The Gruffalo

Another part of Ellis' birthday treat was a trip to the Theatre to see The Gruffalo. Ellis is a huge fan of the book and we read it most days. He also likes watching the TV version recently done by the BBC.

We drove into town and waited in the queue, in the rain to get in. We had 3 seats, Leo was to sit with me of course and Ellis in the middle. He wasn't really sure what to expect but we had tried to explain it to him.

The show commenced and Leo wasn't too bad to start with. I had treats to keep them busy and a few toys. Ellis was rather confused but sat transfixed to the stage.

Leo played up in the second half and I pretty much missed it all but Ellis sat with Daddy and had a lovely time. He really enjoyed it and joined in when we were roaring to scare the fox away. I think he will be good at the panto this year but I wouldn't like to take Leo. One main reason being that I won't have a lap at Christmas time. (Explanation blog coming soon, after I've caught up!).

After the show we took the opportunity to see Leighton, Jaidan, Sabriel, Jasper and their new baby Nico.

The following day, for Mummy afternoon we met up at a softplay centre so the kids could play and the Mums could chat. Unfortunately it doesn't work out like that for me as Leo wanders off up to the second level of the soft play centre so needs to be followed around. I can't expect him to sit at my feet playing in the ball pool for 2 hours. It does just feel like a waste of time for me though. The boys enjoy it which is great. Ellis leaves with his hair soaked with sweat, nice!

Fortunately that week I had a doctors appointment so I was gone for about an hour and half, and I had left Ellis behind. More details on that coming up.

The Wednesday was empty of things to do so we ended up going to see Nanny and Grandad Rennolds for a bit.

Ellis and Chloe were allowed to make "soup" with some of Nanny's ingredients. It made me very nervous but Nanny didn't seem to mind.

On Thursday we stayed in all day, until it was time to go to Nanny and Grandad Rennolds' house for dinner. To keep the boys occupied I tried to do lots of art stuff with them. It definitely holds Ellis' attention but Leo's not so much. He just ends up eating or throwing whatever he is given. It was fun while it lasted.

One of the items we used were some Puffy Paints. They can be used and fabric and stuff but I just had a practice on some cut out shapes. I quite liked the result and even Ellis was able to his own, and I think he did very well. Mine is the red flower and his the blue.

Later on we went up Nanny and Grandad's for dinner, which was yummy as always. I then went into the living room to find this...

Dad tried to look and sound like he was an innocent party and didn't mean for Leo to fall asleep on him but it just happened. I wasn't buying it. He loves it. I was a bit jealous as Leo never falls asleep on me like that anymore.

Luckily I woke Leo up straight away and he was fine. He wasn't grumpy and had a lovely bath with his brother.

I got them home and put them to bed and Leo went straight back off. Good boy.

Ellis' Birthday Party

Ellis' birthday party followed straight after the wedding day so we were a little tired at the start of the day. Luckily the party was going to be very easy and straight forward.

We arrived at the leisure centre and had to wait a little while before we could go into the soft play room as the previous party were still in there.

Then the kids were let loose and we played for an hour.

Once our hour was up we moved to the party room so the kids could fill their bellies with sandwiches, crisps and raisins before we sang Happy Birthday and had some birthday cake too.

Ellis received lots of lovely gifts and I know I haven't done the thank you letters yet but I've just been very busy. I will try and get around to it soon, but in the meantime, thank you everyone for all of the lovely presents. xxx

The party lasted 2 hours, and after a quick clear up we went home to chill out.

Mark & Nicky Wed

I'm back! PC is okay for now. So back to it.

I have sooooo much to do it's scary but I'm just going to plod along until I catch up.

Mark and Nicky's wedding. 07/08/10

My brother Mark was proposed to by Nicky on a leap-year, on TV and he said yes. You can see the video here. It took a very long time for him to actually say "I do" but they finally did it, and on our 6th wedding anniversary too.

We had arranged various baby sitters for the boys. First shift for Leo was Sophie & Henry who kindly cut short a night away from their kiddies to pick him up. I was very sad to see him leave and I couldn't watch and had to go back into the house, crying and smudging my make-up.

Then Naomi with Iestyn came by to pick Ellis up. They were to have the boys until bed time really and then Auntie Lucy was going to put them to bed and stay at our house until we got home. I don't know what we would do without our friends. We are very thankful for all the help that they give us. You know who you are, and we love you very much. xxx

We had to leave straight away and we knew the motorway would be busy but we weren't quite prepared for how busy it was. We ended up arriving in just enough time to get changed, fix my make-up and hair and grab our seats for the ceremony. Quite a rush.

Have a guess

My Brother Craig, Sister-in-law Karen and Niece Charley

My Nieces Megan & Elin

After the ceremony we all grabbed a drink and then it was time for some photos.

The Stag Group

The Hens + 4

There was some time to mooch about for a bit, drinking and chatting, before we took our seats for our high tea.

Bride and groom entered, we all ate, it was very yummy and then it was time for the speeches. I seem to have missed the father-of-the-groom speech somehow as I thought I filmed the whole thing. It was quite funny and he had done a silly picture of Mark and Craig together when they were young. All good fun.

Mark's speech was made up as he went along!

After tea people went all over the place. I got changed, and just hung around chatting to everyone and taking a few pictures before the disco started. Mark didn't want to do a first dance so instead Nicky and her girls did this. It was hilarious and very well done.

Proud Mum with her brood of 4

The disco was really good and the DJ played quite a selection of music so there was always someone on the dance floor. In fact at the end of the night he made a comment that this was the first wedding he had done, where there was at least one person on the dance floor all night. This video is the only one I could post as the rest would be too embarrassing for some.

Drunken antics insued and the night rolled on. We had a lush BBQ at around 9pm and then it was just drinking and having a laugh until mid-night.

We said our goodbyes and left soon after the disco stopped. Lucy was still awake and after a quick chat with her we let her go home for some well earned rest.

Rob and I stayed up for a bit just sorting things out before hitting the sack ourselves.