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.

Canada Day 4

Well I tried to upload some images but it didn't work so it'll just have to wait until I get home. Anyway another great day, the weathers really holding. This morning we went to a great play park in Somerset with some of the other mums from the ward.

After running around for 2 hours we had some lunch then we headed over to Bragg Creek. The boys must have played hard as they fell asleep on the way there. Bragg Creek was great but alot colder than the park. There was still alot of snow on the ground so walking through the wood felt lovely until we spotted some bear prints in the snow so quickly decided to head back to the car.

We then went up to Elbow falls as the boys really wanted to throw stones in the water. That too was quite cold so we didn`t stay long.

On the way home we stopped off for ice cream near Bragg Creek which was delicious.

We got back for tea then the boys did some sponge painting. Finally we got them bathed and into bed. Thank goodness peace at last-well nearly!

Canada

After what seemed like the longest flight ever we finally touched down in Calgary on Sunday afternoon and we have not stopped since!

After something to eat on Sunday we went for a walk down at Fish Creek. It had been a beautiful day so there were alot of families there having BBQs and riding bikes. We found a spot where the boys could throw stones and they were quite content to stay there. Getting back to the car wasn't so easy and we nearly got lost in the woods! Danny lead the way and was very proud that he found the path.

The weather was going to be good on Monday so we decided to go to the zoo. The zoo was huge and the boys really loved it. We saw animals that we have never seen before, there were hippos, bison and even camels. As the weather was so nice it was quite busy, Danny loved the play park there and I think he would have been happy if we had left him there. We only got them off with the promise of an ice lolly and they turned out to be the biggest ones ever!

With the zoo done we went to see Nicola and the family in Airdrie. The kids loved the creme eggs I had brought them and the boys thought the huge trampoline was great. When we got there only Ethan was at home so the girls got a surprise as they came home. Two hours flew by and we needed to get back to pick Joseph up.

Jennie had made us a lovely tea which Danny gobbled up really fast so we went to Dairy Queen for afters. Danny chose a hot fudge sundae and I had a strawberry one - very yummy! The whole day had been too much for Hollie who just didn't seem happy. After getting the boys to bed it was obvious that Hollie wasn't well so it was off to the doctors. 12 hours later and a trip to the most colourful hospital that I have ever seen she was much better and thankfully we were able to come home and get some sleep-something I hadn't had much of since we had arrived.

Tuesday was mostly spent catching up on sleep. In the afternoon Danny and I went on a park hunt. We found two great parks really close, then we went on a walk all around Bridlewood. We then had to pick big Joseph up from work and took him to play football and we tried to find a Tony Romas (great ribs). When we ended up at a gravel quarry on the top a hill in the middle of nowhere we realised that asking for directions in a restaurant for another restaurant wasn't the best idea and went back to Dairy Queen for burgers instead which were great. We picked Joseph up from football and came home. Yet another late night for the boys but hay it's a holiday.

I've discovered that Danny's most favorite things are Mario Kart, Ice cream and parks. Two out of three isn't bad!

Sorry no pics yet, I'll have to put them in later. Hope you are all having fun too. We love and miss you. Mummy, Danny and Hollie x x x

Beamish

Took the girls to Beamish today. All the forecasts said that it would rain all day but we risked it anyway as Em and Aimee are back at school tomorrow. They really loved it. We had great fun and got some great photos.

Aimee loved going down the pit although Emmaleigh & Abs didn't feel the same way.