Back in the Desert

Our month in the UK was a special time for all of us but now it is back to regular life in Qatar. We do get to speak with Lynese and Douglas on skype and whilst in the UK purchased a fancy Apple item so we can have skype on our tv! Owen loves the Granny and Grandpa so much and likes to give them kisses when we chat to them. Hopefully they will make a trip to the Desert in the near future to give the bunnies cuddles and kisses in person.

A trip to the animal farm continued...............

A trip to the animal farm

esterday was earmarked for the animal farm. The weather was lovely and sunny and not too warm. Owen and Brendon went early to enjoy a couple of hours before Erin and I joined them. I made a picnic lunch of sandwiches, mini pizza and quiche, fruit and yoghurt and after we dropped the Granny at the bus stop to go and visit Grandpa at the hospital we met up with Brendon and Owen. I could tell immediately that Owen was having a really good time. He was red in the face and all sweaty. He was very happy to see the food arrive so that he could refuel. Erin could not sit still during lunch and run up and down holding her food in her hand coming back regularly to stock up. There was so much to do! Trampolines, sand pit, toy tractors to ride on, craft making (Owen made a bunny face), small animal petting (Owen even told the chickens that he made a bunny face), watching 3 week old piglets and the ultimate treat was the pig races. Erin was petrified of the pre-race pig squealing whereas Owen thought it was delightful. The races were funny and the pigs entertaining. I think the adults enjoyed it more than the children. Owen and Erin left exhausted and very happy. Owen had a 12 hour sleep last night, 2 more than normal.

A trip to Sandringham

After a trip to visit the Grandpa in hospital Brendon, Owen, Erin and I went to Sandringham Estate to have a bit of a wander around. Sandringham is the much loved Norfolk country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.

The country-side was beautiful and clean and there was a picturesque town a short distance away from Sandringham where we stopped so I could take some photos. The parks were free of charge to the public and had all the necessary amenities and a children's fenced in play area. Owen loved running from activity to activity and interacted with the other children there. Erin enjoyed climbing but was afraid of being on the walkway linking the slide with the steps. She did enjoy being on the slide when we lifted her and put her there. She enjoyed the feel of the baby pine cones and loved running about. They did manage to stay away of the 30 minute drive back home which meant that their bed-time was at the regular time.

Rayne comes to visit

We were very pleased to have Rayne, who lived in our neighbourhood in Breda, The Netherlands come and visit for a few days. She flew over with hand luggage packed with all the Dutch treats that we have had to live without since October 2010 - Cheese, ontbyt koek, stroop wafels, Bibi Nuk dummies for Erin and Vitamin D drops!

Rayne and I had a girls day out to Cambridge which involved shopping and absolutely no sight seeing. It was great to be able to shop with a girlfriend who bought me gifts, lunch and gave me honest opinions on my choices. I have not bought a proper wardrobe since before I was pregnant with Owen (more than 4 years ago) and have seriously dented the bank account this time. I like the way I now shop - try on first then look at the price tag. Brendon seems a little nervous of this new approach.

The morning before Rayne left we went to the local park where I had to opportunity of taking a zillion photos for my memory box. Erin and Owen loved her attention and enjoyed the knuffels and romping. It will be a long time before we all see each other again as Rayne is leaving for NZ next month.

Playtime

Granny and Grandpa have such a large selection of toys and entertainment that the cherubs never seem to be bored. And when they are not playing indoors they are exploring outdoors, crafting and using their imagination.

The Breda Connections come to visit

It was really great to be able to meet up with Catherine and her children Sam and Emma. We last saw then just less than 1 year ago in Breda, The Netherlands where we all lived. Sam and Emma are older now but Catherine is just the same, and doing so well. They have relocated back to the UK. The children played in the garden for a while and Sam said to Catherine "Mum, I had an aeroplane just like this one". In fact it was his one that Catherine gave to Owen in Holland. Sam still doesn't know it is his old one! We brought it to the UK to live at Camomile Close as it was a favourite of Owens. Even though it is well used we couldn't bear to throw it away. Owen still rides on it although he is too big for it now. After a cup of tea we went to the local park for a change of scenery and came back to a yummy tea (aka dinner)made by Lynese. All too soon our guests had to leave for their 2 hour journey home. Owen and Erin went to bed tired little munchkins.

A trip to the library

The weather wasn't brilliant so we decided to take a trip to the library to give Owen and Erin a change of scenery. They were less interested in the books and more interested in fighting to sit on the chair and play with the computer. After a while we decided that it was not working and took them to the ice-cream ride on. It was Erins first time on a ride and she loved it. She smiled constantly and Owen was very good letting her take turns at the steering wheel.

A day out to see Thomas the Tank Engine

Today Owen, Grandpa and I took a drive to Nene Valley Railway Station to see Thomas the Tank Engine. It was a specially organised Thomas day and there were lots of people there all wanting to ride on Thomas. We managed to get on the first train and rode from Wansford stantion to Yarnwell station. The trip there and back took around 16 minutes. Thomas wheeshed and whistled and lots of steam came out of his funnel. Owen loved it and so did the Grandpa! The engine was built in 1947 and spent all its working life at the British Sugar Corporation's Peterborough factory. The black and white photo shows Thomas being named by Rev. W. Awdry.

After the Thomas ride we got on Emerald Emily and took an hour round trip to Peterborough. At Peterborough Emily was unhooked and filled up with water at the water tower. We got out to have a look at her being unhooked, filled up with water and moved to the front of the train. Owen was a little nervous of the loud whistle and steam so was keen to get back on board. After a short lunch we went for a second ride on Thomas and then it was time to start our journey home. No sooner had we left when Owen fell asleep. The Grandpa had to sit in the back holding Owens head so it didnt flop forward while he slept. Everyone enjoyed the day.