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!!!

HADDO HOUSE

We had planned to go out for the day for our anniversary but before we had decided where to go my bro phoned to see if we fancied a day away to Haddo house as they were heading in that direction. We were then joined by the Kintore Watts. It was a really nice day at the play area and the kids fed the geese and ducks too.

We saw this really weird looking fungus next to a tree base. It was large enough to feed a family for a week!

K taking a pose on the tree stump for photo.

Music time on the thingamy bob! 'When Santa got stuck up the chimney'

The journey was a bit rocky but we arrived safely in the end!

Feeding time at the pond, everyone was exhausted by the time we got to this part of the lake as it was quite a hike, especially after the football and frisbee throwing.

SUMMER HOLIDAY

We spent our holiday at our time share in Anfi Del Mar (Gran Canaria) this time was a banked week from last year so we stayed at Puerto Anfi which over looks the Plaza and the Port. The Port is filled with a wide selection of boats from small speed boats to Very Expensive Luxury Over-sized Yachts but no one really takes note.

We spent a lot of time by the pool this time as Lewis has gained a lot of confidence in the water this year. Gran Canaria only get one week of Rain per year, almost the complete opposite of home.
See Dad below showing Lewis how to go down the slide in style (or how not to?)

Followed by Lewis
Gimme high five mum!! I did it - I'm the winner!!
Lewis demonstrates to mum how the horn works on the car inflatable (the same inflatable that caused a little upset later on in the holiday)
See! If only they could learn to share!!
Lewis pictured here with his new friend Richard that made his holiday memorable, they have just completed a race round the pool seven times to reach the seven seas! I would'nt like to comment on who the winner of the race was!Lewis and Richard chill out in the shade after an afternoon of racing.Two happy kids and a box of Pringles please!Some posing pictures to keep from the holiday!
It must be said that the musician Roberto was more than pleased when the boys got up and danced in the Restaurant during the Barbeque, they proved to be more entertaining than the music! Or so THEY thought?
The glass lift shows some fantastic views over the coastline, however the boys found another use for it - 'The let's go up and down heaps of times game'


When on holiday we met a really nice family that we got along with really well. We had a LOT of things in common with Ricky and Teresa and the boys hit it off too. Pictured below are the dads Ricky and Davie at the Indian restaurant on our last full day in Anfi before heading back to sunny Scotland.

Sharon and Terasa
Richard and Lewis Sharon chilling on the porch with a glass of Cola?
Sharon with a cocktail to celebrate the end to a fantastic holiday.
Lewis with a Donald the Duck.

And Davie gets a Strawberry Sundae! Beats all the other treats!!Anfi Del Mar is definately worth visiting
For more info on Anfi click the link below.
http://www.anfi.com/front/EN/src/home/home.asp

BABY JENNA'S CHRISTENING

We made it down to glasgow for Jenna's christening. How tasty does this cake look? Unfortunately I never got a bit but I did however gat a double helping of the most amazing Double chocolate cake and a few spicy chicken wraps!! Doesn't get much better than that.

How adorable does Jenna look?

The outdoor gazeebo was massive and was the perfect venue for a beer or two, alonside the kid's enjoy a rest on the bouncy castle.

Jenna joined in on the fun on the bouncy castle!

NURSERY GRADUATION

Look at our handsome boy receiving his graduation scroll from his head teacher at nursery in his trendy over sized graduation t-shirt supplied by Happy days nursery.

Lewis giving his teachers goodbye gifts before leaving to go to BIG school.