27/12/2009

So, here it is Merry Christmas, everybody's havin' fun............. hope you are too. We've had a great Christmas, Santa has paid careful attention to our lists and brought us just what we wanted - Nintendo DS's for both me & Alfie - we must have been far better behaved that we thought!

We've spent hours playing on loads of different games, sometimes not even getting dressed until after lunchtime - as we were in the middle of a game!

We were so lucky again, getting loads of presents, from so many people (its going to take us ages to write all our thank you cards, but we will). We got some really smart cases for our DS's from Robert & Rowan. Alfie got some Norwich City shorts, socks & shin-pads from Grandma, Grumps & Uncle Ben & Catherine. I got a fab High School Musical bag and loads of goodies. We spent Christmas day with Grandma & Grumps, who came over to our house with lots of presents, which we opened, before spending the rest of the day eating (which seems to have become the main thing to do over the past few days - our poor tummies, they feel soooooo full.

We didn't go outside for two whole days, and only finally went past the drive, after Mummy promised it wasn't far. As it turned out we went to some of Curly Meg's Mum & Dad's Geocache's that Daddy & Alfie had been to, but me & Mummy hadn't. They weren't far away (as promised) but were on new paths that we'd not been to before - and right on our doorstep. That's the beauty of Geocashing, always a new surprise.

This little outdoor adventure turned out to be good practice for a longer Geocache adventure with our friends Annalise & Harvey, who'd also had a good Christmas. We went on a 3 mile walk around the village of Ingworth, where we found seven caches. There were another two to find, but one must have been swept away by the river, and the other we could only find by collecting clues, which we didn't write down - DOH!  

Hope you had a lovely Christmas too. We are going skiing on New Years Eve & seeing Nanna & Grandad on New Years Day (as they saw Robert & Rowan over Christmas - we hear that they've got a WII - party time for them, then).            

20/12/2009

What a difference a week makes - things are definitely getting back to normal, and last week, much busier than normal - phew.

It was my turn to shine in our Christmas production - as a Policeman. Now, I bet you are wondering where a Policeman sneaks into the Christmas story - so I'll tell you. The Christmas star had fallen from the sky you see, and we had to help investigate how to get it back into its proper place - which of course we managed to do, just in time.

Then two things great happened both at once - we reached our last day at School before Christmas & it started snowing. By the end of the day it was really white, and by Saturday morning there was proper snow everywhere, and where was I going at 9:00 in the morning - yup skiing. It was fantastic. We were the first people to get onto the slope so had all of the snow to ourselves - even Mummy put her skis on & had a go - what a big kid she is!

Daddy & Alf stayed at home and spent their time making a very fine snowman & skiing down the road near our house - off piste or what!

Sunday, and the snow was still there, and if anything a bit more - just what you want when you've got a party to go to in Yarmouth. I wasn't going to iss it though as it was at Quazar where you get to run around indoors shooting people - really fab fun. Daddy & Alf went to see the snow covered beach, had chips off the market (yum, yum) and went home, while I came home with curly Megs who was also at the party.

Daddy was feeling a bit left out of the snow skiing so we went to the ski club on Sunday afternoon and caught the last of the proper stuff. As usual when the slope is running fast, Alfie tries to do the most spectacular jumps, and ends up wiping-out big style. At least he's still walking!

Its good to see that its been snowing again in France & they've finally opened the lifts (some of them). The only thing coming up, apart from Christmas, of course - which I think I've done very well not to mention, but now I've reminded myself, is only 5 days away now - 5 MORE SLEEPS, IS THAT ALL IT IS!!!!!, sorry, where was I, oh yes, France, they are saying that they might have rain on Christmas day, which will make skiing a bit miserable & might wash all the snow away - fingers crossed that it gets colder & falls as snow.

Hope you can all get to sleep in these last few exciting sleeps, and next time we'll be able to tell you all about our Christmas day. Have a fantastic time everyone - eat, drink & be merry!!!!!! 

13/12/2009

After the week from hell, things are getting just a bit better. Floyd is still loving all the attention & every day it seems easier not to think of Lilly (especially at the end of her life).

Hurrah, Mummy has got a car again - and we like it. After skiing on Saturday we all went along with Mummy to pick it up. As we all waited for the keys, so we could get going, poor old Dad had to pay for it. As everyone knows, he hates spending money, so giving the garage over £3000 must have been sooooo hard.

Me and Mummy went in her new car (so we could go shopping) and we kept over-taking Daddy & Alfie in the other car on the way back. Either Daddy was being kind to let her catch up, or her new car is quite quick. The car is another Ford, just like the last one, but this time is called a Fusion, rather than a Fiesta. The good thing is that its a bit taller, so we get a great view from the windows - rubber-necking everything that is going on - I'll have to take a sneaky picture so you can see what it looks like.

We were thinking - what was going to happen to Mummy's old car? Well, the answer, someone came round and took it away (Mummy thinks they were going to try and fix it). How much money do you think Mummy got for her car? A massive £75. Now to us that's a lot of money (nearly a Nintendo DS), but for a whole car, it doesn't seem very much really.

My fun Saturday went on into the evening as I went to a swimming party at the Riverside pool that we sometimes go to. This time we had the whole pool to ourselves (all 12 of us) and they had this great inflatable in the pool to run and jump over - fantastic fun. Rather than do nothing, Mummy, Dad & Alfie went for a curry while I partied. Not to miss out, I'd asked Daddy to bring me a Naan bread back - but do you think he did..... NO.

We can't believe that its now less than 2 weeks til Christmas, and that we've only got one more week at school. At least there is some snow in France, although they are not opening until next week, so I don't know what Ben & Catherine have been doing (or their guests that were due to arrive last weekend!). 

 Me & Mummy are all ready to ski, but we'll really have to have a word with Daddy & Alfie, as they've got to start getting some practice in, or we'll just be leaving them behind.

06/12/2009

We still can't believe it, Lilly is dead! Our lovely ginger cat has gone to sleep forever, and we are sooooo sad. We knew she was old (about 100 in our years), but we thought she was still she was still alright, until Daddy came to tell us that Lilly had died. I just cried & cried & cried. Weird I know, but I felt better going to see her (she was lying down & just looked fast asleep - except she still had her eyes open). Mummy & Daddy were very upset as well & we all had a good cry. Alfie seemed less bothered, but at least he's been making a big effort to be nice to Floyd. It seems strange only having Floyd around, but he's getting loads of fuss & attention, which we seems to be enjoying. We've buried Lilly in the garden & we are going to get a special plant that has Ginger flowers, so we'll always remember her. I love having pets, but if it feels like this whenever they die, at the moment I don't want any more, as its not nice.

So only have we lost Ginger Lil, Mummy's car has broken & she needs a new one, and the tumble dryer broke, and Daddy had to get a new one - what a proper rubbish week.

The only bit of fun stuff was Alfie having a sleep over at his friend Jo's house. They got lots more sleep than I did at mine, and us all going to watch Norwich play against Old-ham, and guess what - Norwich won again, 2-0. Our two favourite players both scored - Grant Holt & Wes. Alfie has now been to seven games, and they have won every match, he must be a lucky mascot. 

Sorry, but I can't really think of anything else to say, other than sweet dreams Lilly - love you. 

29/11/2009

We should definitely have treats during the week more often, as it was really cool to do something special after school. So, as I mentioned last week, we went off to Grandma & Grumps, straight from school (which was the weird bit), and Monty, Connie & Ben were there. Connie is a real speedy crawler now & was desperate to show off her stair climbing skills, very impressive (both on the way up & down again). Monty was bonkers, chasing us everywhere, having wrestling matches with Alfie (he'd definitely been practicing his moves on his sister!) and generally being like a crazy nearly 3 year old boy.

Talking of nearly 3 year olds, although he wasn't quite on the day we saw him, he was allowed to open his present, so I can now tell you what it was - a drum kit! Not a little tichy-tiny drum, but 4 drums of different sizes, cimbols &  seat to sit on, just like a real rock-star drummer - meaning lots & lots of noise!!!!!! Now he can go crazy on his drum kit, rather than his sister, although did try & see what noise Connie's head made when he hit it with his new drum sticks - not quite the idea!

As Connie had a few more days until her birthday, she'll have to wait, but at least they both got a birthday cake each, and had a really good try at blowing out the candles - happy birthday to both our Cousin's. It still seems like Winter is miles away, as it hasn't been really cold yet, just wet, wet, wet. This time last year we had a day of skiing on real snow in Norwich, before they'd had any snow in Allos. The last bit is still the same - still no snow in Allos, although we remember how it was when we were there - too much of the stuff, but no sign of any snow in Norwich - just more wind & rain. We shouldn't grumble as it makes our Friday football really fun as we get to slide about everywhere, and get completely filthy - wicked!

Must dash, as its X-factor results time, and fingers crossed that Ollie will get through, as I really want him to win. We are really glad that the rubbish twins went out last week, so at least someone who can sing might win.

We'll be watching another football match next week, and Alfie is bringing his friend Joe (who's never been before), after he's been on a sleep-over at Joe's house for his birthday, so if they've not slept much, and the game is not very exciting, maybe they'll fall asleep - hope it's really exciting with lots of goals - COME ON YOU YELLOWS!!!!     

22/11/2009

Apologies for the break in service last week, we had a few technical problems, and after lots of head scratching & frustration, we're all ready to go again - phew.

You didn't miss much, lots more rain, is all we can remember, and most of the time being spent indoors - yawn! Luckily we had the WII for company - where would we be without it - lost, definitely lost!   

So, last week - what happened? Well a slow start, with more rain (fortunately not as much as the people in the North of England who have been flooded out of their homes - that looked really bad, as bridges had been broken down & there were rivers where the roads should have been - scary stuff. It was all action from Wednesday onwards as we had to get ready for Pudsey Bear day at School. Alfie's class had a Bring-and-buy stall, and Alfie was able to get rid of a few of his old unwanted toys - all for a good cause. My group did a lucky dip & prize stall (luckily I was able to bring lots of shredded paper for the lucky dip, from all the rubbish Mum & Dad get through the post & don't want - at least we were able to recycle it.

We all had a great time making money on our stalls, and being able to wear normal  clothes to School for the day - worth every penny! Hopefully we will have raised a lot of money to help people that are not as lucky as we are.

On Saturday we both got to see our old friends Saffron & Sammy again (having only just seen them at the fireworks - after many months), as it was Sammy's birthday. We had a great time running around the play area at Brewsters, but luckily we'd eaten enough sweets to keep us going til the end of the playtime, and a quick trip to the ski club. Alfie, Harvey & Annalise all practiced the things they needed to do for Junior Club, and now just have to show they can do it on the day of the test (whenever that is - fingers crossed).

Sunday was a bit of a topsy-turvy day, as both me & Mummy had pretty spectacular falls at Ski Race training. I hurt my hand and Mummy hurt her leg. That was about it..... before the rain came (again).

No snow yet in Allos. We'll have to have a word with Monty & Connie about that, and we'll be able to do that sooner, rather than later, as we're hopefully seeing them in the next week, as they are over in England for Monty & Connie's birthdays - and I know what we've got them (but its obviously a secret - shhhhhh).

08/11/2009

Thankfully we had a few quiet(ish) days back at school after our crazy holiday week, and it seems that we did do more than any of our friends - no wonder we were both so tired the first couple of days.

Booooo, Daddy didn't get any fireworks for our back garden this year, but now looking back, it was probably the right this, as we now only want the really big loud/ pretty ones, and you just don't get that in the garden! So we had to wait until Friday night for our first firework treat (although we had already heard / seen some from our window - it was time to get up close (not toooo close mind you!). It was still a bit rainy when we decided that we'd still go (our old friends Saffron & Sammy had come round so we couldn't really not go anyway). It was fab. There were loads of our favourites and a few new twirly ones that made a great whizzing noise..... and the final big bang was MASSIVE!!!!!

