SNOWY DAY

A DAY IN THE SNOW

It was great to see the snow in the garden first thing and Lewis's face lit up at the thought of building a snow man and snow ball fights!

Before we started the build it was essential to do some snow angels!

After the last attempt at a snow man back in February - yes the pitiful 15 inch snow man! We had a lot thicker snow that stuck well for making a decent sized snow man but there has to be a limit. Below is the first stage of the build with a body that was heavy enough to move knowing there were higher levels still to add!


Quick break with snow ball fights before we continue with the build.

Next stage! 2nd part to the body now towering above Lewis; and was rather heavy to lift onto the first part of the body.

Stage 3! The head now in place! Time to put on the finishing touches. Where can we find some stones, carrots, scarf etc.

Now time to make a family! As if one snowman isn't enough effort for one day! Imagine if we had a traditional Irish family of about 12?

Dad pictured here with Lewis to show the size we managed to achieve this year. I'm glad Lewis didn't want to use the other half of the garden or we could have landed up with a football team!

MICHAELS 40TH & CHLOES 18TH BIRTHDAY PARTIES

We had a great night at my brother Michaels 40th & Chloes 18th joint fancy dress birthday party! The theme to the fancy dress was 'Once upon a time'

We had a blast on the Gladiator joudt inflatable too.

Birthday Boy and Girl as King and Queen of Hearts!

The buffet provided was lovely and I really enjoyed the slide show that Michael presented on screen to embarass Chloe of their years from Birth to present.

King and Queens of Hearts! The Hosts of the party

Shrek, Princess Fiona, junior shrek (out of costume) and tinkerbell.

Robin Hood and his Hunts woman!

Mark Anthony & Cleopatra

Double Trouble

Graeme as a Cowboy and Pamela as a Pirate.

Milky Bar Kid, Shrek, Captain Hook, Jack Sparrow & The Genie

Chloe with all of the kids- mostly out of costume due to the Gladiator Joust & Bouncing fun.

Group Photos of the other family members. Everyone looked great and all made a real effort for the party. So a Big round of applause is deserved for all there!

FYVIE CASTLE

We took a Sunday run to Fyvie Castle as they were doing a medieval day; reinacting some of the cahracteristics of life as they would have been in medieval times. There were displays of the weapons from that age, all staff were dressed for the occasion and there was a lady knighting any kids that were brave enough to step forward and the opportunity to make your own coat of arms. Here is a link to the Castles web site that has more information on the Castles history.

http://www.fyviecastle.com/

Below are some photos of the two knights that talked us through some of the weapons, their uses and how knights really faught; (unlike in the movies) they then displayed some sword techniques in a medieval sword fight.

This lady was responsible for certifying all those that were knighted on the day.
We then went for a walk round the pond before heading off to Haddo house country park for some more frisbeeing, football and now the Rocket; whatever you do, do not turn your back on Malcolm when he has the rocket. He has a strong right arm.

LEWIS'S FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL - Primary 1

Today was the Day for Lewis to start school and become a big kid! Much to mum's disappointment that this day has finally arrived. Fortunately Lewis is more than ready for school which made the leap a lot easier for mum as he was really excited about the new venture.

Here we have below Lewis getting ready in the morning for the Big day ahead.

Plenty of time left for posing before heading to the school, we have Lewis in many different poses; a bit difficult to actually get a normal pose though.

Proud mum and dad pictured with Big Boy Lewis. You can almost smell the tears being swallowed at this point.

Lewis and his mate Jester in the play ground before the bell goes off; Lewis knew Jester from his Nursery class before joining school. They also both have thier hair spiked up too, completely un planned.


Lewis was so excited he even joined the primary 2 line up; then once realising the error he is then first in queue to commence class in front of Mrs Summers.
Picture of his class moments later.

VISIT TO PITFOUR CONSERVATORY & ADEN COUNTRY PARK

On our way to Aden Country Park with the kids we stopped off at the Pitfour Observatory near Fetterangus. For more information on the Observatory follow the link I found to a blog page with more information on the Observatories original use. http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/blog/2007/08/28/pitfour-observatory-aberdeenshire/

Unfortunately Sharon was not feeling well enough to join us today but we took a few photos so she could see what we all got up to.

Below are pics of balancing tricks at the car park before we set off into Drinnies wood in search for the Observatory.

The walk into Drinnies wood wasn't too bad, apart from a few midgies and a king charles spaniel (on a lead) we had a safe journey.

Alas! The Observatory. I hope it is fitted with a lift of some sort-it looks quite high up!

Some of the views from the top!

A little posing for the camera on the way back to the car park.
A game of frisbee before setting off to Aden Country Park.

After we fought with wasps at the picnic table near the swing park area and managed to finish off our chippy (less the strawberries & cream that was intended for dessert) we set off for the Ruins further round the park.

Pictured below is the ruins that the Russel family had resided in from the early 18th Century, within there are details on what each area was used for during the centurys. For more information check the Aberdeenshire council website at http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/countryparks/locations/mintlaw.asp

We tried to get the kids to pose from round the wall edge but soon turned into a james bond movie audition - see below, Jonathan in particular is attempting a very discreet relocation.

Three jail birds in despair as the warden towers over them from behind.

The tree house!

Delia wasn't keen on checking it out incase it was used for a W.C. by local teenagers!

Although I never caught it on camera, I did witness Bethany slip at the foot of the tree house on the mud and in true 'Carry On' Style land in the Muddy Puddle!! We ended the afternoon with a game of rounders, almost girls against boys. To keep it fair we split the group to choose players and the boys chose Malcolm & Me, The girls chose Delia, Jackie & Michael!!

After a while Lewis tired of playing rounders and took over the photography for the final round. Here we have the field team trying to catch the ball to get Me out!!And here in his true competitive nature Malcolm squats down to take on the final bowl of the day given by Kaitlyn. (I am so glad Lewis caught this moment!)

Watch your head Jonathan!!!