Halloween

I hope you enjoyed your Halloween yesterday. Emily and I went round to my friend Alison's for what is becoming her annual Halloween party. Pumpkin cupcakes, from the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook, which were delicious (even if I say so myself)

The cake cases were ones I'd picked up in Chicago the last time we were there (3 years ago!!)

I also made the Quiche Lorraine from Rachel Allen's Bake cookery book but I changed it a bit to make it vegetarian for Alison and Jake. I took out the bacon and added roast red peppers instead. Yummy - just had the last slice for my lunch :)

Carol and Alison (my witchy friends ;o) )

Some of Alison's decorations. There were a few new ones in the mix

Thanks for a lovely afternoon/evening Alison, Marc, Jake and Leah - looking forward to next year!

xx

A few more photos

I popped round to Theresa's this morning to take Debbie to meet Alyssa as she wasn't sure which house they lived in. Deb got to have a lovely cuddle while Theresa opened the present and Tyler had some strawberries for "breakfast". I also got to have a cuddle while we all chatted and it was just as we were leaving that I remembered I had my point and shoot in my bag and could take a couple of photos. In this first one the flash went off and Tyler didn't like the bright light in his eyes. Alyssa wasn't going to stay sitting with him for me to take any more ;o)

Back in Mummy's arms and she soon settled down and was happy to suck on Theresa's finger.

I still can't get over how tiny she is! Kay and Theresa were saying when they were in Sainsbury's today people were stopping to look at the tiny baby! She really is beautiful - and I don't think I'm just being biased :)

xx

And her name is ......

Alyssa Morgan Pedersen

:)

xx

Jon's birthday/more baby photos :)

There are a lot of photos again tonight, so I will try and keep the writing to a minimum. Today is Jon's birthday. He's had a busy day starting with an interview up in London. He seems happy with the way it went and we now have to wait to find out if he got the job or not. Crossing of fingers and prayers are very welcome! Back from his interview, he went to meet up with his brother Mike for a drink before coming round to meet the girls and me at Will and Theresa's. From there on to a Doctor's appointment and then home for present opening and a visit from Deb and Dave before we went to Nizam for a curry. I think he's had a good day and we're hoping that the coming year will be a better one than the year we've just had.

Happy Birthday, Jon! Emily's card (any guess how old he was today?)

At the Nizam

In age order, Hugh

Claire

Emily

.

.

As I mentioned above, we went round to Will and Theresa's this afternoon so that Claire and Emily could meet their new second cousin. Mum and Dad were also there and Tyler received a couple of presents. The remote control car from Mum and Dad was a great hit and it didn't take him too long to work out how to make it go.

I think both Tyler and Will/Daddy will have fun with this one :)

Tyler had said they needed a birthday cake because it was his little sister's birthday. I love that idea and think all babies should have a birthday cake when they go home! Tyler was on hand to blow out the candle

A few more of baby (who, I'm told, will have a name before her mummy and daddy go to bed tonight. I'll find out what it is tomorrow)

Eyes still open and having a look around :)

With Great Grandpa

and Emily

and Claire

I got to have a lovely long cuddle (sorry to all the family members who aren't near enough to have one!)

Finally, a couple of black and white conversions because the colour wasn't so good.

Back with the name tomorrow

xx