Saturday was a bit of a football treat, sitting in front of the telly, watching Norwich. They were playing some funny team from miles away, who got thrashed! Norwich scored SEVEN (even more than the five we saw them score). We were really pleased that our favourite player, Wes, was man of the match. Daddy explained that it was cup competition, and you have to keep winning to have a chance of winning - I wonder who they are playing next.

Our next football is on Saturday. We are going with Daddy, Harvey & Kerry, to watch Norwich, from a different part of the stadium this time - right up high. We'll have to tell you all about it next week.

The final highlight was the Ski Club Championships, where last year me & Mummy got some of our first prizes, and we did well again this year. Mummy came 2nd in her race, and I won my slalom race, and not only won a little trophy to keep, but I get a silver one to keep for a year, which will have my name scratched onto the back - which will last forever - wow!   

Me & Mummy had a great day at the club while the boys messed about at home, playing football & doing stuff. We all got together at the end to watch the fireworks, and again they were great - not quite so big & loud as the school ones, but pretty close. We were all shattered when we got home, and could hardly keep our eyes open................................

01/11/2009

After Alfie's full-on birthday weekend, there was no time to catch our breath, as it was our half-term holiday, so no school.

Day 1 - Straight into Alfie's birthday party, with ten-pin bowling, and what a great time we all had. Alfie had all his school friends, and Annalise came along with me. Clearly all the practice on the Wii was worth it, as Alfie had the winning first game score - did they let him win, as it was his birthday? We weren't quite as good in the second game, although Mummy played better, and I think got the highest score - probably something to do with her being the oldest person there!. It was lucky that there was some pizza & chips to give us some more energy, otherwise we would have collapsed. 

Day 2 - Off to North Norfolk for a spot of Geocaching & Crabbing with Robert & Rowan who were on holiday nearby. We had a lovely day, walking in the woods - finding the treasure & playing on a fantastic rope swing. We had some success catching crabs although no where near the 125 that we caught with Annalise & Harvey in the Summer - they must be bored of being caught by now.

Day 3 - An early start, and a long, boring drive, to near London, then the fun began. Alfie's first trip on the underground - trains that go through tunnels (most of the time), all the way into the middle of London, and the Science Museum, where there were loads & loads of things to see & play with. Mummy & Dad had been there before (many years ago) and some of the things were still there, but there were lots of groovy new things, like space rockets & computers. After lunch we went to Covent Garden (where I'd already been when I went to London before, but saw something new, a really funny man who did some juggling and tricks, while he balanced on this rope - very clever. It was really packed with people now, so we went off to the shops. Alfie spent his birthday money on a build-a-bear, with a Chelsea football kit - Daddy was not impressed, although to be fair, they didn't have Norwich! After we'd gone for a curry tea, and driven home, we were exhausted & fell fast asleep - what a fun-packed day.

Day 4 - We turned into domestic Gods & Goddesses, helping with the food shopping & tidying the house. We know that it wasn't completely finished in one day, but even we have to agree that the house was a complete mess! so as you can guess, it really was in a bit of a state!.

Day 5 - We did some more Boggling at Bewilderwood with Robert & Rowan, who met us there. We had a fantastic day racing around everywhere. Unfortunately crazy Mazie the dog could not come in, so Uncle Tom took her for a long walk - so everyone had a good day. Even better, Robert & Rowan then came back with us to our house, and were sleeping over - cool.

Day 6 - All us kids went to the Cinema with Daddy to see Coroline, which was about this girl who found a secret passage in her house to another family that was sort of like hers, but not quite. It was pretty good, not too scary, but not too babyish. We just had enough time to eat some chips for lunch under some trees, before the rain started & we had to run for the car. We then got ready for Halloween, and trick-or-treat, which Robert & Rowan hadn't done before. We looked really good and went round the close and collected some really yummy sweets. We made the house look really cool, with skeletons & cobwebs everywhere - spooky!

Day 7 - The weather was rubbish, but we still has to take Crazy Mazie out for a walk, and she didn't mind at all getting soaked - what a completely mad Dog she is. It was too horrible to go out anywhere so we had the morning indoors playing on the Wii, before Robert & Rowan had to go (off to see Nanna & Grandad). We were getting bored, so made Daddy take us swimming, which was really fun, as we got to play with the big floats, so me & Alfie spent most of the time trying to knock each other off, and into the water - superb.

It seems we have an extra day tomorrow, as our teachers are having another one of their learning to be teachers days - how much more do they need to learn? We hope all our chums have had an action packed week like we've had.

25/10/2009  7 Years Old

Even with the Postmen not working, the presents & cards still found their way through on time for Alf's big day. Was he excited.... just a bit. It was a bit of a double celebration as it was also the last day of school before our week off. We both woke up earlier that usual (just in time to see Daddy leave for work), and with permission to open one parcel, it just had to be the Pokemon cards, nearly 200 of them - brilliant.

We spent the whole day at school showing everyone our new cards, and of course doing so trading. After School there was an extra big crowd for our football practice, as Daddy, Grandma & Grumps had come along to watch. Alfie was obviously trying extra hard, as he scored the most goals on his team, and got a certificate to prove it. My team also won, although we left it late, almost the last kick of the game.

Back home for a yummy party tea with Grandma & Grumps. Alfie got a fab Norwich City away shirt which he wore straight away, and played football with Grumps in the lounge, with his new football, which is luckily quite soft.

Saturday was a really busy day. While I went skiing, Alfie was tubing, as it was Farys's birthday. Alfie then went to watch Norwich play against Swindon, with Harvey, as part of his late birthday treat (he was ill with Swine Flu before). Alfie must be bring Norwich luck as he's now watched them 4 times, and they've won every game. This time it was only 1-0, but a win is a win! - Come on you Yellows. We are already planning the next game we want to go to, hopefully in about 3 weeks time.

While Alf was busy, me & Stephen went with Daddy to get some new bits for the Wii, which make the controls much better. We've also got this great new game - Wii Sports Resort where you get to do some really groovy things, including flying a plane which is really fun, especially when you crash into something!!! Don't worry, you parachute away to safety.

Did we have a rest on Sunday, after all this activity - NO. Me and Mummy went to race training in the morning - luckily we'd had an extra sleep, with the clocks going back. I did get a bit worried a one point, as I thought we had to be there is 20 minutes, and Mummy was still asleep, until I realised - phew. Daddy & Alfie then came along for a ski, and we had a big air competition. Alf got some massive air on some of his jumps, and crashed out spectacularly a couple of times. Annalise & Harvey came along and were definitely finding their ski legs by the end of it.

As Daddy's got a Cold & sore throat, he didn't come over and see Nanna & Grandad. Nanna is looking much better, as we were pleased that she's now home. Lucky Alf got some money for his birthday to spend, I can't guess what at least some will be spent on! I was really lucky as well, and got a book on the plants and animals of Britain, so I can start to work out some of the things we see out & about.

Alf had a great birthday & got some really fab things, which he keeps going on about - he says a big, big thank you to everyone for the lovely things that they got him.       

18/10/2009

Really good news chums, Nanna is on the road to recovery. She must have been in a very deep sleep as we didn't hear noise on Monday, when they did have look in her tummy & took out some thing that shouldn't have been there. Nanna says that it was about 10cm big, which is bigger than a Tennis ball - no wonder she had tummy ache! It was lovely to see her already looking better, when we went to see her on Friday, especially as we got to play Cluedo (you know, the guess the murderer game) - which I won & help Nanna eat some of the sweets that people had brought for her.

So hopefully Nanna will make a speedy recovery & well be able to go and see her back at her home very soon. On or near Alfie's birthday would be really good.

What else - oh yes, our class did the assembly, and it was really cool, as it was like the Dragons Den (where you have to try & get people to like your ideas). We'd been doing a project on chocolate, and had made a new sweet, called Mixture. It had all different types of chocolate & marshmallows in it. Two of the Dragon's really liked it, but we couldn't get the last one to buy our sweet, as they didn't like marshmallows! It just goes to show, there is no pleasing some people.

Me and Alf are really enjoying our football training after school on Fridays, and this week I scored a goal against Alfie in the proper match, which I've clearly had to remind him about, just once or twice! We are really lucky to have all things things going on at school, which reminds me, we got this groovy picture to take home this week, which was taken just before the Summer holidays. We thought we'd better show you where we were, as you'd never guess otherwise.

Other than that, the usual ski club stuff (a bit different this week as we did some freestyle stuff, off the big jump - wicked!), and some Geocashing. We've got a couple of new travel bugs that we need to move on, and we've now found 95 Geocashes, so we're closing in on the magic 100! Less than a week to go before Alfie's birthday, but with the Postmen not going to work, is he going to have any presents to open - it could be a disaster - fingers crossed.      

11/10/2009

What a topsy, turvy week. After we got home from our Geocashing we learned that Nanna had gone into hospital as she had a really bad tummy ache that wouldn't go away. We went off to school during the week & Mummy went over to the hospital to see Nanna, as they weren't sure what was the matter with her. We went to see her on Friday evening, and took her some cards that we'd made (and Alfie took his Pokemon birthday card request - suttle Alf, very suttle - not!. They still didn't really know what was making her tummy hurt, but they were going to cut her open to have a look inside - ouch, that's gotta hurt - hope they put Nanna to sleep before they start, or we'll hear the screams from here, and we are 20 miles away!

The good news is that they did put Nanna to sleep and they took out something that was making her tummy hurt, and she should get better really soon - brilliant! 

What else, well not much really. I went skiing (both to Junior Club, and with the Race Team. To try and make us fit they made us run from the Club to Whitlingham Lane & back, and then we had to do some skiing - I was ready to collapse!). Alf & Dad took the easy option & went to find the new Geocashes that Meg's Dad had hidden. Not too bad, finding 2 of the 3 cashes, I'll have to ask Megs where the other one is hidden.

We all went out on Sunday to find another few local ones, while Mummy visited Nanna, and we found one by this fantastic Ford across the road, with a great rope swing that we desperately wanted to have a go on, but we couldn't find a stick long enough to grab the rope - boo.

Oh yea, the last thing, we are getting some really cool Pokemon cards from e-bay, and how do we know, well we watched daddy bid for them. Only one thing, I now don't get any pocket money until after Christmas, as I don't have a birthday coming up soon - unlike someone I could mention - 13 days and counting!.      

04/10/2009

Me and Alf are really getting into our football, as well as playing it loads, we've been to see Norwich play again, and what a fantastic game - they scored FIVE, yup five goals, and the other team, just one. We ended up feeling a bit sorry for these people that had travelled all the way from Bristol, which Daddy said would take about four hours, just to watch their team get wooped!

The fun started even before the game as we went on the train to Norwich & met Grandma, who'd come from Lowestoft. We then went to KFC to have some yummy food (while Daddy & Grandma watched us eat). Daddy then had this tasty sandwich made for him & Grandma had a sausage roll - none as tasty as ours! As usual we stocked up on sweets, and found our seats. The game had only just started and Norwich scored, but then Bristol Rovers got a penalty and scored. Never mind, as Norwich scored three more goals before they went in for a rest, and another one just before the end - we were really happy, especially when we learned that we'd be having Chinese for tea.

It was a good day all round as Mummy went all the way to the other side of London for some ski test thing - which she passed. She was very happy, and couldn't stop talking about it. Everyone, just so you know, Mummy passed (in case she mentions it).  

Carrying on the skiing story, there is a great picture of the Norfolk Ski Racing team, with all our trophies - Mummy is easy to see, but can you spot me?

