Layouts as promised

Here are some of the layouts I've done of our trip to America in Dec 06/Jan 07. The quality of the photos isn't great, I never seem to get the right light etc. Will upload more as I get them done, have so far done 14 layouts of our trip.




This layout is one half of a double layout. The helicopter we went on over New York and Ethan sat at the front and ready to do. Used paper and cardstock that my Auntie got me for Christmas, $2 stamps from Walmart, photo anchors and brads from a Sweetwater kit and Autumn Leaves clear stamps (below). I have left the right side of it so you can see the Statue of Liberty on the paper.




This layout is of me and Ethan ice skating in Bryant Park New York. Used Sweetwater paper, Bazzill cardstock from December Jenni Bowlin kit and title cut on Katy's Cricut which she very kindly let me use at the last crop :)




This is Ethan on the giant piano and outside FAO Schwartz. Used Sweetwater papers and tag, Pressed Petals letters and letter stickers and buttons.




This layout is of Ethan in Central Park New York. Used Bazzill cardstock, Catslife diamond stamp, Jenni Bowlin lined paper, Sweetwater paper. Title is cut using Katy's Cricut.




This layout is Ethan in front of the Christmas tree on Christmas morning wearing his new Spongebob pj's! Used Sweetwater papers, letter stickers, tags, journaling tab and Bazzill cardstock.














This layout is of me, John and Ethan at Maymont Park in the Japanese water gardens. I got the paper from a scrapbook shop in America, also used Bazzill cardstock, Prima flowers, Jenni Bowlin note card and title cut using Katy's Cricut.














This layout is of Ethan candle dipping at Yankee Candle. He loved doing this and made lots of gifts for friends and family. Used Sweetwater papers, letter stickers, Bazzill cardstock and flower and ric rak from December Jenni Bowlin kit.















I ordered these Autumn Leaves stamps by Tia Bennett whilst I was in America but they arrived a few hours after we left. Fortunately my Auntie sent them onto me and they arrived 4 days later! They are great and I've used them loads on the layouts I've done since. On some layouts I've just inked part of the stamp, ie. the lines and used them.

We're back!

Here are the photos promised in my last post:



These were taken at Maymont Park, the first is of me, John and Ethan in the gardens and the second is of Maymont house. It's a great place with lots of different things to see and do. The park is 100 acres and has a Japanese garden, Italian garden, children's farm, Maymont house, nature centre and lots more. We had a lovely walk around and did a guided tour of the house which was really interesting.



On the way back from Maymont Park we went to Pony Pastures. This is a photo of Ethan at Pony Pastures with the James River in the background. In the summer when there hasn't been as much rain, there are huge rocks that you can walk on in the river and some people even sun bath on them.



Ethan enjoying his meal at TGI Fridays, he loved the carrots with ranch dip.



Ethan at Yankee Candle - he dipped loads as presents for everyone and loved it. He really got the hang of it in the end and did some lovely rainbow candles.



These photos were taken in Colonial Williamsburg and it was a fantastic place. Unfortunately we didn't have chance to go in the museums but enjoyed walking around. Next time we visit we'll spend a day or two there, Jamestown and Yorktown and get the pass to go in all the museums.

The flight home was pretty good and even landed early. Ethan was great on the plane and even managed to get some sleep. The photo is of him on the plane with his new BA teddy before going to sleep - he looks so tired on this photo.



I have been to the Hobby Horse crop today and also went last night. I managed to get 5 layouts done with photos from our trip to America that I got developed at Costco yesterday. Katy very kindly let me use her Cricut and I loved it, may need to start saving! Will upload some of the layouts tomorrow.

I'm still getting over the jet lag and just hope I'm ok for Monday when I start back at work. John and Ethan seem to be doing ok but I'm just not tired. Last night I didn't go to bed till around 2:30am and it's 12:30am now!

