Keilyn's 1st Birthday, part 1: The Party

Sunday 27th April.

Although Keilyn isn't officially one until Wednesday 30th, we decided to have her 1st birthday party early, so that more family and friends could attend. Keeping it a surprise from both Keilyn, who had no idea what was going on, and Erin, who had heard the word party a lot lately, was difficult, so, we waited until they were having their lunch, before putting up the party banners and balloons.

Keilyn sat transfixed as I blew the balloons up and Emma put up the banners, only getting startled when one of the balloons popped. Erin thought it was all good fun and, finishing her lunch, wanted to help. Emma had already cooked the party food, so that all we had to do was clear the dining table, cover it with a plastic Minnie Mouse tablecloth, put the food out and get the girls into their party outfits.

[caption id="attachment_1062" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin and Keilyn in their party outfits.[/caption]

At just before 2 o'clock family and friends began to arrive, beginning with Emma's family; mum, dad, brother Christopher and his girlfriend Ellie, sister Rachel with two of her kids, Freya and Noah. Then our friends Len and Emma arrived, followed shortly after by our daughter, Alysha, and my mum and granddad.

Once everyone was settled and we were all ready, we decided that it was time for Keilyn to open her presents. I sat on the floor with her and helped her to open the cards and unwrap the presents. Erin helped, too, and was more interested in some of the presents than Keilyn, who was more interested in the bubble wrap, wrapping paper, empty envelopes and the boxes.

[caption id="attachment_1063" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin takes Keilyn's new bubble-blowing lawnmower for a test drive.[/caption]

After a quick tidy-up, Keilyn and the rest of the kids disappeared to play in the garden, while we all started on the food. Then the kids had their chance to eat, before we brought out the cake. The cake had been made by Denise Cox, of Tapestry Cakes, and was in the shape of a number 'one', with light pink icing and a purple bow. The icing was then dotted with iced dots and hearts. Emma had added a sparkler and some candles which, when lit, produced specific coloured flames. With Keilyn in her high chair, looking bemused by all the attention and fuss, I brought out the cake and we all sang Happy Birthday, before a few of the kids got together to help Keilyn blow out the candles. I then took the cake back into the kitchen, where Emma cut a piece for everyone, and I distributed, with a little help from Erin.

[caption id="attachment_1064" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The cake, with its multi-coloured candles.[/caption]

With time getting on, family and friends started to make their departures, leaving Emma and myself with two very tired little girls. So, that we could tidy up in relative peace, we put Sofia the First on the TV, and did a quick clean up. It wasn't long before Erin went up to bed, followed closely by Keilyn.

[caption id="attachment_1065" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn lies exhausted in her beanbag chair, after her first birthday party.[/caption]

All in all it was a fantastic first birthday party and I cannot wait until Wednesday, when we head to London for Keilyn's actual birthday.

A Stroll and A Giant Conker

 

Sunday, April 13th.

With Emma having just finished two night shifts, on the bounce, I decided to take Erin and Keilyn out for the morning, so that Emma could catchup on some sleep, knowing that she had to work tonight, too.

So, with provisions packed for myself, Erin and Keilyn, we set off along the Ebury Way, this time in the direction of Watford, rather than our usual route towards Rickmansworth. The sun was in full radiance and, as we moved through the shade of the Ebury Way, the breeze dropped, making it a pleasant stroll. Keilyn was quietly cooing at the trees and clouds, from her seat in the battlewagon, while Erin explored the path ahead. There were quite a few cyclists, heading in the Rickmansworth direction, and the odd jogger or two, but otherwise it was a quiet trip.

[caption id="attachment_1041" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some beautiful blossom that lined our route.[/caption]

We followed the Ebury Way, crossing Wiggenhall Road, until we reached the River Colne, at the bottom of Oxhey Park. Having forgotten how steep the climb is, to Oxhey Park, I pushed Keilyn up the steep incline, thankful that Erin was walking, as I don't think that I would have made it with her in the battlewagon, too. Erin barely seemed to notice the hill that she had to climb, as she was busy picking daisies, all the way up. When we reached the top of the mountain, I noticed a large sphere, over two-metres in height, with spikes protruding from it at odd angles. As we drew closer, I could see that it was actually a giant conker, fashioned from wood. Close to the Conker was a carved oak bench, shaped like a leaf, that Erin had to go and sit on.

