Long Weekend and I CAN CYCLE!

So this weekend was what we call the Shell Weekend when a whole load of people get together for a weekend away.  We are sort of hangers on as friends of Lisa and Cameron.  Most of them work for Shell (hence our name for it) but it started off as a 40th birthday party for one of the guys so the friends really revolve around him including both sets of parents etc.  They are all good friends and see quite a bit of each other, we are the only ones that only see most of the group once a year (apart of course from Lisa and Cameron)  There are plenty of children around - Tom is the only 3 year old, but there is a 5 year old and a 2 year old, however saying that Tom was more interested hanging around Maggie who is 8, Daniel who is 12 and Michaela who is 15!

Anyway, back to the beginning, Matt decided that he was going to take Friday off, so we decided to make a day of it and go the scenic way to the gathering point (near Glossop).  We went cross country, it did take quite a while - the roads were slow and every traffic light we encountered seemed to turn red as we approached it, although it was interesting going through towns we haven't been to before.  As it got near to lunch time we decided to find somewhere for lunch.  We followed signs to a country park (Hollingworth) and thankfully it had a cafe, so we went inside.  First thing we noted - it was really really cold - much colder than I've experienced for a while.  The cafe was situated in a visitor centre which had lots of activities to keep Tom occupied whilst lunch was being made.

After lunch we decided that as it wasn't pouring with rain and as there was some flat paved paths that we should take the opportunity to try Tom out on his bike again - it had been a good 3 weeks since we last tried.  First of all, he allowed us to push him from the back - hurray and then he decided to pedal.  We couldn't believe our eyes, he basically did it by himself, we didn't need to say or do anything (maybe 3 weeks of sleeps thinking about it was what he needed)  Matt and I were really excited - I was jumping up and down on the spot!  We were both so proud. First he did about 5 meters, then 10 meters, then 15 meters including a bend - he was getting better and better.  We then decided to find the country park's lake and take the bike there for more practise - Tom just did better and better.  It was a good day.

To see a video of his exploits have a look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wl0Fq2gAzk&sns=em

Our house for the weekend

We then carried on towards Glossop, got caught in some awful traffic but made it there around 3.30 so in plenty of time to run around and play cricket, football etc and do some exploring.  The house was very grand - almost a Stately Home, plenty of scope for hide and seek.  We had a small bedroom with stairs leading up to another twin bedroom, so for once we weren't all in the same bedroom which was nice.

Our traditional first meal of the weekend was curry - made by one of the couples.  As usual it was amazing - a choice of 4 curries with every accompaniment you can think of.  I over ate, in fact I majorly over ate.  So much so that I hardly slept at all that night (ended up in the other bed in Tom's bedroom in an attempt to get more comfortable.)

Breakfast was a bacon sarnie and then we split into two groups - one to do a long walk around Kinder Scout and the other to Speedwell Cavern.  Today was not a great day.  Not only was I short on sleep, but I had a feeling of doom about pretty much everything and my fears were pretty much realised on all counts.  Matt did the walk and Tom and I went to the cavern.  I did explain to everyone that I really had no idea where I was going, but was told to punch Castleton into the sat nav and it would be easy to find.  In fact I was made to go first on the road.  The first thing my sat nav did was try to send me down a dead end - meaning I had no faith in it at all.  Unfortunately I couldn't use my instinct as I didn't have any.  As I was going down a main road following the road signs to Castleton I saw all the others turn off and go another way - FANTASTIC!!!!!  I didn't have any phone numbers for them and neither did Irene my passenger.  In the end it took us about 45 minutes to get there, all the others were waiting a good half hour for us and thought we had got lost.  Matt even got a call from one of the people in the party wondering where we were.

I got tickets to the cavern and waited for the next tour.  First thing we had to do was climb down 106 steps to the cavern.  Tom gave up after about 20 steps so I carried him down.  At the bottom of the cavern we were to get a boat which would take us along an underground stream to the big cave.  Tom decided to have a mega tantrum - shouting no, NO, NO, NO, NO WANT TO GO IN THE BOAT - screaming, crying, turning red with rage.  It was awful and really really embarrassing in front of all these people I don't know very well.  I was so embarrassed that I started to cry as well.  I was all for climbing back up the steps but Irene took hold of Tom and told me to get in the boat.  I did.  Tom was still screaming.  Luckily Nona (one of the group) had a tube of fruit pastilles, so I stuffed as many as I could into Tom, this worked - he couldn't cry if he was chewing.  After a while he did calm down, but I didn't hear any of the commentary and was unable to relax or enjoy it.  The big cave at the end of the stream wasn't that much to look at (we've been spoilt in other caves I think).  Tom was OK getting the boat back, he was happy to clamber in and even enjoyed some of the commentary on the way back "silly man walking with feet in air".  

