October Highlights …

October just flew by … it started off with Callum and Kian’s 5th Birthday Party at Kennet.  Alas, Kian was poorly on the day so had to go home early.  It was such a shame and a repeat of what happened on his birthday last year. 

Everyone seemed to have a great time letting off steam on the bouncy castle and trampoline … just a shame Kian missed out.

At the end of the month, I was meant to be heading back to Cheshire for the “Inspired” Retreat.  We had all enjoyed it so much back in February we decided to go back for Part 2.  Unfortunately, things went completely pear-shaped.  When the third payment was due, the organiser neglected to tell people that the event had been cancelled.  We’d paid through a third party and PayPal so we were lucky in the fact we got our money back (however, the third party still has not been reimbursed and is substantially out of pocket).  Those who had paid the organiser direct still have not been refunded.

With a weekend booked off, Lis set out to find another crop that same weekend and discovered Crab Apple Crafts were holding a retreat just down the road.  Rosemary Merry is a regular on QVC Craft Days.  Angela, Elizabeth, Lis and I decided to take the plunge and we had a fantastic time.  Rosemary, Nigel and Debbie were fantastic hosts and the projects were fabulous.

Little freebies were given out throughout the weekend and I loved all the projects we were given.  Best of all, we finished nearly all the projects that weekend so nothing was added to my “To Finish” pile!

Dad had a fantastic crop of pumpkins this year … one each for all the grandkids.  Callum had first pick of the pumpkins.  We didn’t choose the largest of the pumpkins on offer (we left that for his cousins!).

Callum chose a great design to carve on the pumpkin and we then popped it in our window so any trick-or-treaters would know this was a “safe” house to call at.

A Wedding and A Birthday!

The third weekend in September was going to be one hell of a crazy weekend!

One of Jon’s best mates was getting married at Langley Castle, Northumberland on the Friday … and it was Callum’s 5th Birthday on the Sunday! We were just so very thankful that the wedding was on the Saturday else we’d be splitting ourselves in two.

The wedding was fantastic. The Castle was a wonderful setting and the weather was on the side of the Bride and Groom. The ceremony was a little unusual … with a Harrier Hawk carrying the wedding rings into the room to the Best Man (typically Mick!) and in between the ceremony and reception, there was a display of hawks, falcons and owls flying around the grounds.

Great wedding guys and thank you so much so letting us share your special day.

The music in the evening was provided by an old school friend of Mick's ... and there was a special performance (errr ... massacre-ing) of Safety Dance by Mick, Pat and Mark!

On the Saturday, we drive back home. Having debated M1 vs M6 over breakfast (we were mid-way between the two) we opted for M1 … big mistake as M1 was closed north of Nottingham. So we ended up making a small detour via the M62, M61, M6, Toll Road, M42 and M40 back home! At least we kept moving and weren’t stuck in traffic with no where to go.

Callum had had a ball with Mum and Dad whilst we were away – THANK YOU!!

Callum woke bright and not too early on Sunday and was very excited. He loved all of his presents and was thrilled to get a DS (or at least he was once Daddy showed him what he could play on it!). He also loved his Buzz & Woody and Toy Story stuff, the transport books, the Lego, the Stig Car, and his first ever proper Newcastle shirt!!

With things being so hectic, Karen’s family came over on the Monday evening after his first full day at school, along with Kian & Riley.

Callum is now on count-down until Dan’s 5th Birthday!!