It's a fine line

Lots of concentration going on here as Lewis tries to get to grip with the detail in his drawing. It's lovely to watch the three of them at work when they're in the mood for art, with Miranda especially, copying the boys as they continue, oblivious to the rest of the world.

Ha ha haa!

Gran has gone back to Wales today, and the house is a lot quieter tonight. No whooping and hollering as the kids feed off her animated charm. Greg was talking to me at bedtime, and he said "Miranda cried went Gran went on the train Daddy, but I didn't - I'm a big boy!"

Gottch'a

Miranda mimicking me with her camera... Little does she know that hers is back to front - so she's really doing a self portrait...! Greg was asking me why I didn't mind Miranda playing with this bit of plasticky crap (as opposed to all the other bits of...), oh Greg, I'm afraid you have a lot to learn!

The sideshow

When Miranda's in the mood, and has a good appetite, she can be great company at the table. She can charm the company with her behaviour - whether it's eating fruit or spreading yoghurt in her hair, or simply telling jokes!

Gone scrumping!

Upholding a Brown family tradition, the clan went out with Gran on a Blackberry hunt. Two big boxes of fat juicy berries were sourced along the lane down to Shore Road, and a rather tasty crumble was made thereafter....

I am looking forward to a nice glass of wine, some dinner, and .....mmmmm!

Gran at the helm...

Today Caroline and I were out all day and evening, and we had Gran in charge of the little monkeys. As usual Gran can hardly get a look in, as the boys race their way to the end of the jigsaw...

Storytime with Gran

Everyone's excited today as Gran has turned up for a few days. The boys had thought she wasn't coming so they were doubly worked up, as you can imagine. This is bedtime for Miranda when eveyone was lending a hand!

Tricked You!

This was my alternate take for yesterday, but it's so good I thought I'd use it today. Sometimes the most difficult pictures to take are the ones that work best, and this one is no exception. I needed to use 600ASA as it was so dark, and I could not see to focus, with Greg bobbing around at close distance - the chances of a result were remote....

Walk the plank matey!

Something of a contrast with yesterday's post. This was the scene earlier this afternoon when Mr "Sweetness and Light" having been been transformed into Cut throat Jake, appeared in my workroom asking if I wanted a glass of Rum or a cup of Tea.

In case you case you can't tell, Greg loves dressing up!

A cracking idea grommit!

Although we were feeling tired this morning when when got up, we decided to take the ferry from Lymington and cycle down to Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight. Ity was just one of those mad ideas that rewards you when it goes right - we had a top day out.

The sun shone all day, the ride down to Freshwater was fab, and we even had a nice lunch at the beach cafe. After getting back to Yarmouth at about 5.30 we stopped at Gossip's Cafe right on the pier and had some delicious pasta for supper. It was still light when we got home, but boy are we tired! No photo I'm afraid as I didn't take a camera, but one of my older pictures of Freshwater here

The alphabet puzzle

Greg helping Miranda to do her jigsaw puzzle, first thing in the morning. We had an early start on account of all the kids sleeping in one room, as Caroline has been decorating the boys bedroom... It's been a very stormy day, and although we did go down to Calshot and sky was black as a coal miner's pantry, we didn't get rained on. Unlike my bike ride across the forest which deluged me for at least an hour of journey. Quite spectacular and fun.

Solitaire

The end of a rather hairy day for me, so it seems fitting to have a picture of Miranda! She looks lovely with that bushy blonde hair, and I can imagine her reading the Bond thriller I have just put down, trying to relate to the twists and the turns in the narrative. The book it would appear is up side down!

Sports Day at Waterside Primary

Today the kids had Sports Day at school, and they were in very competitive spirit. Lewis was determined to win his race, and do you know what - he did...It's great to see his naked ambition, backed up his ability to deliver, and naturally he was very pleased with himself.

Greg also had a great time, and I have got another picture of him kicking the ball into the back of the net at the penalty shoot-out - but I thought you might be bored with pictures of him doing that sort of thing!

New balls

As we get ready for a sporting summer, Greg poses with his tennis style ear defenders - I'm sure they will be all the rage one day, but for the time being let's play by the rules!

The weather here is fantastic this afternoon, glorious blue sky with wispy clouds, so we've been out for a bike ride after tea time down to the shore. We could have stayed until sunset, but chores beckoned....

For your eyes only...

Lewis filling his spare time after dinner, whilst waiting for the gang to "eat up" He's always ready to go, but today as I was attempting to take some fresh pictures, he was applying himself constructively.

This morning he wrote the opening chapter in his new James Bond Book, and proudly presented it to us as we were opening our eyes. It seems reading 'Live and Let Die' has sparked his imagination. Of course it always helps when an Aston Martin features in the storyline!

Old Dog!

A well known trick in celebrity circles when seeking favourable publicity, is to stand next to someone younger who is dressed in bright clothes, when getting your photograph taken. Not sure what my sister Joanna had in mind with this set up, but the old dog seems pleased with himself!

