10/01/2016

Whoa…. What a shock to the system! A week at school & me & Alfie are wrecked. On Wednesday, I found that I’d drifted off to sleep & only woke up when Dad shouted up that tea was ready – what a lightweight.

Maybe it had something to do with the weather as well. I don’t think we’ve seen the Sun this year yet. It’s been Grey, raining & yuk every day. One morning it seemed like it was still dark when we waited for the bus to school. At least we haven’t been flooded like all those people – in Scotland this time, what a nightmare.

Talking about the rain, on Thursday it was crazy, it started before 8 in the morning (we know cos we got wet getting to the bus stop), and didn’t finish until the evening, and it poured & poured. The road that we usually go on to get to my friends Hannah & Rachel was flooded & closed. Luckily we were in the bus so we could bash our way through the puddles, which were massive – bet Dad loved ‘hunting puddles’ in his car.

Sadly, that did mean that our game against Shrublands was called off, as their pitch was nearly underwater. Amazingly, Alfie’s game did go ahead away to East Harling (miles away!). It was a nice Sunday afternoon, but once again they lost, but not too badly 6-1. Alfie played well & set up their goal & made some good tackles (even giving away some free kicks – hacker!)

He’s has been getting frantic, every day, over a parcel that he’s expecting – and the contents…… a pair of trainers that ‘he just had to have’. I have to say, he’s used some of his Christmas money to buy them, so at least that part is sensible. Every day it’s has the postman been…. has the postman been – followed by disappointment, shame – he’ll just have to wait (as they are coming from Germany for some reason).

Anyway, enough about him, what about me? Another week helping out at the ski club & I’m really enjoying it (more than I thought / expected). Who knows, maybe I’ll become a ski instructor, just like Mum. Dad is talking about entering a team into the people’s FA cup, with the chance of playing a Wembley – unlikely, but you’ve ‘got to be in it to win it’. Talking about that – we entered the Lottery on Saturday, hoping for a share of the £50 million jackpot, but we didn’t even get enough numbers for even £10!

Oh, of course – we hope Grandma gets better soon. She’s not been feeling too well & had to go into hospital for a couple of days – maybe just to have a rest from Grumps! She’s back home now, so hopefully we can get together soon, and have a very late Christmas (as we’ve still got their presents here for them).

Right, that’ll have to do. We’ve both got revision to do, and I can already feel my eyelids getting heavy. Until next time.

03/01/2016

Out with one, in with two (Dogs that is). Monday was a crazy day, getting all Tilly’s stuff sorted out & the house tidied up, just before the next invasion. This time it was our old friend crazy Maisy, and her new pal Garthy – who is a Norfolk Terrier. He’s far more yappy, than Maisy which our Cats clearly loved to bits (not).

Good to see Robert & Rowan, who had a good Christmas, and thankfully hadn’t been effected by all the rain that had been falling over that side of the country – really terrible to see people’s home completely ruined, just before Christmas, what a nightmare.

Just like last week with Tilly, we continued to be Dog walking slaves – out in all weathers. This was so true on Wednesday when we went to Southwold to meet up with Nanna & Grandad. They had a nice time on their Scottish coach holiday, but had brought the weather back with them. It was blowing a gale, but we were still out walking the Dogs on the beach, and getting our faces sand-blasted, lovely. At least our pub lunch was a welcome treat – some delicious fish & chips in the warm!

We didn’t see much of Dad as he was at work, until New Years Eve, when it was another crazy day. Robert & Rowan were going back home, and I’d been invited over to stay at Rachel’s. Just time for one last Dog walk, followed by a giant fry-up for brunch, and the house was suddenly quiet again, without the clicking of claws on wood floor, or the growling / yapping from Garthy. Slowly, very slowly, our Cats reappeared & ventured back into part of the house they hadn’t visited in over a week – sniffing every step of the way.

I then went to Rachel’s and left those party animals to it! Turns out (not surprisingly) they all went to bed by 11pm, and didn’t even bother to watch the London fireworks – boring. Me & Rachel stayed up til 4am, mainly reading books that we’d got for Christmas (honestly).

That did mean that when Mum & Dad came to pick me up in the early afternoon on New Years Day, I’d only been awake a couple of hours, whereas Mum & Dad had been on a six mile walk (without Alfie, who had too much online gaming to play).

So, that was another year gone, faster than the last, despite us cramming so much into it. Let’s hope we have another fun packed year in 2016.

We were hoping to see Grandma & Grumps on Sunday, but Grandma wasn’t well, so we’ll have to catch up with them another weekend, real soon.

27/12/2015

We had an 'interesting' time the days before Christmas, as we were looking after Nanna & Grandad's Dog - Tilly. As you can guess, our poor Cat's were not impressed - they disappeared for days at a time, and are definitely looking a bit thinner, so they've obviously not been sneaking in for their food that often - poor things! - joy!

It did mean that we had to be proper Dog owners for the week, taking Tilly out for walks, keeping the Dogs & Cats apart. At first it's a nice change, our round the village, and not raining too much - bonus. Not sure we could do this every day, especially when we're at school, so maybe we'll stick with Cat's, they're definitely more 'low maintenance'.

Anyway, we had lovely Christmas Day, just the four of us & four pets. We went our for a long walk with Tilly, which gave us a healthy appetite for our delicious Christmas Turkey Dinner - what a feast. By the time we'd finished stuffing our faces, we could barely walk, and just vegged out in front out of the TV.

Before all that, we'd waited patiently to open our presents, and wow, what incredibly lucky kids we were (again). Smellies, sweets, and loads of other stuff, even before we talk about our new phones - wow. Me & Mum both now hav e iPhone 6 phones, and they are amazing (but we would say that, wouldn't we). Even Alfie wasn't left out, he got a new iPhone 5s, as he'd got a new xBox game & some lovely aftershave, as he'd started to nick Dad's.

Boxing day was very similar, out for another walk with Tilly, this time a few miles around the local woods, then a relaxing afternoon & evening.

On Sunday, it was like GroundHog day, with another Dog walk - this time we took Annalise & Harvey along. We had to battle the most muddy conditions ever - luckily we all had our walking boots on, but even with these, some of us got very wet feet! Alfie lost one of his in a bog, and it had to be dragged out. This didn't stop Dad & Kerry making a fire with the storm kettle, and feeding us all with Pot Noodles & hot drinks - lovely. After about 5 miles we were filthy, and Tilly was completely splattered. Thankfully, Dad had made some delicious Turkey & Ham pies which we feasted on - bootiful.

So, a massive thank you to everyone for all our lovely presents, we know that we're really, really lucky. We've had a great Christmas & hope you all did too. Scary to think that this time next year I will (hopefully) be in the 6th Form - with all my GCSE exams done!

20/12/2015

The teachers finally seemed to ease up a bit in the last week, and it wasn’t so intense as normal – we could definitely get used to that!

We could also get used to going football training on the astro at GOALS, loads of fun again in our mixed teams with the ladies. Of course it rained again, but we didn’t really notice, as we were running around for nearly TWO hours. Alfie was on fine form – really fast & skilful. He scored a lovely curling shot into the corner of the goal to win his team one of the games.

That was my football finished for 2015, and I’d have to be honest & say that it’s been mixed. There were the highs in the build up to Sweden, and our first ever wins against Sprowston & Bradwell, but with the lows of the games in Sweden, and our recent defeats to Hellesdon & Sprowston (when we were winning in both games). I need to work on my control more, which will hopefully make me more confident (again).

Alfie still had one more game to play, against Cromer, who he’d never played against before. He started off playing in defence (to try & make them harder to score against), and it seemed to work. St Andrews started strongly & scored 3 quick goals, which surprised them as much as the opposite team! In the 2nd half he was put more forward & made a real difference. He set up a bunch of their goals, and was very unlucky not to score himself, hitting the post with another one of his curling shots. St Andrews went on to win 8-0, which will hopefully mean they’ll have a good 2nd half to their season.

