Sunday in Cassiobury Park

Sunday, 29th June.

Since the weather was determined to remain warm and sunny, we decided to take the girls for a stroll. We normally head out on a Sunday, regardless of weather, just to get the girls out in the countryside. Sometimes we walk along the Ebury Way to Rickmansworth or, travelling the other way, towards Watford and Oxhey Park. Today, however, we decided to head to Cassiobury Park.

After packing some drinks and snacks, we headed out and through Croxley View to Ascot Road, where we crossed Rickmansworth Road and entered the Park. Our entrance to the park was marked by a heron, gliding through the air above the River Gade.

Erin was soon out of the battlewagon and running along the path, looking at the butterflies, Jays and dragonflies. There were also small fish, that were clearly visible in the crystal clear waters of the River Gade, until a dog jumped in, churning up the gravel on the riverbed.

[caption id="attachment_1554" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Not the best shot, but it is the best that I could do.[/caption]

We continued to follow the River Gade, until we crossed one of the narrow bridges near the Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve. We would normally have carried on following the River Gade, into Cassiobury Park, but, as Emma pointed out, our new battlewagon could fit across the narrow bridges, whereas the old one was too wide.

With fewer people in this section, we strolled along with the Grand Union Canal, on our left and the Nature Reserve to our right. Soon, the River Gade rejoined us, as we approached the bottom of the park.

We headed up towards the paddling pools and cafe where, while Emma sat with the girls, I purchased a cappuccino and a bacon roll, for Emma, and a latte and a cheese burger, for myself. These were soon demolished, at which point we took the girls into the playground. Both girls were soon on the swings, before Erin decided that she wanted to go on the slide.

[caption id="attachment_1552" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Keilyn have a little swing.[/caption]

But not the little slide. The big kids slide. She soon mastered the giant steps, clambering up after the older kids, before screaming like a banshee, as she hurtled down the enclosed slide. Immediately she was back clambering up the steps to various platforms, before hurtling down the slide again.

Keilyn, meanwhile, was bemused by her sisters antics, preferring the more sedated swing. Soon, though, Keilyn discovered the smaller climbing frame and slides. And that was it. She was soon running back and forth along the platforms. Hanging from the various bars, while her feet dangled below her, before almost throwing herself down the slide. And, just like her sister, she was straight back up to do it all again.

Erin & Keilyn: Sliders

After a good while, we decided to make a move towards home, via Morrisons to keep Erin happy. With shopping purchased, including some mini sausage rolls that Erin and Keilyn immediately tucked into, we continued our journey home.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing, while we awaited the arrival of Emma's mum and dad, before the girls started running riot around the garden, again.

All-in-all it was a lovely Sunday with family.

A Lotto Win & A Barbecue

Sunday, 22nd June.

Emma arrived home, from work, at 08:00 and set about feeding Keilyn, who had only just finished her milk, while I nipped to the shop to get some charcoal for the Barbecue.

On arriving, at Vimco, I had my lottery ticket checked and found that I had matched three numbers, resulting in a win of £25. Happy days. I then picked up some charcoal, cheese, Polish sausages, a couple of limes and headed for the till.

I arrived back home to find that Emma had bathed both the girls, who were now running around the house in pretty dresses. With coffee made, Emma went up to bed for a sleep, while the girls and I watched Sofia the First, followed by Gnomeo and Juliet. The latter of which is a highly entertaining telling of Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet, told with Gnomes. While Keilyn had her morning snooze, I prepared some fresh home-made Lemonade.

[caption id="attachment_1516" align="aligncenter" width="180"] The first batch of home-made lemonade is ready for the barbecue.[/caption]

Before I knew it, it was lunchtime. Erin had soup, while Keilyn had chicken noodles. With both girls fed and watered, they disappeared into the garden for a run and play, while I relaxed with a bit of music.

Emma soon arose from her slumber and headed off to the shop to grab a few last-minute items, returning home just minutes after my mum had arrived. Alysha was in Cambridge, at a dance competition, so couldn't make the barbecue.  Soon, the food was cooking, (as were we in the hot afternoon sun), and cold drinks were soon flowing. We had Lincolnshire sausages, beef burgers made with mature cheddar and red onion, pork burgers with chorizo and the Polish sausages, that I had purchased earlier. Emma had made a salad and buttered the rolls and, very quickly, the food disappeared. Even Keilyn was enjoying her first barbecue.