We had just enough energy for a trip to Bungay pool, and were lucky they had the blow-up thing in the pool, with the wicked slide at the end. Now Alf can swim, he had a great time flying down into the pool, and practicing his dives in the deep end.

On the way home, we took the long way round and found a couple of geocashes. Two, were really good as they were hidden in a teapot and an Owl (a model, rather than a real one, of course). We've now found over 80 cashes, and can't wait to pass 100. Curly Meg's Dad has just added some new ones, so that will help our total.

Must go, as I need to do some more work on my World food project - now, what do they eat in Finland.......mmmm.       

27/09/2009

Well, I've got the promised news about mine & Mummy's last ski race of the season, and its good news..... for Mummy. She came 2nd (again) and won a medal & TWO trophies - damn, she's now got one more cup than me - I'll have to do something about that next year. What's my excuse?, where do I start - up at 5:00am, slope too short & not steep enough, weather too hot, etc, etc. Honestly... I just wasn't fast enough on the day, but I know I can be.

It wasn't all disappointing, as we've found another great thing to do at the weekend, go and watch films on Saturday mornings - Daddy says he used to do the same thing when he was little. We went to see Ice Age III, which was really funny, and it only cost 95p each - no your eyes are not playing tricks - less than £1 to watch a film - bargain. And, enough time on the free car park ticket to get some chips on the market - lovely.

Alfie also had a good time when me & Mummy were skiing, when they went Geocashing (and found 6 new ones), and swimming, where Alfie showed Daddy his new swimming skills, which were he says very impressive. Alfie also went to his friend Kyle's Birthday party and had a great time playing on a bouncy castle. Rather than wait about doing nothing me, Stephen & Daddy went Geocashing, and found one at the top of this huge hole in the ground, called a Quarry, it was amazing.   

Must dash, were off to find the Geocashes hidden by our friend Megs' Dad, then I've got to do some more work on my Food of the World project, which is going to be very tasty when its done.

20/09/2009

What an eventful time we had on our first Geocashing day with curly Megs and her Mum & Dad. We'd had a lovely day following the clues around to the final treasure, and we'd just reached the last of the day, when disaster - Uncle Steve had lost his brand new GPS, that he'd only got the day before! We all went back and looked all around, but no GPS could be found. As it was now way past out tea time, we stopped for some fish & chips on the way home, and all went home feeling really sad that a great day had ended so rubbish.

The next day we went to see Grandma, Grumps, Monty, Ben & Connie - Catherine was in Ireland with her work, so hope she was having half the fun we were. I bet she didn't get to pull trees down -yup we all got to pull on some ropes & this poor old Apple tree fell to the ground. Daddy then chopped it up with a very sharp saw, and we carried the pieces to the bottom of the garden, where Grumps was making another one of his strange creations, with bits of wood.

As we were in the area, and to give Monty a bit of a run around we went and found a couple of Geocaches, and had great fun on another rope swing that we found. Luckily, this time there was no water for Daddy to fall in, so we all stayed dry!

Despite all the doom & gloom stories on the news, its good that there are still lots of nice people about, and one of them found Uncle Steve's GPS and handed it in to the Police, so they were able to get it back - very, very lucky!

The week rushed past with a blur of school days. Alf has started football after school and really looks like a proper player now he's got his own football boots - no excuse for slipping over now!   

An early start for the second Saturday in a row, with a 3 hour drive to Robert & Rowans, for their village music festival - Snodfest. We'd only just arrived and it was time to go, as Robert & Rowan were in the school choir opening the show - very good singing. We then had hours & hours of fun with their friends Greta & Evelyn, racing round everywhere, playing drums (which really make your hands hurt), making things out of beads, spray painting walls & listening to really loud live music, until it was dark. All of a sudden we all started to get tired and marched home like the Seven Dwarves, after a long day of work. Me, Alf, Robert & Rowan all squeezed into Robert bedroom (somehow) and were so shattered, we quickly fell asleep.

Another day, another go on the Nintendo DS (luckily Robert, Greta & Evelyn all had them), and a really fun walk with lots & lots of yummy Blackberries to scoff. More mucking about in the garden, a bit of late lunch & we were back in the car for another 3 hours of boredom (only broken by the Red Arrows flying overhead near Cambridge - well cool).......... that all folks, until next time - when I might have some news about me & Mummy in our latest ski race.   

13/09/2009

Crazy, crazy, crazy, that's what the week has been, and that's before we even got to school - especially for me!

I'd been looking forward to Emmi's birthday for ages, as she'd invited me to go with her to London to see the Lion King show, and now the day had finally arrived. I think I was nearly as excited as I was on my own birthday! Just enough time to shove down some toast and we on our way. We drove for quite a while to a place called Stratford, where the excitement really began, as we got on a special train that went under the ground, in long, long tunnels. The only lights were in the train, and when you got to a station, it was really fun, and not at all scary. Daddy told me afterwards that when he was little, he thought that you'd have to have your own air to breathe, but luckily there was enough to go around! We got to our station & had to go up lots of really long escalators to get back up to the street, we must have been miles underground - amazing! Time for some food, and a bit of shopping, for a lovely bag and a very pretty sea shell (and I didn't even have to spend the money Daddy had given me, thanks to Emmi's Mum & Dad). Then it was off to the theatre, and the show - UNBELIEVEABLE.  It was incredible - the costumes, the music, and the singing, I was so sad when it ended as I'd had such a fab time. Still, I got the fun ride on the underground train again, and time to rest in the car on the way home, and lucky that I did. We got back to Emmi's and straight into a party tea, and some more of Emmi's friends came over to see her, and join us for the sleep (or not very much sleep) over.

Even after the long and busy day we'd had we weren't tired, so we just kept playing games and watching DVD's, until we finally fell asleep as 5 o'clock in the morning, yup 5 o'clock. We only had about 3 hours sleep and we woke up again - hardly worth it really! Still a bit sleepy, Mum, Dad & Alf came to pick me up and we went Geocaching. Just to show I hadn't lost my touch, I still managed to find one of them. The best finder medal of the day goes to Mummy who managed to find two of the ones that we'd not been able to find before.

What was really funny was when we found this really fun rope swing over the river, and me & Alf did some huge swings, just managing to skim the water with our feet. Daddy thought he'd have a go & what do you think happened? Yup, he fell in and had to walk the rest of the way with water squelching out of his shoes! We laughed & laughed, especially Mummy, which was a bit unfair, as she didn't have a go - boo! 

Back to school with our old friends & our new teachers & classes, which was nice. What was really fun was to start swimming lessons again, this time with Annalise, Alf, Harvey, Stephen, Daniel & Adam - there's hardly room for anyone else.

We are making plans for where we'll be putting our 1st Geocash, but it seems that curly Megs has beaten us to it, putting in 3 new ones - which of course we'll have to find. We're going out with them soon, on an all day Geocash adventure, so we'll have to see if we can trick her into telling us where they are hidden. 

06/09/2009

What a mad & crazy time we had when Cousin's Robert & Rowan come to stay - we've only just got our breath back, especially as they brought the Black Bomber, crazy Mazy the mental dog with them - our poor cats, they are still in shock!

We warmed up with a trip to the gardens at South Wolsham, which turned into a very late celebration of Mummy's birthday. That's right, her birthday, from right back in January, before our Skiing holiday (that I can now only just remember). It took us a while to work it out, but then we remembered, she wasn't well & couldn't come to her own party - so it all started to make a bit of sense, but why August? Anyway, the biggest surprise was that four of our Cousin's were there, with Naomi & Sophie really getting into things. Althoug hwe'd been there before, it was the first time that we'd been out on the boat trip (which for me was far better that the other week on the sail boat, but Daddy & Alf said it wasn't nearly so much fun, as you didn't get to lean over the side - good job, I say!). We had a lovely picnic lunch in the same spot as we were on the now famous family DVD, which I'll have to watch again, to see how little me & Robert were.

After a quiet evening (we were all a bit tired), we went on a massive geo-treasure hunt, on a trail that had ten, yup ten geocashes to find. The only downside, they were nearly all micro caches, so no stuff to trade, and they were a bit too easy to find. But the best bit, the very best bit was when we had to walk down the side of a field that was being watered by a giant water sprayer. Well, as it was such a lovely day, what else could we do but use it as a full on power shower. As you can see it was fantastic fun. Just enough time to stop in Salhouse on the way back to show Robert & Rowan a couple of toy filled cashes, so they could do some trading - happy days.

Monday, and an added bonus, a bank holiday, giving the grown ups an extra day of work, and us another fun packed day - at the beach. What a great day. Warm enough but not too hot. Fresh cooked BBQ food on the beach, loads of sand dunes to jump, dive or do head-plants off (you'll have to ask Alfie to tell you his story), and sea just warm enough to go swimming in. We were there for hours, and only came home when we did as Robert & Rowan had to drive home.

Normally, we then go ages before we see them again, but not this time. We're going to see them in a few weeks to listen to some music & learn to play drums at Snodfest - whatever that is.

As it turned out it was lucky we did get an early(ish) night after they left as the next evening we went to watch Norwich play football. It was the first time I'd been, as it was really great, especially as they won, and we got to cheer & shout when the ball went in the net. Lucky that they've got big lights as it was nearly dark when they started at nearly 8 o'clock, and very dark when they finished at nearly 10 o'clock - yup 10 o'clock, at night. We really want to go again, and hope that Daddy gets some more tickets -soon. We are obviously lucky, as both times Norwich have won when we've watched.     

Thankfully, the next few days were pretty quiet, with our thoughts starting to turn towards school next week, which we are both looking forward to - and we start swimming lessons again, so that'll be good.

Hope all our chums have fun back at school in your new classes, with new teachers. Remember be good or exceptionally bad!

31/08/2009

We're back, and as promised there are lots of tales to tell, of our camping adventure in the New Forest - Geocaching (of course), boat trips, bike rides & getting right up close to wild animals - amazing.

After the usual forever car journey (why does it take so long to get anywhere?), we arrived. The first thing we saw were Horses & Donkeys just wandering about everywhere, across the roads & the campsite - completely bonkers. It was great that we had our bikes as the campsite was huge, and perfect for zooming around everwhere - quickly getting our bearings for what would become endless trips to fetch water. So having settled in, what did we do:

Day 1 - A nice easy Geocash in the forest, right next to a busy railway, so we had to be extra sneaky. A really cool hiding place under a blanket of moss. We biked into the nearest village - Brockenhurst, which should be renamed Donkey-Ville as there were five of them wandering in the High Street! Here we found the most lovely bakery ever, and stuffed ourselves on cakes & pies.

Day 2 - We went on a big ferry boat across to the Isle of White, and what great fun that was as we got to ride our bikes on & off the ship. It only took 1/2hr, but it felt we were in a very different place, although they still spoke English & drove on the proper side of the road - lucky that as we had our bikes & we would have been very confused otherwise. Found some more Geocashes, but not one on a cliff path, which we later found had been reported as missing only the day before, but after Daddy printed the details - very annoying.

Day 3 - Spent the day in Limington where Mummy visited every shop in town (or it felt like it) but at least we all ended up with some bargains, so it made up for it (a bit). Just enough time to sneak in a Geocash find in a nice park in the town. We must of looked weird staring at all the benches, looking for the name of someone, that we never found - anyway it didn't stop us finding the treasure.

Day 4 - Another treat, a visit from Uncle Ben, Catherine, Monty, and Monty's Cousins, Alix & Hugo, who speak both English & French - how cool is that. We walked miles & miles, and why do you think - yup Geocashing. We nearly didn't make all four, as the second one was soooo difficult, we were about to give up when Mummy found it - well done. We're all glad she did cos the last two were in lovely places, deep in the woods - very pretty.