Christmas 2006

Well Christmas came and went and we had a lovely time. The tree looked lovely with all the presents under, there were so many! Ethan was really excited and loved having other children around who he could play with all his toys with etc. This photo is of Ethan infront of the Christmas tree before we started opening presents. What does he look like in those PJs - we got them a few days before Christmas!



I got an IPOD for Christmas alomg with some books, DVDs, scrapbooking stuff and other cool bits. I just need to get some music loaded to the IPOD once I get home as I only had a couple of CDs with me. I also got a thing for it which allows you to listen to it through your radio, that will be great when we are in the car as I don't have to have loads of CDs.

Boxing Day was spent chilling out and a little shopping (they don't have Boxing Day over here in America) in the sales. Last week we also vistited Maymont Park, Pony Pastures, Williamsburg and lots of other things as well as shopping! I will upload photos when I get back as everything is packed now.

Today I have been packing and we have done some last minute shopping. We are off out for a meal tonight at a pizza resturant near by which is a eat all you want. Then we leave my Auntie's around midday tomorrow to drop the car off. Our flight is at about 8pm and we'll land in England around 7am on Thursday. I just hope it all goes smoothly and there are no delays.

Great Wolf Lodge

On Friday 22nd December we headed out to Great Wolf Lodge which is a huge indoor water park. It's in Williamsburg about an hour and fifteen minutes away from my Auntie's house. We could use the pool from 1pm so planned to arrive for that time but stopped off at IHOP on the way. We all had a fab late breakfast with hash browns, egg, bacon, sausage, pancakes and fruit.

The place was fantastic, like a huge log cabin - the photo is of the main entrance. We went straight to the water park and spent about three hours in there. We went in the wave pool, rapids, the big water fun house, on all the various slides - and there were a lot. Some of the slides you went in little dingy's, single or double, others had rafts that four people could go in and then little children's slides. Ethan loved all the slides especially the fast ones, he was not able to go on the fastest though - the Howlin Tornado. It was fantastic fun but a little scary at times especailly if you were sitting backwards in the raft!



We then went to the room which was great, it had a log cabin within the room with bunk beds and single bed for the children - they loved it. In the evening there were a few activities for the children to do and a little arcade so we spent some time doing that. Santa was also there so Ethan went and had his photo taken with him. Then the me and my Auntie went shopping to the local Warmart whilst everyone else went back into the pool.



The following we were back in the pool, although we had to check out by 11am we were able to use the water park till 10pm. We managed to stay till 3pm by which time we were all exhausted. On our way back home we went to the Yankee Candle Store in Williamsburg where they have ahuge store and it's made up just like Christmas inside. You were also able to make your own candles which was lots of fun. Ethan loved dipping them into all the different colours. We then drove through Colonial Williamsburg which looked lovely, lots of historic buildings and colonial sites. We are hoping that we will be able to vist there before we go home.

Whilst at the water park you could hire a water camera for free then have the photos put on a CD at the end. These are some of the photos:

First few days in Virginia

Our first day in Virginia was very busy with lots of things to fit in. It started off with walking my cousins to the bus stop as it was their last day at school. Ethan thought this was great, especially the yellow school buses - he spent the rest of the day looking for and counting the school buses. It was my cousins birthday so we then went to get donuts to take into school for her friends. We then went to the school had lunch with her and she gave out donuts to her friends, Ethan really enjoyed this.

We then went and did some shopping, we needed things like shampoo, toothpaste, shower gel etc. Whilst in Target John and Ethan spotted a load of Spongebob Squarepants stuff so they stocked up on a few things. I then did some shopping in Old Navy, getting a few bits for me and for Christmas presents. On our way back to my Auntie's house I nipped into the local scrapbooking store and had a look round and got a few bits.

That evening we went out to The Califonia Pizza Kitchen for my cousin's birthday tea. It was great food and we had a lovely time. Here's Ethan enjoying his Ice Cream Sundae with caramal sauce and Oreo's!



The following day we went to Sunday Park which is a local reservoir and had a lovely walk round there. There were lots of squirrals running around in the wooded areas and ducks swimming in the reservoir. There was a lovely park which the children had a great time playing on, especially the tyre swing.



