99 Flake

Today, although there was a cool breeze, we had "99 Flake" ice creams from the ice cream van this afternoon. Emily and I sat outside to eat them but it's now getting cooler so I've come inside. Quiet day today, spent the morning catching up on ironing from the last week. It took a while but it's finally done and I can forget about it again. Still trying to decide what we're going to have for dinner tonight, we're down to just Jon, Emily and I as Hugh is working and Claire's going to Craig's. I guess this is what happens as your children grow up ;o).

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Emily and I are hoping to see either The Blind Side (which Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for) or Dear John tomorrow. Have any of you seen either? Are they any good? We tend to wait for movies to come out on DVD but seeing as Emily is still on holiday this week we thought it might be good to actually go to movies for a change! Will let you know if we get there ;o)

xx

Gift card envelope and kittens

Life is busy at the moment, lots going on but I am back to having little room on my computer so I haven't been editing all my photos. I hope to order an external hard drive this week and then I should be back in business :o). In the meantime, I'll continue using photos I've already edited and hope they don't run out too soon.

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I meant to show this little gift card envelope I made for Claire's birthday and then missed it out somehow! I had kept the paper template I made when I made Sarah's envelope which made making this one so much easier. I kept it simple but stuck with the polka dots ( see wrapping paper underneath the envelope) and used some thickers letters I had already. The flower was made using my favourite punches and both sides of the patterned paper. Claire loved it, which was the main thing, and has decided she's going to frame it ;o)

Our weekend has been fairly busy. We had beautiful weather and managed to get a braai (barbeque) in on Saturday. Unfortunately I didn't think to take any photos at the time! Too busy organising food etc. It was so good to be able to sit outside and eat, lots more of that to come I hope!

More kitten photos now. In the top one we think Bellatrix had been stung by a bumble bee. She thinks it's great fun to pounce on them and play with them but this time I think the bumble bee got the upper paw! She came limping inside, jumped on the sofa and tucked her sore paw under her chin and went to sleep :o(

Maybe it'll teach her not to play with bumble bees in future!

We can see now why the Cats Protection people didn't want these two seperated when they homed them. We often find them lying curled up together - sometimes in the weirdest positions - but they are so cute. In the top one they were enjoying the sunshine lying in the flower bed.

And here curled up on the sofa! We do have another one where it looks like Bellatrix is about to bit Mac's neck - it would fit in well with Mel's recent posts which included mention of dracula ;o)

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Hope to have some of the more recent photos up soon.

Happy Birthday once again to my nephew, Max, who turned 19 today.

xx

20 Today

Today is Claire's 20th birthday - no longer a teenager! We now only have one teenager left in the house ;o). Birthdays here always start with present opening first thing in the morning but Claire kindly let Emily sleep in a little later than she would normally because it's still school holidays. Jon had arranged to work from home so he was also here to see Claire open her presents.

The cupcake balloon was a big hit! Claire likes to open the cards first and then starts on the presents.

She had really enjoyed Doctor Parnassus when she saw it at movies and was glad she got the DVD.

Showing the mobile phone charm she got for her charm bracelet.

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We normally go out for dinner as a family when it's someones birthday but as Claire is going out with friends for dinner tonight, the family went to Prezzo for lunch. As always the food was delicious (but I forgot to take any photos!)

Jon toasts Claire with his coke.

Emily

Sarah and Hugh

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We hadn't been home long before it was time for extended family to come round for coffee and cake.

Jon brings in the birthday cake

Tyler was on hand to help blow out all the candles ;o)

We've had lovely weather for the last couple of days and are making the most of it, so we sat outside to have our cake.

Tyler has such an active imagination and spent the afternoon happily amusing himself (and anyone else who was prepared to listen)

Alyssa was looking very cute (as always) and happily sat on her great grandmothers lap, chewing her hands ;o)

Look at that smile - she's such a happy little girl!

In this photo Tyler was showing me his potion to make it warmer. One of his imaginary games - as well as working on a building site, dusting a sattelite, swimming in the sea and I'm sure there a few more this afternoon. Love a child with an imagination!

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Claire is now getting ready to go out for her Cowboy themed dinner - I believe she'll be wearing a stetson, checked shirt, jeans and boots! Enjoy the rest of your birthday Claire. We love you lots xxxxx

I can now reveal ....

Claire

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= I'm going to be a grandma

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Remember the unexpected news I mentioned a couple of weeks ago - this was what it was :o). Claire found out that she was pregnant, which hadn't been part of her plan at this stage but these things happen. It took her a little while to get used to the idea but she is now excited, happy and looking forward to being a Mummy! We'll have a baby in the house this Christmas :o). We're not sure of her due date yet but think it'll be towards the end of November.

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Thank you to those of you who contacted me and said they hoped everything was well. Everything is fine and we're all excited about the new addition. As you can imagine, there's a lot of baby talk in our household these days. Claire's first midwife appointment is on 20/04/10 and her first scan will be organised then. After the scan we'll have a better idea of when the baby will be due.

xx