Winter trekking

Tom allowed us another good night's sleep, and we all woke up feeling pretty refreshed. He apparently had 2 wake-ups during the night, but they were just a few seconds long and required no intervention. I didn't hear either anyway. I was out for the count.

Tom madded about on our bed for about an hour before breakfast (the usual weekend routine) and wore himself out sufficiently for another sleep at about 9.00.

The forecast suggested that the weather might go off in the afternoon, so we headed out to Church Stretton for a walk up the snowy Carding Mill Valley (see photo) and a "hilarious" lunch at the National Trust Café (see video). As usual, he charmed all around him with his antics, but pulled an extraordinary face when Nik fed him a spoonful of spicy parsnip soup. She didn't manage to get a second spoonful in.

Oh yes, forgot to mention. As Tom finally reached the magical 9kg mark this week, we decided to try him out in his forward-facing car seat. We took the old one just in case he didn't take to it. No need. He giggled for the whole 45 minute journey on the way to C.S. and fell into a deep sleep on the way back, from which we surmised that it must be OK. The only danger is the effect it has on my driving. I couldn't stop myself from turning round to look at his grinning mug. I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon though.

The weather did look like getting nasty while we were eating lunch, but nothing much happened in the end. We were keen to get back, though, as tonight is roast duck night. Dinner time can't come soon enough for me. Or the cat by the look of it.

Must add that Tom had a mad afternoon. He was in such a good mood, everything seemed to tickle him. He crawled up and down the middle floor landing about 6 times and went loopy every time he saw the Gymbabes ball. He plays catch with the ball very well and will crawl after it where ever it is. We hope we have tired him out so that he has another good sleep tonight.