Autumn

It's been a quite a busy week especially with it being half term. I only worked two days this week and it worked really well as John had Monday and Tuesday off work and I had Wednesday off and don't work Thursday and Friday's anyway. So Ethan has had great week with us both and has been to sift play areas, to the park, helping John in the shed etc.

I've enjoyed making some winter soups this, I just love homemade soups. I found a recipe for Butternut Squash soup on Morgan's blog so thought I'd give it a go as I've not had that before. It was lovely and as I had some butternut squash left over I did another soup the following day but added sweet potato, carrots and parsnips. It was delicious and I'll definitely be doing it again.

I also made some spiced apple cider which I always have when I go to America. I have never found anything as good over here so found a recipe and changed it around a little. I love it and it leaves just a lovely smell around the house - very American.

Spiced apple cider recipe

1 1/2 pints apple juice
3/4 pints water
60ml honey
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp ground mixed spiced
6 whole cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
125ml lemon juice
1/2 orange sliced

Mix together the apple juice, water, honey and all the spices and bring to the boil then simmer for around 30 minutes. Leave to stand over night and then strain. Add the lemon juice and orange slices to the drink and reheat - do not boil. I just reheated it as I wanted it.

I'm just about to make some more now as it's all gone - Ethan really likes it. I will only leave it to stand till this evening though as I can't wait for the morning!

I went out last night to a local pub with a few friends, had quite a lot to drink but had a good night. My friends got up and did karoke but I didn't - I just can't sing and refuse to embarrass myself, especially as I saw quite a few people that Have known me since I was a baby!!!

John also bought, me home 4 big bags of Bonfire Toffee this week, I haven't been able to find it anywhere local and a friend at John's work managed to get us some. It's not a great photo but I just love this stuff.

Dancing star

Dancing show
Well the dance shows are over and its been such a tiring but fantastic week. Ethan was definitely the star and everyone who came to watch him thought he was great. He tried so hard on all three nights and his confidence grew the more he did it. He danced to the Superman song and especially loved the bit where it's speeded up and when he ran forward as Superman :) Here he is in his costume:




Layouts
I went to the Hobby Horse crop on Saturday and had a great time, although I had to leave a little early as I had to get home and get ready for the show. I managed to get these to layouts done, sorry for the poor photo quality, bad lighting. The first one is of me and Ethan taken on his birthday at TGI's. The second one is of Ethan on the bouncy castle at his birthday party.




I did this layout a while ago but was missing an S, Claire very kindly gave me one - thank you Claire. This layout is of all the presents, money, cards etc Ethan got for his birthday - thought it would be nice to have a layout to show him in years to come how luck he is!



Hoping to meet with some friends this week with it being half term, I think Ethan was definitely ready for half term especially with having the dancing show over the weekend.

Matlock Illuminations

Yesterday we went to Matlock Bath to see the Illuminations. It was really busy when we arrived and had to park in Matlock and walk into Matlock Bath. Before we walked into Matlock bath we had a picnic in the car, me and Ethan had been shopping earlier and bought everything. It didn't take us too long to walk in and it was quite a nice walk. We had a little walk round and got Ethan a little light up toy and went to stand by the river. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the boat parade as us, along we hundreds of other people were in the wrong place, apparently it no longer comes up the river. We did however see the fireworks a little later on which were great and Ethan loved them. Here are some photos from Matlock Bath, as you can see Ethan was shattered by the end of the night.



Yesterday morning Ethan had his last dancing practice before the show next week. He also did the show dance in his private lesson too so hopefully that will have helped - just hope he dances on the night!

Today Ethan has been to his cousins 6th birthday party and had a fab time. With his late night last night I don't know where he gets all his energy from.

Here is a layout (click to enlarge) I have finally finished using the Pencil Lines sketch. My first attempt just wasn't flowing so I changed photos and really enjoyed doing it. It's not a great photo of the layout as I've had to use the flash!

New car

John finally got his new car, a brand new Volkswagen Passat. He got it on Monday so we all went out for a little drive in the evening to give it a test drive! It's a lovely car but very big, not sure I'm going to be driving it on a regular basis.

It's been another busy week with dancing practice and it's only a week away till the first performance now. I've still got a couple of bits to get but have all the main things for me and Ethan. There is a dress rehearsal on Monday and another rehearsal at the theatre on Thursday so they'll probably be late nights.

Managed to do a layout yesterday, not able to post a photo of it as there are 17 children on there. It is from Ethan's party and I'm hoping to get a few more layouts done this weekend from his party.

Had a friend round for coffee this morning which was lovely, nice to sit and have a chat whilst the children are at school. Then I went into town to get some money changed into America travellers cheques for our holiday. Also got a new bag from Gap to take my hand luggage in (as you can see), I did have a little suitcase but with the new restrictions I think it'll be far too big.



Here, at last, are some photos of the bathroom, it is very nearly done just the last few finishing touches.

Here are a few photos of Ethan busy doing his homework last week. I love the look on his face, he's really concentrating. He is really enjoying his homework and looks forward to doing it. His writing and colouring have really improved since starting school. He also enjoys reading his reading books and doing his bear words which we do most nights.

Another photo of Ethan taken a few weeks ago fast asleep in bed with his rabbit- doesn't he look peaceful.

Goose Fair

This evening we have been to Goose Fairand had a great time. It is an annual fair in Nottingham that has been happening for hundreds of years. It's great fun and I look forward to it every October. I have only missed the fair twice, the first time I was on holiday in America for 3 months and the other time Ethan was about a week old - we still drove round though and got some candy floss, brandy snaps etc.

Ethan has been very excited and looking forward to it for a few weeks, deciding which rides he was going to go on. I can't believe the details he has remembered from our trip their last year. He has remembered rides he went on last year that he wants to go on again and rides that he didn't want to go on last year but he is now brave enough to go on them (his words).

We had lots of food whilst we were there, hot dogs, cheese burgers, mushy peas, donuts, hot chesnuts, candy floss and bought back lots of sweets etc like rum truffles and brandy snaps. It's one of the best bits about going to Goose Fair.

We drove to a nearby park and ride then got the tram from there to Goose fair, it's only a few stops along but it's the only chance Ethan gets to go on the tram as they don't run near us - thankfully! We spent about 3-4 hours walking around and going on the rides etc, think Ethan went on 5 rides altogether. Here are a few of my favorite photos of him:



The first ride he is on is one that shoots up and down and wouldn't go on last year. The second and third photos are of Ethan and me on the fun house, we went on this last year and he wanted to go on it again so he could go on the funny stairs that moved up and down in opposite directions.



These photos are of Ethan and the trampolines attached to bungy cords. He loved this and got the hang of it really quickly, I love the second photo, you can see the outline of him so well.



This photo is of Ethan on a train ride, he was the driver of the train and made lots of noise with the bell.

*The rides or Ethan were moving when all these photos were taken so I'm really pleased at how well they've came out. I managed to put my camera to the test whilst I was there too especially whilst Ethan was on the rides. I'm very pleased with how it performed and I haven't been through the whole of the instruction book yet.

Shopping

Here are two layouts I did earlier in the week. They are from Ethan's birthday party, the first one is on the bouncy castle with his Uncle and the second one is Ethan in his birthday outfit. Used Scenic Route Hampton papers and rub on, Queen and Co flowers and brads, May Arts ribbons and Heidi Swapp journaling spots, chipboard arrows and letters.



Its been a busy week with dancing practice and Ethan's had football, reading club and also an art workshop. I've been shopping today to change some clothes and get Ethan some more white t-shirts for school. Also did some more Christmas shopping so I've got a big chunk of it done this month with the shopping I also did last week. Not including Ethan, John and my family in America I've done over half my Christmas shopping :) Which is great as I need it all done and wrapped for the beginning of December so we can visit everybody before we go away in the middle of December.

Feeling ill

I've come down with a cold since Friday night and it's really took it out of me, I can't remember the last time I had a really bad cold. Have managed to get some rest today which has helped and I've begun to feel a little better this evening. I don't think I'll be going to work tomorrow though as I have baby clinic and visits to young babies which I wouldn't be able to do with this cold - I just always feel guilty when I'm off work!

It's been quite a busy week with lots of things to do. I had dancing on Tuesday and also Wednesday evening as we needed to practice our riverdance which we learnt earlier in the year for the Butlins competition. Luckily I have pretty much remembered it all so that's one less dance to worry about!

On Thursday morning I helped out at Ethan's school which I am going to try and do most Thursday mornings. Ethan enjoys this and it helps his teacher out with reading, bear words etc. This week though I was working with small groups of children on how to cross the road at a Zebra crossing.

I had an order arrive yesterday from Papermaze with some papers and cardstock to do Ethan's party layouts. I also got some Autumn Leaves Graffiti papers by Rhonna Farrer that I have been looking for, for ages. I got a few sheets in early summer but used them quite quickly and hadn't managed to find any so looking forward to using those.

NEW CAMERA

I had new camera arrive the day before Ethan's party, which I was so relieved at as I really wanted one for then. It's a Fuji F30 which is not what I was originally looking at as I wanted a bigger optical zoom. All the other extra features it had though sold it to me and it was still a small camera which was my main priority. It will make life a lot easier to carry around especially when we go to America and visit New York etc. I also wanted better picture quality in low light and with moving objects which this camera offered and the reviews were great. The other cameras I was looking at that did have the longer zoom either didn't have good reviews or were cameras that were new out so didn't have the reviews. Also what what people have said the Fuji cameras offer one of the best sensors if not the best so I compromised on the zoom in the end. The camera hasn't disappointed and has given excellent photos in both low light and with moving objects, the 3200 ISO is definitely a winner in low light shots. Looking forward to trying it out in America now and shouldn't have to worry too much about recharging the battery either as it has 580 shots per charge - mind you with the amount of photos I take!!!

Happy 5th birthday Ethan

Ethan is 5 today and has been at school. He was a little tearful this morning when I dropped him off at school but I'm not surprised as he's had a busy weekend and is a little tired from it all! There was so much to take into school this morning, lunch bag, reading folder, slips, sweets for his friends, water bottle and some photos from his party to show. This morning he opened presents that we got him and a few from family, he opened the rest this evening. As you can see he got so many presents and A LOT of money. We got him a few little bits - x2 read along CDs, PJs, Cars stencil book, pencil case, crayons and of course a very special birthday party. I just can't believe how much stuff he has got and had to take a photo, he is one lucky boy - can you see all the birthday cards along the bottom of the photo!


We have been to TGI Fridays for tea and had a great time. Ethan told them it was his birthdayas soon as we walked in and he got special treatment. We all had burgers and shared a Popcorn Brownie Sundae for dessert which was lovely. They then bought Ethan a little cake out and sung Happy Birthday to him which he loved.



After that we went to John's Mum and Dad's and he got even more presents. We then came home to open all his other presents which took him a little while. Then more family and friends came round with presents and the lounge floor was covered!

Here are a couple more great photos from Saturday's parties.

Party photos 2

These photos are from the party we had after the children's one for family and friends.




Ethan on the bouncy castle



Ethan's second birthday cake that doubled up at dessert for everyone LOL



Ethan was desperate to open some of his presents, he opened this present that Nan and Grandad had got him as they were there to watch him open it. It's a mini guitar just like Daddy's.

Party photos

Here are the photos:



Ethan in his fireman's outfit and me in the fire engine wearing Ethan's hat!



Ethan on the fire engine - posing for the camera, dancing to the music and looking out of the window.



Ethan on the fire engine for his birthday boy treat



Ethan's fire engine birthday cake that a friend made, the number plate has his mane and age on it :)

Ethan's birthday party

Ethan had his birthday party yesterday and it was fantastic. We hired a bouncy castle for the day and fire engine for his party. The children had half and hour to play on the bouncy castle before the fire engine arrived. The children were so excited and all went running to the door when it arrived. The fireman bought all the hats and fireman outfits to the back garden for the children to get into. They then all had a photo in front of the fire engine on the street - there were a few neighbours looking LOL Then I went with the first lot of six children including Ethan for a ride around. I sat in front and the children sat in the back with another Mum. We were out and about for about 20 minutes and we had music and sirens playing, it was great. The next six children then went out with John and my sister, then the next six after that. I went again and so did Ethan as there was a spare space, I sat in the back this time with the children and another Mum went in the front - the Mum's were fighting for that space. Got some better photos this time and some video footage. Ethan was then allow to sit in the drivers seat of the fire engine as a birthday boy treat, he loved it especially as no one else was allowed a go. He was then presented with some toy firemen - Jack and Diego and a certificate.

It was then time to feed the children and do the birthday cake but we only had 30 minutes so it was all a bit of a rush. They all ate well though and Ethan loved his fire engine cake a friend had made, it was such a shame to have to cut it up though. All the children went home then with their fireman hats, birthday cake and a few goodies.

Then it was time for the family party and everyone was arriving half an hour after the children's party finished. We had a great time and was lovely to have everyone round. We still had the bouncy castle so the children that were there could play. Another load of food was served but I had got quite a lot sorted the night before so there wasn't too much to do. The last guests left at 8.30pm and we were all shattered.



Only the one photo as it wouldn't allow me to upload anymore! Will do another post with photos - this one was of Ethan in his birthday outfit.

6 years today

Well 6 years today I was getting married, I really don't know where the time goes. We were going to go out for a meal but with working on the bathroom and having Ethan's party next week we have just not got round to sorting it out. We will go out the week after Ethan's party though and we're going to have an Indian tonight and relax.

John's got loads done in the bathroom today and it looks as though it will be finished for Ethan's party next week :) Most of the floor tiles are now down and all the tricky ones around the shower cubicle are done too - which John has made a fab job off. We went to B&Q this afternoon to get a few bits, they still haven't got the end panel for our bath so we have to go to a different one tomorrow to get it.

Ethan has had a party this afternoon and had a great time. They had a bouncy castle which he loves and he ate LOTS of party food.

Ethan is still enjoying school and thinks it is better than nursery as they have more stuff. He is enjoying his reading books and bear words and tries really hard. He starts reading club at school next week which he is looking forward to. On Wednesday last week he did his first of 12 football sessions. He had a fab time and was really good at remembering things, he did headers, saving the ball, dribbling and they played little matches.

I have done quite a few scrapbook layouts so will try and upload those over the next few days.

So far so good

Ethan seems to be settling into school well and enjoying his time there. I did my new hours at work for the first time yesterday and all went well. I have plenty of time in the morning to walk Ethan to school and walk back to get the car and to drop the car off at home and walk to pick him up so I'm really pleased about that.

After picking Ethan up from school yesterday I noticed his new clarkes shoes were falling apart! It was only the second day he had worn them so it was off into town to get them sorted which is not what I wanted to do after a day at work. They changed them no problem but he had to have a different style which were not as comfortable as the others. Not only that but they cost £4 more and the parking cost £2.50!!!

Whilst we were in town I picked up a couple more pairs of school trousers although I had to ask for them as they don't have them on the shop floor now! We also got his Superman outfit for the dancing show he will be in next month (will post a photo tomorrow), so not a complete waste of journey.

Ethan's party invites went out yesterday too so that is creeping up. We have the fire engine booked and all the children are really excited to be having a ride on a fire engine, just need to book the bouncy castle now.

Today has be a busy day and gone really quickly. I met with Jane and after a coffee we went shopping and I managed to get quite a few things for Ethan's party - drinks, party bag things, some food and some PJ's for his birthday. Also got some clothes for myself, a top for work and one for a christening I'm going to at the weekend which will also be great for going out - just hope they all fit as I didn't have time to try them on.

Here are a couple of photos of the bathroom taken at the weekend, not the best photos as John was in the middle of working on it but it gives you an idea of the progress. The first photo is with the sink and towel radiator fitted, the radiator looks big in this photo but it doesn't IRL. The second is of the ceiling with the new loft hatch fitted (no more drafts!) and the spot lights which I love and it's great to have light's back in the bathroom.

There is only the towel radiator to be plumbed in, walls, ceiling and coving to be painted, floor to tile, door to put on and a couple of finishing touches so not long now.

First day at school

Well it was Ethan's first day at school today and he was up bright and earlier ready to go. It took us quite a while to get everything sorted and make sure we had everything he needed for his first day. He looked so smart in his uniform and couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror to see what he looked like. He also insisted on carrying his PE bag, reading bag and lunch box and not sure that'll last past today! When the bell went we went to his class with him and he put his PE and reading bags on his peg and lunch box on the shelf. He then went straight into his class and sat down with a big smile on his face looking forward to his first day. Here are some photos of Ethan this morning, wearing his school t-shirt, with his school jumper on and all his things and in the playground waiting to go into class.



After taking Ethan to school me and John went over to a friends to see her and her new baby boy. It was great to see her as it has been a while since we last saw her. After that we went and had some lunch before it was time to pick Ethan up.

We then went to pick Ethan up and he was very excited when he saw us through the window and looked as though he had a great day. When he came out we asked him if he had a nice day and what he'd been up to. As you can imagine we didn't get too much information out of him but he did say he had TWO playtimes :) He'd also done painting as it was all over his new school jumper, will need to get used to that and missing jumpers etc.

I went to Ikea on Sunday with Ethan to get some storage bits for his bedroom which we really needed with all the extra school stuff he now has. We got some dividers for his drawers and also some great little round storage bins that must be new as I haven't seen them before.

Here is the layout I did the other weekend of Ethan in Mt Laguna, San Diego playing in the snow for the first time. Used Bazzill cardstock, Heidi Swapp silhouette snowflake stickers and chipboard letters and white Sakura gelly roll pen.