As we sat and ate, a Robin kept flitting around the garden, waiting for someone to drop some food. He didn't seem to mind the girls, who were running and screaming around the garden, as he hopped between various perches.  Then the girls were in the paddling pool, with my mum. Water was squirted and splashed, helping to cool everyone down.

[caption id="attachment_1517" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn and my mum have fun in the paddling pool.[/caption]

As time drew on, my mum made her way to her dad's house, while Emma and I cleared away the remnants of the party. A few scraps of a bread roll were placed on the bird feeder, for the Robin, while the plates and cutlery were stacked in the kitchen. With this done, Emma went upstairs to get ready for her third night-shift, in a row, leaving me to play with the girls.

Erin went up to bed, just after 6 O'clock, with Emma heading out the door soon after that. Keilyn then promptly fell asleep, so up she went, too. With the washing up done, I headed outside to sit in the warm evening sun, with a cold beer, and relax. Soon, I had a visitor. The Robin that had been loitering around the garden, all afternoon, was now quite happy to sit on the back of a chair, not two-feet from me, eating the scraps of bread. Then he would fly off, before returning ten minutes, or so, later to have some more.

[caption id="attachment_1518" align="aligncenter" width="180"] This Robin kept me company, throughout the early evening.[/caption]

All-in-all it was pleasantly perfect family barbecue.

 

Father's Day Weekend, part 2

Sunday, 15th June.

Another early start, as both girls were awake at 06:30. After listening to them playing in their room, I decided that it was time to get up.

Breakfast was soon sorted, followed by the obligatory glasses of squash and small box of raisins, each. I stuck with my normal breakfast: Black coffee.

Erin then helped me open my Father's Day cards and present, which was a new tool kit. It has everything; Pliers, screwdrivers, spirit level, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, set-square, sockets, tape measure and much more. It was perfect, as my existing tools have been broken, misplaced or just not up to scratch.

With everyone dressed we loaded the girls into the battlewagon and headed to Morrisons, for a spot of shopping. Typically, as we arrived at the supermarket, the Heaven's opened. This seems to be a recurring thing, this weekend. Anyhow. Shopping didn't take too long, by which time the weather had improved dramatically. With Keilyn still in the battlewagon and Erin walking, we made our way, slowly, back home.

Emma cooked us all an amazing grill-up, which is a lot healthier than a fry-up, although it still has the same ingredients. The girls didn't seem too interested in it, but at least they tried it and ate some of it. Keilyn's main problem was that she was till tired.

With everyone fed, we all settled down to watch Cinderella II, as this has taken over as Erin's favourite thing to watch, after Sofia the First. Emma and Erin sat on the sofa together, while I held Keilyn in my arms, in an attempt to get her to sleep. Within a few minutes Keilyn was asleep, followed by Erin, Emma and myself.

As Cinderella II finished, Keilyn and I awoke. We left Emma and Erin asleep on the sofa, and played around with the various toys, until Emma and Erin stirred. Feeling completely refreshed, the girls went outside to play in the afternoon sun.

[caption id="attachment_1511" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Erin sports her matching dress and hat.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1512" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Keilyn sports her mis-matching dress and hat.[/caption]

With tea finished and Emma ready for work, Erin went up to bed, at which point her big sister, Alysha, arrived. Alysha had been at a dance competition in Aylesbury, all day, and had popped in on her way home. I opened her card, before deciding that we should bring Erin back down, to see her big sister.

Emma then headed to work, leaving me with my three girls, who were busy getting all the toys back out, and generally having a great old-time. Too soon, though, Alysha had to leave, so it was back off to bed for Erin, followed quite quickly by Keilyn.

With the house to myself, at last, I picked all the toys up, did the washing up, before deciding to try out my new tool kit. For the last few weeks, our back door has been getting harder to close and lock. So, after looking at the front door fixings, I decided to try to fix it. As it turned out it was simpler than I thought. One screw, in the top hinge, had come loose. After tightening it, the door worked perfectly, again. Superb. Also, the cold tap in the kitchen, which had recently been replaced, had a habit of turning itself on. A quick tightening of the fixing, with my new adjustable wrench, solved that.

I then set about watching Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, before turning in for the night.

All in all, a great Father's Day weekend.

Father's Day Weekend, part 1.

Saturday, 14th June.

A typical start in the Morrissey household, saw the girls up and dressed, before Emma got in from work. Once they had been fed, I loaded them in to the battlewagon and headed off into town, giving Emma a chance to sleep.