Day 5 - A well earned recovery day, with a look around Lindhurst, where there was a garage selling really posh cars - Ferrari's that were £80,000 - that's a lot of pocket money! Back to the campsite & the wild animals had gathered near our tent, were they planning to attack us? Luckily not, they just turned their attention to a nearby tent, walked in & helped themselves to a loaf of their bread!

Day 6 - A trip to another part of the new forest, and of course a bit of Geocashing, this time despite getting all the clues, and spending 1/2hr searching - smashing down loads of ferns, just like in Thetford - no luck. Anyway, we did get to see a heard of Deer, including one with massive Antlers - very impressive.

Day 7 - Packing up day - boo, with a bit of a disaster with the tent, which got caught in a gust of wind, just as it was being taken down & was torn - oops. So began the long drive home, which was even longer as part of the road we needed to go on had been closed. Six hours it took to get home - nightmare -what a relief we got Chinese for tea.

Next day was spent unpacking & sorting out all our stuff, then we had to get ready for the next instalment of Summer fun - Robert & Rowan coming over to stay - wicked!         

16/08/2009

Ahhhhhh.... a few days to catch our breath, and re-charge our batteries, ready for our camping trip to the New Forest. Well over half way through the holiday now, only 3 weeks left. Anyway, it wasn't all dull, dull, dull - there was still time for us to have our old school friends Saffron & Sammy over to play while their Mum had some time on her own - with Alfie as a Brother, I know how you feel - trust me.

More Cricket in the close - come Winter time, I'm sure you'll be able to see one of our balls stuck in every tree in the village! Another trip to the beach, Waxam this time, and with the Youngs, and boy oh boy was the sea cold..... CHILLY.

A really poor Geocashing effort on Saturday with Daddy, finding none of the three we went looking for - how rubbish was that. We knew we were wrong on one of them, looking in this ivy by the side of the road - much too obvious, but we just had to & got some strange looks from people passing by. Daddy has now spoken to Curly Meg's Mum & now knows where it is - next time!

Some of Daddy's ideas turn out to be OK, bringing home a take-away curry definitely being a good one. The onion baji's were gorgeous!

Not so good was Daddy's idea to go sailing with Kerry & Harvey. There was more wind than last time & while Alf & Harvey were leaning right over the side dragging their arms in the water, I was holding on for dear life, thinking that any minute we were going to tip over - just like I understand Nanna & Grandad did many years ago! So I couldn't wait to get off onto dry land, although Alf proved he was safer on the water as he had only been off the boat 5 minutes when he ran, lost his shoe & cut his toe on a rock - blood everywhere - ouch!

It clearly wasn't too bad as after a packet of sweets and a cuddle from Mummy, who turned up after lunch, as 10:30 was far too early to be out of the house on a Sunday - her words, not mine, Alf was much better, and hopped off with me & Harvey to Wroxam with Daddy, while Mummy & Kerry did some really fast, crazy sailing - according to Mummy anyway.

A bit more luck with the Geocashing, two out of four found, and one of the ones we now know is 30ft from where the GPS was telling us - naughty. Finally, carrying on the football stuff from last week, we saw that Norwich managed to win, but Daddy says the man that looks after the team has been told to find another job, after only two games - football sure is a strange game!

Anyway, we've got much to do to get ready for camping - deciding which toys & Teddies to bring, and other important stuff. Hopefully the weather will be nice, the places interesting & we'll come back with loads of stories to tell you all about. Have fun yourselves chums.          

09/08/2009

Unbelievable, nearly half our holiday has gone already, but what a holiday its turning out to be. This week we had 3 sleeps at Nanna & Grandad's and had 3 crazy days of adventure.

Day 1 - Pleasurewood Hills, we'd never been before but had heard all about it, and everything was true - WOW. I went on the craziest, most scary roller coaster ever - it twists you upside-down, and goes really fast at the same time. Alf was not tall enough to come on so he went on a really good snake roller coaster. He can't wait until he's big enough. We had great fun on all the other rides, especially the water shoot - getting really soaked (twice). There were loads & loads of people there & we had to wait ages to go on the rides, but as you could watch other people, the time went quite fast. We've already been asking Mum & Dad to take us again before it closes for the Winter - fingers crossed.

Day 2 - Messing about on the water (in a big canoe on the river at Bungay). Just near where Nanna & Grandad keep their caravan, we got our lifejackets, paddles and canoe, and off we went, paddling our way round the Common. Me & Nanna think we did the best paddling, but Grandad & Alfie think they did, so we all must have been good. We stayed dry, unlike someone we saw who fell in - splash!

Day 3 - You'd think it would be time for a rest - not a chance, just enough time for a full-on session at Treasure Island, the indoor play area - WICKED!.

Lots & lots of thank-you's to Nanna & Grandad for having us over to stay & for the great time we had. I bet you had a long rest after we left on Friday - we did!

No skiing this week & a fairly lazy Saturday, playing out in the close and a quick geocash near the big bridge that the road to the ski club goes over. We got to eat our own bodyweight in Blackberries and Alf got to swap for a nice bright metal torch - possibly the 2nd best find after his watch.

Sunday, and with the sun shining again, we decided to go to the beach with Annalise & Harvey. not our normal place, but close -some place called 'Sea Palling', whatever Palling is I don't know. We had a great time, especially as there were these rocks just out to sea that we walked out to when the tide went out. They made a giant rock climbing playground - just a bit sharp on your feet, when you stepped on a Mussle or a Limpit. As usual Daddy made a giant sand creation (3 moats and giant battlements - definitely the best on the beach).  

Just time to make a quick stop for a geocash on the way home - but as we were dressed for the beach, and the stinging nettles were very tall, we had to give up - we'll be back. We did manage to pick some fresh peas from the field and they were lovely. That's fresh Peas & Blackberries in two days, not quite my five-a-day, but a start.

Lastly, and for Grandma's sake, I'll only say that Daddy told me & Alfie the football score for Norwich, and we couldn't believe it. A week is clearly a long time in the world of football - anyway at least its only a game!          

02/08/2009

The second week of the holiday has gone by just as quickly as the first, and now its August as well - it'll soon be Christmas at this rate. Talking about cold things (as you do in the middle of Summer), we've got a date for our skiing holiday, and guess what - yup, Annalise & Harvey are coming again - awesome! Anyway, 23rd January 2010 is the date - 6 months to go & counting!

Back to now, and what an interesting time we've had - some more Geocashing, showing the Young Boys what its all about (and luckily enough battery power to find the last treasure in Surling-ham. We also spread the word to our old school chums Saffron & Sammy when we went to visit them at their house.

We also had our own version of the Ashes Cricket match outside in the close, except it was the Wrights against the Youngs, rather than England v Australia. Alfie was in hot batting form smacking the ball everywhere - warming up for 2nd match at Grandma & Grumps (more about that in a minute).

Alfie's not stopped talking about the fantastic time he had watching Norwich play football. Not on tv, but actually there at the match. So Alf, what was it like? 'What a day I had, and very eco-friendly - we biked from home to Brundall station, got the train to Norwich, walked to the football ground (luckily stopping at a sweet shop along the way). What a massive place it is... the closer you get the bigger it seems. After going through this big metal door, we only had to go up a few steps and there it was, this huge green football pitch, and all these other people - wow. There were Wigan players from my football cards - so they were real people. Soon the referee blew his whistle & the game started. Its so fast, they run around everywhere, and the goalie - what a huge kick they do. Booo, Wigan scored a goal, and everyone was sad.... but not for long, Norwich went running down the pitch and GOAL!!!!!!! we all jumped up and cheered. Just when I thought it was all finished, it was only half time, and a chance to walk about a bit - those seats are not very cumfy! Another whistle, and they were off again, and again Wigan scored, double Boo. Again we were not sad for long, although I nearly missed it as I was staring around a bit and just got my head round towards the pitch as Norwich scored another GOAL!!!!!!! That was good, but the next one was the best, a huge pass down the pitch, and whack, the ball was in the net - GOAL!!!!! Norwich [3] Wigan [2].

Everyone was really happy that Norwich has won, and I skipped all the way back to the station. Who should I see waiting for the train - Oliver from my class who'd also been to see it, so we chatted all the bay back on the train while Daddy talked football with his Grandma. Back on our bikes and home to tell Mummy & Edie all about it - what a day, can't wait to do it again.  

I just had enough time to hear all about it, have a quick bit of tea, and I was off to spend the night at my friend Kira's house. Luckily not quite such a late night as before - asleep at about 11:00pm. Lucky really as Mummy & Daddy were round 12 hours later to pick me up, on the way to Grandma & Grumps. As we hoped Monty, Connie, Ben & Catherine were also there. Connie smiled at everyone (except Daddy, who made her cry every time he looked at her - understandable!). We had some fab outdoor fun - loads of football & Cricket (until Alfie smashed it out of the garden with a massive shot). Carrying on our Geocash quest we took Monty on a treasure hunt and found the cashe in some trees on the beach, near a little stream that flowed through these huge tall plants that made it look like a jungle. We all pigged out on Grandma's lovely food, and came home entertained & exhausted - hoping to meet up when we go camping in a couple of weeks.                

27/07/2009

The first week of the holiday is over already. If the rest go as fast, it'll feel like we've hardly been off. Anyway, We're sure every week of the holiday won't be as action packed as this - something every day.

Monday - Geocashing with Annalise & Harvey, and with no Daddy to work the GPS, it was all down to Mummy, and guess what - we found all 3 of the treasures we were hunting for - beat that boys!

Tuesday - Saffron & Sammy came over to play. Too wet to do much outside, so we just had a fun time on the Wii.

Wednesday - Getting ready for staying at Nanna & Grandad's for the Airshow. Finally all packed & very excited.

Thursday - Lowestoft Airshow (Day 1). Saw some really noisy planes and it was just about warm enough for a quick dip in the sea. It was warmer in the water after you'd got wet! Fun sleep-over at Nanna & Grandad's. Alfie got a turn on the top bunk. His high bed must have got him used to it, as he didn't roll out in the middle of the night - good job too, all the noise that would have made. 

Friday - Airshow (Day 2). Not so warm, but still tempted into the sea. Jason, Helen, Sophie & Naomi came to visit & we really liked Sophie's funky Pink glasses - well cool. Back home after tea to check that Daddy had made the house nice & tidy - not bad!

Saturday - The last Junior club until September, and I couldn't believe it, another award, this time a little trophy, for the most improved skier of the season & an invitation to join the proper race training on Friday nights - gulp!

Sunday - A geocashing marathon with Annalise & Harvey to some really fun places only up the road in Burl-ing-ham, but somewhere we'd never been before. The first challenge was a set of four micro cashes (no bigger than a large round pencil sharpener). We didn't get off to a good start as we couldn't find the first one, although we were at the right place and had worked out the clue - someone must have moved it. success on the other 3, and back to the car with 5 miles under our feet. A quick drink and some fizzy cola bottles and we were off again, this time having to solve clues in the Churchyard, which took us back into the woods. After a long search when we about to give up, Daddy found it, giving us the clue to the final treasure box, which we found quite quickly, after we'd munched our way through a load of Apples, Blackberries & fresh peas (a right countryside feast).  

Not sure what next week has up its sleeve (what a weird saying that is as weeks don't wear clothes, but anyway). What I do know, we're going to see Grandma, Grumps, Ben, Catherine, Monty & Constance on Sunday, and Alf is going to watch Norwich play football on Saturday - his first proper match. Me and Mummy and going to do some girly stuff while the boys do their thing.             

20/07/2009

The last week at school before the holidays disappeared in a blur of activity, especially the Sports Days that were rained off the week before. Thankfully, the weather was much better & both me and Alf got to show off our sporting talents (that regular readers will be very familiar with).

