Siesta

The recent hot spell has had a soporific effect.

Bicycles

Much to Andrew's delight, Madeleine's new bike arrived yesterday. Seeing as it was such a nice evening we ventured out to for a test-drive after tea.

Brakes and pedals are new to Madeleine and so; a tutorial on the mechanics of the bike....

...meanwhile Thomas zooms off.

After half an hour of pedalling backwards, it finally clicked and she was off on her own! Thomas now has free reign to use the balance bike.

Tour de Stamford. Not sure what the stripy jersey here represents - King of the pavements?

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

This weekend we enjoyed a visit from Nana & Papa, and a nice meal out to celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary - congratulations!

A combined age of 75 on the see-saw.

Pre-dinner drinks at Langar Hall.

Running off the sausages and chips.

Thomas

Dapper.

"Please have your glasses Uncle Mike?"

"Why Mike look funny?"

"Why your chin sharp?"

Mummies & Daddies

It doesn't get better than this for Madeleine. Having a cuddle with a real baby beats a plastic dolly. Meeting her lovely cousin Bonnie for the first time here. Amazing to think they share their birthday with each other.

Apple

Madeleine played an apple in a recent nursery production of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

The Turners Visit

Queueing up at the nail bar for pedicures.

Folly ruins at the very impressive Belton House.

Madeleine; appreciating the symmetry and precision of the landscaped formal gardens,

A rare moment with all of us in the same place at the same time.

Lord of the Manor.

Counting fish.