Winter Wonderland

Uncle Robbie and Auntie Carla kindly let us have their VIP tickets for the Winter Wonderland in Chester. It was VERY cold, but a brilliant day was had by all. Kitty was extremely excited the whole time and loved running around and going on rides with cousin Ben (and Grandma!).

The Circus House was her favourite I think. Watching Kitty and Ben run like mad through the maze was like watching an episode of Total Wipeout.

Ben and Uncle Darren braved the Death Star (I can't remember what its really called!). You can just see their feet dangling top left. When they came down they were both frozen so we got hot chocolate, soup and chips.

Afterwards, we went back to Grandma and Grandad Pih's house to get warm. Grandad made a lovely tea and then Kitty snuggled up with Ben and Auntie Nicky on the sofa to watch Doctor Who.

Thanks to Robbie, Carla, Grandma and Grandad, Darren, Nicky and Ben for a brilliant day. x

Enjoying Christmas

Me and Ira went to Hebden Bridge to do a bit of Christmas shopping. There are so many lovely shops, it's a great place for gifts. It was raining when we arrived so we had a poached egg, toast and tea brunch in a nice cafe. Ira met a cute baby called Elizabeth and played with her until the rain stopped.

The birds were hungry, but we had forgotten the duck food.

We stopped to watched the men decorating the Christmas tree. It's great to watch other people stressing over this job after so many years of having to do it myself. The nightmare of being responsible for Christmas lights and festive events really does take the joy out of Christmas.

This is what happens when you don't accurately measure your tree pit! I imagine that they were desperately trying to find a chainsaw at 3am in the morning when the crane arrived and they realised the trunk was so thick. Been there...done that.

 We called in a the library....

...and some of the vintage shops which are brilliant. I was very well behaved and didn't buy myself anything despite seeing loads of lovely vintage dresses and 1940s shoes.




I did however buy this cute little glass Christmas ornament. I just couldn't resist it.
I also found this lovely 1950s birthday card for Ira. It's so nice I almost don't want to write in it! I think I will frame it after her birthday.

In the afternoon the sky was really blue and the sun very low making the drive home breathtaking. We often wish we could move closer to friends and family, but on days like this I am reminded that we are very lucky to live here and that I should work harder to persuade others to make the move closer to us instead. Unfortunately my photos didn't capture how amazing it looked.

Another year

Mama and Grandad Simpson came up to visit for my birthday. Kitty was very pleased to see them in the school playground at home time. Even better, Mama came with us to watch her do gymnastics. She is getting better every week and is really enjoying the variety of activities. I just hope she will be able to continue with it when I go back to work in the New Year.

We celebrated my birthday with a pizza tea and a birthday cake. I got lots of lovely cards and presents including this beautiful merino fair isle cardigan from my sister. I'm hoping that she gets a major staff discount at David Nieper......as I only got her soap for her birthday! Congratulations on the promotion Alison. xx

New school photos

Bonnet?

I knitted Ira a little red bonnet. Andy says she isn't allowed to wear it as it makes her look...well...a bit 'special'. I think it looks cute. Am I wrong?

Party season

Autumn is definitely party season. We have already been to two princess parties and a disco. There are two more parties in the diary, and of course my birthday still to come this month.