Well done to Alf for winning his running race, beating his friend Jo into 2nd place - he was very pleased with himself. He might not be a champion sack racer, as shortly after I snapped this picture, he fell flat on his face! He might however be a javelin thrower as he threw his giant dart the furthest of anyone in his year - by miles! I came 3rd in my running race (behind the two people I thought were faster than me), and ran a super-speedy relay race to help our team finish 2nd.   

Another school award for my skiing, again meeting the lady in the wheelchair, this time at my future high school (where only 3 people from Brundall school were invited!).

I decided to have the weekend off skiing, and so we went (you guessed it... geo-cashing), this time with a pub stop along the way - excellent. There were some brilliantly hidden treasures, one in a very prickly holly bush that Daddy had to get, and another in a gate post. All of this fun less than 5 miles from our house.

With the holiday now in full swing, we headed off to Thetford for a spot of mountain biking - only the Red route this time, but still 8 miles. On the way back, on a geo-cash hunt in the forest we saw a wild Deer, before I thought Daddy had got us hopelessly lost in the woods, before we finally found the treasure & made it home - phew!

We hope this will be a super-fun Summer holiday, and that all our chums have a great time, whatever you are up to.        

12/07/2009

A strange week where the school days were as memorable as the weekend. To find out why, read on. No sooner had I got into my classroom on Monday, when Miss Peers told me I had to go to the main hall. Not all my class, just me! as you can imagine, the long walk over there seemed like the Green Mile. As it turned out, it was a special assembly with a real disabled Olympic athlete (Mel Clark), who handed out the certificates for Sporting Achievement that my class voted for. We got to do some real archery afterwards, and the arrows went much further than with the bow I made on holiday in Shropshire.

While I was meeting sporting superstars, Mummy & Alfie had gone to Holt hall for a school trip and had a great time learning all about nature & the environment.

Tuesday was a long day at school, as I didn't leave until 8:30 in the evening. Was I in detention writing out lots of lines? No, it was the School Choir and Band concert, which Daddy & Alfie came along to (although Alfie spent most of the time outside playing football with his friend Faris, and his older brother. We got to sing the songs that we'd practicing, and although I was in the front row & a bit nervous, it seemed to go OK.

The next two days were a total washout, with both our Sports Days cancelled due to the rain. Shame as we'd both been training hard for our events, who knows what will not happen in the rearranged events next week - will we be passed our best?       

Ski practice on Friday (with the real racers), as we had the regional race in Norwich on Sunday. Just time to squeeze in a final practice session on Saturday, before we took our friend Stephen on his first GeoCash hunt - into some deep dark woods. It was a really fun place with slopes to run down & climb and lots of bracken to crash through. After a bit of going round in circles, we found it and exchanged some of our trash for some alien treasures, as well as leaving the GeoCoin we found with Annalise & Harvey.

Up bright & early on Sunday, and on the ski slope before 9:00am - dedication or what. Luckily all that practice paid off as even though I went the wrong way round the 1st pole on my last run, my other two times were good enough for a Bronze medal in the Eastern Region Ski Association race. I was so pleased when I saw the results - even better as that meant that Daddy owed me £10 - fantastic.

Just time for a final GeoCash attempt at Whitlingham Broad, which ended in failure as Daddy didn't have all the information - doh.

Good news, only one more week to go before the School holidays. Not so good, not all my friends will be in my class next year, but at least Kira is. Alfie is still with his best friends, and will have Miss Peers as his teacher, so she'll know exactly what to expect after the things I've told her!  

05/07/2009

After the fun packed antics of my birthday last week (what.... you didn't know it was my birthday - where have you been?), we were all a bit quieter than usual - until the weekend.

It started early, with ballet practice for my exam on Sunday, and afterwards, with a bit of time to spare, and Annalise on board, we went Geocashing in Brundall, with Daddy already knowing where they were - so we couldn't not find them. Sure enough, a quick walk later, and a careful rummage amongst the thistles.... bingo, our first Norfolk Geocash. A few bits of trash were exchanged, and we were off, this time a return trip to the Church where we had been previously been unsuccessful (twice). No mistakes this time, with a bit of help from Daddy, the micr-cash was ours, along with some foreign coins. A quick break for lunch and we were off with Daddy for a spot of DIY shopping and Geocashing - its already getting into everything we do!

In preparation, we had to have an ice-cream (it was a hot day & we'd just been dragged around B&Q, that seems a fair deal to us). Off we went and although we were right where it was supposed to be, we couldn't find it anywhere. In the end it didn't really matter as we got to stand on a bridge as a train went underneath, which made the whole bridge shake - scary, but really fun! A success on the way home, a good Geo hidden under a bridge over a pond - the Troll clue gave it away.

Sunday carried on the crazy pace of Saturday. Alfie & Daddy went sailing with Harvey & Kerry, while us girls went shopping in Norwich - see, we've already got it all worked out!. Me & Annalise then had our ballet exam - just copy the stuff we did the day before really, and we then went off to the river for a bit of sailing, and messing about by the Broads - finding more Geocashes, of course. Another 3 for the girls, and 4 for the Boys, who arrived by boat to their extra one - with Daddy & Kerry having to row most of the way, as there wasn't much wind - oh dear.

Annalise & Harvey are completely hooked on Geocashing, and are already wanting to come again - we've got a coin that has got to be put in another geocash in the next 10 days - so we've got to go soon! We never thought that walking around following an arrow and some numbers on a screen could be so much fun - tell all your friends, its fab!.

28/06/2009

YES! the waiting is finally, it was my birthday (that I'd been keeping such a secret), and what a fantastic few day's I've had - where do I begin with it all?

The week began with a trip back in time - yes, a real time warp, all the way to Tudor times in the 1600's. They had no TV, no WII or DS's, not even bikes, phones or the internet - how sad. Anyway, me & Mummy spent the whole day learning about how the Tudors lived, even learning that the fish in the moat ate the stuff from the toilets - yuk, and they then ate the fish. I hope that's not what goes into my fish fingers! Mummy did a great job with the costumes, and with everyone dressed up we really did look great.

Then to the big day itself. After not sleeping much (did I mention I was a bit excited), I was awake before Daddy & had already sneaked downstairs to take a peek at my presents, and there was a real surprise - a new bike. I don't know where it had come from as it wasn't there when I went to bed - amazing. There were some lovely things (clothes, cooking books, jewellery) - all the things that a 9 year old just has to have. Off to school with a bag full of sweets, which everyone enjoyed, and another surprise after school - Grandma & Monty who had come from Lowestoft on the train. Grumps, Ben & Connie were at home when we got back. More fab presents, my very own music player, so everyone doesn't have to listen to Pop Party or Hanna Montana all the time now, and cd player & clock for my bedroom - thanks everyone. We had a lovely party tea and fun in the garden. Monty's arm looks all better now, but he wasn't allowed on the trampoline yet - just in case.

Even though my Birthday day was over quickly, there was still soooo much to do, that I wasn't at all sad. Next day Nanna & Grandad came to visit and brought me the cake maker I'd asked for, so I'll be making lots & lots of cakes & other lovely things from my cookbook - thanks.

The weekend, and still it was fun, fun, fun. First to Stephen's swimming party, at someone's house with their own pool - how posh is that! It was really good fun as there were just a few of us with the pool to ourselves. Alfie had a really good time & now wants to start swimming lessons up again with Daniel, so he can swim as good as me - never. Annalise then came over, as she was having a sleep-over, or not much sleep over, if it is anything like when I stayed at hers! We had some yummy Chinese for tea, played some games, watched a DVD, and finally went to sleep about midnight, with Alfie also sleeping in my room.

We can't understand why Mummy has soooo much trouble getting out of bed on a Sunday morning, we were up and about at 7:30, more than two hours before Mummy, and she went to sleep before us!!!!!

Off to build-a-bear, and we were there waiting for it to open, and when it did, it was a mad rush to pick our bears, watch them be stuffed & stitched, washed and finally dressed with their funky outfits - footballer bear for Alfie (surprise, surprise), Ready-4-bed Rabbit for me & a beach bear for Annalise.

Just time to get back home, help Daddy finish getting the house tidy, and Nanna arrived to help me & my friends with the last bit of my Birthday celebrations, a t-shirt painting party. The weather was lovely and we all got to sit in the garden and paint pretty patterns on out t-shirts, eat some party food, run around, dance and generally go crazy - what a fab few day's I'd had..

After they'd all gone, it wasn't quite over, the final presents to open, and some more lovely things, including some real Butterfly's that you grow - cool. Then it was all over for another year. I was exhausted, Alfie was relived and Mum & Dad just looked like a couple of Zombies - only 364 more days to go until the next one.      

21/06/2009

Another week gone - only days to go until my birthday - I'm soooooooo excited, can you tell?

Boohoo, another ski race and again no medals for me, and another Silver medal for Mummy - she's slowly catching up, although a Gold has got to be worth what, two Silvers? At least we didn't get lost, and it wasn't so far to go, so maybe it'll be third time lucky next time - wherever that this.

Anyway, this week should be more about Alfie, as after all he had a starring role in his School assembly, which we all got to see. Even Daddy was able to get away from work to watch - I'll expect him to come to mine now. Alfie was a Blue fish that made friends with a shiny fish, and got to keep one of the fishes sparkly scales, just like fish Pokemon trading card really! As you can see Alfie is very much the Actor, playing it cool until his starring moment arrived - bravo.

We also went to Annalise's school Fete, but didn't stay too long as we'd biked to Blofield (as we were going to find the Geocash nearby), but again no luck, this time because it started to rain and we had to ride really fast home - even then we got pretty wet. This Norfolk Geocashing is proving a whole lot trickier than when we were on holiday - is it Daddy being hopeless, or have we just been unlucky?  

Next week is going to be really exciting. Not only is it my birthday (have I mentioned that already, or was that a real surprise?), but I've got my School trip where we get to dress up as Tudor people for the whole day, and Mummy is coming with us.

So I'll have lots to tell you all about next week, if I've recovered from the excitement of it all. If I haven't Alfie can write it for me, as his writing is getting really quite god now - nearly as neat as Daddy's!

14/06/2009

Mmmmm.... what did we say last week, something about skiing medals & geocash treatures. What did we actually get - nothing! No, that's not quite right - Daddy has now ordered the GPS thing, so our Geo-cashing careers can begin real soon, and how unkind of me, Mummy got a ski medal, so I'll start our story there.

On Sunday me & Mummy got up really early (even before Daddy) & drove all the way to Peterburu. We didn't always know exactly where we were going but we got there in the end. We practiced, walked the course (handy to know where you are going) and then it was RACE-TIME. We had three goes each and Mummy came second in her group and got a lovely silver medal. Me, well I came forth, so just missed out, by less than half a second!!! I was the youngest in my group & it was my first race so I'm not too disappointed. It just makes me more determined to do even better at Ipswich next weekend.

While we were skiing in the sun, the boys were on an adventure of their own, to collect Alfie's new bed. Another of Daddy's Ebay bargains, he now has his very own tall bed, like mine. I'll have to get some pictures of him in it, shame I didn't do it on the first night, as he couldn't wait to go to bed! 

Alfie's bed being made was not the highlight of the bed business (for us anyway). Daddy bought a new mattress, and we had fantastic fun using it as a stuntman crash-mat in the garden. As you can see the results were pretty spectacular.

Just over a week until my birthday now - am I excited (not much!)

07/06/2009

Most of our friends couldn't believe what we'd done in our week off, they were really jealous. It was good to hear from Annalise & Harvey that they had a lovely time in France (not near any mountains or snow though)!