Me and Mum just popped into Sainsbury’s for a ‘few bits & pieces’ before the main Christmas shop arrives next week, and somehow we managed to spend £90 – yikes! At least it meant that I could make some Gingerbread flavour cup cakes, and get myself a Xmas jumper / top.

So, just a few days til Christmas & even less till Tilly comes over to stay with us. Still really not sure how the Cats are going to cope – they’ll just run & hide I guess. Hoping they don’t actually get to see each other cos it could get ‘messy’. I’ve seen what Ralph does to Birds! Really, we’re just hoping for some dry weather so we don’t get soaked taking Tilly for a walk.

To everyone we know, near & far, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas. If you haven’t been good by now – it’s too late – you aint getting’ anythink!

13/12/2015

Unfortunately, the weather doesn't change the amount of work they keep giving us at school - it just never, ever stops. French, Geography & Science, Science, Science - my head hurts!

It would have meant that we'd miss football training AGAIN, except that instead of getting soaked on our soggy grass, we got soaked on an astro-turf pitch. We played 5-a-side with the Ladies, and it was loads of fun (and very tiring!). Alfie had a blast, running around everywhere, doing his tricks & skills - but not managing to score past Dad who was in goal.

He also made great discovery - all the episodes of this completely crazy Walking Dead series he's been watching, now available on our TV, thanks to Dad & some tinkering. So, we are seeing him a bit more downstairs, staring at a screen of Zombies - great!

What was also great, Christmas shopping. Dad kindly gave us some money to get presents for our friends, and we didn't need much time, or encouragement to hit the shops. We did well, getting loads of lovely stuff, that we know our friends will love - lucky them, lucky us.

What wasn't so lucky was the result of our Football game on Saturday. We lost 6-4, against Sprowston, but that isn't half the story. We were losing 2-0, when Bryony gave us a chance (2-1 at half time). We'd played very poorly, and we knew it, so no surprise that Dad told us exactly that. We then played brilliantly for 20 mins, and I scored to put us in the lead 4-3, just like I did earlier in the season. Sadly, we then made a couple of mistakes and ended up losing - we were gutted. We again showed what we can do & we just need a bit more concentration at times & we'll be a top side. Still fun to play, despite feeling really sick after 10 mins - need to get that looked at if it carries on, or just get fit (according to Dad) - thanks for the sympathy!

Sunday was soooooo boring - rain, rain, rain - homework, homework, homework - yawn. Still only 5 more days of school this year (which sounds good) - shame I've got a French speaking exam on Wed - Merry Christmas from Thorpe High.

06/12/2015

Me & Mum had a fun time at the ski club on Tuesday night, choosing the music for the ladies to ski the course that we'd set out. So, they had the treat of listen to my choice of tunes for an hour or so - lucky them or what. I'm enjoying helping Mum, and it's going towards my GCSE PE exam, so all good.

I also did some refereeing of a school 5-a-side tournament, and really enjoyed putting the boys 'back in their place' - I can see why Beth likes doing it, and getting paid for it.

Otherwise, a pretty quiet week, that at least got more interesting over the weekend - despite neither of us having a football match. Luckily for Alfie, as his hair is getting very long (for him) at the front, and he has to keep moving it out of his eyes. Dad saw him at football training, and he reckon he was doing it every 20 seconds! I'd love to share a picture of him, but I promised not to (and he'd go proper mental if I did).

Alfie went to his friend Joe's for his birthday sleep over, and a trip to his favourite restaurant - Zaks, and a plate of BBQ ribs. I didn't go out, but my friend Hannah came over to stay, and we had one of my favourites - Lasagne. We should have gone to sleep at a sensible time, but Dad has kindly got Netflicks on the main TV, so we just ended up watching film, after film, and the next thing we realised, it was 3am - oops.

At least we had the morning to recover, by lying around doing nothing much. Then it was all systems go, go, go.... off to the Hollywood cinema to rehearse for our Bop Dance Company Christmas show. I had been practicing hard to catch up, I'd been skiing with Mum, rather than dancing. - would I regret it, in front of all those people?

No, or course not.... a dance pro like me! It went really well, we all remembered our steps & kept in time, almost perfectly. Even the lift went well, no one fell over & no-one got hurt (which wasn't always the case!). Mum, Dad & Alfie came along to watch & enjoyed it (or they said they did). We all had our traditional after-dance treat of KFC - finger lickin' good!

29/11/2015

Mind you, I seem to take after Mum, as it doesn't seem to last long... one minute it's there, the next its gone. Not like Dad & Alfie who seem to go ages without hardly spending anything - very odd. Talking of odd, here is pic of Alfie & his new braces!

At least we didn't have to worry about buying Christmas presents for our friends, as Dad gave us some money & bravely came with us into the City. I think we did pretty well & got all our bits in only a couple of hours. I'm sure it would have been much longer if Mum was with us. I think that's the most organised we've ever been, mostly done before December!

Now we've just got to decide what we want. I could really do with a new phone, as it's 2 years old now, and that's ancient! Alfie wants some new xBox game - more death, stab, kill no doubt! Mum wants a new laptop or tablet, and first off wanted an Apple Laptop, until Dad told her they were £1000, so she quickly changed her mind.

The only other thing to mention is the latest instalment in our battle with Hellesdon Belles, who sadly still remain the only team we've never beaten. We gave them a right scare though, as we were leading 1-0 at half time and playing brilliantly. We should have been 2-0 up but somehow managed to miss, when it was easier to score. That seemed to change the game, and they threw everything at us, and eventually they equalised. Even worse, they scored a 2nd goal late on, and we came away with nothing - next time we'll get em!

We've got our advent calendar's ready, so the countdown to Christmas has almost begun - happy days. 

22/11/2015

Talking of skiing, I'm going to the ski club for a few weeks to help Mum with her Ladies club, as part of my GCSE, so I'll have to be on my best behaviour - or else! I'm sure I'll have some tales to tell about just how Mum is as a teacher- keep reading to find out more in the weeks ahead.

My foot still hurt, but it has been getting slowly better - lucky we didn't have a game on Saturday, and that training was cancelled (as so many of us went into Norwich to see our favourite YouTubers, Jim Chapman & Tanya Burr, switch on the Christmas lights!). We are dedicated - honest, but that was too good an opportunity to miss. However, the good news is that I should be fit for the 'Big Match' next Saturday against Hellesdon - who are now the only team we've never beaten. I've just got a feeling.... that this could be our time, if we play our very best.

So to the dental part of the story - Alfie now has his very own set of braces, just like me (his are a different shade of Blue though). It's strange cos now his face & lips are pushed out more, I realise how it must have changed what I look like - but after 18 months with them in, I really can't remember my 'before braces look'. When he first came back from the dentist, he was more relieved tht it didn't really hurt having them put in, and that it was now just an ache feeling. Just he wait til they start rubbing, and he gets ulcers, that make even eating the softest food painful! class="lytebox"

Even though there wasn't much, the snow did mean that Alfie's Sunday morning game was cancelled. I think just to show some toughness, him and Dad went out in the afternoon to practice, and got rained & hailed on - that'll teach them!

The last thing to mention - Alfie finally finished his birthday celebrations with a trip with friends to the trampoline park, and then on to KFC, where they ate their own body weight in Chicken apparently. I say that as I wasn't there, I went to the cinema to watch the last part of the Hunger Games, and it was really good - a tough Girl in the lead role too - awesome! 

It was particularly good (in a weird way), that I paid for myself, with money I'd actually earned. I've been selling Mum's stuff on eBay, and I get to keep half the money that we make. This first lot took me a bit of time to photograph & put online, but I earned £15, so I can't complain. Dad has now asked me to do some of his things, so I could have a little business thing going - who knows. 