It was almost 2pm by the time we got out of the cavern, so we all headed into Castleton to find a pub for lunch.  Had a really good sandwich (goats' cheese, parma ham and mango chutney) and Tom ate a huge plate of fish, chips and peas.  Tom and I then walked back to the car - he had another mega tantrum - he wouldn't walk, he shouted no, NO, NO, NO, NO, sat down in protest, spat at me, screamed, cried, you name it he did it.  I ended up literally dragging him all the way to the car.  Not what you would call a fun day. We drove back to the house and Tom was sent to his room in disgrace.

View from Kinder Scout

Matt arrived with the other walkers looking very tired, a 7 mile walk turned into a 10 mile walk and was very hard going.  We exchanged stories and felt sorry for each other!  We had a BBQ for dinner and then went to bed pretty early - one physically drained and one emotionally drained.

Sunday morning we had bacon sandwiches again and then lazed around for a while - Tom playing with the other children.  In fact he was enjoying himself so much that in the morning whilst Matt and I were still in bed we told him to go and find the others to play with and he did and didn't come back - very unusual but also very very lovely.  Tom also decided that Fred (comedy French man) was the best person to play with (he was probably right) and attached himself to him - much hilarity ensued.

Eventually around 11am we decided that we should start on our way home - we decided to go the faster way - ie on the motorway.  We stopped off at Chorley to go to Booth's (apparently voted the best Supermarket in the World) - was OK, but nothing so special we were both a little confused, plus it didn't have a cafe, so we had to go to the Wetherspoon's next door instead.  Oh well, we then drove to Morecambe and got the bike out again.  This time Tom looked a pro - he cycled well over 2 miles - just kept going.  Matt and I had to run behind him - something I don't enjoy - think we will need to get the bike carrier out again so that I can cycle with him.

We got home exhausted but happy and collapsed in bed.

Hair Cut

Spiky hair!

Today we all went into Kendal for the afternoon, the boys tried out a Turkish barbers - they both seemed to enjoy themselves.  Tom had 'product' put in his hair - making his fringe all spiky -  he looked sooooo grown up, and Matt had his ears flamed????!

Dry day, wet day

Me and Tiger Tom at Malham Tarn

So this weekend was our first weekend to ourselves since we've been here (although originally we were supposed to meet with some friends on Saturday) - we've been really lucky having so many visitors during our settling in time.

We took the opportunity to start house hunting so made some appointments and headed to Ingleton for the morning.  Both houses were good - the first one had the best and biggest kitchen and the second had the best garden and plenty of character - but the smallest kitchen in the world.  We have 2 more to see and then I guess we will need to make a decision.  One thing of note though, both sets of owners were the loveliest people.  The first owner was late but his brother (old next door neighbour) looked after us with drinks and biscuits.  The second set were oaps who had travelled the world including Japan - ended up there for an hour - mostly chatting about travel etc rather than talking about the house.

Tom in Malham

We had lunch at Neptis - the whole village was there - it was Wild West Weekend so lots of cowboys and cow girls around and face painting, craft activities etc.  The owner / manager of the cafe - Rachel seems to know everyone in the village - but on talking to her today it turns out that she is one of 14 grandchildren, in fact the first house we looked at today belongs to one of her cousins.  It is a nice place to go though, a lovely atmosphere and Tom is known by name there.

Tom on a silly Reggie!

We walked back to the car - stopping to watch some line dancing and look at some horses on the way and then drove to Malham Tarn.  We had heard that the walk around the Tarn was easy and flat so thought we would go there with Tom.  It didn't start very well because it was windy so Tom cried, but luckily kicking a football seemed to help him get over it and he walked (well kicked) really well without any more protest.  He was so good that we treated him to tea and a bun in Malham afterwards.  Can't wait for him to have a bit more stamina so we can do proper walks with him.  Came home via Country Harvest where Matt bought some very tasty lamb pinwheels for dinner.