[caption id="attachment_1042" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The two tonne wooden conker, designed by David Gross, at Oxhey Park.[/caption]

Oxhey Park is over fourteen hectares of parkland and wooded dell, that has been a public park since 1924. It turns out that the bench and conker were both designed by designer David Gross, and were commissioned to celebrate the rejuvenation of Oxhey Park. The bench is made of oak, but has a weighted base, while the conker took over three and a half months to complete and weighs over two tonnes.

[caption id="attachment_1043" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin sits on an oak bench, designed by David Gross, at Oxhey Park.[/caption]

The playground, at the top of Oxhey Park, is quite substantial, but was quite a disappointment. There are swings, a zip-line, a roundabout, a see-saw, rubber hills with planks to walk across, tunnels, a trampoline and a slide, amongst other things. Keilyn was in her element, as she just absolutely loves to pushed in a swing, while Erin will attempt everything, especially the slide. Unfortunately, the slide which is the same height as many other slides that she has been on, was impossible for her to use. She either had to climb to the top via a tough looking wall climb, or attempt three tiny steps which were attached to a pole, which was over a foot from the slide. There was no simple steps so I had to lift her up to the platform, while keeping an eye on Keilyn, who was walking around the base of the slide. After only two slides, Erin got fed up with not being able to climb the slide herself, so went off with Keilyn to jump on the trampoline. Then it was back on the swings, before Erin had one last look around. I could tell that Erin wasn't happy with the park as, when I suggested that we head off to eat lunch, she didn't kick up a fuss and run towards the nearest swing, slide or whatever, she just held the gate open and then followed the battlewagon.

[caption id="attachment_1047" align="aligncenter" width="300"] From the top of Oxhey Park, the view of Watford is quite cool.[/caption]

As we reached the giant conker, I convinced Erin to stand in front of it, so that I could take a photo of her with it. Keilyn was busy munching on a sandwich, so wasn't much interested in the weird, wooden thing that she couldn't eat.

[caption id="attachment_1045" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bluebells lead our way to The Dell.[/caption]

We followed the path along as it dropped back down toward the River Colne, where we turned right and headed towards the park entrance at the Lower High Street. Sadly, the grassed area was in too much shade, so we headed back under the railway arches and found a bench by a bridge that links Oxhey Park with the rugby fields, on the opposite of the river.

[caption id="attachment_1046" align="aligncenter" width="300"] These arches, at the entrance to Oxhey Park, carry the London Overground trains.[/caption]

While Erin ate her sandwich, followed by a packet of cheesy twirls, I fed Keilyn spaghetti bolognese, followed with an apple and strawberry dessert. When both girls were suitably stuffed Erin took Keilyn for a wander across the bridge and back again.

[caption id="attachment_1048" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ducks sleeping on the riverbank, taken by Erin.[/caption]

Erin spotted some ducks, sleeping on the riverbank, so I gave her my phone and she happily took some photos of them. I then walked Keilyn along the footpath, while Erin pushed the battlewagon, until we reached Wiggenhall Road, where Keilyn started to get stroppy. Realising that she hadn't had her morning nap, I strapped her into the battlewagon, and she promptly fell asleep. Erin, too, was showing some signs of fatigue, but refused to surrender.

[caption id="attachment_1052" align="aligncenter" width="180"] It looks as though nature is reclaiming this bridge, above the River Colne, on the Ebury Way.[/caption]

Instead she led the way along the Ebury Way, warning me of approaching cyclists, until, almost at the point that we turn off for home, she decided that she wanted to sit down. So, with both girls strapped in, I pushed them both the short distance home. In those two minutes Erin fell asleep and the two of them began snoring, in unison.

[caption id="attachment_1044" align="aligncenter" width="180"] A typical Sunday stroll usually takes its toll on the girls.[/caption]

Another nice relaxing Sunday stroll. Roll on next weekend, when it will be Easter, meaning more chances to go wandering.

Until next time, May It Be Well With You.