15/11/2015

That meant no dancing, and the rest of the week hobbling about - pretty pathetically if I'm honest. I was worried that it was proper broken or something as it still seemed as bad on Friday, I did mention it to Dad & he said that A&E wouldn't do anything, and I'd just have to be patient - all right for you to say, you're not in agony!

Sadly that did mean that I missed my first game of the season, and longer than that - can't remember the last one I didn't play in. Of course I went along to cheer the Girls along, against Bradwell. They were one of the teams that always used to beat us, but who we beat earlier in the season, so we knew we had a chance. The Girls were really up for it and played some great football. Abbie C was on fire & scored two great goals. We were 2-0 up at half time, and with a bit more composure with our finishing, it could (and should) have been 4 or 5.

The 2nd half was more of the same, chance after chance - wild shot, after wild shot. Then a great corner from Viv & Jess R was there to score. We then switched off a bit and let them score a soft goal, but finished with another load of chances & Bryony got a rare headed goal, from another great Viv corner. 4-1. Still top of the table, played 6, won 5 - pretty good. Next game is the one we really want to win..... Hellesdon. It's not for two weeks so hopefully my foot will be better by then.

Alfie's team were playing their top of the table team, Morley - thinking about how they'd been playing recently it could be a toughie. I went along (just for something to do), and was glad I did - more cos the ladies were playing & we got to see nearly half their game, a cup game against one of their rival Wymondham, which was really tough, as the wind was so strong - blowing everywhere.

In Alfie's game, the wind also made it difficult, and it wasn't helped as the two teams just seemed to be booting it everywhere. Alfie's goalie was excellent (again) and somehow it was 0-0 at half time. Sadly their luck didn't hold out, and they let in two quick goals, before getting one back (with a rare attack). The last 10 minutes were tense, as we thought they might be able to sneak a draw - instead, Morley got another late goal, and it finished 3-1. Some positives, but still too many softies in the team. They do really need to 'man-up' and realise its a contact sport. Dad wants to arrange a friendly game between us girls and them to 'kick them about a bit'.

That just left a bit of time for some Call of Duty action for Alfie & some homework for me - happy days indeed (not).

08/11/2015

Alfie cooked very tasty sweet & sour Chicken and rice at school, and very kindly brought some home for all of us to try (more generous than me!). I think he was getting in everyone's good books, as he was waiting for his new Xbox game to arrive - Call of Duty III. When it did, that was the last we saw of him..... for nearly 3 days. I might be slightly exaggerating, but it seemed that every waking moment he was in his room, online with his friends, shooting Zombies (or whatever else they were up against) - keeps him happy, and out of my way, so I suppose I should be thankful!

I had to go back to school one evening - no, not detention!, it was a 6th form evening, to give us an idea of the subjects we might want to consider doing at A Level. Lots of info, lots to think about, but no definite answers yet. PE teacher is still my aim, just gotta choose my subjects carefully - all sound like they'll be pretty hard work though, and you've gotta get good grades to get in - just cos I went to the High School, doesn't mean I'll get a place - tough eh!

On fireworks night we went football training as usual (and got a free display from the ones nearby). We also got totally soaked, and very muddy - but had a load of fun. The poor old grass is wrecked though (luckily it's not the bit we play on) - hopefully the groundsman doesn't tell us off, the next time we are there.

Finally, we had another game of football on Saturday - away in Gorleston. It was a game that we should win, but Dad made it clear that you've still got to play your best, and if you don't you'll get beaten - just like the non-league team did to the league II team the night before. Everything was going well, we were 3-0 in the lead, then we got lazy, and they scored two goals, so it was 3-2 at half time. We didn't need telling again, but Dad did it anyway, and we were much better 2nd half, scoring another 5 goals, finally winning 8-2. The game was spoiled thought, as there was an accidental clash of heads between Jade in their team & Vivian. Poor Jade came off worse, and suffered a broken Nose - ouch, while Vivian had a massive bump & bruise on her forehead. We all hope Jade makes a speedy recovery as she's a good player.

No game for Alfie on Sunday as it was Remembrance Day (remembering all those thousands of people that died in all the wars) - pretty scary stuff when you think about it. Not a video game that you get another go on - you die, you die for real! Enough gloom, we went over to see Nanna & Grandad and of course crazy Tilly. She was totally bonkers when we arrived -leaping everywhere, what is she going to be like at ours over Christmas (when she comes to stay for a few days), the Cats are going to love her. Thanks to Nanna for a lovely lunch, and for the sweets, money & advent calendars - very kind.

01/11/2015

Continuing the holiday theme, we went over to see Robert & Rowan for a few days, and what a great time we had. Even though we don't get together too often, we always have a good laugh, and as we has the caravan as our crash-pad, it was great to spend some teen-time together.

On Sunday we got right into village life, helping to mash up Apples to make the most incredible Apple juice ever - if you ever get the chance to try some - do it. It's not all weak like from the shops, it's so sweet & full of flavour - amazing. Even some of the cider was ok, although it was flat, and we'd have preferred fizzy. The most strange was a Black coloured Cider, which they wouldn't tell anyone the secret ingredient of. At the end of the Apple pressing we ended up having an Apple fight with some of the other kids from the village - loads of fun, and very messy, with Apple bits splattered everywhere - the Birds will be happy.

Even our six mile walk was ok, a bit scary in places - when we had to go through fields of Cows, which you know I don't like. Despite Dad telling me that they weren't interested in me (us) they seemed to get closer & closer, and I was worried they'd charge us & trample us to death! Anyway, as you can guess, we survived and had a well deserved drink & played some pool at a nice pub, with a very flashy cat outside - Audi R8, look it up, if you want to see one for yourself.

We had a very educational day next, with a trip to the Black Country Living Museum. They had old shops, school, pub, blacksmith, and chain-makers, with everyone dressed up as they would have been over 100 years ago. It was odd to see how 'basic' the houses were, and how tough life was, we are really lucky with what we've got now. I don't think we'd cope very well if we had to live like that now. We also went on a canal trip (sounds ok doesn't it), until you realise it was in tunnels (which wasn't so good). At least we didn't go all the way through, as that was nearly two miles long - half a mile was plenty far enough. Robert & Tom got to 'walk' the boat back by lying down & pushing against the tunnel wall with their feet - moving a boat that weighed several tons - impressive. I couldn't be persuaded to go into the mine - although as it turns out, it was only just under the ground, but cleverly made, so it seemed like you were in a real coal mine. Dad & Alfie went in and said it was pitch dark at times - I would have freaked!

Sadly, all too soon our holiday was over. We'd had a lovely time & been fed to bursting point by Shelly & Tom's cooking - delicious, thank you. Robert and Rowan still had time for more holiday fun - Robert with his Grandma for a few days, and Rowan with a friend going to Wales for a few days in the caravan with Tom & Shelly.

We didn't get back & do nothing. No, on Thursday we went over to Lowestoft to see Grandma & Grumps, Monty, Connie, Ben & Catherine. Luckily the weather was dry so we spent most of the time in the garden playing football or throwing the American football about. Strange to think that the last time we saw them was in France back in February, and it might be many more months til we see them again, as they might be going to the chalet over Christmas, then again at Easter, when we'll be in Tignes.

Finally a rest day on Friday - phew, although there was still some tidying up to do & a pile of washing, almost as tall as Alfie, for Mum to get busy with! 

Saturday was Halloween, but as you can imagine, trick-or-treat is not for a 15 year old, so I had some mates over for a night of scary movies, and scary they were too. Alfie did go out, but not for very long, as he's got a bit bored of it as well. We did answer the door for the kids coming to our door, which was fun. It was also fun to make some cakes & carve Pumpkins - OMG, is that what getting older is all about!

That'll have to do, as we've got school tomorrow, so better go to bed a bit before 11 o'clock for once!

25/10/2015 Happy Birthday 13 years old

He had a really good day - no school (as it was the start of the half term holiday), a trip to the cinema to watch the scorch trials (the follow up to the maze runner), and a monster tea at Zak's burger restaurant. He wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for their presents, he knows how lucky he is.