In the afternoon I went to the Mall with my Auntie to do some more shopping and get a few last minute presents. I got some great bargains from Old Navy for myself and it was nice to have a walk around the Mall. Later in the evening John went and out to do some "shopping" and took some photos in to be developed for me and I stayed home and wrapped some presents.

New York

Well we had an amazing time in New York and didn't want to leave. We didn't have that long there but definately made the most of it. We landed in Washington DC then drove up to New York and arrived around 8.30pm and went to bed.

We woke early the following morning, around 6am, so we got ready and went out for breakfast. We then went to the Empire State Building which was so windy at the top but the fantastic views of New York. We also went on a helicopter tour (fantastic views again), to Ground Zero, shopping and much more. In the evening we went to Times Square and did a little shopping in Toys R Us.









The following day we had another early start and went ice skating in Bryant Park which Ethan had really wanted to do and had a great time. We then went to Macy's, FAO Swartz, Central Park, the Natural History Museum and a little more shopping. In the evening we went to the Rockefeller Centre and to The Top of The Rock to see New York by Night which was breath taking.










The day after that we did a few things before we left including the ferris wheel in Toys R Us which Ethan wanted to do earlier in the visit but the cue was too big. On our drive down to my Auntie's we stopped at The Rain Forest cafe in New Jersey for lunch. We had a lovely meal and spent a little money in the gift shop after!

And we're off.....

Tomorrow morning to America.

Very nearly packed just a few last bits to do and waiting for washing to dry so it can be ironed.

It's been a busy week so it's flown by. Ethan had his Christmas play and we went to watch that on Wednesday, it was great and Ethan sang really well and looked great all dressed up. Ethan also had his football presentation on Wednesday and he was so pleased to get a trophy and certificate, he has really improved since he started and is going to start back in January.

Anyway must go and finish off plus we have friends coming over and we're getting take away.

Will update my blog whilst I'm away and include some photos, will be next Tuesday/Wednesday though as won't have internet access whilst we are in New York.

Its been so long

Can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. It's not a bad thing time is flying by though, means our holiday is getting closer. I have been so busy getting getting the last few presents (mostly John's), presents wrapped, cards wrote, buying things we need for America and putting things in suitcases that we are going to need for the holiday. I'm going to need the holiday by the end of next week.

The next few weeks are going to be even busier with all the finishing off and delivering of presents. We also have Ethan's school play and disco, football presentation, a birthday party, meeting up with friends, family round for an early Christmas, and so much more. I also have my work meal out this week and John is out for a meal with his friend too. Then next week I'm having my hair coloured and cut which I'm looking forward to but will take up a whole morning the day before we fly.

Haven't managed to do much scrapping apart from a few pages in my America journal, I really need to get the last few pages done before we go so I don't have any catching up to do whilst I'm there.

I have been ordering a few things and had them delivered to America ready for when I get there. My Sweetwater Christmas Kit has already arrived and is all ready for the Christmas layouts. I also ordered the Jenni Bowlin Kit this month along with a few other bits from her new site. I also have a couple of stamps from Catslife Press that will be waiting for me too - I love these stamps and only just had some delivered last week! Think I am going to order form A Peek Into Yesterday too so I have cardstock and a few extras ready. Then I will go scrapbook shopping too :)

It's late soI'm off to bed but I'll update again soon - before I go away. I will also update my blog whilst I'm away with photos etc.

Another layout

I did this on Thursday night and have finally got round to uploading it. It's another layout using this weeks Pencil Lines sketch by Carole Janson which I'm loving. The photos were taken last Christmas when I went to London to see Chicago. I have been meaning to scrap them all year but have never got round to it. Used Bazzill cardstock, Scenic Route paper, Heidi Swapp chipboard letters, Sweetwater letter stickers, brads and ribbon.