We headed down Vicarage Road, crossing Whiggenhall Road and down on to the Lower High Street. We passed the Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre before arriving at the Waterfields Retail Park. Cutting across the car parks, while avoiding the few shoppers out that were out this early, we headed for our destination... Pets at Home.

Usually, on entering the store, there are pens with rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, degu and other varied small livestock. Today, however, there was just one rabbit, two degu and a couple of hamsters. At least seeing the rabbit made both Erin and Keilyn happy. Heading straight for the Aquarium section, I picked up some fish pellets and some frozen food, plus a new plant for our tank, before taking the girls to look at the reptiles. Erin was fascinated by the snakes and the bearded dragons, while Keilyn was content to just sing to herself. As we approached the fish tanks, Erin began shouting, "Shark!", while pointing at every fish that wasn't a shark. Keilyn, on the other hand, just stared at the tanks of myriad fish, while saying, "ish, ish". They were quite cute and amusing to watch.

Only leaving Pets at Home, we headed across Dalton Way and entered B & Q, just to have a look around. There were some interesting items, in the sale, but I resisted the urge to purchase something, instead deciding it may to be time to head homeward.

Since the morning was getting warmer, with the sun doing its best to shine through the cloud, we headed back along the River Colne, through Oxhey Park. Even the park was pretty deserted, apart from a group of eight Friends of Oxhey Park, who were busy picking up litter and rubbish, from along the river's edge and the surrounding grassland.

From here we crossed Whiggenhall Road and continued our journey along the Ebury Way. With Keilyn fast asleep and Erin walking, it turned into a pleasant and leisurely stroll.

[caption id="attachment_1505" align="aligncenter" width="300"] One of the Information Boards along the Ebury Way.[/caption]

Typically, Keilyn awoke as we arrived home, which was precisely the time that the Heaven's opened, saturating the garden and the washing, which would have been almost dry.

After the girls had eaten their lunch, the temperature began to soar, so it was into the garden we went. Toys were soon littering the lawn, as Erin and Keilyn chased each other up and down the garden and in and out of the play house. Keilyn soon began to flag and after a couple of minutes, in my arms, was fast asleep. While Keilyn slept, Erin continued to run around the garden until Jason arrived with Charlie, just after 4 O'clock.

Erin, obviously not wanting her sister to miss out, sneaked upstairs and awoke Keilyn, much to Keilyn's dismay. Fortunately, after a few minutes, Keilyn was soon back in the garden and causing havoc with her sister and Charlie.

Jason and Charlie left, just before 5 O'clock, which allowed me to feed the girls and get them to calm down a little, before they went up to bed.

With the girls all tucked up in bed, I decided to empty the paddling pool, thereby giving the grass below it a chance to recover.

Considering that it took over 10 minutes to inflate, with a manual pump, and holds 900 litres (nearly 200 imperial gallons), and took over 30 minutes to fill, it only took 2 minutes to empty. Placing my camera on the floor, at the edge of the decking, I got this video of, not just the deluge, but the spiders fleeing from beneath the decking, as their homes flooded.

Emptying the Paddling Pool: Or, Spiders fleeing their homes.

Once that was empty, Emma and I enjoyed a quiet evening together, watching the TV.

Stay tuned for part 2.

Stunts and Music

Over the weekend, Erin and Keilyn have both discovered hidden talents.

[caption id="attachment_1488" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Keilyn sit up the garden, clapping hands.[/caption]

On Saturday, Erin and Keilyn were both playing in the garden, when Erin fell out of the playhouse. Except, as it turned out, she hadn't fallen out by accident, but intentionally fallen out. Thinking that this was amusing, she did it again, and again, and again. Keilyn thought that this was highly entertaining, too, which only made her sister fall over even more.

Then, on Sunday, Erin began throwing herself from the rocking cow, much to her sister's chuckles and approval. From this she progressed to jumping on the trampoline and swinging her legs out, so that she landed on her bum.

A little later, while Keilyn was sitting on her chair in the garden, Erin put her chair next to her sister and promptly fell over, taking the chair with her. Keilyn was by this time chuckling non-stop, so Erin did it again, and again.

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAMwsXBE8ZY[/embed]

Keilyn, on the other hand, falls over all the time, normally resulting in a bruise to her forehead, as her head is the only part of her body that she normally damages. Unlike her rough-and-tumble sister, Keilyn prefers to play with the myriad musical instrument toys that are stored in the house. Don't get me wrong, Erin enjoys them, too, but is happier running around and exploring, whereas Keilyn is a lot more thoughtful.