So, while Alf had an easy couple of days at school, I was working, yup working - on my work experience placement at Brundall Primary School. There were three of us, me, Beth & Maddy, and we were proper made to work. On the first two days I came home exhausted, first night I went to bed at 9 o'clock which is unheard of. We had a really good time, helping out the kids & teachers, and learned lots about working in school - very different from the 'other side of the desk'. We even came in the day after the kids had finished to help sort things out, and get them ready for the next half term - til Xmas, yikes, is it only 7 weeks away.

We are both looking forward to our half term holiday next week, not only a week off school, but a visit to see Robert & Rowan for a few days, which should be really good fun. Not all fun though, I'll still have a bucket of homework to do, no doubt - great!

18/10/2015

Anyway, that's next week - what about last week? Well, we got pretty thrashed in a school Netball tournament at the UEA. Even our football team mate, who goes to Norwich School didn't do us any favours, and they killed us - embarrassing, we just couldn't score goals like we normally can - never mind.

At least we were better at Football, and beat Kesgrave school in the National Cup competition, so who knows we might get as far as last time - down to the final 32 teams in the country I think it was. That was my only game of the week, as we didn't have a game on Saturday, as we should of been playing one of the teams that dropped out.

What the school Sweden Football team did have was a fancy night out at the Broadland Community at Heart awards. We were nominated in the  Sporting Achievment category, for all our fundraising (rather than our results on the pitch). Although we didn't win we were runners up, and all very proud of what we'd achieved. We all got dressed up & had a fun time, while trying our best not to be too noisy & 'look sexy' whenever the photographer came over- best Wednesday school night in a long while!

Dad's found some new 'torture' app for football training - 7 mins of sheer agony, basically just like circuit training speeded up - GREAT!Speaking of football training, seems like Alfie's got a bit 'interesting' when two the the players repeatedly refused to do what he wanted and were sent home, Dad was waiting to pick Alfie up & just couldn't help himself & had to tell them what he thought - him being a coach himself. So, that meant that they were two 'goodish' players short for their game on Sunday, and I'm afraid it showed. They lost 3-0, but it could of been different if Alfie had scored with a shot in the 2nd half that just whizzed past the post, when it was just 1-0. Sadly, there are still too many players who get knocked off the ball too easily - they need to come to our training sessions, we'll make them 'man-up'.

Not much else to say really, watching the rain, doing homework & getting ready for work experience at Brundall school next week - should be fun.

11/10/2015

Luckily Alf was still well so we at least had his yummy bread rolls, plaits, and twists to eat, otherwise we might have starved. Poor Dad nearly did on Tuesday, Mum went skiing, and just left him two tiny potato waffles (hardly one mouthful), he wasn’t too impressed as that was supposed to be his main meal of the day!

The end of the week couldn’t come soon enough for both of us – school is seriously gonna do us in – it’s just non-stop punishment – phew. Thank god it’s only 2 weeks til half term.

However, as you know our weekends are hardly relaxing. Us Girls won our first cup game ever, now we’re in the semi-finals – so only 2 games away from winning a trophy. Just the two toughest teams left to beat, but we gotta believe we can. No team is unbeatable – talking of that, my friend Rachel came over for the afternoon (she plays for the team we could meet in the final). We had a right laugh – even though we’d seen each other at school, there always seems to be stuff to talk about. Don’t know whether it was then, or sometime before, that my bed sheet ripped. Alfie reckoned it must have been a massive fart, but it was my feet – honest.

I thought she might stay at mine, but she was supposed to be playing for her Boy’s team on Sunday morning, so I went to stay at hers. We went to her match, and despite going to training, and being asked to come along, she didn’t even get on the pitch to play – she was gutted, and rightly so – Dad would never treat his players like that, it’s a team game afterall. She decided that that was enough, and gave her kit back – such a shame as it was only a season ago that she played in the cup final for them – shocking!

Alfie’s team played away at East Harling, near Thetford somewhere apparently! His team wasn’t able to play as well as they did last week, and ended up losing 3-0. Dad said that Alfie played well, but just didn’t get enough support from some of his players, who don’t seem to try as hard. He was able to show some good skills & put in some really dangerous crosses, but there would be no-one in the box to finish it off – disappointing. He says he is still enjoying it, and as he is still going with Dad on his 5k runs, he should be getting fitter, so I’m sure things will get better as the season goes on.

Only just over a week to go until I go to Brundall school for my work experience placement, which should be really interesting & hopefully I’ll learn more about whether teaching still seems to be for me.

04/10/2015

Talking of food, Alfie made some tasty Macaroni Cheese in his school food tech lesson - good work bro.

Other than that 'highlight', it was a pretty normal school week, for both of us - which meant, homework, homework ,homework.

Even the weekend was more normal, with football taking centre stage. Could us Girls make it 4 wins out of 4? This would be our toughest game so far - Hellesdon, who my friend Rachael plays for. If you remember, last season we had that incredible 2-2 draw, could we do it again. Well, we gave it our very best shot, but in the end we just came up short, and lost 2-1. Even though we were very disappointed to lose, we knew we'd played really well, and given Hellesdon a very hard game - we were so pleased how far we'd come. Three seasons ago we'd lost 15-0 to them, now we were disappointed to lose 2-1, not bad progress eh.

In 'celebration' me & Mum went into the City for a bit of shopping. While we came back with some useful clothes & stuff, Dad..... he managed to find a pair of skis in a charity shop - he's totally bonkers for a bargain that Boy!

I was going to go and watch Alfie play on Sunday, but I just had too much homework to do - shame as Beth ended up reffing. Both Mum & Dad went to watch them play against Sprowston. Despite his toe still being swolen & a bit Black, he played the whole match. Not only that - he scored a goal, nearly scored another, and was his team's man-of-the-match. Despite all this, his team drew 3-3, even though they were 3-1 up, with only 10 mins left to play. Much like us, they were pleased that they'd played better & could / should have won.

While Alfie rested, I got Dad back out again for some football practice, as my Left foot passing needed some work, and it was definitely worthwhile - hopefully I'll get a chance to 'show it off' next week.

To finish off the weekend, me & Mum went to the Theatre Royal to see the Annabel (the Girl that Mum looks after at School) in a play. Although she is nearly blind, she had help, and was really good - respect to her. Now back to the homework - happy days eh!

27/09/2015

While I was having a bonkers time, Alfie was being bonkers – badly stubbing his big toe, which he thought he’d broken cos it hurt sooooo much! I have to be honest, the bottom of his toe nail is all black & his toe is nearly twice the size, so he’s not faking it. That meant no football training for him on Saturday. Luckily really as it stopped him hurting it again (as I’m sure he would have), before he was off trampolining (mainly on one foot – but still pulling some nifty tricks, or so he says). Seems like they were lucky to get on, as it turns out that someone broke their leg earlier in the afternoon – ouch!

My Saturday was another football special, we played away against Bradwell & won 3-1 (that’s two teams that we’ve beaten for the first time EVER!). We’ve played three games & won them all, meaning we are top of the league – incredible. Now we’ve just got to beat Hellesdon & things would be soooo peachy. That game is next Saturday – can’t wait!

Alfie stayed round Joe’s on Saturday night, and Mum & Dad went out to the Lavender House restaurant for a posh meal – leaving me home alone. I had some money for tea, so I treated myself to a feast of my own – FOUR McDonald’s Cheese Burgers AND Chips. Yup, I was proper full after that, but well deserved I thought.

No football for Alfie on Sunday. He had his friend Kyle’s party to go to, and his foot was still Black & swollen, so he would have struggled anyway. So, while he was off with his mates, I was helping Mum with cooking, for Nanna & Grandad. I made Jam Roly-Poly, and very tasty it was too. Not quite as tasty as the amazing chocolate pizza (yup, chocolate pizza), that Nanna brought round – amazing & delicious. That isn’t going to last very long in our house.

