Seychelles

Zach's pretty happy with chips on the terrace of a local restaurant on our first night.

It's the Seychelles!

Enjoying sand between the toes.

We did a lot of mooching on the beach.

The view down Beau Vallon back towards Clef des Iles where we stayed.

The pizza place next to Clef des Iles. Open sides, sand on the floor, perfect for messy kids.

Andy got Daisy a fanta when I wasn't watching. She was thrilled.

Clef des Iles, with the green roof, tucked in the trees. Absolute beach front!

Andy took many many sunset shots from our terrace looking out to Silhouette Island. They were pretty impressive.

Daisy's been teaching Zach how to strike a pose. Just call her Tyra.

Time to work it.

Outside Clef des Iles.

The sea is pretty tame here but it did get fierce at times. Just ask Daisy who got nailed by a big wave.

Another evening, another sunset, another photo from Andy.

Fisherman hauling in their catch outside Clef des Iles.

Dinner at the Hilton down the coast. One of the few times we ventured off the beach.

Walking 200 metres down the beach to the local shop for ice cream was the extent of our afternoon excursions.

In early July we headed to the Seychelles for an eight night holiday. We stayed at Clef des Iles, a two bedroom townhouse right on Beau Vallon beach. The plan was to hang out on the beach and do as little as possible, we managed this no problems. We made a lot sandcastles, did plenty of swimming in the sea and had a fabulous relaxing time.

The Seychelles gets lovely weather year round, it was in the late 20's every day and the sea was warm enough to stay in for hours. Perfect! It was quite different to what we were expecting, very beautiful but quite run down apart from the luxury resorts. In the evenings there were always locals playing football on the beach and during the day there were little roadside stalls selling fruit and freshly caught fish.

Bx

Last day of playgroup

With her teacher, Lisa. Daisy is wearing an outfit that Grandma Julia got in Vietnam, it's gorgeous.

Teacher's help, Lalita.

Daisy, Isla and Nicholas getting a lift home in the mummy bus.

Daisy had her last day of playgroup at the start of July. She's been going for two years so it was very sad. Three of her good friends from playgroup are going to her school which is good.

Bx

Lydia & Neil Wedding

I went to Harrogate in May for Lydia & Neil's wedding. Lydia is one of my oldest and closest friends from school, and it was a lovely wedding in a fantastic setting.

It was also a good chance to catch up with some old school friends. Bec and the kids stayed in Dubai becuase it was too far to go with the kids for just a long weekend.

The Harrogate institution - Betty's Tea Rooms

Neil and Best Man looking relaxed before the event

The venue - Allerton Castle

Neil and bro - still relaxed

Here we go!

Lydia with dad and bro

Chris, Neil, me and Dave

Chris and Lydia's Dad

Speeches!

Lydia and Dave

Chris - getting down!

Jason K, Rachel & Caroline

Jason T & Jacqui

Dave & Nigel

Splish splash

I have lots of blogs and photos to catch up on but in the meantime, summer is here (mid to late 40's during the day) and that means one thing, pool time!

Bx

Anzac Day

Zach whips his top off for some pre afternoon tea dusting.

George and Zach give Dajon the baby gossip.

Food!

Up close with the pavs.

The green green grass.

Leo and Zach.

We had friends round for afternoon tea on Anzac Day. I'd had much fun baking up a storm of kiwi classics such as lamingtons, afghans, anzac biscuits, savoury tarts and pavlovas. Predictably, the aussies in attendance tried to claim the pavs. And Crowded House, the cheek of it. It was also fun putting together a playlist, lots of old classics from The Exponents, Midnight Oil and INXS to name a few.

Bx

Growing up and growing attitude!

He's off!

Nice balance.

And down. I wish I could fall over with such poise.

Wrong way!

That's better.

Ready...

...set...

...gone!

Starting off all smiles.

Pretending to be cross.

Not pretending anymore. This is a often used faced at the moment.

Reflecting on injustices.

Sulking!

It's been a busy few weeks for Zach. He's now walking on his own and he's definately a little boy rather than a baby. He can climb to the top of the slide on his own which makes him very pleased. He is also asserting himself more and even shouted at me 'Don't do that' when I was annoying Daisy by tickling her recently. He mimics everything Daisy does so is learning naughtiness at a great rate.

Daisy has always had a lot of attitude but now now she's three she seems to have upped her game even more. She can quite happily turn on big innocent eyes while making bold faced lies. She constantly tells me to go away, stop talking, that she doesn't care, and that I'm not her friend. Her best insult so far was after I told her off and she retorted that a witch was going to take me away. Delivered with a furious glare. Yikes!

The kids are definately keeping us busy and it can be quite challenging at times but it's still huge amounts of fun. Watching their personalities develop day by day is facinating, even if some of the developments are hard work!

Bx