Tom and a Bear

Sunday was a revolting day - windy, cloudy and very very very rainy.  It was definitely an indoor day. We had a look on various websites and decided to do the Lakeside and Haverthwaite and Lakeside Railway with a side trip to the aquarium.  It was a good choice as the rain didn't stop the whole day - so much so that we couldn't see a thing out the windows of the train.  Oh hum - I'm sure it is beautiful on a good day.  First stop though was the aquarium at Lakeside (directly opposite Fell Foot Park) - not bad for a small one - they have 2 otters who were very cute and then fish from around the world as well as some monkeys, a 'funny reggie' snakes etc.  No sharks, but we did get Tom a very good and very cheap shark T-shirt from there (size 6?????!!)  

Then it was time for the train - it didn't start well, we got caught up in a crowd when it was pouring with rain and then the train tooted - all of which made Tom cry.  Took a while for him to cheer up again but we got there eventually and he enjoyed the ride.  We looked around the station at Haverthwaite - which had a Thomas room with craft activities, mega blocks, a table with track and trains and a Thomas train running on tracks suspended from the ceiling.  There was also face painting (again!)  Tom was in his element and even managed to play with the trains when there were two other boys playing with them.  He had his face painted again - but this time as Thomas.  We only just managed to drag him away to have lunch.  Lunch was good though, there was a 'funny man' there who did magic tricks, dog balloons and was generally very silly.  Tom was entranced by him, I must say he did have a brilliant manner with the kids.  A couple of fish finger sandwiches later we returned to the Thomas room for a little more play before meeting with a large mascot bear for photos and then back to Lakeside on the train and another go through the aquarium before returning home (he fell asleep in the car and stayed asleep as we transferred him to his bed)

We then had an afternoon in listening to the torrential rain looking at photos and doing jigsaws.  Then dinner and bed.

School shock

Friday Tom and I went for a look around Kirkby Lonsdale Pre-school which is part of the primary school.  I was expected a half hour look around the pre-school room and a chat with the teacher.

How wrong I was!  I arrived and was greeted with "Oh, Mrs Young, we are expecting you" and then got introduced to Mrs Oldroyd (who I worked out about 10 minutes later was the head teacher).  She took me to pre-school, we had a look around and then we left Tom in the pre-school room whilst she showed me round the whole school.  I so wasn't expecting this - I was only looking to put Tom here for one session a week until we move to our new house where-ever that may be.  I certainly wasn't going with a view to sending him to school there next year.  As a result my brain went completely blank with questions I should ask and I ended up a nervous wreck (I didn't have a particularly good time at school and as a result all the old insecurities returned and I ended up with a stomach and a headache!)  Oh hum, I'm sure I will get better.  Anyway, schools have changed since I was last in one (mainly due to the bank of computers in each room) and lessons seem more practical than academic.  The head mistress was quite scary though and I found it really strange being introduced to all the teachers as Ms Hitchinson, Ms Robson etc etc - they were mostly around my age and I have many friends who are teachers all of whom allow me to call them by their first name!

Tom enjoyed himself in pre-school, although he wouldn't join in at storytime (nothing new there) and the pre-school teacher was really lovely - a lovely cuddly grannie type of person - Tom would love her.  We finally left the school 2 hours later - my brain completely fuddled.

It wasn't a nice day so we went into Kendal for the afternoon - lunch at the Booth's restaurant - very good quality and fantastic service and then a quick look round the shops and purchase of blue plasters, eye bandage etc for my Lily Pad first aid kit and then home.

New nursery, new friends

This is the first official week back at school after the holidays so all the groups have started up again.

Monday I went to 'Move and Groove' in Ingleton - advertised as for 2-4 year olds.  Turned up to find most were 2 and under 2, including babies.  One 3 year old turned up, also a Thomas, unfortunately he was deaf and had learning difficulties so not a great match for Tom.

Tuesday we went to a play group held by Casterton School - once again everyone was under 3.  Tom didn't seem to mind and the mums were quite friendly.  Went to a playbarn in the afternoon - was very quiet - only about 6 children were there, and once again all young ones - where oh where are the 3 year olds round here?