20/09/2015

After my two goals on Saturday, I scored again for my School team, in a cup game against a team from Lowestoft, who we also played in the competition last year, when Grandma & Grumps came to watch. So, I was hoping to make it a hatrick of scoring matches when I played on Saturday, but it just wasn’t my day. I had loads of chances, but just couldn’t shoot – I got sooooo annoyed with myself that I demanded to go back into defence, as I thought I was messing it up for the team – even though they said I wasn’t. Luckily Bryony & Anya had their shooting boots on & we ended up winning 7-1, against Shrublands from Gorlestone. Played two, won two, and top of our league – WOW, unbelievable.

Sadly, Alfie’s game was postponed at the last minute, so him & Dad went off to practice & watch Blofield play. My friend Beth was refereeing this game, and another one in the afternoon. I didn’t realise she got £15 for each game - £ 30 for 3 hours ‘work’ not bad – kicking myself for not doing the course now – never mind eh!

Great to see Grandma & Grumps, who came over for lunch. Grumps had some of his mad stories as usual, and everyone seemed to enjoy the Chocolate pudding I made – even though I thought it was too sickly sweet for me, and I had to go for a lie down. Poor old Grumps was also tired, and had to have his afternoon snooze as well – bless.

If someone was to tell us that less than 3 weeks ago we were in America, I wouldn’t believe them, as it seems like months ago already. At least Dad has started to look at Ski chalets for next Easter, so that’s something to look forward to, even if it is 6 months away. In between there should be a trip to Robert & Rowan’s, and Christmas of course, so not all bad.

Back to the homework – yup no rest, even on Sunday night – slave labour or what!

13/09/2015

It’s been proper hard on the mind & body as on Thursday I had PE & Dance at school, then School Football practice, followed by more Football training with Dad – brutal!

That was all forgotten when we played our first game of the season, against last season’s league winners, and won 5-3. Not only did we win, but I scored two goals – check me, equal top goal scorer with Abi, who scored a fantastic free-kick at the end – Lionel Messi would have been proud of that one. When the final whistle went we were so pleased…. stunned really, but it felt awesome – especially after what happened last season, with my blood injury – sweet revenge.

Norwich must have been inspired by our performance, and they won 3-1 against Bournemouth. Sadly, Alfie’s new team couldn’t make it 3 wins over the weekend – they lost 7-2 against their league’s champions. It might have been different if Alf hadn’t been hacked down by their keeper, after 20 mins, and couldn’t play on. His knee was very bruised & swollen, luckily Dad had plenty of ice packs, so it should be ok for next week.

We went to see Annalise and Harvey in the afternoon & I think we've talked them into going to Florida next year. I think their Dad was hoping that we'd say it was rubbish & not to bother - but you know by now, that was soooooo not gonna happen!

We’re still going through all the Florida photo’s (there are sooooo many) and we’ll keep adding the best ones when we can, so keep checking back (God, that sounded American, didn’t it), well then, have a nice day

05/09/2015

Day 10 – A return trip to Universal Islands of Adventure, mainly to do the Harry Potter Duelling Dragons ride that we couldn’t do last week cos of the lightning. Well worth it, as it was two coasters racing reach other, and feeling like they were going to crash – very clever. Talking of clever, another walk around Hogsmead and you realise just how much detail there is – incredible. Also amazing is the trip on the Hogwarts Express train – not just an ordinary ride between theme parks – so clever. Then something the Boys had been looking forward to all week – a trip to a shooting range, and the chance to shoot real guns! The place was just in a normal street & after 5 mins of being shown what to do, we were left on our own – yikes. Luckily we had ear defenders, as the noise is incredible (frightening really). Me & Mum were really nervous, not even really wanting to touch the guns, whereas Dad & Alfie were like kids in a sweetshop – saddo’s. We mostly watched while the Boys played with their toys – blasting holes in paper targets & calling it great fun – whatever!

Day 11 – The first cool day – only 85 degrees or so, and another water park – Typhoon Lagoon this time. Sorta like Blizzard Beach but in a Pirate shipwreck theme, with a boat stuck on the top! The slides weren’t as intense as before, and even the baddest slide wasn’t as mad as Summit Plummet. It was still great fun, especially the wave pool, as it made waves like you’ve never seen – the were at least 10ft tall, and totally swamped you – absolutely mental, and of course, great fun.

Day 12 – Incredibly, we visited our last theme park today – Animal Kingdom. We didn’t know what to expect, more caged animals, or something better. Fortunately, it was lots better – they had loads of space to roam around in (although the Lions weren’t doing much – just chillin’, like our Cats do. That’s a point, wonder how our beasts are doing back home – having a lovely quiet time I expect. The two things we really wanted to do were great – the Safari (we got to see loads of different animals out in the open, which was really nice), and the Expedition Everest rollercoaster. The ride was really clever – shooting you backwards when you didn’t expect it. The theming was totally incredible, almost an attraction in itself – hate to think how much it cost! We had a bit of time in the afternoon, so decided to chill by the pool at our villa – now this is definitely a life we could get used to.

Day 13 – Shockingly, it’s already our last full day in Florida – two weeks have just disappeared. At least we finished on a high – literally, with a trip to another water park, and some of the longest, steepest drop water slides in America! They were awesome – you have to stand in these tubes, they close a door & a trap door opens beneath your feet & you just fall straight down – mad, scary fun. No way Mum was going on, but there were plenty of other good slides – especially the 8 lane racing slide, really great fun. Then there was the double tube ride that Mum refused to go again after Dad made them go airborne! – wimp! So, it was a sad drive back to our villa, and the tedious job of packing. At least we had a treat for tea, especially for Mum, an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, including Lobster! Mum & Dad each ate TWO Lobsters & loads of other Fish stuff – I had a burger!

All packed and out of our villa by 10am, with a few hours to waste before our flight home – what else could two Girls do, but go shopping! We had a great time at the massive Florida Mall, so many fab shops. The Boys, they went off to shoot some more guns at the firing range. Alfie was soooo excited & Mum so worried they were going to get hurt somehow – bless. They were both still talking about it when we met up – guns, bullets, targets….. blah, blah, blah.

The flight home was less glam than before, as the plane was just a jumble of people all desperately trying to get some sleep, and mostly failing. We might have sneaked an hour or so, no more & when we landed, we could only just keep our eyes open until we got to the car – then it was ‘good night’.

Back home and the Cats were fine – knew there was no reason to worry about them. The biggest shock was how cold it was – 17 degrees, about half what we were used to. The only thing for it – put the central heating on! So, we had an amazing time. Went to some fantastic places, saw some incredible things, and realise just how lucky we are – 3 foreign holidays in less than 8 months – wow.
Now, the sad reality of a return to normality & school – just got to readjust to English time – 5 hours ahead of Florida, so we might be Zombies for a few days.

30/08/2015

Day 4 – No rest, up & out early - back to Universal, but this time Islands of Adventure. We got there for opening time at 9.00, and we’d been on the amazing Hulk coaster in the first 15 mins. What a ride – amazing acceleration, just like Rita at Alton Towers, then twists & loops like you won’t believe – superb. So was the Spiderman 3D ride, the effects are brilliant – the rocks coming at you make you duck your head! Then we were shot up in air on Dr Doom, and it was only 10.30 – what a fab time. We then made our way to Hogwarts, and Harry Potter, and it’s amazing. If it wasn’t for the heat, and the other people, you could imagine you were there. Even queuing for the rides is an experience, you walkthrough Hogwarts, which has so much to see, not like anything we’ve ever seen before. The ride was good, although there were bits of motion simulator, when you were flying with Harry playing Quiddich, which made us all feel a bit sick. We had a break for lunch & then it rained, and rained – still nearly 30 degrees though, so a bit of a cooling shower! Mum went shopping (and bought a pearl, after opening a real Oyster shell – quite cool). Was wasn’t good, the weather meant they shut the other ride that we really wanted to do – so we’ll have to come back!

