Up, Up and Away

A few days late with this one but soooooo much fun.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take to the skies and enjoy my birthday gift from some great friends - an Aerobatic Flight. It was a totally amazing experience and luckily the weather stayed just perfect. As the aerobatics were not allowed to take place over the airfield my small spectator group were left watching me disappear into the distance for 30 minutes.

The major high points were loops, barrel rolls, experiencing 4.5G and also experiencing a feeling of weightlessness as the pen from the dashboard floated about the cockpit as if we were in the space shuttle.

Before the flight checking out the plane

After the flight my cheeks ached so much from smiling and grinning like a cheshire cat for half an hour. To quote Lewis' favourite word of the moment 'Awesome'

FUN IN THE PARK

Today was a beautifully sunny one and provided the perfect background for 'Fun in the Park' - an event as Lewis' school where the Form 1's started the afternoon of music singing their 'Harvest Samba'.

Lewis could just be seen in the distance in the front row on a vast stage in a huge school field. Having only been at the school 3 weeks they all did very well singing beautifully and not showing any signs of nerves for such a big occasion.

Singing was followed by lots of fun with friends, including inflatable slides, dodgem cars, climbing walls and craft activities.

Yes Lewis is here - in the middle in a white t-shirt, such a huge area I couldn't get any closer without looking like a pushy parent (thankfully my view was better than the cameras!)

Lewis' first attempt at the climbing wall, this was pretty tough but he made it well over half way

A firm favourite of the afternoon, we lost count how many times he tried this one

And we're off - what more can I say

The smile says it all...

First Day of School

This morning was Lewis first day at this new school. He was very excited from the moment he came into my bedroom and for the first school morning in a long time needed no encouragement to get dressed into his new uniform.

The journey to school today only took 7 minutes (there was no traffic today so I am expecting it to be a little longer next week). I think it actually took longer to walk those huge bags to his classroom. Especially as the sports bag contained as much kit as he would take for a weeks holiday (rugby boots, 2 pairs of trainers, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 rugby shirts, 1 p.e. vest, swimming trunks and a towel - oh, and don't forget the goggles).

The class is a great size with only 16 children in total and Lewis was pleased to see that he had been sat at the front next to someone that he already knew. By this time he was showing signs of being a little nervous and so this helped ease the situation.

At the end of the school day he came running over with a huge hug for me and couldn't wait for me to see in his school bag his new treasures of his Homework Diary and Reading Record Book (they did have some funny monkey pictures on the front after all).

The finishing touches to his uniform

All ready to go - check out the size of that sports bag

Still excited on the car journey

Thanks for the offer mummy but I really can carry this myself

40th Party

Last weekend to continue the 40th Celebrations we had a small gathering of friends at home. Lots of fun - way too much food. The freezer is now full of meals that will last us a long time (luckily we love curry so it will save on take-aways for a few months).

Opening a joint gift from everyone - a voucher for an Aerobatic Stunt flight (Tony hopes that after that even Disney may appear a little boring)

Lots of hugs and kisses of thanks all round

I may be 40 but so full of puff I can blow my candles out in one go

Then the evening sunk into Singstar with a few willing (and not so willing volunteers)

Below Gill and Mandy battle it out. Not sure who won but fully charged with alcohol I think Gill would have continued for hours.

Andy and Chris transform to MC Hammer, while Janet prepares for her performance with a glass of wine

Finally 40 and I Feel Fabulous

I know that I am a little late with this one (as well as being behind with the blog posts this summer) but felt I couldn't let the biggest birthday so far pass without a mention. Party details and photos to follow.

I was lucky enough to be brought breakfast in bed before we boarded the train and headed off to London. We had a short look around the British museum after a pancake brunch and then off to my favourite part - the shopping.

We visited almost every store in Hatton Garden to find exactly what I wanted and I was not disappointed. The diamond necklace I chose is fabulous and I am looking for any excuse to wear it.

A few photos below including a fantastic present from Dad.

Lewis making the most of the freedom before we started the shopping expedition

Lewis and I in the distance at the British Museum

Blowing out my candle before desert at Smollenskys in the Strand

This is the great pastel drawing that dad sent me from Australia. It now has pride of place in our bedroom.

Lavender Fields Photography

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny evening (what a difference to recent days) and so we decided to go for a walk to the local lavender fields over in Banstead. My two favourite guys took their cameras and I have posted a few of the photos here:

Tony's photo of Lewis' photo of me

So many bees in the field all being snapped by Lewis, but his is one of the few that made the grade:

Lewis was extremely proud of this one - maybe a nature photographer in the making:

4th July - State Ball

Last Saturday was time for our School Summer Ball. Always good fun but this year exceeded expectations and was even more fun that usual.

As the Ball was being held on 4th July it was given a US theme. The quiz sheets on the table all had US questions to be answered and puzzles to be solved. I am pleased to announce that our table was triumphant in our victory and all thoroughly enjoyed sharing the large box of Thorntons chocolates as our prize (i-phones are jolly useful at times).

Purple did seem to be the chosen colour of the day:

Mr Blake decided not to be outdone on the sparkles:

The Gang (some starting to look a little worse for wear). I have to point out that Tony was the only one not drinking as he was driving!!