Wednesday and Thursday Tom went to his new nursery and from what we can work out really enjoyed it.  He cried at 2pm on Wednesday and 3.20pm on Thursday, but has found some friends (his age too - yahoooo!)  Toby and Lily - both of whom gave him hugs and kisses when Tom left each.  A real relief.  I in the meantime have used my 'time off' wisely and have started to set up Lily Pad Bakery again.  I have sorted out marketing, updated the website ready for relaunch, and contacted Environmental Health  and done an on-line Food Safety Course.  Hopefully soon it will be all systems go.

Boys' Weekend

He's in there somewhere

Saturday Grannie and I went to London together, leaving the boys to their own devices.  I went to London to see Lindsey and Stuart as they are emigrating to Australia at the end of the month and were having a leaving do.  I had a lovely time - London was a good 10 degrees hotter than Cumbria so I was a little over dressed.  I was sad to say goodbye to Lindsey, but am so happy for her new adventure and hopefully we will see her next year if we go over there.

One thing to note, there was a very different atmosphere in London - people were happy???!!!  The Paralympic games definitely had had an affect on the place, I even got given a sweet on the train back to Pat and Bob's by one of the games makers.  Feel sorry now that we didn't make the effort to go down there - although with the move it would have been quite difficult.

Anyway - over to Matt:

Well, Tom & I dropped off Mummy and Grannie at Oxenholme station and then dashed in the car down to the level crossing at Hest Bank so that we could wave at them as they sped past on their Pendolino. Nice idea, but as we were waiting by the gates, another train went north at great speed, which scared Tom. He burst into tears and refused to stand there any longer, so we had to go and hide next to the beach cafe. Ho hum. He also insisted that we used the bridge rather than the level crossing all afternoon.

England's next superstar?

Still, the weather got out really nice, and we had a good time digging shells (and dumping them in rock pools), playing velcro tennis and cricket, with his new cricket set. Given that he wasn't at all well, he played very nicely and showed himself to be a pretty decent cricketer. When he did hit the ball, it fairly flew. We stayed a couple of hours, had tea and a bun at the cafe and then headed home. He watched a bit of TV and then had a small dinner (a fish finger and a few spuds). The lovely weather meant that we could eat outside, and the sight of the chickens, rabbits and funny sheep doing their stuff in the field really cheered him up, and he ate more than I thought he would. More importantly, it all stayed down. We had a quick bath and Tom then headed off to bed for a much needed sleep.

Fortunately, he slept right through and woke up in good spirits. He ate a decent breakfast and said he'd like to throw stones on the beach on the Lune next to Devil's Bridge. It was a nice morning, so that's what we did. It all started very well - hardly anyone about - but he then slipped into the river, filling one welly with water. I changed his trousers, but he didn't really get over it. We then had one of those ridiculous displays where he becomes petrified of dogs - in this case a shaggy dog about 30 yards away who was enjoying chasing sticks into the river. We had complete hysterics, so bad that the the dog's owners tied him (the dog) up. This wasn't on, so I apologised to them and brought my silly son home. He spent about 15 minutes in his room, contemplating his behaviour, before he calmed down enough for us to go out again. We've been meaning to go to Kitridding farm shop and cafe since we moved here, so that's what we did. Good choice. We each had a cheese scone and I had an outstanding cup of coffee, the owner was extremely friendly and chatty, there was a lovely farm cat who enjoyed a good stroke, and we also managed to walk round the lake and shout at the ducks. I think it was exactly what he needed to get himself back on track.

Throwing stones

Before long, though, it was time to head to Oxenholme to meet Mummy from the train, although we had to wait on the southbound platform, as his tummy was still quite not right and there's no loo on the northbound platform. Anyway, Nik's train arrived on time, so we collected her and headed to nearby Sizergh Castle for the afternoon. We played a bit more cricket on the lawn (Nik did her best to lose the ball by whacking it over a fuchsia hedge), and then we actually did the tour inside the castle, mainly because they provide a kids' activity sheet whereby they have to look for a specific object in every room. He did very well and managed to tick off all the items. Then tea and a bun and back home to rescue the washing - the sky was starting to look very threatening.

Kitridding pork cops for dinner (very nice), then off to bed ready for the working week.

Grannie's visit

Tom's trial went well on Wednesday. I sat in the staff room reading a magazine (bliss!) whilst he explored the room, when I reappeared he was happy and the lady looking after him said he could come any day as he is a good tidy upper.  Anyway he was happy which meant that I was happy.

On Thursday Grannie came on the train.  Matt and Tom went to collect her then we headed into Kirkby Lonsdale for a wander around and tea and a bun.