Day 5 – Ahhhhhhhhh, lovely…… a day at a water park – Blizzard Beach, the ski resort in Florida – genius. We were then when it opened, and while Mum relaxed with her book, we hit the slides, and wow, they were awesome. Fully dark tubes, racing side-by-side, and of course, the Big Daddy ride – Summit Plummet – 60ft nearly straight down, and nearly 50mph – scary, but real top-fun! No way we’d get mum on this one, but she did go on the next steepest one, which was also brilliant as you went so fast you took-off, and got some ‘air’ – awesome. What a fab day, we didn’t leave until it closed. The only downer – despite putting on factor 30 Sun cream, we got burnt – ouch!

Day 6 – Change of plan, it should have been a beach day, but as we were pretty cooked from yesterday, we decided to go to SeaWorld instead, and it was better than expected. I’m not into keeping animals in captivity, so wasn’t going to see any of the shows, however they had two great coasters – Manta & Kraken. The Shark tank was kinda cool, as you walked through a glass tunnel, and the Beluga Whales were cute. On the down side, there was this massive Walrus that just kept doing the same thing over & over, I reckon cos he was totally bored – which is exactly what I don’t like. As the park isn’t massive, we had time in the afternoon to go trampolining. The place was very like the ones back home, except the trampolines weren’t as bouncy – new springs needed! – good fun though, and a good job their air-con was working otherwise we’d have melted!

Day 7 – OMG, have we been here nearly a week already! Time sure does fly when you’re havin’ fun. And what fun, Hollywood Studios, which we really only came to for two things – The Tower of Terror & the Aerosmith Rollercoaster, and we weren’t disappointed! Wow – the Tower of Terror is totally amazing, a 7 story drop, in a brilliantly themed old hotel. We’d just finished the stuff we wanted to do when it started to rain, and rain & rain – like you wouldn’t believe. We waited for about 20 minutes & then decided we’d just get wet – quite refreshing really, being soaked through in 90 degree heat!

Day 8 – An early start as we had to drive 50 miles to Tampa to visit Busch Gardens. We got there as the gates opened and got on all the amazing roller coasters in the first couple of hours. OMG, what an amazing day – what was best Cheater Hunt, Falcon’s Fury – dropped straight down towards the ground, from 300ft in the air? Mum wasn’t feelin’ it today & only came on a couple of rides – she’s not as hard-core as us! We didn’t realise they also had animals there, and just like SeaWorld, there was good & bad – the Giraffe’s & Zebra had loads of space to roam in, but the Tigers & Cheaters didn’t and seemed bored – doing their pacing up & down stuff – not so good.

Day 9 – Phew, a well earned rest day. A trip to Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic coast & what a blast. The water was soooo lovely & warm & the waves fantastic. Guess what – yup, even with factor 30 suncream on, and quite a bit of cloud, we got burnt (me & Alf look like Lobsters).

Scarily, writing this we realise we've only got another few days here, which doesn't seem possible, or fair - better make the most of it!

23/08/2015

Day 1 – Mmmmm, wide awake at 5am – not how we expected to start things – just our messed up body clocks, not yet adjusted to the 5hr time difference. That meant we were up and about early – shopping at Walmart by 8am! What a store! Totally massive, selling everything (even car tyres), and the portions - HUGE. So, we went on a holiday shopping spree and filled our trolley with loads of great stuff. That was only the start of things – off to Universal Studio’s in the afternoon. A great first theme park. Diagon Alley from Harry Potter was amazing – hidden away, and then you turned a corner and were in the middle of everything – very cool. Even better was the Gringots Ride. We queued for nearly an hour, but it was sooo worth it – incredible. The 3D effects were amazing, you’ve totally gotta do it. And the Rockin’ roller coaster, where you pick your own music, and go straight up 60m & then straight down again – so good we did it twice!

Day 2 – A bit of shoppin’ in the morning. No massive bargains, but still a new pair of converse shoes for me & Alfie – so, good news for us. A quick snack at the villa & off to Epcot, which is all about the future. The big globe thing is really smart, but it’s not a coaster park, with more simulation stuff – like going into space, which made us (mostly Mum & me) feel really ill, and we had to sit down for a while after. Dad & Alfie went off on their own before we met up again for test track, which was a really cool car ride, with wicked acceleration on the outdoor test track.

Day 3 – A trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Mickey Mouse & all that. Sorry if we sound a bit bored by it, but if we’re honest, it was all a bit too much for younger kids, and it was roasting hot, touching 40 degrees in the early afternoon – phew! Now, don’t get it wrong, it wasn’t all bad – Space Mountain (an indoor coaster, in the dark) was good, and the runaway mountain train was fun. The best ride of all was Splash Mountain – a lovely cooling water ride, where you get completely soaked! – it was soooo refreshing. We did get to see Mickey & Minnie Mouse, in the parade, briefly, as we made our way to one of the rides, when the queues are really short.

As you can see, we're having an amazing time. Yes, it's hot & we're walking miles everyday, but it is such a wicked place & still so much to do.

16/08/2015

We've had loads to do as we are straight back to school after we get back, so we've been getting new clothes, shoes, and finishing homework - pretty boring really. Thankfully, not everything was so tedious, I went to Pleasurewood Hills with Hannah & Rachel, which was fun, but I reckon very tame compared to the thrills & spills we're going to get in Florida!

Alfie started Football training with his new team, and now has a lovely light Blue top. He said some of the skills he's been practicing all Summer came in really handy, and his coach was proper impressed, as he didn't over-use them, or try & show off - good work Alf.

While Alf was training, we were playing a friendly against a team of ex-NCFC academy players. Even though they were younger than us, they were very skillful, and fit. OMG, we played 3 x 25 mins, and we were wrecked. We all agreed that we needed to be more fit, and we'll be doing the couch-to-5k, no excuses!

So, that means we can't go crazy in Florida & eat our body weight in junk everyday - which it seems easy to do. Alfie's friend's Dad put on a stone & a half in two weeks - that's half Alf's body weight! Maybe the heat will just be sooo much that all we'll want to do is drink. It's certainly going to we proper strange to be out when it rains, and it's still very warm - should be refreshing! It'll be a shock when we come back, as it could be nearly 20 degrees colder - brrrrrrrrrrr!

We've got our plan (and it has some rest time in it - just for Mum), and now all that's left is getting everything into our cases, and getting the holiday started....... FLORIDA HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

09/08/2015

Not a whole lot to tell you about this time, to be honest. We'll not every week can be a 24/7 fun filled party....... yet!

Anyway, Mum is right proud of herself - not only did she manage to light the storm kettle on Lowestoft beach (twice), she also managed to jog for 25 minutes without stopping as part of her couch to 5k challenge. She only needs to get to 30 mins, and she'll have made it - that's way better than I could do. I'll have to get into it, maybe my footy Girls will do it with me.

Me, Beth & Dad got back on our bikes this week, and although we managed 20 miles, the pace was pretty gentle (even I agree) - but it's still exercise! I was saving my energy though, for trampolining in the afternoon, and it was me & Beth again (with Alfie tagging along as he could bear to think that I'd gone & he hadn't). It was great fun, Beth hadn't been before & was already talking about coming again, before we'd even finished. Alfie is like a little rubber ball. His front & back flips are very cool, especially with the twists - impressive bro!

Sunday was another warm day, and as we'd not planned anything - what do you think we did? Yup, back to the beach - 3rd time in a week. Somewhere a bit different, the other side of Sea Palling, but still where the rocks are - Eccles I think it was called. Strange though, it was nice & quiet, although there was an electric fence on the beach - honestly! It was to protect some Birds or something that nest on the beach - so, why the electric fence, the birds flying about didn't look dangerous or anything - confused.

We came back and started to make a holiday plan of the places we want to visit in Florida, and its looking busy, busy, busy - no lazy days & lies in for us, it's going to be full-on fun, Mum's going to be exhausted.

