


Wheeeeeeeee!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMMY!

I received a huge kiss and cuddle from Coby this morning along with "I love you mummy, very much" followed by Coby's rendition of 'Happy Birthday', followed by cards and presents including gorgeous perfume and books. On the drive home, we stopped for lunch at The George in Thruxton where I had the best Ploughman's ever!

In the evening, Al arranged for some friends to surprise me at an Italian restuarant - fabulous! Thanks for a truly wonderful day boys!

With Stacey

With Anthony & Simone

And Purdy & David

Who's Afraid?

My Entourage

Bedtime is becoming a round-up of Coby's little entourage of sleeping buddies. We now have Tiger, Tigger, Bunny, Woody, Horse, Apsley and Macca Pacca. He likes to grab them all in a bundle then display them around the pillow checking their names as he goes. He'll settle down then suddenly say "Oh Horse, where's Horse? - there's Horse!". We also have a catalogue of songs that Coby enjoys having sung to him. 'She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain' is his current favourite, followed by 'Gonna Build a House' and 'Lullaby' which often sends me to sleep too.

Doctor Coby

Coby is loving his new medical kit and likes to take your temperature, check your heart beat and give medicine - he then says "your turn" and we have to check his. Also, during the process of potty training, Coby has started to imitate the many phrases we use to encourage and reward him. Yesterday, upon using the lavatory myself, Coby had to check and then praised me with "well done mummy, you did it, now pull the chain" and finally "I'm very proud"!!

Oh, the Places You'll Go

I've discovered a fabulous new book! As newly appointed children's book seller at Waterstones, I have the adorable task of learning all there is to know about children's books from baby board books right up to national curriculum study guides. Browsing through the Book Seller magazine last week, I came across an article about "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr Seuss. In the States, this book has sold millions of copies and is a popular gift for school leavers. It was also the very last penned by Theodor "Dr Seuss" Geisel before his death in 1991. I mentioned it to the store manager and she promptly suggested I add it to the 'staff recommends' section and order further copies in. In the meantime, the one and only store copy sold within the first hour this morning!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

Gulliver's Land

A wonderful time was had by all today at Gulliver's Land in Milton Keynes. Hanging out with our favourite gang is becoming less frequent these days, so we've decided to organise a fun activity once a month and enjoy together - mums, dads and toddlers! In the pipeline is a trip to Disneyland, Paris for the kids birthdays in November!! In the meantime though, we settled on the exotic location of Milton Keynes. Al and Coby and I joined Maddy, Louis, Michaela, Tony, Lola, Paula, Mark and Jasmine for a jaunt around the theme park for little lilliputters...

Coby not so keen on the log flume
"I'm all wet" he remarked

Hankering for a turn on the merry-go-round

Coby loved this

He especially loved waving and shouting to daddy

"Mummy, I drive"

Coby discovers a familiar friend

Her name was Lola...

Cuddles!

Raring to go on the railway

Coby & Louis do the Cha Cha Slide

Slide to the left, criss cross

Jasmine watches from the sidelines

Up to something?

"I'm a bunny"