Belvoir Castle

We had a lovely afternoon at Belvoir Castle on Sunday with Margaret. Beautiful place marred only by a very boring guide! (and we weren't allowed to take pics inside!)

The American Etheringtons' Visit

Matt, Cleo and George were over for a visit last week. Here are a few pics from their stay. George was definitely a big hit with his cousins (and with his uncle and aunt!)

Fathers' Day

I have had a wonderful Fathers' Day today. It started this morning with cards and presents in bed. Luke's present was slightly unusual to say the least. I don't think I have ever seen Elaine laugh so much before, after I tried it on - I thought she was going to pass out!


I am not quite sure what Luke was thinking, but he certainly can't be accused of being boring...


Certainly not one for Facebook! Ialso got some chilli chocolate and a potato ricer - lovely.

This afternoon, Luke and I took part again in the annual Burton Lazars versus Great Dalby cricket match. It was great fun, and the weather held, but unfortunately we lost this time - the series stands at 4:3 to Great Dalby, so we really need to do better next year.

Mike's Birthday Weekend

I've finally got around to sorting my videos and photos from the weekend - here are the best of the bunch. Oh, and I sneaked a little video from Joe's birthday in there too!

Easter Hols

It seems incredible that the cousins were having hosepipe fights in Bristol less than a week ago - we're back in jumpers now!



Yesterday we went in search of some of the new geocaches that have popped up nearby and found this pillbox - not a river of a main road in sight. Very strange!




Joe escaped to the skate park this morning with his friend, Jordan, while we were all cheering on Will and Kate. They did lots of boys stuff this afternoon as well - exploring the woods, dodging paint ballers, trampolining and pitching a tent! They are sleeping in it tonight, so I guess it will be an early morning...

A Wonderful Weekend

On Saturday Luke and Joe were both taking part in a judo competition in Leicester. There were a lot of boys in Joe's weight category, so even though he won one of his 3 fights he missed out on medal. Luke had a smaller group and only lost one fight so he was awarded the silver medal (which looks very like a trophy!). This is a clip of his best throw, unfortunately partially hidden by the ref. Luke's usual - wait for the other guy to try to throw you, then use their momentum to bury them!

When we got back we finally managed to put together Elaine's swinging settee (bought with all those Christmas and birthday vouchers). It suits her...

We had a campfire dinner on Saturday night, complete with sausages on sticks, potatoes in the embers and toasted marshmallows. Lovely. On Sunday, we had a day gardening (I really need a gardener!) and then had an impromptu BBQ/campfire with the Blakes in the evening. All in all, a wonderful weekend.

Scout of the Month

a Joe was awarded Scout of the Month last night because he had achieved the most points over the month. It's all to do with the work he has put in as a Patrol Leader in organising activities, badge work and other good stuff. Joe gets to wear the Scout of the Month woggle for the month! The plaque now has pride of place on our mantlepiece. a Joe also received two more badges last night and is just two badges away from his Gold Chief Scout Award. What a star!