02/08/2015

After the fun of the camping, a few dull & boring days (cos Mum was all tired out). Alfie obviously wasn't as he arranged a trip to the new Trampoline Park in Norwich - High Altitude........ Well, he says it's smaller than the one in London, but still good. He found out how much smaller it was when he landed on his face and mangled his glasses & cut his cheek - showing off to his friends?...... probably.

At least the end of the week really rocked - literally. We went to Newmarket Races, to see some Horse Racing, which none of us had done before, but also to see the Kaiser Chiefs play live. The weather was lovely, but the people were something else........ drunk, loud & very selfish - who did they think they were, they weren't posh, but strangely they were pretending to be - get over yourselves! Anyway, that was a shame, as we had fun picking horses that we thought might win - and not doing too well. Then there was a Horse called 'MyBoyAlfie', so Dad decided to put a bet on it to win - with real money - steady on eh! Of course, it didn't win, finishing 5th I think, so we didn't all make it rich. I saw my friend Caroline, and her Sister had won over £50, in one bet, and had already decided what she was spending her winnings on, a new coat. Who says gambling doesn't pay! So, onto the Kaiser Chiefs..... wow, what a show. It was getting dark, we were outside, and they had soooo much energy - especially the singer Ricky (who Mum really likes). They did loadsof songs we knew, so we were singing along. Alfie could just about see, and even had some time on Dad's shoulders, but that hurt HIS back - ironic or what, given that Dad is a cripple!

Some rest on Saturday (as we didn't get home til 1 in the morning), then we decided on a game of Pitch & Putt. It was the usual unpredictable mix of OK & awful. We all decided that we needed to get back to the driving range for some urgent practice. Maybe I'll speak to Chloe, get some tips from her.

Sunday was another lazy start, but we finally managed to haul ourselves to Waxham beach. Although it wasn't too sunny, we all got a bit Pink, as we didn't put any sun cream on (naughty). We had a slap up feast of Pot Noodles, with water boiled by the storm kettle (of course). We did have a paddle in the Sea but it was a bit on the chilly side, and full of Red Seaweed that was also all over the beach - ripped up off the seabed by a storm out at Sea Dad says. 

Not sure what we're up to next week, but strangely we need to do any Schooly things quickly, as when we go on holiday, that's our chance gone, straight back to School after......yikes - last year & lots of exams.

26/07/2015

We had a couple of lazy days, then we were put to work – getting thing ready for a camping trip, meeting up with Robert & Rowan (again) who had been staying in their caravan since Latitude. We loaded up the car (still don’t know how we squeeze it all in), and were fully sorted by lunchtime – makes a big change from 5hr car journeys! It was lovely to spend the afternoon in the Sun & playing football.
Shame was, that night the wind blew & it rained & rained & rained – we woke up & it was still raining, but at least the tent was (mostly) dry. We couldn’t be bothered to do too much, a quick trip into Bungay, and a nice meal out at a country pub. Saturday was only a bit better, but dryer & warmer in the afternoon, so we went to the Beccles Lido, and almost had the pool to ourselves – which meant loads & loads of tricks on the diving board. Edie managed a back-flip, while me & Dad showed off our full set of tricks! We’d not finished with our swimming though, as we decided to go in the river by the campsite, as they had a great rope-swing right into the middle. We had a mental time. Dad spotted this old air mattress, which we blew up and floated on the river, which we used to jump on. Tom even got their Dog Maesy on it, and dropped her from the rope swing – cool Dog.

As the only dry weather was on Sunday morning, we decided to pack up our stuff, before heading off for a family meal to celebrate Nanna & Grandad’s 50th wedding anniversary. All the Cousin’s were there, and we had a lovely dinner – homemade burgers & desserts to die for. If you are anywhere near Somerlayton – check out the pub.

Now just the boring job of putting all the stuff away, before we then need to start thinking about Florida – only 3 and a bit weeks to go now – starting to get excited.

19/07/2015

Day 1: No game, so a chance for some training and getting an idea of where things were. Travelling around on the trams was really good fun. Food at the school not great. I reckon I’ll be spending most of my money on something ‘edible’.

Day 2: Our first game, and how exciting – playing against a team from another country. The build up was amazing, we were all on such a roll. We played pretty well & although we didn’t score, we didn’t let any in either, so a 0-0 draw – good result. I was the manager’s star player as well, so what a day! A quick change & off to the opening ceremony, which was incredible 25,000 people in the main stadium, and a brilliant show – a late night, but worth it.

Day 3: Another game, on the back of little sleep & even less breakfast, and a change in team formation, we struggled. We tried hard (I nearly crawled off at the end), but we lost 2-0, not a disaster. At least we had a bit of spare time to do some shopping (for food mainly), and a trip to the beach – but by that time it had got really windy (cold).

Day 4: A tough match today, and it was hot. I felt really sick (not drinking enough), I know – but when it’s a choice of water or Milk at breakfast, its not great prep! We ended up losing 4-0, but they were a really good team (from Sweden again), and they were all soooo tall – made me look positively small in comparison. That means we have to wait & see what happens in the other game, to see if we finish 3rd or 4th in our group, which will change who we play next. We had a right laugh playing pitch-and-putt, we were all hopeless, but didn’t care.

Day 5: Crunch Time – knockout football. We came 4th, by letting in one more goal than the other team, which meant we played a more difficult team, at least on grass this time – the other matches had been on astro. Well, it wasn’t the greatest of pitches – very uneven, and the ref was very biased towards the other team, who you guessed it….. were Swedish. We got hardly any decisions, and it seemed all we had to do was touch them & they got a free-kick. So, you guessed it, we lost, but only 2-0, and one of them was a lucky mis-kick! We were out…….and I felt gutted, all that effort, and it was over – football wise anyway. We all got a bit upset, and most of us ended up calling home to get cheered up a bit, and told to just enjoy the holiday.

Day 6: At least we got a day of rest – which we spent at a theme park, and pretty good it was too. Some awesome coasters, just like Thorpe Park the other week. A nice warm-up for Florida (which is only 5 weeks away now – getting exciting!).

Day 7: One last bit of football (a friendly game against a German U16 team that were staying at our school). Although we lost 4-3, we were so much more relaxed & had a chance to play in different positions, so me & Beth were attackers, and I even set up a goal for her – go Girl. As it was our last day, we squeezed in some shopping, then went out for a meal (the best of the week by far).
Sadly, then it was time to come home, and leave behind a sort of a Swedish Big Brother house (as over the week there had been plenty of ups & downs, tears & tantrums!) And, before we knew it, we were off the plane, in the coach & back at school. It was interesting to see the different emotions – some of the Girls (and their parents) were a right mess, whereas I kept it together pretty well. And Dad, well, I think he was just thinking…… when can I get back to doing whatever it was I was doing!
So, a massive thank you to all the Girls & the teachers for making it such a fantastic experience – next year anyone? As you’d expect, there are literally 1000’s of pictures, and I’ll pick a few good ones for next week, and give Alfie a chance to tell you what he’s been up to.

12/07/2015

I had loads to do before though, packing, unpacking, checking & double-checking - can't leave anything important behind, like my Football boots or something! Maybe I should be more like Dad who reckons he'd be packed in 10mins (and he's probably right).

All this fitness stuff was supposed to make us better - all it seems to have done to me is cripple my back up - GREAT! I couldn't even go to school on Thursday as it hurt too much - brilliant preparation for all the running I'll be doing over the next week. I've packed loads of pain killers, so I'll just have to 'man-up' & play through the pain. I'll have a month to properly recover before Florida, so looks like one of those real, 'no pain, no gain' situations.

Talking about that, Dad & Alfie are now running 25 minutes non-stop, and are just about doing the full 5km now - hugely impressive, after only 6 weeks of following the training plan. You should see the state of Dad when he gets back, he looks like he's melting. He must have lost so much liquid through sweat, he should look like a shrivelled Prune!