Once Erin has gone to bed, Keilyn gets to play without her boisterous sister getting in the way. Sometimes it's with the dolls, or blocks, but tonight she decided to play with the musical instruments. Specifically, the toy harmonicas.

Another thing that she does, is that she walks with her left arm behind her back, every now and again. It is quite cute to watch, but I have no idea where she has picked it up from.

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQVH06ruM3U[/embed]

Until next time, May It Be Well With You

Nottingham, part 2: A Race and A Castle

Sunday, May 25th.

Considering how late the girls were up until, the night before, they were both awake before 07:oo, ready to party again. Breakfast, at the hotel, was being served between 08:00-10:00, so we headed down at just after 08:00, which made us the first in. Emma and I had a Full English, while Erin satisfied herself with Rice Krispies. Keilyn was being fussy and, having turned her nose up at Weetabix, decided on yogurt, followed by some toast. When we had finished, we headed back up to our room and, making sure that everything was packed, checked out of the hotel.

The rain wasn't as heavy as the previous day, instead it was that fine rain that soaks through even the most waterproof of clothing. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for the bus to arrive. It dropped us at Upper Parliament Street, at which point the rain stopped and the sun came out in all its glory. With the time close to 10:00 the city was deserted and, as we headed down to the Old Market Square, we realised that many of the roads were sealed off, due to the arrival of the Milk Race. Also, because of the road closures, the trams weren't running, so there were buses on Tram Replacement.

[caption id="attachment_1440" align="aligncenter" width="300"] No trams were running due to the Milk Race[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1441" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Buses were on Tram Replacement, for the day.[/caption]

The Milk Race was a multistage cycling event that toured Britain between 1958 and 1993. This year the Milk Race returned, to Nottingham, with the elite men’s race and elite women’s races, featuring numerous world and Olympic champions.

[caption id="attachment_1442" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Milk Race began as the rain was still coming down.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1443" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The cyclists at the mid way point.[/caption]

After watching a few of the cyclists, we continued on our way to Nottingham Castle. It is a castle that I have not visited since I was little, although every time I visit Nottingham I do take another photo of the statue of Robin Hood. By now the sun was shining down and drying up the pavements and grass, so off came the jackets. Erin came out of the battlewagon and Keilyn moved into the front seat, as we made our way through the gatehouse and in to the gardens, of the Lower Bailey.

[caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Outer Bailey wall and part of the gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1466" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Castle gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1462" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking back towards the gatehouse.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1461" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking towards the medieval bridge and the castle.[/caption]

The Lower Bailey is now a manicured lawn with a bandstand, a statue to Albert Ball V.C. and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Memorial. The south path gives some stunning views down on to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the Brewhouse Yard Museum and out over the River Trent.

[caption id="attachment_1444" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The memorial to the World War I flying ace, Albert Ball V.C.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1445" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Memorial.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1446" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Looking down on Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, from the Lower Bailey.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1447" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A view of the castle rock, and Nottingham, from the Lower Bailey.[/caption]

From here we followed the path around, back toward the Medieval Bridge, which led us up to the Middle Bailey. The Middle Bailey is now a lawn and function space, with a 'Lookout' playground, with forts, sand pits, slides and a medieval throne room, complete with throne. From here you can see the remains of the North-east Tower and the Obelisk monument.

[caption id="attachment_1448" align="aligncenter" width="180"] 'Orf with his 'ead.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1449" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin protects her castle.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1450" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This memorial commemorates the dead of the Afghan Campaigns 1878 - 80.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1460" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Looking towards the castle from the Middle Bailey.[/caption]

We then followed the path up and around to the Upper Bailey and the castle itself, which contains the museum and art gallery. Before we entered the castle we took a walk around the outside, taking in the spectacular views south and west. As the sky had cleared, we could see Wollaton Hall, East Midlands Airport Control Tower and much more.

[caption id="attachment_1452" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This is the entrance to Mortimer's Hole. One of the many tunnels under Nottingham Castle.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1451" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is the Rock Cottage, as seen from the Upper Bailey.[/caption]

On entering the castle, we bypassed the shop and headed straight into the museum. The museum is full of objects from all over the world, including; a Chinese ivory chess set from the nineteenth century.an iron stirrup from Japan, a South African walking stick, a Samurai sword (wakizashi), the Wedgwood collection, ceramics, silverware, and so much more. One thing that did strike me, as we walked around the museum, was the amount of signs that read PLEASE TOUCH. Having a chance to physically interact with pieces of porcelain, 300 year-old pieces of iron and ancient fabrics was brilliant. (A little disappointed that I wasn't able to handle the Samurai sword, though).

