Half-term happenings...

Normally I work October half term but my purchase of additional annual leave this year meant that I got to enjoy a bit more time with the kids...

First up was the cat café with Tanya's niece Rosie for her birthday. I am not really a feline fan but it was quite an interesting experience and honestly, some of those furballs are huge! I never knew the domestic cat could get so big.

Then it was the Tutankhamun Experience at the SECC which was kinda cool. The Ancient Egypt bit played slight second fiddle to the use of cool gadgetry but the VR and the immersive effects were pretty funky (unless you're much more used to those things than we probably are). Someone definitely had fun designing all that.

Then onto the main agenda of a trip to Banchory in all its autumnal glory. I particularly loved my running through the landscape on the cusp of winter - the scenery was clad in its full russet gown and the sun showed it off in its best light. There was the usual Banchory Bingo favourites - Crathes, charity shops, the Cowshed but shock, horror, we also made some new discoveries of Castle Fraser, Craigevar Castle, Lumphanan and the Pancake Place. We walked a good few miles, ate picnics in the fresh air, chatted and laughed. Was really good for our souls as we head into the hour changing and the darker months.We had an amazing time thanks once again to Nana and Baba!

Rosie and Emily at Cat Cafe

More cats

Virtual wife

The Crazies

Tutankhamun

Tree babies

Autumn's finest

Niomi failing to pull a serious bear face

And only marginally better

The discovery of unusual vegetables

Enjoying the sun at Castle Fraser

Me and my girls

Me and my girl

Story time with Nana

How cute?

Sisters stepping out

The Banchory Crew at the Cowshed

Moving...

Autumn is a season of change, when the world moves from vibrance and being full of life to a more sleepy, sedated, dormant state. And change has been in effect in the Rooke house - but not turning to a sleepy state but rather moving to pastures new for the lovely Ly. 

Two and a half years ago Ly came to live with us. She arrived from Vietnam somewhat shell-shocked, with zero English and not much idea about what life was like in the UK. During those years she has gone from strength to strength - first doing really well in her year at school, then college and part time work. Her language has grown and she can now chat away quite happily in English, but much more than that is how she has grown as a person. I have always been in awe of Ly's strength of character and bravery. Whatever's been chucked at her she's risen to the challenge and showed great depth of character and determination to succeed. She works hard, doesn't get sidetracked by life's distractions (apart from a wonderfully stylish love of clothes) and approaches everything with a smile and good grace. Its been a really honour having her as part of our family - we've shared many amazing holidays, celebrations and memories with her, and its been a real joy watching her grow into a strong young woman.

Well done Ly! We know we'll still be seeing lots of you, but good luck in your new student digs as you take another step on the road to true independence. You'll be very much missed by us all and the house will seem a little emptier without you around.

Starting school

First Halloween

First Christmas

Summer chic

Turning 18

New digs!!

And Ly's not the only one who's been moving lately. Inspired by my cycle earlier in the year, I managed to get round the Great Scottish Run half marathon in 1hr 54m. Not bad for an old timer - I was pleased anyway, though boy was it hard.

Fresh at the start

Videoclip: Great Scottish Run

Or you can watch the video here

Broken but feeling chuffed

It’s a family affair…

You can pack an awful lot in to a weekend. Walking, running, cycling, swimming, singing, beautifying, swinging (golf clubs), quad biking, laser questing, ping ponging, escape rooming, teddy bear making, duck feeding, eating, drinking, laughing, memory making…

Location: Centre Parcs, Penrith
Invitees: McRookes and BucksRookes
Mission: A family affair

In short we had a wonderful time. I’d heard mixed things about Centre Parcs but I genuinely had a really great time. The setting, the activity, the company. There was slight Hunger Games vibes when I ran round the perimeter fence a couple of times but we were in an ideal central location – walking or cycling distance to everything. We managed to pack in a wide range of activity despite some favourites being booked out (no treetop climbing, swinging or ziplining) and we ate lovely food with great company. Special thanks to Will and an award to him for max time possible in the pool. And lovely to spend time with my brother and family post parents. On the way back we debriefed about our favourite activities – conclusion was pretty much all of them. For the family affair though it had to be the karaoke booth!!

  

Team Rooke

A Kirky phonebox in Centre Parcs

BuckRookes all dry-robed and ready

The making of Parker

A little dutch courage for the karaoke booth

The booth!!

Videoclip: Butchering Country Road

Or you can watch the video here

Niomi and Parker

Escapees