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