A Mother's Day Stroll

Sunday 30th March,

Having lost an hour of sleep, due to the clocks having gone forward, the girls woke up later than usual, but still in time to have breakfast before we needed to leave the house, for our stroll. With them suitably fed, dressed and with enough food and drinks for the day, off we set.

With Keilyn strapped into the new battlewagon, and Erin walking along with us, we took the Ebury Way and headed towards Rickmansworth. It wasn't long before Keilyn was asleep, while Erin picked up leaves and sticks.

Normally we drop down on to the tow-path of the Grand Union Canal, at Lock 80, and follow that towards Rickmansworth, but, this time, we decided to carry on along the Ebury Way. As we passed by the various fishing lakes, where trees are being felled and banks cleared, we spotted some small rabbits, nestled near their burrows, just above the waterline of the river.

[caption id="attachment_1010" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Emma holds the girls as we prepare to clear moorings.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1011" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Me with Erin and Keilyn, aboard the Pride of Batchworth.[/caption]

Finally, we arrived at the Rickmansworth Canal Centre, where we stopped at Cafe @ Lock 81 for a drink and a quick bite to eat, before we boarded the Pride of Batchworth narrowboat, for a short trip. Since we were the only passengers, we sat at the front of the boat and enjoyed the ride. We spotted Coots, Moorhens, Canada Geese, Mallards and Swans, as the boat took us towards Stockers Lock, where a three-point turn was made, before heading back to Batchworth Lock.

[caption id="attachment_1007" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Narrowboats along the Grand Union Canal.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1009" align="aligncenter" width="300"] On our way back to Batchworth Lock, we followed the goose.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1008" align="aligncenter" width="300"] One of the pedestrian bridges, near Rickmansworth Aquadrome.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1014" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A small boat rests on the bottom of the Grand Union Canal.[/caption]

After thanking our 'Captain' we headed on to Rickmansworth High  Street, before heading to the back of the council offices, where there were benches that we could sit at to eat and feed Keilyn. Beside us there was a spiral staircase, which had left an interesting effect on the pavement, so I took a photo, while Keilyn finished her lunch.

[caption id="attachment_1013" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An interesting effect, left by the rain falling from the steps above.[/caption]

With lunch finished, and time ticking by, we headed back to the Ebury Way and headed towards home. With Erin beginning to flag a little, she hopped back in to the battlewagon, at which point Keilyn decided it was time to stretch her legs. So, out she came. After I had carried her for a short while I put her on my shoulders, until she clamoured to get down.

[caption id="attachment_1012" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Keilyn sits on my shoulders, on the Ebury Way.[/caption]

So, I put her down and she walked, while holding my hand. Then Erin wanted to join in, so Erin and I held Keilyn's hands and the three of us walked a little way. Keilyn then decided that she could do it herself, so we let her hands go, and she took her first solo steps along the Ebury Way.

[caption id="attachment_1016" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and I help Keilyn take her first steps along the Ebury Way.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1017" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Keilyn takes her first solo walk along the Ebury Way.[/caption]

Eventually Keilyn fell asleep, just as we met my mum at the King George V playing fields. My mum had been for a walk, earlier in the day with a walking group. They had walked up Baldwins Lane, along Little Green Lane and down through the fields and woods onto Rousebarn Lane, before heading back to their start point. Now mum was pushing her dad around the King George V playing fields. Erin gave my mum and granddad some daffodils, that she had picked from around the edges of the playing fields, before trying to get to grips with the exercising machines that are dotted around the fields, while mum, granddad, Emma and I had a quick catch-up. After saying our 'goodbyes', we headed home so that we could sort the girls out, as their little body clocks were still on GMT rather than BST.

My mum arrived, not long after the girls had finished their tea, so that we were finally able to give our Mother's Day present and Erin and Keilyn could give their 'Nannie's Day' present, to her. We chatted for a bit, before Emma disappeared upstairs, to get herself ready for work. How Emma manges to do a twelve-hour night-shift, after a day of walking a good five or six miles, is beyond me. But she does.

With the girls in bed, and Emma at work, it wasn't long before tiredness set in. Mum headed off home and I busied myself with tidying up the toys and settling down for an early night.

All-in-all it was yet another great day out, and in, with my family.