Mum is up to 5 min runs, and complaining about how she won't be able to do anymore. I remember Dad saying the same thing, so we know she'll be able to - go on, get fit for Florida.

Hey, I made my first sale on Gumtree this week - my old Blue / Purple bike for £40 - easy money. Take a picture on your phone, write a description, and pocket the cash - BRILLIANT. Its got Alfie thinking about some old computer games he wants to sell - he's jealous that I've got money & he hasn't - mustn't forget though, I owe him £13. I'll see what I've got left after Sweden!

Dad didn't make the final day relaxing & easy, he'd ripped up the carpet in Mum & Dad's bedroom, as he's got a wood floor to lay, and you can appreciate the mess that makes - thanks. At least we all got to eat Chinese, as a 'going away meal' for me, as well as easy for everyone else.

Well, no more time to sit here rambling, I've got a coach to catch, and a football holiday to enjoy with my mates. Hope everyone at home enjoys the peace & quiet while I'm away - don't forget to follow the tournament online, and wish us luck - adjo.

05/07/2015

Thank God, the mock exams are over - what a relief, and what a nightmare - we've got to do it all over again next year! No rest from the football training, still 3 times a week, with the 'fitness' training often finishing off with an 800 metre run - lovely! We will be timed next week, to see if we've met our target (mine is 30 seconds less, out of 3 and a half minutes), I'm not confident. At this rate even Dad would beat me as he's still doing his running challenge, and is now running over 20 minutes without any rest stops - impressive. Him and Alfie went out on Saturday morning (quite early, but it was still hot), and they came back dripping with sweat - yuk!

I had a proper busy weekend, which started right after School. I played the first half of our game against the year 9 Boys, then straight off with Hannah & Rachel to Thetford forest to watch Sam Smith in concert. It was his first gig since having throat surgery, so we all hoped he could still sing - and could he, awesome! Less impressive was the 90 minutes it took to get out of the carpark, meaning we didn't get home til nearly one in the morning. That wouldn't have been so bad if we didn't have to get up at 6 in the morning to go to Thorpe Park. Aaaargh, it was torture. I would have tried to go to sleep on the bus, but I didn't want to wake up with a painted face (or worse!). It was really hot, and the queues for the rides were long..... but it was worth it - we all had a fab time. We were totally whacked, and sun-burned when we got home. Another shock to the system, an 8am wake up. That was sleep deprivation territory! The reason this time, the football tournament I mentioned in Lowestoft. And whatta you think the weather decided to do, in July, right after a roasting hot day? Right.... rain of course, all day, until we were packing up - typical. Grandma, Grumps and Nanna came along to support us, but even they couldn't change our luck. Although we only lost the games we did 1-0, we didn't score any goals, and ended up drawing 3 and losing 3. We just need to get better at passing, and don't panic - exactly what Dad said at the start, wasn't anyone listening? Alfie came along and had a great time playing with Beth's brother, staying out in the rain, getting soaked, then practicing headers with a ball dripping with water - quite bonkers.

I did think about doing some packing for Sweden when I got back (did I mention that I'm going to play in a football tournament?), only kidding, I know I have, once or twice - this time next week I'll be there. Anyway, I just couldn't face it and went to bed after tea, for some well earned rest.

28/06/2015 Happy birthday 15 years old

Finished the School week with a fitness session at the Oasis gym, and man it was tough. I think I’ve pulled a muscle in my stomach as ever since its really been hurting – no pain, no gain, for real! I think we are getting fitter though, or at least we’d better be, for all the effort we’re putting in. It’s now only two weeks to go until Sweden – getting very real now.

No late night on Friday as we had an early start on Saturday for THE SHOPPING TRIP TO LONDON. Me, Mum, Beth & her Mum Rosie all set off at 8 o’clock, luckily with the satnav to guide us, as we only had a vague idea of the general direction that London was. Incredibly, less than two hours later we were there – Stratford anyway, but that was the plan! Next part of the adventure – get the Underground to Marble Arch, at the far end of Oxford St. And you know what – no problems, who needs MEN!

WOW – Oxford St, what a place, shopping heaven, and as an added bonus – which added a whole load more noise & colour, in was London Pride. So we had shops in the middle of a carnival – awesome. We shopped & shopped, all the way to Picaddily Circus. That wasn’t the end of it though, back in Stratford, we still had the Westgate shopping centre to explore, it was almost overload! Of course, having come all that way, it would have been rude not to buy a few bits & pieces, so I did - bags of them!

So, there were 4 Girls having an amazing time in London – what were the Boys up to? Well, believe it or not, they were in London as well – back at the trampoline park. Alfie brought Joe & Ali along, and they had a great day, especially as Alfie has now ‘nailed’ the backflip – this I’ve gotta see. They also went back to the bouldering park, and it seems like Alfie was showing off a bit – what a surprise, and went for one mad thing too many, and fell off one of the boulders, onto his back – totally winding him. Dad said he didn’t see the fall but just saw Alfie staggering around trying to get his breath back – nutter!

Then it was…. Drive home, almost straight to bed, then up again at 8:00 for a football tournament at Sprowston. Luckily it was a cloudy day, so running about playing football wasn’t as bad as it would have been the day before – phew. We ended up being there most of the day, which did mean gaps between our games. Considering we’d not played for months, we weren’t too bad. We won 1 game, drew 2 & lost 3 (all by 1-0). The first game was a joke, the ball clearly went off for a goal kick, but the ref wasn’t paying attention & let play go on, and they scored, and who was playing? The home team Sprowston – funny that eh. Never mind cos the one we won, was against Rachel’s team Hellesdon, and guess what, I scored the winning goal – how good was that! We didn’t make it through to the semi-finals, but we’d had our own victory – sweet! Next week we’ve got a tournament in Lowestoft, so maybe Grandma & Grumps will come along – if it’s not raining!

21/06/2015

So, thanks to Runty Ralph, who somehow overpowered this Rat, that was about half the size of him, killed it, then dragged it through the cat-flap, and into the dining room – lovely, thanks very much for nearly killing me! Looking more closely at Ralph, the Rat clearly put up a fight, as he has a deep cut on his nose, where he’d been bitten or scratched – serves you right!

Having survived that, as well as football fitness training, I just about had enough strength for a football match on Friday evening. I think our minds were still on the Sweden trip that we’d had a meeting about beforehand as we struggled to create many chances, against a very good Sprowston team (who haven’t lost in 2 years). We let in a soft goal from a corner (although there was a clear offside, so it should have been our free-kick – Beth, have a word with you linesman Brother!). In trying to get a goal back we left ourselves too open in defence & they scored a 2nd goal in the last couple of minutes. Overall, things to work on, which is what friendlies are all about.
Only 3 weeks til Sweden now – doesn’t seem real somehow, it’s really has sneaked up on us. Still don’t know what to expect – how good the teams will be. They are all from Sweden in our group, but it looks like we’ve got all sorts staying at the school we’re at, so should be a right laugh. We could even get on TV, if we get through to the last few teams – wow, how about that.

Talking about TV, or more accurately YouTube, on Sunday we didn’t have any plans, as Mum was at the Ski Club all day. So, I treated Dad to a picnic (how nice of me eh, as it was Father’s Day), well maybe not so nice really, as it was a picnic being held in Eaton Park by Jim Chapman one of the YouTube bloggers that I follow. How cool. I went along with my friend Jess & her Sister. Dad reckoned we’d be the only ones there, but there must have been 30+ people there, including Abi, from Football. While we had a great time chatting and handing out, Dad & Alf played Football & a bit of Basketball – so we all got something out of it. So, keep watching Jim’s YouTube channel to see if he put up a piece on his picnic in the park, cos I could be in it.
That was sooooo exciting, I nearly forgot to remind everyone that it’s my birthday next week, but of course you already knew that.

14/06/2015