Dannys bike riding feats

Danny took to his bike like a natural as we took his stabilizers off for the first time. Within minutes he was getting cocky and lifting his legs off the pedals as seen in this video below.

Tunstall Hill

So this summer we've been on alot of family days out and it feels like we've been to loads of places that have been on our door step but never been to. This was when we climbed Tunstall Hill, it's the highest point in Sunderland and gives you great views of the city and the sea. We did take the long way round but I was amazed at how much green space there was up there. It was a lovely walk and the kids loved it.

Anna-Belle on top of the world!

The view looking north towards Shields. I think the chapel spire is the little white thing sticking up in the trees on the right of the picture.

Chris and the kids at the very top, I stayed with Anna-Belle at the bottom as it was a bit rocky for her.

Time for a change

After looking at the photos of Finchale Abbey I decided it was time for a change with the hair! My hairdressers eye lit up when I said I wanted it all off. So this is the new shorter look with a fringe.

Finchale Abbey

So on the way home from Plawsworth we missed the turning and ended up at Finchale Abbey, via Durham prison! I can't believe that Chris knew about this place and never suggested we come here. It was absolutely beautiful. Ruins, water, woods what more could you want. The kids thought it was great too.

It looks like they actually get along in this one!

Danny's idea of hiding.

Yet another cool tree to climb. It took us so long to get around the woods as there were so many great photos to take-if the batteries hadn't run out I think we may still have been there. After crossing the bridge we walked all the way around the woods then up what didn't seem like a big hill until we were at the top of it! When we got back to the car we were shattered. Anna-Belle was asleep before we even got out of the gate. I did have to feel a little sorry for Aimee as we promised to go to Rainton Meadows on the way back from Plawsworth but after our unplanned visit to the Abbey when we pulled up in the car park neither Chris or I had the energy to get out the car. So weather permitting we'll be back there tomorrow with friends! Anyway-great day-I have a new fav place.

Fruit Picking

Ok so after spending most of the week in doors we just had to chance the weather and get out or the children would not have survived today! After much deliberation we decided to take our annual trip to Plawsworth to go fruit picking, somethings that has become a bit of a family tradition.

I love the pic of Abbs, she absolutely loved it. I don't think that she got that you weren't supposed to eat them until after you paid for them, she must have eaten about a kg. I'm surprised she wasn't sick.

Aimee being very proud of her selection

Hollie snuggled into Daddy

Sorting out the best ones to take home and which ones to eat before getting to the counter!

Aimee looking cool as it started to rain. Luck for us it was on the way back to the car.

Sunderland Airshow

Dad and the 3 older kids went to the air-show yesterday and had a great time. The kids tried on helicopter helmets, fired paintball guns and went in a decommissioned helicopter.

Stake Athletics

Ok, so it would be too much to ask for the day to go without a hitch-wasn't expecting the hitch to involve so much blood! This weekend saw the first stake athletics we've had for a while and there has been a bit of a buzz around the stake for it. Anyway, we were blessed with perfect weather and the venue was fab. Anna-Belle fell over and cut her knee as we got out of the car and exercised her lungs to full capacity! There was a big play park right next to the track which the kids wanted to go on all morning. We were there for no more than 2 minutes when Aimee came running up to me crying. Emmaleigh was swinging really high on the swings and Aimee stood just that little bit too close-hence the cut. Bless her.

Other than that it was a great day, the kids really enjoyed it. I think they were digging to China by this tree. Chris did a great job organizing it-we even had an ice-cream van turn up.

The winners-Ashington aka the Redpath boys!

New kitchen/family room

It's been ages since I put anything on so here I am. We were looking at a house nearer the school but unfortunately it didn't work out. As a result we decided to make the kitchen a bit more of a family room, so after trips to Currys and IKEA (twice) the kitchen has been transformed and fells great. Oh I forgot about Juli's £34 sofa off EBAY. It is actually a really nice sofa at 3 times the price.

The kids love it as we have got a TV in there now so that the kids can play on the Wii and stuff while Jules is making tea. It hooks up to the IPOD as well so I can put music and photos on as well as audiobooks and videos.

Sun Sun Sun

The hot weather called for a few trips to the beach a few weeks ago. The kids really enjoy just playing in the sand and getting wet.

Aimee the sun worshipper. This is her trying to get dry the lazy way-typical Aimee, finding the way with the least effort!

Abbs just enjoying the sun.

Emmaleighs Baptism

Wow, what a busy time we're had. The day after we got back from Canada it was Emmaleighs birthday. The day itself was pretty uneventful as her party and baptism weren't until Saturday , which came much faster than we had ever thought. Despite being forecast rain it was a lovely sunny day.

Her dress turned out lovely in the end and she look beautiful. All of the family were there and we were all so proud. I just can't believe that my oldest has passed yet another milestone in her life.