Daddy told their Dad about the Geo-cashing & he really wants to have a go - I think there will be some competition over who can get to their 1st Norfolk treasure. Daddy was hoping to get his GPS thing for this weekend but they'd sold out, so we'll have to wait another week.

Other than boring everyone with our holiday stories it was a pretty normal week at school. After school was more fun, I had tea at my friend Kira's house & she came over for tea with me. Alfie got a bit crazy when she was here - perhaps he likes her!

Saturday skiing was a bit different as we had a rally fun lesson on jumps & tricks, all trying to do twists & other mad things without crashing - wicked!!!! All part of Mummy & me getting ready for our first proper race next weekend in some place called Peterbura, which looks miles away on the map. I don't know what Alfie & Dad are going to do - they could come & watch or do some boy stuff.

We went to see Nanna & Grandad on Sunday and tried again to find a Geo-cash without a GPS thing, and again failed - boo. We did though have fun working out some clues at the Church by the beach, we just couldn't find the cash, although it was only a little one & the grass was very long in the bit of the churchyard that we thought it was in - that's our excuse anyway. Perhaps the Sheep had eaten it, or were hiding it in their huge woolly coats.

Sadly after another feast of lovely food for tea, and me beating Alfie at hoops, we had to go home.

Hopefully next weeks stories will feature a skiing victory and a Geo-cash find - fingers crossed. 

31/05/2009

We are sorry for not telling our story last week, we were just so busy getting ready to go camping that there just wasn't the time - poor excuse, but that's the only one we've got! As a follow on from our last main story - Cousin Monty and his broken arm, he cleverly set up his camera on a timer and sneaked back around to provide us with proof of his injury - get well soon, and remember what we said - make the absolute most of the attention!

So on to last week and our camping trip to somewhere, far, far away - nearly to another country - Wales (only ten miles from our campsite). After hours & hours in the car with only a McDonalds Happy Meal toy for company (and that was rubbish) we arrived & our Cousins were nowhere to be seen - had we come to the wrong place? Fortunately not, and they came back from a  walk just in time to stop us having to help Mum & dad with the tent!.

The next week was packed full of outdoor fun - loads & loads of football in the camping field, mostly with Alf & Robert trying to hack each other down rather than make any attempt to get the ball - it was more like rugby & restling than football. Rowan was happy to watch when things got too mad, sensibly wanting to keep her legs as free of bruises as possible.

The really groovy stuff was the searching for buried treasure when we were out walking - fantastic fun. Its something called Geo-cashing and you need this GPS thing that Uncle Tom had which gave you directions to the treasure which had been hidden. To help you also had to solve clues which told you where to look once you got to the right place. It was so exciting as we each took turns to use this GPS thing to follow the arrow and distance to find treasure.

When you finally found it, most of the time there was a box fully of little toys / things that people had left before, and you could swap stuff that you'd brought. Alf got the best thing of all a groovy watch that still works. I got a  little keyring and a bracelet. There is also a book to fill in to say when you found it. It was so much fun that we are going to get a GPS and start looking for treasure near home - there are loads (we've already looked). We'll be calling ourselves Florence&Frodo, as Florence is my unofficial middle name, and Frodo, we'll you all know who Frodo is. We reckon that Annalise & Harvey will love it and we plan to start up our very own new Cache somewhere nearby. One other thing we need to do is put a special Geo-coin in a stash somewhere as they travel around and you can see where they've been by looking on the Internet - some have even been from one country to the next, and our one has got some Indian writing on it, so we can't wait to see where its been.

Sadly it was soon time to pack up our tent and drive home - I cried as we left as we'd had such a fab time & was sad that it would be some time until we saw our Cousins again. This time the journey back was better as we had football to listen to on the radio, and Chelsea were playing, and won!

Just time for me and Stephen to compare the bows & arrows that we'd made as part of our homework - pretty similar I'd say, and a visit to Brundall Church to see if we could see the Geo-cash that was on the map - but with no GPS we had no luck! We're both ready to go back to school & tell all our friends about our adventures - hope you all had a good time too.  

17/05/2009

We can't believe it, just as Annalise's arm starts to get better, what happens........ now I bet you are thinking, what has Alfie done this time, but no, this time its Cousin Monty - he's broken his arm. We just hope that he wasn't trying to copy one of our dare-devil tricks that he picked up the other week when we saw him, and that it was just one of those things - just like Alfie slipping backwards down the stairs! We'll have to get to the bottom of this mystery & send him a secret message in the Get Well card we'll make for him. On the other hand, Alfie's just made a good point - Monty can't read. That certainly makes finding out the truth a bit more tricky - so Monty, just get well soon & now it doesn't hurt anymore, just enjoy the attention!!!!!  

The extra weird thing is that when Alfie broke his arm, Robert had done his, so there seems to be a spooky connection of broken arm pairs - yikes, does that mean me and Harvey are next?

While all this craziness was going on, I was at school doing loads of tests, yup tests and some really tricky ones, but I think I've done OK. At least they are all done now, so we get a nice easy last week before our week off.

Talking about time off & holidays, we've been getting some more creature comforts for the tent - an electric cool box which means we can have lovely cold drinks, even on those roasting hot days that we always seem to get when we are camping - RIGHT! Hopefully it will be nice weather when we go to Shropshire with Robert & Rowan so we can get out and about, rather than sit is a damp tent, like we did in Yorkshire!

Now you've made us think about rain, that pesky stuff ruined our plans to have a car boot sale on Sunday. All the stuff is ready to go, and we've already decided what we'll be spending our money on - so now all we need is a sunny SUNday, and lots of people to by our junk (sorry, we mean - lovely things).

Lastly, me & Mummy can't wait to get properly into our ski racing. We went to see them race in Norwich and its incredible how fast they go - we've certainly got some practicing to do. Anyway, we've decided we are going to enter the East Region Ski Racing and will be practicing hard for our first race in June - somewhere.     

10/05/2009

Good news, Annalise's arm is not so bad after all - more like my ankle than Alfie's arm, and she will not need a hard cast on her arm, so I expect to see her dancing again real soon.

With Annalise mending, I went skiing, and helped to raise some money by being part of a team that together skied the same distance as the height of a mountain on the Moon! Of course we didn't have to go to the Moon to do the skiing (that would have been too far & too cold - so I just to Trowse instead and skied 30 times down the slope.

Alf went to choose some new glasses and really wanted a pair with Batman figures on the sides, but Mum & Dad made him choose a more 'boring' pair. They should be ready in a week, so we won't have too long to wait and see what Alf looks like in his new goggles.

On Sunday Nanna & Grandad came to visit, and had a go on the trampoline - we think they must have been practicing secretly as they were pretty good. Next time we'll have to see if we can get them to do a flip, especially as Grandad said that he used to be able to do one, just standing on the floor - impressive!

After lunch we searched the village for things made of rubbish. Yes, I know times are hard, but we haven't quite got that desperate - yet. This rubbish was not any old rubbish, but rubbish that had been made into shapes and things, called sculptures.

We saw some really interesting things, and the Dragonfly was great, even if me & Mummy say so - yup, you guessed it we helped to make it. Our other favourites were some Sheep & a really clever bird made out of beer cans. We hope they'll do this again as it was really good fun.

03/05/2009

Oh my God, what a crazy week we've just had - where do we begin - all right, at the beginning.

Daddy can no longer tease Mummy being older than him as it was his 40th - yes, 40th birthday on Tuesday. With me and Alf at school, Mum & Dad went out, doing the things that middle aged people do - swimming and eating (although hopefully not at the same time!). Daddy got some nice new shirts & some lovely things you put in the sleeve bits from Robert & Rowan, and some yummy chocolate from me and Alf. He definitely didn't want any fuss, so we just had a yummy chocolate cake for tea - otherwise it could have been any normal day - he certainly didn't look any older.

The usual skiing to finish off the week, but no races this time, so no more medals. Then it was time for me to go to Annalise's for her birthday sleep-over, while Daddy & Alf spent some quality boy time in the DIY shops - yawn! Alf did get Chinese for tea, so I wasn't the only one having a special time.

You are no going to believe what time we finally went to sleep at Annalise's - we think it was nearly 2 o'clock in the morning - and we were awake again before 8 o'clock. This lack of sleep could explain what happened next. Just as everyone was being picked up to go home Annalise tripped as she was running out through the conservatory, and broke her arm - what a birthday to remember - nighmare! So now that's Alf, cousin Robert & now Annalise all with broken arms, and me with a broken ankle - what a bunch of cripples!

While poor Annalise was at the hospital we went to Grandma & Grumps house, to see them & our cousins Monty & Constance, who had grown loads since we saw her when we went skiing. We had great fun playing football, and helping Monty with his pretend cooking - you can have anything as long as its pasta.

Daddy got some more lovely presents, some really funky numbers for the house - just in case you forget where you live - must be another middle age thing! Ben & Catherine got him this really cool picture frame that is just like a mini TV, I think its like the one Grandad has got. He also got this bottle of wine that is 40 years old, and looks like it - we like our wine (as you know, but I don't fancy drinking that).

Finally, our extra day's holiday was spent in the garden, but not relaxing. Daddy was cutting the hedge so there were branches raining down everywhere that needed to be picked up. We also helped Daphnie & Peter clear the stuff out of their garden, and earned £2 for doing this - wow money for having fun - cool.

We've just finished a get well card a present for Annalise & I hope I'll get to see her soon to see what colour cast she's got on her arm - clumsy clot!    

26/04/2009

Boooooo...... Daddy did not get the job he travelled all the way to Manchester for. Never mind, he's still our Dad & we love him to bits. We know that he'll get something really soon, and things will get back to normal.

I think us all being a bit sad at the moment made me try extra hard at the ski club on Saturday, and guess what..... yup, 1st place & another medal - what a collection I've got already. I was faster than both the girls & boys, and this is the next-to-top group in Junior Club, so I might have to go up a group & ski with the best children in the club. Mummy thinks I'd be the youngest one there - yikes! 

It was also a good day for Alfie as he finally managed to find a pair of crocs that he liked. Unfortunately he couldn't find any more of his cool army pattern ones, and has now got a groovy blue pair - funky. 

With the sun shining on Sunday, we pestered Daddy to take me & Alfie to play the Pirates Cove Crazy Golf in Yarmouth. We ran the last few steps and excitedly waited for Daddy to pay for us - only to find out that Mummy & Daddy couldn't just watch & we'd all have to play, and it would cost £17. Even we know that £17 for crazy golf is..... crazy, so we went a bit further along and played on a different one. No water on this one, but still fun. The scores were really close between me and Alfie until I got a hole-in-one on the 17th and finally won by 3 shots.

To finish off an energetic weekend Me, Alfie & Daddy biked around Brundall looking for bits of wood to make some shelves for our playhouse. We didn't find any, but we did go for a walk around Church Fen and see our friends Sachia & Bailey and their mad Dogs. The really cool part was doing some climbing us the steep slopes of the track back up to the Church - who says Norfolk is flat - phew!   

19/04/2009

Its official, at least as far as we're concerned - we found heaven, and its not up in the sky, its on the ground, and its called Cadbury World!

After quickly learning about how chocolate is made is was time for the first, of very many chances to taste it - yum, yum. Even after our chocolate tour we still had plenty of room in our tummies, and our pockets, for more - luckily there was the biggest chocolate shop we'd ever seen - incredible.   

Sadly it was all too soon time to say goodbye to our Cousin's and Crazy-Mazie their bonkers Dog, who was more wild than we were - but in a nice way, so we weren't at all scared - even when she came running straight at you, cos all she wanted to do was lick you.

It seemed a real squeeze to get everything back in the car - it must have been our hoard of chocolate (which filled a whole shelf in our lounge, and did look just like this man's mountain of tasty treats). 