Friday the plan was for a proper afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel in Morecambe - a famous art deco landmark.  First we went to Carnforth to play in the Thomas room and have a light lunch, then we did some memory lane bits for Pat - visiting various houses. We had time to kill so we thought we would wander around Morecambe town centre - BIG mistake.  Morecambe's best feature is its promenade - on no account should anyone walk behind it - the place was very drab, dreary, depressing and in dire need of help.  Lots of charity shops and pound shops and very little else.  It was pretty much impossible to spend any time strolling around as it wasn't exactly inviting or pleasurable.  Looking in the estate agents window confirmed the state of the town - property here is very cheap.  We ended up back on the promenade so Tom had a play in one of the parks there and then we looked at the shops on the promenade and actually came across a gem of a shop full of interesting toys including a huge big jigs selection and a huge selection of dolls house furniture and fittings (please note Mum!) so it wasn't a complete loss.

Afternoon tea (before it all went wrong!)

Eventually it was time and we headed to the hotel which felt very upmarket after our time in the town centre.  We quickly brushed hair, put on smart clothes and made ourselves presentable before being seated.  It really was very nice, we looked out on the sea from the warmth of the conservatory.  Tea came and was very nice we were looking forward to a nice civilised afternoon, but it wasn't to be:

1) Tom took a bite of his first sandwich and was promptly sick - luckily most of it went in his napkin.
2) Pat managed to drop part of her custard tart on the floor.  The custard ended up running down her handbag and she couldn't find the pastry until the end of the meal when it turned up stuck to her black trousers.
3) We all had a massive giggling fit during the custard tart incident - you had to be there, but we were crying with laughter and making a spectacle of ourselves.
4) Matt managed to drop the chocolate bit of his chocolate eclair on the floor and then rub it into the carpet.
5) Matt then reached across the table and smeared clotted cream across his shirt.

I was well behaved (apart from uncontrollable giggles).  Humm, not sure we will be allowed back.  It was very nice as you can see from the photo, we were the last to finish, not sure if that was because we were being slow or because the other guests left early to get away from us!

Anyway, it was an afternoon tea to remember.

We got home, gave Tom some jam on toast and a banana at his request - he was instantly sick - he wasn't well, so he had a dip in the bath and went to bed whilst the sofa covers went in the washing machine.

Lighthouses

Lighthouses!

Today it was another beautiful day so we went to Morecambe again (I love being by the sea!)  Tom had another biking lesson - but we had no improvement on yesterday - think it was too windy today.  So we had a picnic and then played sandcastles.  Tom had me making sandcastles, and told me where to put them, then he decorated them with stones and called them lighthouses.  I then had to bury his feet.  This is the result.

"Happy Annie Nursery"

Tom delighted to be invited to our anniversary meal

Monday was our 8th Wedding Anniversary.  We almost forgot!  So much has been going on recently that it crept up on us without us really noticing.  Neither of us had cards, and as we are now living in the middle of nowhere, we had no opportunity to quickly run out and get one - at least we are both as rubbish as each other!!!!

The day started with Tom trying out his new nursery for an hour.  He didn't do too badly, clung to me at the beginning, but warmed up after not too long and did some exploring with the staff.  He's going back in on Wednesday for an hour without me - fingers crossed he doesn't miss me.

We then had lunch at home and went to Morecambe as it was lovely weather - blue sky and no wind.  I gave Tom another biking lesson.  He did much better today - I managed to get him to pedal whilst I was holding on to the front of the bike (he won't let me push him from behind!) so definite progress - he had a ice cream to celebrate.  We then explored Happy Mount Park (another zip wire which he monopolised for a while) but then began to flag so came home.

Luckily he fell asleep in the car on the way home, so I left him there when we arrived back, then we headed out to Kirkby Lonsdale for our anniversary meal out.  We went to the Italian again.  Tom was in top form, entertaining us royally.  He sang us a number of nursery rhymes (including Peter Rabbit - which he is doing in the photograph) and was generally a happy, charming chappy.  We demolished our garlic bread, meat ball pasta and ebi & chorizo pasta in no time at all and he remained happy.  It really was a pleasure to be with him - he made our night.  Oh and his version of Happy Anniversary - Happy Annie Nursery!

