20/07/2010 by Aileen.

Here at last are some photos from CenterParcs. I might put up some wild life ones tomorrow, but here are the family ones.

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19/07/2010 by Aileen.

That’s so much to write, so little written. After CenterParcs Liam and Kieran stayed with us for the week. The weather was good and they were outside most of the time, making boats for the paddling pool. Liam also made a gun out of toilet roll and other tubes, and lots of cellotape.

We went to Honeysuckle Farm (inevitably) and altough it was showery we didn’t get too wet. The highlight was jumping on the hay bales as usual.

But the highlight of the week was going to Eden Camp.

http://www.edencamp.co.uk/

They were fascinated by the displays, and spent ages in the playground which was set up as an assault course. I will post some pictures of CenterParcs and Eden Camp separately.

Then, on Saturday, we had our annual Family Reunion at Don’s house. Rachel and Ian couldn’t come owing to work commitments, and Ali and family didn’t come down from Scotland, as they were down for the Christening recently, and also down for CenterParcs.

But we all had a great time. Got to know Charley’s boyfriend, Crouchy, better and enjoyed excellent food and company. I didn’t take many photos, but might put up a few.

Oh well, it’s Monday morning. Time to do a bit of dusting etc. Tonight it’s Viewfinders. We’re doing outdoor portraits, so I’m going to ask someone to take some snaps of me for my travel pass.

Bye all. Have a good week.

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08/07/2010 by Aileen.

Little Sugar is back! She’s one of our very shy calico cats. ((I used to call it tortoiseshell, but apparently it’s calico)

We came home from CenterParcs on Monday with the two boys, and only Ellie and Spice were around. We didn’t worry too much, as they are so shy and always hide from ’stangers’, butas the days went on we were vey sad (and I got very grumpy) I got up at nights calling for her.

Last night I went out about 2am, and heard a meow. It was Sugar. I picked her up and hugged her, and brought her back into the house. She struggled a bit, but I got her inside and woke John. (Yes, he wanted me to!)

We were so happy. I think she’s lost a bit of weight, it’s Thursday now, but even if she disappears again until Saturday, when the kids go, we won’t worry. I opened up a can of tuna in spring water for her, and she gobbled up the bit I gave her.

She’s not the most attractive of cats, and she dribbles, but we love her.

Anyway, back to CenterParcs (no, not literally) while the kids are still abed. I was so impressed with the organisation of it all. There is so much to do, but it is spaced out and the place never seems crowded. There are these little money spinners going on all over the place, but it isn’t at all in your face.

Various activities spread across the lake, several interlinked swimming areas, various food outlets. So well done.

The lodge carpet could do with a good clean, but it didn’t worry me. It wasn’t minging, but the place was in need of a good deep clean.

The wild life was fantastic. Red squirrels, siskins, woodpeckers. Much more.

The kids got involved with mini Olympics, football tournaments etc. and John did archery. I really will have to post some photos, but I  shoot them in Raw format and they need to be changed to jpegs.

The star was Alexander who is such a happy little baby. I shouldn’t say little as he’s growing in leaps and bounds. I have lots of photos of all of us, and must put them up.

I did ask if I could be in some, but as usual I’m not. Kieran took one of me and Alexander, and that’s the lot. Oh well. I’m no oil painting.

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06/07/2010 by Aileen.

Oh great holiday. No time to write now, or process photos. Liam and Kieran are with us for the week, and I have my ECA due in this week.

In the meantime here is a red squizzle I managed to process - for your delight and delectation.

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