Preparing for Christmas

Yesterday Lewis and I headed up to London to the theatre to see the Lion King. It was a great show but sadly no photos (not allowed). So instead here are a couple of photos taken in the Rainforest Cafe at lunchtime:

Scary Snake

Sooooo cute, Sooooo soft, Sooooo cuddly - Now put him down!

Here is a photo from a couple of weeks ago when we decorated the Christmas Tree. Now he's growing up I have less and less to do.

Today was mince pie making. Lewis' favourite Christmas treat,(apart from cheesecake - oh yes I forgot that's not traditional Christmas, just our recent important additive to the desert menu):

Snow Day 1st December!!

Yesterday morning we awoke to snow, only a couple of inches so not too bad. The journey out of the village was a little hairy but I was very glad that Tony had bought the Subaru (and even more pleased that he had left it here and not at the airport whilst he is away).

A pretty morning sight

The snow continued to fall all day yesterday and then a little more overnight so after an hour long journey home from school (one I really don't want to repeat in a hurry), and hearing of too many other dreadful stories of long journeys that should also have been short, we have decided to have a snow day at home.

The garden is well and truly covered.

Lewis was sent home yesterday with plenty of work to keep him busy, and school have very kindly e-mailed a load more for tomorrow. At least we can study at home together.

My industrious boy

Then it was time to get outside and have some fun.

My Angel!

Yes, shortly after this was taken both handfuls came hurtling in my direction.

CATCHING UP

I am so far behind on blog posts once again I decided pictures say 1000's words so here goes with just a selection of things that have happened in the Blake household over the summer:

High in the sky on the London Eye

Faces painted at Chessington

Meeting his Hero

A Visit to Great Nanna

Fun Cars at Beaulieu Motor Museum

Top Gear Exhibition

Highcliffe Beach

Go Karting with Daddy

Walking on Water

Now Underwater

Day out in Lymington

Lewis collecting his next Kung Fu grading certificate

Making Pizzas at Nonnas House

Helping wash the car

Chilling out

Very proud after swimming 100 lengths

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL YEAR

Today was the end of a school year, I really cannot believe how the time has flown. The end of year assembly was apparently very boring with the highlight being asked to go on stage and collect his Grade 1 Clarinet Certificate from the head master.

The afternoon was spent with friends at Chessington World of Adventures. With the temperature reaching 30' we were definitely getting ready for Disney.

Here is the Kobra Ride - at new one this year and Lewis hadn't tried it yet.

As I had hurt my back I was able to take photos instead of riding today:

Lewis can be seen in the middle of the photo wearing a red t-shirt.

It went really fast according to Lewis:

OH Dear, the ride stopped half way through. They were stuck for about 10 minutes before climbing down a ladder to get off. Luckily they were given a pass to ride again once it was working properly. That time it was "AWESOME".

Then it was time for the Runaway Train:

FAMILY GET TOGETHER

A big family get together recently marked Uncle Mark and Auntie Gills 50th wedding anniversary - quite some milestone in this day and age.

We all had a really lovely day and Tony was able to capture this shot of everyone for them to remember the day by:

Derby Day

A few weeks ago the annual Epsom Derby was held up at the racecourse. As has become tradition now we took a stroll up to the start to take and picnic and watch the horses set off.

For once the weather was sunny and picnic worthy. Sadly Tony forgot to put a memory card in the camera so the only photo recording the day is from the i-phone:

LEGOLAND

During the half term holidays the weather began to warm up giving us all a chance for a family day to Lewis' favourite place - Legoland. I am pleased to say the weather still holds and at the moment we may even be seeing a real summer in the UK at long last!!! So I'm sure a few more Legoland visits will be happening.

Lewis' favourite ride - the Driving School, he takes his driving very seriously:

The winner:

How awesome are these, Buzz and Woody made from Lego:

SPONGEBOB LEWIS

A few weeks ago at school it was the end of half term party, with a 'funny' dressing up theme.

Lewis decided that he wanted to dress up as Spongebob Squarepants so he and Tony set to work over the weekend creating a costume. Here is their creation:

When Jasmine saw it she wanted to try it for size, leaving Lewis to do his

impression of Patrick Star - Spongebob's best friend:

GREAT NEWS

I am soooooo behind on blog posts I almost don't know where to start, so I will begin with some great news.

As many of you know Lewis recently sat his Grade 1 Clarinet exam. I am now pleased to announce that he has passed with Merit - a fantastic achievement. Well done Lewis.

No photos of his certificate yet but here is one of Lewis practising recently:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE & SMURFS!!

Yesterday was Julie's Birthday and so a trip to Nonna's was in order today to celebrate the occasion. Here are Lewis and Jasmine helping to blow out the candles:

Whilst at Nonnas it was also a time to help clear out the loft, plenty of stuff going back many, many, many years. For me the best find of the day was Tony's collection of Smurf's. Mum and Dad you may recall 30 years ago me asking for you to fill up with petrol at the National Service stations, because they were the ones giving away Smurfs. For some reason you didn't and so this has obviously left me scarred for life as I was soooo chuffed to find Tony's collection I have cleaned them up and claimed them for my own giving them pride of place on a shelf in the lounge. Happy Days.....

CRICKET SEASON

Return to school for the summer term this week also saw the start of the cricket season. This was not a game that Lewis had really played before and although he enjoyed it, he decided he needed some practice. So with Daddy back at last from San Francisco and the sun shining what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

EASTER HOLIDAYS

The last 2 1/2 weeks have just flown by. Easter Holidays are over and Lewis is back to school tomorrow. As usual I have not had a camera to hand (or even remembered the i-phone camera in my pocket) at all times, so here are just a few shots from the holiday activities:

An Easter Egg hunt with Jasmine:

A game of Monopoly at Grandma's house:

Even a trip to the supermarket is more fun when you

can scan the items yourself using your James Bond / Buzz Lightyear gun!!

Chilling out at home, still loving the Cars:

Making his own sandwich. I wish the chosen filling was

a little more healthy.... Cadburys Chocolate Spread:

Hanging around at the park:

Bowling. A firm favourite: