Family Days....

"Let's go for a family cycle round Cumbrae" says Mummy. Theory sounds great, reality can sometimes be wide of that mark. Years ago I could get 2 adult bikes and a kid bike on the back of the van and a kid bike inside. Everyone's bikes are bigger now, and so it involves taking wheels off and strapping things down. Plus my bike appeared to have a puncture. Quick pitstop to Halfords for a repair, lots of swearing and cursing as I packed up. Then the van wouldn't start. More swearing. Then it did start and we were off. An hour later than planned but hey, we were moving.We arrived at Largs, put the bikes back together, and patiently waited for the ferry whilst my stress levels decreased. 

Anyone who knows Cumbrae knows it's a fairly flat 10mile cycle round the island - with a Millport pitstop half way for an ice cream. But then its not just anyone that came on our cycle adventure. Half a mile in and we stopped for lunch. Two miles in and Niomi was refusing to go further and had about turned headed back for the boat. Hasty negotiation involving a square of chocolate every half a mile or so, and Niomi and myself arrived somewhat later, and somewhat more frazzled, than Tanya and Emily into Millport. Stress levels were back up but the ice cream certainly helped, particularly Niomi.

And before I knew it we were on the final 4 miles - this time Niomi left us all standing. Fuelled by ice cream and sugar and a tailwind, she blasted back to the boat - only stopping once to take her jacket off. A cycle adventure and family day of two very different halves, topped off with a trip to Wagamamas.

My niece Chloe also stayed at the start of the month. More family days with a trip to RSPB Loch Lomond. The sun was shining at the start of the month and summer was still going strong. 2 weeks later and autumn is most definitely here. Like the flicking of a switch the seasons changed very rapidly this year. The fires on inside as we prepare to bed down and coorie in for the dark season. More family days are in store though as we are about to head to Centreparcs with my brother and family.

Happy faces before the going got tough

The boat to Cumbrae

Stress levels low

The view of the west coast

Millport and Arran

Me and Em

The delightful Chloe

Loch Lomond to Arrochar Alps

Picnic on the bonnie, bonnie banks

My family and other animals...

And back to school they went. And back to work I went. It was definitely back to earth with a bump. But thankfully not for too long. After my Dad's low key cremation in July we had organised a much bigger memorial for him in August. Lots of planning, organising and emotion, alongside sorting out his estate. All-consuming but really helped by everyone in the family chipping in, particularly Chloe, Ruth and Emily for sorting all the music. Its so great when everyone comes together and we gave Dad a really good send off! I even got through the eulogy without bawling my eyes out.

And then it was 2 days of more royal treatment at the Bucks Rookes this time. They really know how to host very well, and as well as being truly looked after, we had 2 wonderful trips out to Waddesdon Manor (a National Trust property that's part of the Rothschild Estate) and Whipsnade Zoo. I even got my new phone in time to start snapping lots of photos!! And I have to say the animals were really very well behaved - elephants were playing, lions feeding and the tiger prowling. Couldn't really ask for more!

More thanks to our hosts once again! It seems we've managed to land ourselves on pretty much all the family this summer 😁.

Bucks and Mc's Rookes (and Jaki)

Never ending summer

Hello from Waddesdon

Waddesdon Manor

Picnic time

The egg and spooners

Videoclip: The Waddesdon Games...

Or you can watch the video here

Safari Kings

Mumzo and Emzo

Trolls were everywhere at the zoo

They even captured Emily

Face off

Videoclip: Animals on parade...

Or you can watch the video here

The tiger who came to tea

Dadzo and Emzo