We were a bit sad when we got back as Daddy wasn't there, he was in Man-Chester, hoping to get a new job (we've still got our fingers crossed!).

On Wednesday night we were finally a family again - Daddy was home (after 5 hours sitting on a train - boring!).

We had a nice surprise on Friday, our old friends Saffron & Sammy came round to play and we had some crazy fun on the trampoline, especially the boys, while Saffron and me did some crafty stuff as the Mum's chatted & drank coffee - easy life!

Back to skiing on Friday night and Saturday morning - and after a few runs it felt like I'd hardly been away. Good news is that there is another race next week, so if I try really hard, I could get medal number SIX.  

Holidays are really great, but Alf & me are now really looking forward to getting back to school & seeing all our friends again, and we know that Mummy is ready for us to go back - so just once, we actually agree on something - incredible.

13/04/2009

The waiting is finally over, our cases (and the Wii) are packed, and they're off. One going South (Daddy to Eastborn, and us West to the land of Robert, Rowan & chocolate. Cos its official, we're definitely going to Cadbury world to see how they make chocolate (and hopefully taste some too).

Before all of that, we have had a week off school, but we've not done much, apart from talk about going to see our Cousins & how much chocolate we're going to eat - so boringly really nothing to say.

It was sad to learn that we'll not now see Daddy until Wednesday as he's got to go to Man-Chester on Tuesday night, as his job thing is on Wednesday morning - good luck Daddy, we'll all be thinking of you.

So I've just got a few minutes on Auntie Shelly's laptop before she comes back (grown-ups - make your passwords a bit more of a challenge - please!). So, we got to Robert & Rowans - we'd forgotten how long it takes - endless! We were so pleased to see them and even without the Wii, we had a great time messing about. Then into Pershaw & Wooster, and shops - even more boring than the journey, so thankfully the Wii was finally unpacked and we could show Robert, Rowan, Shelly & Tom our skills. Robert really liked it, especially Wii Sports & Mario & Sonic Olympics.

Easter Day - at last, and the chance to feast on that brown gold - chocolate. So we started as we hoped to go on with a full-on Easter egg hunt, where we each got a tasty supply of treats, that we then had to walk off in the countryside, with the odd energy boost chocolate stop, of course.

So off to Cadbury World tomorrow - tell you all about it next week. Including Daddy sleeping in a cellar - sounds like dark, dusty, creepy stuff. Hope you all ate your own body weight in chocolate, and are fit to burst - happy days chums, happy days.

05/04/2009

Oh, how our legs ached - I'm sure we've shrunk, our legs worn away by the cross-country slog, that was supposed to be just a 'short walk'. We'll definitely not be falling for that one again. More about that in a minute.

First, the last week at school & beauty week, and what a beaut it was. We both got to do lots of making things which was really fun, especially eating the chocolate Easter baskets that we'd made - yummy.  

Then on Saturday, which shall forever be known as the day our legs nearly fell off, Daddy nearly forgot Drama, which would have been a nightmare as we had to pick Annalise up as well - phew, we just got there on time.

It was then decided that we'd go for a short walk in the afternoon with Annalise & Harvey (who'd not been too well, so nothing too tiring we though) - WRONG!

We walked through some woods, playing sword fights and tickling each other with these long reed things, and expected to be turning back any minute. But no, on we walked getting more & more hungry. We even had to creep carefully past these pretty bonkers cows that just didn't seem to want to go away. Finally we stopped for our picnic lunch - which we scoffed down as we were starving.

All too soon we were off again, going further & further into the wilderness - were we completely lost, never to be seen again? By this time our legs were like jelly and we could hardly go another step, so think about poor old Harvey who'd not been well (he finally had to get a shoulder carry).

Finally, after loads of false promises that it was 'just around the corner', there was our car - we were so glad to have made it. At home, with a little help from my friend Google, the reason for our tired legs became clear - we'd walked over FIVE miles!!!!!! Now, let me think, short wallk - 5 miles, I don't think so.

After a well earned and lovely sleep we headed off to see Grandma & Grumps and while Alf, Daddy & Grumps played football in the garden (all afternoon) I drifted about not really knowing what to do with myself - I hope I'm not getting the Harvey lurg, as we've got our trip to Robert & Rowan at the end of the week. As usual we feasted on Grandma's lovely food, and received our first Easter presents (some real painted Goose eggs that Grumps had made - and very pretty they were too - thanks Grumps).

So me & Alf are al packed and ready for our trip to Robert & Rowan's, Daddy is getting ready to go to Eastborn, and its nearly Easter, and all that chocolate -yum, yum.

29/03/2009

Crash.......... how quickly things change in Edie & Alfie World. One minute we're all happy and helping Mummy feel lovely & special on mother's Day, the next...... Daddy's got to find himself another job - scary stuff.

My first thought was - crumbs, does this mean that my Build-a-Bear Workshop birthday party is over? Fortunately not, Daddy says I can still have it - phew, one panic over.

So as you can imagine, Daddy's not been his normal happy self, but we're sure everything will work out, just like it did for Stephen's Dad who lost his job a few weeks ago & got another one a few days after - fingers crossed. Whatever happens, just remember Daddy we all love you!!!!

At least we've got some other things to look forward to, next week at school its all about beauty, so we get to dress up and make pretty things - cool or what. Then its the Easter holiday, and a double-fun. Not only are we already looking forward to a feast of chocolate, but we'll get to feast with our Cousin's Robert & Rowan, as we're going to stay with them for a few days - and we should be taking the WII - fantastic. Mummy has even talked about going to a place called Cadberry World where all they do is make chocolate - sounds like heaven!

While we're having fun, Daddy is going to have fun of his own working on Grandma's empty shop in Eastborn, so we get to eat chocolate, Daddy gets to do DIY - everyone's happy!

We're all hoping that we'll have some good news to share with all our chums in the next couple of weeks about Daddy's new job, so keep those fingers crossed, or start making up your food parcels, as we might be needing them!

23/03/2009

Hello to Mum's everywhere - we hope that you had a nice day on Mother's Day, enjoying a long lie-in, having all your tea's & coffee's brought to you, and generally taking it easy. If you didn't.... then maybe it'll be your turn next year!

We'd both been working hard at school on our cards and presents, and as you can see the cards were pretty impressive. I can't show you the presents. My chocolate nest cake has probably already been eaten, Mummy hasn't yet had Alfie's present as its taking longer to sew than he thought - well, boys sewing, that's not going to be quick now is it & the necklace, that we bought her from the shop that is selling her hats in Blofield, has been put away in a safe place.

Saturday was a bit of a nothing day. Musical theatre and a trip to the library were my highlights. At least Alfie had a party to go to - Ben2, rather than Ben10, as there were two Ben's having their birthday party together - how confusing.

Sunday was Mum's special day, and she decided to spend a good piece of it in bed (as usual for a Sunday). She was really pleased with her cards and presents. But then rather than sit down & rest she started making dinner, as she'd invited Nanna & Grandad over, as it was Nanna's special day as well.

We had a delicious dinner and then went on a nice long walk to Blofield and back to get some fresh air. We walked past where Daddy says they are going to build a golf course which would be pretty crazy. I'm sure all our practice on the WII would make us pretty good - Alfie, the white Tiger Woods? On the way back Alf & me got some Pampas grass and sprinkled the seeds everywhere. In a couple of years time the whole of Brundall will be covered in new Pampas grass plants - all thanks to us!  

15/03/2009

Phew, what a mad end to a slow, and pretty boring week (for me anyway). Alf had his school disco and says that he was movin' and groovin' to all his favourite toons - D.I.S.C.O.

Saturday was a pretty lazy day - luckily so as it turned out. A bright and early start on Sunday (even Mummy was out of bed about 9:00am). The weather was sunny & warm (for March), the bikes loaded onto the car - destination Thetford forest and our first blast through the woods this year.

As usual we parked by the side of the road (cos its free of course) and peddled towards the start of our favourite Red trail...... which was CLOSED!!!!!!!! Disaster, as not just the first bit we'd seen but the whole of the trail was shut. Just like it was looking we'd come all this way and wouldn't be having any fun, Dad suggested we do the Black trail instead. Yup, the Black one, the one we'd seen with all these signs about how difficult it was and how it was only for people over 15 years old, blah, blah, blah.

So showing we were made of the Wright stuff we set off into the unknown, and wow what a fantastic time we had, it was twisty, turny, fast & muddy. Every time we stopped to let some really fast people past they said 'thanks' and looked really impressed that we were riding the most difficult trail.

The best bit of all was a piece called the Beast which was extra hilly, narrow and fast, it was really the most fun - ever! We got back the start and Daddy said that we'd biked for nine miles, so the ice-cream had definitely been earned. With the last strength in our legs we biked back to the car to complete a ten mile mountain bike marathon, and a well deserved nap in the car on the way home.

Just enough time to tell (brag) about our adventure to Stephen over a game of football and a trampoline bouncing competition and it was time for tea, bath & bed, ready for another week.

08/03/2009

Spring is here. How do we know? Well, not only is it not dark quite so early in the evening, but Mum & Dad were out in the garden tidying up (including all the stinky cat poo!). Where were we when all of this hard work was being done - out their with our sleeves rolled up getting stuck in - no actually we weren't. Alf was watching something interesting on TV (Ben 10 or Pokemon), despite being asked to do his homework and I was building a bear friend for Lilly, at one of my very favourite places - The Build-a-Bear Workshop.

I'd been saving my pocket money for weeks & weeks so that I could buy my new bear some lovely clothes, cos I was lucky enough to be going for my friend Anna's birthday, so my new bear would be free - wow.

So Lilly has a new friend, a monkey called Pinky, who is very Pink - pretty original eh. She has got a lovely sparkly dress and shoes to match, so she's more of a Princess Pinky really. I can't wait to show all my friends (who weren't already at the party). I definitely want my Birthday party there, so I'll have to start saving my pennies now.

Back to the garden tidy up, there was a least something else going on that grabbed or attention, the bits for the trampoline came out of the play house & bit-by-bit were transformed once again into the biggest, baddest, and most bonkers thing ever. As soon as the last spring had been attached and the safety net attached we were back bouncing away, just like we'd never stopped - so what if it was pouring down with rain... we were just bouncin' in the rain, just bouncin' in the rain, what a glorious feeling, we were happy again....... isn't that from a song or something......mmmmmm, maybe.

Daddy did try to take a photo of us but I think his camera is broken - so that'll be him on the computer for the next 3 days trying to buy another one, at the cheapest possible price!

01/03/2009

Lucky that Alf has been getting his regular Wii practice in, as he was able to show off his skills to his friend Joe, who came over for tea on Friday. I'll just have to believe Alf when he says that he beat Joe in Tennis with four super-sonic serves in a row, as I wasn't there to see it for myself - I was at a school disco. So while the boys were blasting aliens, and each other, me & my friends were movin' and groovin'  - luckily we all knew the Mamma Mia song moves off by heart so not a foot was put wrong - strictly come dancing - watch out!   

After a lazy Saturday morning, we were bored and again persuaded (pestered) Daddy to take us swimming, and again Stephen came with us. We had a great time, and spent nearly 1 and a half hours in the pool - with our friends Sol and Aaron - we were so wrinkly when we got out! We finished swimming just when everyone decided to come out of the football ground - hundreds & hundreds of people everywhere - all looking a bit sad as Norwich had lost again!!!! The bonus, it gave us the excuse to go into Morrison's and get some sweets, and wait until we could drive home.

Sunday was another fun-day, we went sailing. Our next-door neighbour & cat-sitter, David had kindly agreed to take us to his sailing club and show us all the basics of how to sail a boat, which Alfie said was just like the boat that Annalise & Harvey have got. David quickly got everything sorted out and the boat in the water - and we were off, just not very fast, as there was hardly any wind. We were out on the Broad at the same time as other people racing in their boats, so we decided to follow them round the course - well behind them of course!

