Sunday 29 May

Look how SMART he looks. In his new "Craigie shoes" and his new jumper from Nanna.

Wednesday 25 May

Quiet day at home today but managed to have fun with Mummy. And Joshie's new swimming pool from Auntie Annie. And some crayons and chalk. And Mummy's shoes!!

Sunday 22 May - Happy Birthday Lionel

We all had a sensational day today!! We celebrated Lionel's birthday, Joshua's birthday and the unveiling of our lovely new kitchen. So many friends came to be with us and we just loved having them. We entertained folk from all parts of our life - family, neighbours, church friends, NCT friends, London friends and friends of old. It was wonderful introducing them to each other and it was wonderful to have so many children here. Having our church friends with us meant that we had a couple of very willing, very hardworking babysitters for Joshua. Thank you especially to Sophie and Thomas whose love and attention of Joshua meant that Lionel and I could focus completely on our guests.

The day involved some afternoon nibbles and cool drinks followed by a couple of birthday cakes, a hotly contested game of Pass the Parcel, some hot sausages and ice lollies and we farewelled the children with a party bag of goodies.

Unfortunately we were a bit too busy to take any photos of the occasion but we've got a couple from our friends which show our Joshie engaging in a bit of hero worship of his babysitter Thomas and the Butlers (friends of old) and the Newcombes fiiiinally managing a nice photo of everyone...

Friday 20 May

After we celebrated Lily's birthday we enjoyed a special visit from Rose because her Daddy has hurt his elbow and couldn't look after her this afternoon. We always love visits from Rose and this one was extra special because Joshua and Rose got to have dinner and a bath together. Woo hoo!!!

Friday 20 May - Happy Birthday Lily

Lily, Joshie, Ernie & Anais celebrating in the sandpit

Wednesday 18 May

Today Joshua received the second part of his present from Robert, Lucinda, Nancy, Grace and Johnny and he spent quite a lot of time banging his new hammer all around the house...while wearing his "Craigie shoes" ... of course!!

Tuesday 17 May

We spent a busy weekeend celebrating some more important birthdays - Jack on Saturday and Ernie on Sunday. Then on Tuesday we celebrated...the completion of our new kitchen. We all love it and we're so pleased it's finally finished. Technically it did take a couple more days for the second window to be painted but it was pretty much finished on Tuesday when Darren finished tiling the walls.

We also managed to return the shoes which Craig and Tanya bought Joshua for his birthday and swap them for a slightly bigger pair. So we've got a few shots of Joshua modelling his new favourite shoes...and his new Bob the Builder hat received from his aunt, uncle and cousins in Northumberland.

Friday 13 May

Today we all travelled to Portsmouth together for a bit of shopping and lunch at Gunwharf Quays. Joshie loved the train (as usual) and we had the special surprise of a cannon being fired at midday. Joshie was a bit scared of the "big bang" and required a Mummy Cuddle to settle him but generally enjoyed the experience. Not least because Craigie and Tanya were there.

We left C&T finishing off their shopping because we had Maisie's 3rd birthday party to attend but there was time for more play with Craig and Tanya when we all got home - this time horsies and playing with Joshua's cars.

Thursday 12 May

Craig and Tanya came to visit us on 3 May but Fiona didn't want to interrupt the reunion with lots of photos so she let Craig and Mini-Craig bond without putting a camera in their face every few minutes. But once she felt their trip was coming to a close it was time to get some photos to help us remember the lovely time that we spent with them.

Wednesday 11 May - Birthday Celebrations at Bakersgate

Joshie enjoyed his second birthday cake of the day at Bakersgate with Grandpa Mark, Grandma Liz, Pippa, James and Olly. He scored some more smashing presents - a new watering can and some super duper playdoh toys. And once again, blowing out the candles was his favourite activity. One which we had to repeat several times. Fortunately Grandma Liz was ready with LOTS of candles. And, of course, the day wouldn't be complete without some tasting of that chocolate cake which Daddy made.

Wednesday 11 May - Birthday Celebrations at Toddler Group

Toddler Group at church today was a perfect opportunity to celebrate Joshie's 2nd birthday. We took a cake and aaaaaaaaaaaall the kids helped Joshua to blow out the candles, especially Anais because it was her birthday on Monday and Big Joshua because it's his birthday on Friday...

Fiona was embarassed at her feeble attempts at birthday cake decoration but Lionel was very impressed at her efforts.

Wednesday 11 May - Happy Birthday Joshua!!

Joshie woke up to LOTS of presents this morning - a tractor and trailer, some Matchbox cars, some bedtime books (from Mummy and Daddy), more books, slippers, a little tractor, a truck (from Great Big Nanna) and a Make a Monster game for the fridge (from Adin and the Prices). He had a ball opening all of them...