Flying the Emirates Air-Line

From the O2 Greenwich to the ExCeL Centre in Royal Docks, suspended 300ft over the River Thames, we tried out London's new (and only) cable car today.  A good ride and impressive sight, but kind of goes from nowhere to nowhere (and back).

Thomas Didn't Get To See The Queen

Scooting to Success

Thomas loves his scooter but hasn't been very confident in scooting. However, Daddy took him to Dulwich Park for an intensive lesson and from barely being able to steer, you can see how well he does (not sure where the deep voice comes from).

Winter Chill

With snow covering the ground, Daddy and Thomas descended to the garden to build a snowman.  No picture of the snowman I'm afraid - It was very small.

Shorne Woods Country Park

With everyone feeling a bit under the weather today, rather than sit inside feeling sorry for ourselves, we decided to get some fresh air.  A quick trip down the A2 took us to Shorne Woods Country Park.  We hadn't been there before, so weren't sure what to expect.  After devouring jacket potatoes in the visitor centre cafe, we all ventured out for a walk round the woods.  Despite not having factored in the mud (Lin) and having to push Thomas up the 700 steps to the top of the aptly-named Cardiac Hill (Chris), we all enjoyed the walk and the time together.

PS. When choosing a push-chair for new baby, always consider the off-road performance...

Thomas on his Scooter

For his birthday Thomas received a scooter from his Nanny and Granddad. He took to it surprising quickly, considering he has to reach up to the handlebars. Here is a video of his first ride in our local park.

Thomas is 2!

We can't believe Thomas is 2 already. Look at how much he's changed in a year - Thomas' First Birthday.

Father Christmas on the Rampage

Ice creamzzzzzzzzzzz

Sun, Sea & Sand in Mallorca

A search for some late holiday sunshine took us to the Balearic Island of Mallorca.  Thomas’ first flight on an aeroplane meant Dad was doubly anxious, not helped by the 4 hour delay due to technical difficulties with the plane's engines!

Sun, sea and sand were exactly what we needed and Thomas loved every moment, showing no fear as he splashed about in the water - see the video below.

Away from the beach we ventured underground for a gentle boat ride across the subterranean lake at Cuevas del Drach, played a round at one of the best crazy golf courses in Europe (in our opinion), and explored the rocky coastline above and below the water in a glass-bottomed catamaran.

Click on the album below to see our photos.

Holiday in Mallorca - Sept 2011

Palace to Palace Bike Ride 2011

Completed the Palace to Palace Bike Ride yesterday, cycling 45 miles from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle.  Took me 3 hrs and 30 mins (3 hrs 18 mins cycling time), with an average speed of 13.8 mph.  In total I raised £280 for the Prince's Trust, so thanks to all my sponsors!

Please Sponsor Me!

On 18th September I will be riding the Palace to Palace Bike Ride, cycling 45 miles from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle. The ride is in aid of the Prince's Trust, a charity that supports disadvantaged young people in the UK.

To sponsor me please click on the link below:

http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=344316



Your support will be much appreciated, and provide a much-needed spur as I train and prepare.

Thanks,

Chris

Heart of Normandy

In need of a much deserved break, we took the car across the channel and headed into the heart of Normandy, staying in a lovely peaceful hotel on the banks of the River Seine.  This was Thomas' first trip abroad, and he seemed to take it all in his lengthening stride, though was a little fussy at times.  He developed a fascination with the feral cats that lived in the grounds, chasing after them and watching them intently.  Strangely, by the end of the week they seemed to be just as fascinated by him, and came running when he appeared.

Most of our days were spent visiting some lovely towns and villages in the region - Les Andelys overlooking the Seine; the city of Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake; and the very pretty channel port of Honfleur.

The highlight was an epic 320-mile round trip to Mont St. Michel.  The journey itself was not fun, speeding across France, making up the speed-limit as we went, with Thomas screaming in the back.  But the destination made it worthwhile.  We climbed through the steep medieval streets to the abbey perched at the top of the rock, enjoying the wide views of the bay, before exploring the labyrinth-like interior.

On the final day we visited Monet's garden at Giverny, famous for the water lilies in his beautiful Japanese water garden.

We've included a selection of our photos in the album below:

Normandy - June 2011

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Thomas and mummy spent a lovely day at the V&A Museum of Childhood http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/.

Both a mother's and toddler's dream as there was an abundance of activities, displays and open space to run around.

Mummy was excited about the Judith Kerr Exhibition, as "The Tiger Who Came To Tea" was one of her absolute favourites as a child. Thomas looked none too pleased about having tea with the tiger.

Thomas' First Steps!

FA Cup Semi-Final

Following recent tradition, Chris' birthday has involved some type of sporting event and this year was no different.  With Wembley Bobby Moore Club tickets, we were in for a real treat of excellent food, wine and football.

The build-up began with a champagne reception and 3 course meal with coffee and petit fours in the Bobby Moore Restaurant. We then took our seats, directly above the players' tunnel, stunned at the amazing views of the pitch and players.

A big derby game that didn't disappoint. Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United.

Green Chain Walk - Nunhead Cemetery to Crystal Palace

South East London has many green open spaces, many of which have been linked up by pathways.  Whilst the sun was shining, we took the opportunity to explore Section 11 of the Green Chain Walks.
http://www.greenchain.com/intro.php

Our walk began at Nunhead, ran through 3 cemeteries, 4 parks, 1 area of woodland and, after a lovely pub lunch, ended at Crystal Palace with its dinosaurs.

A much recommended walk.

Thomas and the Birthday Balloons

...the red balloon or the yellow balloon...?

Thomas' Christmas Trike

This Christmas, Thomas first experienced the joy of unwrapping presents (though daddy seemed more excited by some of his toys). He wasn't as quite as overjoyed at meeting Santa, bursting into floods of tears at the mere sight of him.
One of his favourite presents was from nanny and grandad - a brand new shiny tricycle.

"A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood..."

Thomas was lucky enough to meet one of his favourite storybook characters, the Gruffalo. He was a very brave boy and did not baulk at his "terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws". Although it did seem that mummy was more excited to meet the Gruffalo than Thomas!