Cream crackered

Dinner eaten, ...well pudding is still partly in my bowl, and I'm left wondering what time it is? Two minutes to ten, ....so it's no surprise then that I'm tired.

These pictures were taken at teatime when Greg was in very good humour, although in truth he's under the weather at present.

We've had a great day bike riding in the forest from Brockenhurst across to Rhinefield and over towards Bransgore, before heading back for an ice cream en route. Did I mention the picnic?

As I seem to have missed a posting yesterday, I'd better report that yesterday was spent on the beach at Studland, where we had a fantastic day out. The sand was clean, the water clear and the breeze fresh. Caroline made some comment about it being not too warm and not too cold - which is indeed a rare result! After geeting very well toasted we headed for Swanage for dinner and beer on the promenade. You could not have asked for a better view for your supper, and yet it only cost £12.70 for the five of us - beer was extra!

Here's lookin at you kid!

Always one to turn on the charm for the camera, and pleased to do so whether he's wearing a tiara, or for that matter, bedsocks!

A portrait of the Artist

This is Greg doing a portrait of me and him playing football, which reminds me of the days when he was at home at lunchtime and we used to kick the ball around. Now my lunchtime recreation is a bike ride into the village with Mippy to watch the boats and seagulls on the promenade.

Not firing on all four...

Miranda wasn't herself at tea time, and Greg has been off school today with a bug, although he seems to have recovered now.

Miranda ate her supper slowly, and then howled as if in agony, but she did perk up at the boys suggestion that we might go out for a bike ride. "Funny that" I thought, but it worked.

Later at bath time she went berserk again, and even the "I SPY Seashore" book at bed time failed to get a response. She pulled the bedcovers up over her and put her head on the pillow for a few minutes, before suddenly regaining enough determination to drink her milk!

Role Model

"It has been a real pleasure to teach Lewis this year. He is a wonderful young man who is keen to work and learn new things. He has made a big contribution to year 3 and has made great progress through the year...."

Last night Lewis came home from school with his progress report, and the above quote is how it begins.

I wanted to put on record how proud I am of the effort he has made, ....and Lewis, I hope you always find the energy and passion to carry you to your true potential - there's nothing you can't achieve if have the ambition.

Where am I going, and what exactly am I doing here?

Mippy scoots around the beach in a strange pattern. First of all she goes off in search of freedom, always in the same direction on her own. Then she discovers that hole in the sea defences and makes her way onto the beach, before beginning the journey back along the shingle.

Are we always looking for circular routes, in an attempt to create the perfect journey. I need to leave before I know what I am coming back to?

Last action hero

Greg in action as he aims for the back of the net. He has a much more powerful kick than Lewis and his strike rate is also more consistent. This is evident when you find yourself in the position of goal keeper, so best make sure that you aren't holding a camera at the same time!

Homeward bound

Chippies on the beach, football frenzy and a play in the sand. It being Friday we were in wind down mode, and had a nice time at Lepe before the sun started to drop in the sky and Miranda was showing signs of exhaustion. It's a glorious place which we normally have to ourselves on Friday nights, behind us the Solent and Cowes IOW on the centre right.

Silver Surfer strikes out!

OOh! err! We just got a message from Gran on the blog....

G&G via C has left a new comment on your post "Tour de Greg ":

love the photos they are all growing up too fast it will be great to see you all hope the weather improves by then it has rained here most of the day the kitten is eating for britain i think dad is nursing her and she is purring away. Gran Grandad. We hope that we press the right buttons now!

Tour de Greg

With the imminent arrival of the Tour de France on our shores, Greg was keen to get into his Lycra this evening after tea. There's something very funny about the sight of him in full cycling regalia, but I didn't have time to explore the picture making opportunity as Miranda was waiting to go too. When she sees Lewis getting the bikes ready she makes rather a lot of noise as she watches him through the kitchen window.

Guitar hero!

Lewis was very proud of his "Introductory Stage" certificate of achievement for his guitar lessons in school. He's making good progress again with his music, and he can hammer out a tune with passion. He's beginning to understand delivery and punctuation, and practices almost religiously....

The tunes he can play includes:

Astrakan Cafe
Roadrunner
Merrily
The Simpsons
Jingle Bells
Titanic Theme
Starwars
Wipe Out
Little Donkey
The Pink Panther
Bob the Builder
Potatoes from Space
Bad Burger Blues
Dave the Electric Duck
Swamp Girl
Plagle Boogie
The Flintstones
Spanish Dance
Match of the Day
Smoke on the Water

Raw like Sushi

From the weekend this one, but too good a moment to forget! Not being a fan of sushi myself I can only relate to Lewis' expression here..., but he had a good try and even finished off seconds. Greg was not convinced!

Ridin the wave..

After some tempestuously stormy weather over the lst few days we thought we'd take a chance on a day in Bournemouth. So we went to the Russell Coates Gallery for some cultural enlightenment and a spot of lunch. We had a nice walk up the prom, but the wind was howling and we were sandblasted.

We ended up walking from Wick down to Hengistbury Head along the coast, as we had time to spare at the end of the day. So now we are looking a bit sun kissed, and ready for bed.