We each had a go at pulling on the ropes, and steering the boat - and managed to avoid hitting anyone or anything!. Back to the warm clubhouse for a picnic lunch and some lovely warm hot chocolate, then back out again, for another go - this time however there was no wind at all, and Daddy had to do lots of paddling, just to keep us moving along. After another go round the edge of the lake, we decided to come in, as even the racers we hardly moving. A quick pack away of the boat stuff, another drink, and off home for a bit of Wii sport with Stephen. A big thank you to David for his help and patience. 

22/02/2009

Woosh, where did the half-term holiday go? It hardly seems like yesterday that we were saying goodbye to our school friends than we'll be seeing them again. At this rate it'll be Easter in a couple of weeks and Christmas soon after!!!!!

As we mentioned last week, we went to Nanna & Grandad's for a couple of days as Mummy went to hospital to have her wisdom teeth out. Does that now mean she's got no wisdom (what ever that is?), and is that a problem? - maybe that's why she keeps forgetting stuff, or is that just her being 40? - More undercover investigation required. 

It definitely wasn't like having your teeth fall out and the tooth fairy come to see you, as Mummy showed us where her teeth had been pulled out - yuk. No wonder they put you to sleep, the teeth are so far back they'd have to climb in your mouth to yank them out - mad!

I forgot to take my camera, but I found this picture that was such a good likeness - I'm sure Nanna & Grandad will agree - Alfie certainly did.

Saturday, and a first - Stephen came swimming with me, Alfie & Daddy. We had great fun diving for the sinkers and generally messing about  - we'll definitely have to do that again.

Sunday, and a trip to see Grandma & Grumps, who we'd not seen since our holiday so we had to show them all our pictures of the crazy snow in Allos. They couldn't believe how much there was - especially the 5ft of snow in the Chalet garden. Grumps had another surprise for us, our own cat-er-polts. He'd made them easy for us to fire, and we had our own bullet packs & a target to shoot at. We spent ages in the garden firing stones at the cardboard target until it was ripped in half by a super-fast shot by Grumps - great fun, thanks Grumps.

Grandma helped us with our homework & made some lovely food (as usual). I especially liked the carrot cake, and Alfie really liked the chocolate pudding - thanks Grandma, our tummies are so full.       

We'd better go to bed now as its school tomorrow & we need to be up early for a quick go on the WII before we leave - no rest for the game players!

15/02/2009

It was nice that our friends were pleased to see us again, and even our teachers wanted to know how our skiing was - Mrs Peers was really surprised when Mummy explained how much we skied & the crazy stunts we did - maybe I'll have to bring in a few pictures, or give her my web address - how mad is that!

We've finally had a bit of time to look again at some of our pictures (we were too tired the first couple of nights - one time Alf went to sleep at tea time! - unheard of). We didn't feel too silly though as Daddy had a sleep one evening as well - these holiday's are tiring things, and I thought they were relaxing. Luckily, we've got another one coming up in a week, so maybe we'll recharge our batteries then.

Anyway another look a the pictures and some more gems:

• We'd forgotten how cold it was at the top of the mountain in Foux - behind me the lifts are frozen.

• You don't realise how much snow there is until you see it - under there is the Chalet's garden.

• Alfie so impressed with another of Mummy's hats, that he decided to wear it as only Alf can!  

Since we left they've not had any more snow & the sun has been shining all the time - typical. Although by now the snow will be a bit hard and crispy so not so nice as the fluffy stuff we had - we skiers just want it perfect, snow at night, sun all day - simple.

Not much else to say really, the days at school flew by, and now we've got next week on holiday. It looks like we might get some peace & quiet for a few days as Mummy is going to have some teeth out & might not be able to talk for a while - ahhhhhh! The bonus for us is that it seems that we're all going to stay at Nanna & Grandad's for a few days, until Mummy mouth is better.

Hope everyone has a great half-term holiday.      

08/02/2009

Bonjour chums, we're back - and with the same number of legs and arms that we went out with!

What a week, we've had. Not only did we arrive to see as much snow as we'd ever seen, but it then just kept on snowing, day, after day, after day. In the week we were in the chalet there was nearly another 50cm of snow. The skiing was crazy, making new tracks through snow so deep that it came over your boots, and when you fell in (which we all did a lot), it came up to your waist - completely bonkers. We spent loads of  time finding new tracks through the woods, and great little jumps to leap off which was really fab. Annalise & Harvey had a good time, so hopefully everyone will want to do it all again next year - I know I do.

Luckily it wasn't too cold most of the time, so we didn't mind falling in the snow, although the sun could have come out to play before the day before we left to come home. No matter, we still got up and out skiing every day - even skiing when it was snowing which made it difficult to see where you were going! - all the more fun really.

It was lovely to see Cousin Monty & Baby Spuds again (and of course Uncle Ben & Catherine - who filled our tummy's with some lovely food - you wouldn't believe some of the things we tried). Monty really had a good time playing with us, and Harvey definitely made a new friend - I hope he wasn't too sad when he realised we'd gone home!

Just to show how grown up we are now, me and Annalise shared a room, while the boys had their own pit upstairs - so it was just like a week-long sleep over - really cool. We'll have to do some more of this now we're home and have shown how sensible we can be.

Six days of fun packed skiing seemed to flash past & all too soon it was time to come home. One different thing we had to do before we could leave though - dig the car out - as you can see it was more like a snowdrift than a car (an no we didn't have a roof box, that is just snow - good fun but hard work.

Back to school only 12 hours after getting back home - really funny to hear that England had some snow and everything stopped working - even the underground trains in London. How can trains that go underground get stopped by snow - must have been the wrong sort or something - only in England!  

25/01/2009

This being 40 thing clearly is not agreeing with Mummy as she has still been unwell. We though that another gently reminder would help, but no sign so far. Being a very sharing person, she gave her germs back to Alfie, who had to stay off school for a few days (again). Me and Daddy are clearly made of the Wright stuff as we've not been sick! Mummy has been like a baby again - lying around not doing much & sleeping all day - easy life.

Even Daddy had to take us to school & was supposed to pick us up, but the main road near Norwich was closed, as someone had crashed their car, and Jen brought us home. Annalise & Harvey weren't so lucky - they had to wait at their school for Daddy to get there - half an hour late!!!!!

Its really lucky that we were not going on holiday this weekend, as I don't think Mummy would have been well enough to go - although Daddy said that all well people will still go skiing, which was obviously good news for me & Alf (who had by this time made a full recovery).

Grandma & Grumps made a brave trip to the plague house, and we had a good time showing them our WII skills - Grumps even had a go at tennis & did pretty well (eventually!).

Only a week to go before our holiday now - we both can't wait. Uncle Ben says that there is over five feet of snow in his garden - that's taller than us, and there might be some more snow to come when we are out there! The only bit of bad news - the temperature could be minus 15 degrees - very chilly!!!!!!! 

We've got to go and start packing our stuff now as there is so much to take - and I've got to choose my travelling outfit (of course).  

18/01/2009

This week can only be described as.......weird. Now, weird in our world can mean all sorts of strange things, but in adult-land, even more so, as it seems that some birthday's are even more important than others - how? It doesn't seem logical - like every 10 years or something, but anyway, this one was Mum's 40th, and therefore somehow special. Unfortunately Mummy will remember her birthday more for how unwell she was, rather than the great time she had.

Alfie was first to fall victim to the plague, being unable to go to school for two days. Luckily he was feeling better on Mummy's birthday & we both helped her open her presents - another pair of skis (why does anyone needs four pairs of skis - answers please) & fantastically to go with the WII - WII Fit.

We had lovely Chinese for tea and settled in for an evening of virtual exercise - even getting to jog around a virtual park, being followed by a virtual Dog - very weird.   As Alfie got more well, Mummy got more sick, and by Friday she was too unwell to so skiing, and ever worse, we learned that Robert & Rowan would not be sleeping over, so that they didn't catch Mummy's germs.

I went to a groovy new craft shop in Blofield on Saturday morning with Annalise & made some funky cards. In the afternoon we played with Annalise & Harvey while Daddy helped Kerry with some boring looking documents - yawn!

On Sunday - great tubing day, Mummy was still too unwell to go, but we all decided to go and enjoy ourselves anyway. We arrived, and soon did Nanna, Grandad, Robert, Rowan, Shelly & Tom - not to forget their crazy little puppy Dog - Maisey. Off tubing we went, and what a great time everyone had - especially going really fast right from the top in a line of 5 - wicked!!!!!

Just time for some scrummy lunch and a great walk in the woods with crazy Maisey running everywhere, having as much fun as we were. Sadly, everyone had to go home & we went back to the Plague house, where Mummy was feeling really sad - especially when she saw her cake & balloon.

So we hear that life is supposed to being at 40, well for Mummy it'll have to wait until 40 & one week - get better soon.        

11/01/2009

Another WII-tastic week goes past with just as much crazy play as before. Anyone who says its just a game, just doesn't understand - not winning is not acceptable. I'm still Queen Bee of Mario Kart, with Alfie just awesome on the tennis court - even Daddy really struggles to beat him - his super-sonic serve is just MAD! We're doing our daily training, trying to get our WII age down (you start at 70 or something, so we've got a long way to go - its at times like this you wish you were Grandad as he wouldn't have to try too hard to be his WII age!!!!

 It was nice for both of us to see our school chums again, and everyone had a great holiday. I got to bring home Caramel the Camel's little cousin (hopefully you remember big Caramel from before Christmas) - only one small problem - she completely lost her head (she must have been over-excited at Christmas!), but I think she still looks pretty smart.

We're both looking forward to seeing our Cousin's next weekend, as everyone is coming over for Mummy's birthday (although she'll already be middle aged by then). Robert & Rowan are sleeping over so I'm sure we'll have some great fun on the WII with them.

Something else we're looking forward to - our holiday. Amazing to think, in 3 weeks time we'll be there, all excited and ready to go skiing.   

04/01/2009

Happy New Year

Phew, we are completely worn out - our bodies are suffering from hours of training on the WII - anyone that says playing video games all day makes you fat, definitely hasn't got a WII, or doesn't try hard enough!

Our friend Stephen has been round our house even more, and the other day was playing on the WII (with us) before Mummy was even up!!. We've both got our best games - mine is Mario-Kart and I've beaten everyone so far. Alfie is a great boxer (no surprise there), and has now reached professional level - his hands & legs move so fast when he's playing its amazing.

It was quickly the last day of 2008, and we were wondering what we were going to do, as we usually saw Annalise & Harvey (and this year was the same & different). We all met at the ski club & went on the snow tubes, which were really fab fun & really fast. We still had some energy left so we went skiing (not finishing until 10:00 at night). Off to the drinks & food upstairs, followed by some Karaoke (I had to look this word up as all I knew was that we'd sung some songs - Mamma Mia of course, to some music, with the words on a TV in front of you.) Me, Mummy, Annalise & Debbie sang a couple of songs, but the boys were too scared, and didn't do any.

Suddenly it was midnight, and there were pictures of the fireworks on the TV which looked amazing. We all had to do this funny dance with crossed arms, a bit like the hokey-cokey - then about 5 minutes later Alfie fell asleep, and we all had to go home, and to bed at nearly 1 o'clock in the morning!!!!!      

A well deserved lie-in later (we didn't wake up until 9 o'clock), it was time for some New Year fun with curly Megs and her Mum & Dad. We had a great time on the WII, and I was able to show everyone just how good I am on Mario-Kart (again). A slow return to reality now - Mummy at the ski club and School homework - where did Christmas go?. Happy New Year to all our chums.