I went to the Hobby Horse crop yesterday and evening and today. Had a great time as always and managed 2 12x12 layouts, 2 6x6 layouts and a page in my America journal. I will upload them sometime this week as I haven't unpacked and photographed them yet. Made a few small purchases whilst there! Rachel had some lovely new stock so I got some of the American Crafts felt flowers, Prima flowers, cardstock, ribbon and some fab gel pens that work great on black paper - perfect for my America journal.

Ethan has had 2 parties today so it has been very busy. The first one was at lunch so I left the crop to take him and the other was this evening. He had a fab time at them both and is now in bed.

We've had some work done on the house this week which should have been sorted ages ago but we had some problems with the company. It is now done and we can now sort out and decorate the spare room and use it for something else other then a junk room!

A few layouts

I have done a couple of layouts the past few evenings, both using this weeks Pencil Lines sketch by Carole Janson. I loved this sketch and it was so easy to use. My layouts are very simple and I've not used all the elements from the sketch. Both layouts are from this years Goose Fair in Nottingham. I took my new camera and got lots of great photos so decided to do two pages. Used Bazzill cardstock, Sweetwater papers and rub on, Making Memories and Heidi Swapp chipboard letters, brad and white Signo gel pen. (sorry not the best photos, there has been very little natural light by the time I'm home from work the last few days)



Work is really busy at the moment, I'm not only busy with home visits, clinics and groups but paperwork too which is taking up so much time. There are also lots of changes happening so that doesn't make things any easier!

Ethan is doing well at school and really enjoys going. He loves to get his homework on Monday's and wait to complete it - wonder how long that will last! On Wednesday's he goes to reading club straight from school and is enjoying that. After reading club he has football, there are only 4 more weeks left of his 12 week course so Wednesday's will be a lot less rushed once they've finished. Dancing is also going well and he is improving with all the dances etc.

On Saturday it's the Hobby Horse crop so I'm really looking forward to that, although I have to leave at lunchtime for a couple of hours as Ethan has a party. He also has another party in the evening so it's going to be very busy!

Creative Keepsakes arrived last week, I think. Seemed very strange receiving a Christmas magazine even though I am quite organised for Christmas! I haven't really looked through it properly yet so might save it to read on the plane when we go on holiday.



Countdown time - just over 4 weeks till I go on holiday to America :) We booked the holiday back in March this year and its come round so quickly.

I have been busy buying the last of the Christmas presents and only have a few left to buy. I will be wrapping most of them this week so they are ready to be delivered at the beginning of December. We also have to sort out Christmas cards and we always get the photo ones done at Costco. Just need to take a Christmassy photo photo of Ethan - last year was easy as we went to the Snowdome in Tamworth and took a photo of him in the snow play area on a sledge.

Catch up

Its been a while since I blogged, it's just been really busy with Halloween and Ethan starting back at school after half term.

Ethan loved Halloween this year and for the first time I took him out trick or treating. We went with one of his school friends and he loved it visiting friends, family and houses with pumpkins etc outside. He came back with a bag full of sweets and chocolates, it will take a while to get through them all. Here he is dressed in his skeleton outfit and with the pumpkin we did:



On Friday I met with some other local scrappers for coffee and it was great. We met at an Outlet Centre and took our scrapbooks along to share with everyone. I was a little late meeting everyone as I had an appointment at the hairdresser's but it wasn't too far away so worked out well. I also did a little shopping whilst I was there at the Cabury's shop and The Papermill!

On Saturday we went to watch some fireworks a short walk form where we live. They had a huge bonfire and the fireworks lasted for about half an hour. Ethan only just lasted to see them all as he was getting really restless - I think they went on a little too long really but shouldn't complain. Then yesterday John and Ethan had a little bonfire in the garden burning some old wood etc that has been lying around. We had jacket potatoes, marshmallows and spiced apple cider drink.

Ethan started back at dancing on Saturday, it was the first lesson since the show. He had a great time as always and has to practice his little solo routine that he does in his private lesson. I also ordered the DVD of the show so will hopefully get that this Tuesday or Saturday.