More Model Railways

When we were at the model railway exhibition in Carnforth we picked up a flyer advertising another exhibition in Millom this weekend.  As Tom enjoyed it in Carnforth so much we decided to go.  It took a while to get there, but it was worth it.  This time there were 12 layouts including one based in Japan (we were very excited, explained our link with Japan and exchanged email addresses).  There was also a Thomas layout which children could operate (Tom's favourite for obvious reasons) and a layout with the smallest real steam engines you have ever seen.  Also was a 5 inch gauge garden railway for children to ride on (Tom did this 3 times - it was free!)  We were even photographed by the local newspaper: http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/millom/millom-model-railway-exhibition-1.991795?referrerPath=pictures (scroll to the penultimate one).

Our tummies started to rumble, so we found ourselves a greasy spoon - Tom ended up with the biggest lunch again (how does he do it?) and then headed off to Grange Over Sands where we took off Tom's stabilisers and tried to persuade him to ride his bike freestyle.  Not a great success - he did manage 4 revolutions by himself and then cried!  Typical, as we no longer had visitors, it was a glorious day with bright sunshine.

Weekend with the Morrows

So we continue to have visitors, it's been fabulous for Tom recently, lots of people to play with - we are under no illusion that they have all come to see him not us, he certainly is a popular boy.  AND all his visitors are girls - could this be the sign of things to come?!

Selecting stones

1, 2, 3...

So on Friday we rushed out to go swimming for the last time in the open air pool in Ingleton (it closes next week)  It was absolutely beautiful in the morning - deep blue sky, not a cloud to be seen.  Meant the pool floor was freezing, but it was lovely to be in the sunshine in the water.  He didn't do as well as he did the week before, being in full cling mode, but he stuck the session out and was given a certificate and we were invited to nibbles afterwards, luckily Sammie had texted me saying she was running a little late meaning we could hang around managed to do some networking, chatting to some of the mums.  No-one seemed to know of any children in Ingleton who are 3!  Beginning to think Tom will be in a class of his own when he goes to school!

We got back home with about 30 mins to spare before Sammie, Sophie and Jen arrived.  Tom was absolutely delighted to see them - big hugs all round.  We had a quick lunch and then went out to show the girls Kirkby Lonsdale.  We played in the field by Devil's Bridge and did the long walk by the river into the village.  We decided to go down to the beach area to explore and to throw stones.  All 3 children loved throwing stones and did it with lots of enthusiasm - it is amazing that there weren't any injuries.

Very cute.

throw as far as you can

The plan was to walk in and then go to the park (Jen had requested this).  However, as soon as we arrived in the village the heavens opened and it rained.  There was no point going to the park so we went to a tea room instead and sampled local produce (very important job).  Tried out the pink tea room on the corner and found upstairs comfy sofas and LOTS of toys for children - fantastic (the 3 children played with the toys with pretty much no argument :0))  Also there was a separate room which would be perfect for a Jelly especially as they have free wifi.  After quite a long stop in the tea room we walked in the rain back to the car and back home.  We had dinner and then the children had a bath together.  They all went to bed really nicely as well, amazing, I thought we would have trouble with all the excitement.

The podium

As has become the norm when we have guests the sun decided not to come out on Saturday.  Not great - we want to show this region off to everyone - it really is quite hard if it is cold and miserable, especially as it is August!  Oh hum, the Morrows are made of stern stuff though and said they didn't mind going out in the cold, so we stuck to plan A and took them to Fell Foot Park at the bottom of Lake Windermere.  It did look as if it was going to be sunny a couple of times, but the clouds won and we had to run around to keep warm :0(.  We bought the children a fishing net each, and spent a good hour fishing for dead leaves.  We had a brave picnic in the cold (Matt went to fetch hot drinks for him and Sammie) and then did some running round after Sammie treated the children to a kite (we all definitely need more kite practise - we did manage to launch it and keep it up a couple of times).  Then to the adventure park - Tom made a beeline to the zip wire then I played monster in the maze (lots of screaming) before we (I) decided that an ice-cream was needed (it was hard work being a monster!).  So we had an ice cream and then decided to call it a day - pizza dough needed to be made for dinner.

Fishing for ... leaves

So, back home, dinner and then we had to say farewell to the Morrows.  The girls donned their pyjamas and then got in the car for their journey home.  It was a short visit, marred by rubbish weather, hopefully the weather will behave better next time.  It was lovely to see everyone, Tom really has been spoilt.  Thank you for visiting.