Rugby Sevens - and it's a washout!

Soggy Sebastian.

Hooded Daisy.

Winking Zach.

No sure why Blogger rotated these. In the absence of rugby, the boys passed the time wrestling.

The older boys passed the time drinking.

Finally time to cheer and shout!

England (in their blue kit) nails a kick.

Puddles on the way out.

We haven't had a proper decent storm in a couple of years. One FINALLY decided to turn up, on family day of the Rugby Sevens, argh! Rain lashed, lightening flashed and thunder roared. It was very exciting but it meant minimal rugby. Luckily we had corporate tickets so at least we had a nice dry cabana with couches and endless food and drinks. Nice one Andy. Such a shame though, it was chucking it down so we missed the parade although evidently one lone parachutist landed on the pitch in the middle of the lightening, super brave. Andy and his friend Toby went back the next day for a boys day and had a great time, rain free. 

In the long time since summer...

Back to school! Striking a pose for first day of term.

Sebastian gets his turn, back to playgroup!

Zach models the new navy polo shirt.

Zach has started rugby, he's really good at it. It was hot hot hot at the start of term.

Halloween was fun as usual.

Andy got to see Dizzee Rascal at October Sandance. I got jealous.

Fore! Zach hits the golf course.

We went to see the Harlem Globe Trotters. It was my first real trip out the house for weeks, very exciting. They were great and the kids loved it.

Correction. Daisy and Zach loved it. Bastie was hot, tired and not happy.

On court action.

Nothing but net!

Bastie perked up after visiting the merchandise stall.

Our house gecko has had babies, so cute!

We took the new boats at Festival City for a spin.

Captain Daisy.

Captain Zach. Costa Concordia anyone?

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Captain Sebastian.

We've been spending lots of time in Barsha Parks.

More rugby action. In uniform this time.

Levitating ball!

Zach nails it.

National Day at Repton.

It was busy. Daisy suggested I sit down then they headed off in to the crowd. Gulp.

Andy also saw J-Lo at Media City. Amazing by all accounts. I had a great time on the couch watching X-Factor.

 ...it's been busy! Daisy and Zach are enjoying being back at school, Bastie loves playgroup and Andy has made it to a concert or two. I've been keeping my feet up and both me and Pookie 4 are getting bigger by the day.

Bx

Summer short breaks.

First up, Atlantis. We scored an upgrade to a suite, wahey!

The view from our balcony. We were right above the main aquarium so the view at night was great.

Jellyfish and monsters in The Lost Chambers.

Aquarium view.

Dinner at Rhonda Locatelli.

Not the first, nor I suspect the last, sculling competition the Ellis children will have.

Three in the tub!

Three tired Pookies have some bedtime TV.

Back in their own beds in the lounge. Yes, Sebastian is sleeping on a sun lounger. He loved it.

We also stayed at Dar Al Masyaf for 2 nights. This is this is the slide at Sinbads.

Main pool.

Set setting over Pier Chic restaurant.

We got around by abra boats.

Which also meant waiting for them. The boys were great at hailing one.

Daisy saved her energy for posing onboard.

Bedtime movie and beer.

The lobby is one of my favourite in Dubai, it's very pretty.

The hotel.

We did a couple of hotel weekends over summer to break things up a bit. Much fun had by all.