Liam's 3rd Birthday and Picnic

(posted by Elizma)

As unbelievable as it seems, our sweet boy turned 3 this week. Where has the time gone?!

On his birthday, we got up really early to pick up my parents from the airport. A special birthday bonus for Liam! Before we set off, we gave him one of his small presents and sang happy birthday to him. He then got to eat a chocolate fudge cupcake for breakfast at 06:30 which he was very impressed with.

We also went to Virginia Water so he could test drive his new scooter and afterwards we went for milkshakes at one of our favourite places - Fegos in Sunningdale.

In the evening, Leon's parents and Tania and Andy (his sister and her husband) came round for dinner - a lovely spit roasted leg of lamb. He was also spoilt with a lovely blue slide by them.

More birthday pictures here.





Birthday Picnic

Yesterday we had a Dinosaur picnic in the Great Windsor Park with family and friends. We had lovely sunny weather and the kids enjoyed themselves immensely. Liam had the best time and was spoilt rotten by all his friends.

We had one very tired little boy on our hands afterwards. Thank you to everyone who made his birthday so special - also those who sent their wishes over facebook, phone and e-mail.

More photos of the picnic, here.

Planting vegetables

(posted by Elizma)

This afternoon Liam and I planted some vegetables to help him learn about growing things and where some food comes from. We have red tomatoes, baby yellow tomatoes, red peppers, strawberries, rocket and mixed salad leaves.

He enjoyed it very much and the compost went absolutely everywhere! For more photos, click here.

Liam April

(posted by Elizma)

Here are some photos of Liam taken in April. Where has our baby gone?!

For more, click here.

Camping on the Isle of Wight

(posted by Elizma)

Last weekend we went camping for 3 nights on the Isle of Wight - or as I now call it the Isle of Wind!

We've been there several times now and only one of these times were wind-free.

Despite this we still had a lovely few days of precious family time.

Liam enjoyed it very much as usual getting stuck in to getting the tent up as well as making the most of not being at home - in other words, staying up late! He did get up very early in the mornings due to the lack of black-out blinds, but luckily we managed to convince him to sleep a little longer.

Our campsite was right on the beach at St Helen's with the loveliest beach cafe (thanks Emma for the recommendation!).

Here are some of the highlights. For more photos, click here.

Easter Egg Hunting

(posted by Elizma)

Today was a very exciting day for Liam - his best friend Jenson came round for an Easter Egg hunt. We also had a leg of lamb on the braai for some lovely lamb sandwiches - which went down very well with all of us.

I always love the first event of the year where we get to use our lovely house and garden to its best. Bring on more of the Summer!

For more pictures, click here.

Mothers Day Picnic

(posted by Elizma)

As we spent last weekend with the Lovely Lynches, Leon decided to treat me to my own Mothers Day today.

I was spoilt with breakfast in bed, lovingly prepared by both of them. They then went shopping and loaded the car while I read my book. We then spent a lovely few hours in the Great Windsor Park at Virginia Water - Liam thoroughly enjoyed it as well. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather either.

How lucky am I?!




More photos here.

Tandy's Wedding

(posted by Leon)

On Friday we went to Leon's sister Tania's wedding. It was a lovely day which we very much enjoyed.

It was also a bit stressful for all of us. For me with the cake and Liam as the ring bearer. Leon had some pressure of his own as he was asked to do the ceremony (the legalities were taken care of the day before.) I have to say he excelled himself. I had many a person come up to me to say how wonderful he was. I was really proud of him.

My cake had the bride in tears - in a good way. I was really glad as even though I liked it, it was afterall their cake and they had to be happy.

Liam was his charming self and did a fantastic job as ring bearer. He walked very slowly - as he was told to. He also looked very handsome in his special outfit. He charmed everyone as he always does. (I think he won't be able to take much more cuddling!)

(I've uploaded two versions of his entry as they were too cute to choose from!)





At one point in the speeches, when everyone was laughing at something the best man said, he shouted out in English: 'That's not funny!'

He passed out around 20:30 behind the cake even though the disco music was blaring at full blast. This gave Leon and me some time to dance and chat with everyone else. We also loved catching up with our family from across the world of which some I've only just met for the first time. We went to bed around 01:00.

All in all a very good day and we wish Andy and Tania all the very best for their marriage and a wonderful honeymoon in South Africa. We hope you get upgraded!

For other pictures, click here. (More pictures of the bride etc to follow once we get them from the photographer.)

Father Christmas...

(posted by Elizma)

The words if you can't make it out:
Father Christmas
Father Christmas
He got stuck
He got stuck
Coming down the chimney
Coming down the chimney
What bad luck!
What bad luck!

Frosty the Snowman

(posted by Elizma)

Today we built our first snowman. Or more accurately, Leon built us a snowman. It was quite difficult as the snow was very dry and would not stick properly to form a ball. He did however manage it in the end.

Liam was more interested in eating the snow from the carrot that became the nose. We also showed him how to make snow angels.

Afterwards we walked to Ouma Ria and OuBill's house for a coffee.

I'm sure he will sleep VERY well tonight...

More photos here.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

(posted by Elizma)

In the last couple of weeks we had 2 good lots of snow. Quite unusual for this far south in the UK, but nevertheless we love it! Having a house decked out in Christmas decorations, listening to Christmas Crooners and watching the snow fall outside is truly magical - and for the first time in a long time I don't envy friends and family in sunnier parts of the world.

Here are a few photos from both occasions.

The first time we played in our street with the neighbours' sledge. Today, Leon had to work so Liam and I walked to our local coffee shop to meet up with neighbours Kath and Jason and their daughter Chloe. The kids got pulled home on the sledge by Jason and I've never seen Liam so gleeful. He absolutely loved it!

More photos here.

Baking Christmas Decorations

(posted by Elizma)

This afternoon Liam and I baked some biscuits for the Christmas tree. They are not the best looking biscuits I've ever made, but they were the most fun (read: most messy).

He takes baking very serious and insisted on wearing the apron.

They're practically inedible as well - not that it's stopping him. They will serve their purpose on the tree though.

A few day trips with my parents

(posted by Elizma)

I know it's been a while since they've left, but in the last few week's of my parents visit we did a few day trips. Here is a short summary with links to more photos:

Exbury Gardens
The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (100 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs and is situated in the beautiful New Forest. We spent a lovely day there which included a steam train ride and a buggy tour. For more photos, click here.




The Thames Barrier
Another trip took us to the impressive Thames Barrier with its interesting park. Liam especially enjoyed the day out as it took us on THREE different trains: the overland, the tube and the DLR. More photos here.




The Isle of Wight
Leon surprised us with a day trip to the Isle of Wight. Though it was cold it was the first time we've been that we were able to go on the chair lift and see the Needles properly. And who doesn't enjoy going on a ferry? More photos here.