Breakfast gear

Emily came to eat her breakfast wearing this.. She was born in the wrong era, there's a hint of a raver about her.

Christmas cheer

It's fast approaching...

Drawing

Emily enjoys a bit of drawing. We have been looking at junior schools for Beth, what a minefield! We will put our choices down and hope for the best.

Lazy Saturday

It's handy having a big sister to read to you. It's a rare moment when both of them are quiet, happy and not shouting at each other.

It really is the big man himself!

Father Christmas popped by on Sunday, nice fella.

Christmas present??

All Beth wants for Christmas is her two front teeth... Her pox are clearing, but Emily's spots are appearing at a rate of knots.

Horse Riding

Beth went horse riding for the second time on Saturday and really seems to be getting on well with it. She has good balance and can trott. Mucking out doesn't seem to put her off either.

Meanwhile, whilst Beth was riding, Emily and I played in the sand pit area. I tried to get her to smile for my camera and this is what I got.

I ran the Kent Coastal Marathon a couple of weeks ago. This is me looking all teeth, snot and ears. I managed to finish in under 4 hours, which was a real bonus.

Men having breakfast.

Ride 'em cowboy

Yomp 2013 And Other News...

Tim, Steve, Royston Keith and I walked the Thanet Yomp yesterday. It was a great day out and we managed to complete the feat in our quickest time so far. Keith was on sparkling form. The weather forecast had predicted heavy rain all day but the big man upstairs spared us a soaking.

In other news, Emily's vocabulary is expanding rapidly. Parkes worked on the Gadds' stall at the inaugural Farmers' Market at the Marlowe Academy. It was a very busy day and very well supported by the general public. 

Walmer castle

Slave labour

Beth holding a lizard, she wasn't to impressed as she said it had sharp claws. I said a lizard would look a bit silly with soft furry paws.

Farming World

Emily sailing the pirate ship, ahoy there.

Last Saturday we went to the Teddy Bears' Picnic in King George VI park. It was very well organised and the weather was excellent. Beth rode a horse for the first time and really enjoyed it. Think the horse did too.

Summer??

Is it going to stay this warm?

Summer gear

Emily is all ready for the British summer with her wellies on, she loves them so much they are worn at some point every day, rain or shine. The Stringers have been busy brewing, running, passing English exams, going to school and falling over and bruising their heads. Looking forward to seeing Jus this Saturday for a much needed catch up.

Father's Day

New Playhouse

Louise kindly gave us a new playhouse. The girls are enjoying their time outside so much, I'm thinking of moving them out there permanently.

Went to Quex Craft Fair today. The event was cool but numbers were down due to the cold weather. However the birds of prey were in attendance and Beth got to grips with a Scop's Owl.

We had a good day out at the Monkton Nature Reserve with Grandad and Grandma. Here are two peas from the same pod; Emily and Grandad.

Daddy camel

This is an after picture.

Half term hospital trip

At last, Beth was admitted on Tuesday to the Evelina, the cyst was removed and the surgeons were happy they got it all. Here's hoping that's the end of the infections.
This is a before picture.

Rouen

Had a smashing weekend with Parkes, Keith and Nicole last weekend. Great company, food and the city was fairly cool too. Must have put on a few pounds on but it was good fun.

Rouen: Keith drinking with the locals.

 Rouen: Rue Du Bec.

 Rouen: The gritty streets.

 Rouen: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.

 Rouen: Cider time.

Rouen: Veau de tartare.

First shoes for Emmo

Emily had her feet measured today, a very techno 3G , much wider than Beths were. She loves them and hasn't stopped walking since, god help me.

Ladies that lunch

These two are perfecting the art of being little old ladies. Bank holiday Monday and it's sunny, who'd of thought it. Beth's neck is still pretty grim , we are off to Lewisham hospital on Wednesday to see her surgeon, not that he can do much as the abscess is still the size of a golf ball. My chicken pox are starting to crust over, all I can say to anyone with children is, do your damned hardest to get your kids infected with this vile virus before they get to 41 and three quarters.

First

Emily took her first unaided steps today in front of Grandma and myself, it won't be long before my life speeds up somewhat. Beth also got the school certificate for outstanding behaviour and work. I might introduce a certificate system at home.

Heeeyyyyyyyy

Super cool baby

Wingham

Nothing like a race with your Grandma! Grandad was team back up in case there were any crashes.

Emily stuck in Dolly's pram.

The zoo

Emilys first attempt at eating a yoghurt by herself, she seemed fairly pleased with her efforts.

Riding a unicorn

When there is a unicorn available to ride then it would be rude not to. Sunny but cold Easter Sunday down the harbour.

It's a modern world...

Who needs toys?

When you have an old big cardboard box, why bother with toys?

Nice weather

Today (Tuesday) and yesterday have been lovely, for a half term, that's unusual. Beth and Grandma down the beach playing a game I am not allowed to know.

February Birthday club

Today was a double Stringer celebration, Jon 41 and Emily 1, was a brilliant day and everyone had a great time. Thank you to everyone who sent cards and pressies.

Thief

If it's not nailed down she'll have it! Emily is one on Friday, can't quite get over where that year has gone, she will be leaving school before we know it.

Tooth number 2

Beth lost her second tooth at school today, she brought it home in a small envelope for the fairies. Emily has cut another tooth at last, her top left biggy. Toffee's all round.

Roller Queen

Beth's first time roller skating was a success, she only fell twice and really got the hang of it.

Britain's Next Olympic Bobsleigh Team

Rapunzel

Beth's own creation with a little help from Mum.

Tired

Still only two teeth for Emily, she must be tired waiting for them! We are

Brew Day Part 5

Into the fermenter and bubbling away...

Brew Day Part 4

Wort boiling (a little too much maybe).

Brew Day Part 3

First wort hops added as the wort comes to the boil.