[caption id="attachment_1453" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A Japanese sword.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1455" align="aligncenter" width="225"] A plundered Japanese Temple Bell.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1454" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Part of the inscription on the plundered Japanese Bell.[/caption]

We then headed in to the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters' Regimental Museum, which displayed uniforms and memorabilia from this famous regiment. With uniforms and private belongings dating from the 1750s through to the present day, there was a lot to see and take in.

[caption id="attachment_1456" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some of the regimental uniforms.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1457" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Some of the memorabilia from the regiment.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1458" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The Regimental centre-piece.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1459" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The current uniform of the Regiment.[/caption]

There was so much more to see and do within the Castle, but time was against us, so next time we will do The Caves, Mortimer's Hole and the Brewhouse Yard Museum.

[caption id="attachment_1471" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Museum and Art Gallery.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1470" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Erin chills out with a packet of crisps.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1464" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Castle Rockery, which incorporates flowers from all around the world.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1463" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Following the path beneath the Medieval Bridge.[/caption]

We decided against visiting the Art Gallery, but instead headed to the Museum Shop. A few cards, postcards, toys and pins were purchased, before we headed out of the castle. We took the path around the castle, which led us passed the entrance to Mortimer's Hole and down along wooded paths, beneath the Medieval Bridge and out to the Castle Rockery. We then left the castle and headed for the Robin Hood statues, for the obligatory photo shoot. After getting a photo of Erin with Robin Hood's statue, we headed off to get some lunch.

[caption id="attachment_1467" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Looking up at the gatehouse and part of the old bridge.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1468" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Erin has her obligatory photo taken with Robin Hood.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1469" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Robin Hood.[/caption]

There was only place that we wanted to go for lunch, and that was to the Wimpy restaurant, as Emma and I hadn't had one in many years, After waiting to be seated, we ordered a thick shake each (large) and then ordered our food. The shake was exactly as I remembered and was perfectly thick. The burgers, Fiery BBQ Chicken for me and Mushroom Burger for Emma, were very tasty and filling. Erin busily tucked into some Chicken Chunks and chips, washed down with a drink of squash. On leaving, both girls received a magic string picture, to complete.

With time getting on we made our way to the station, ready for our trip home. And that's when the problems began...

To be concluded...

Nottingham, part 1: A Church and A Party

Saturday, May 24th.

We arrived at Watford Junction at around about 07:45, where we caught a London Midland train into London Euston. We then took a stroll to St. Pancras station where, after enjoying a Latte, we boarded our train to Nottingham. The journey was uneventful with Keilyn sleeping in my arms, for the entire trip, while Erin watched some CBeebies programmes, that Emma had downloaded Friday afternoon.

[caption id="attachment_1425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nottingham Railway Station.[/caption]

Arriving in Nottingham at just before 11:00, we headed towards Nottingham Castle, just so that I could see the statue of Robin hood and the Castle gatehouse. Then, as the rain got heavier, we headed into the city centre so that we could change Keilyn, before finding a place to have lunch. It was while we were standing under the shelter of a shop front that Lol, Deirdre's partner, spotted us. He was with his grandson, Cameron, so we teamed up and headed for Caffe Nero, for a coffee. I fed Keilyn, while Erin had some tomato and basil soup.

When we had finished, we headed into the Intu Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, to stay out of the rain.  Lol decided that we should head to a restaurant, to wait for Deirdre who would be joining us straight after work, and led us out of the shopping centre and towards...

[caption id="attachment_1426" align="aligncenter" width="180"] This Grade II Listed Church is now a bar & restaurant.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1428" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The ceiling of the Pitcher & Piano.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1429" align="aligncenter" width="300"] We sat just below this window, where the altar once stood.[/caption]

A church. A Unitarian church, at that! As it turns out, this Grade II Listed Church, in the heart of the Lace Market, is actually a bar/restaurant named the Pitcher & Piano. We found a table and secured a high chair, for Keilyn, and, while we waited for Deirdre, ordered some drinks. A large rosé wine for Emma, while Lol and myself had a real ale, served in a proper glass tankard. It wasn't long before Deirdre arrived and food was soon ordered. We all ate, including Erin who, having already had lunch, tucked into some chicken goujons with chips and peas.

[caption id="attachment_1427" align="aligncenter" width="300"] My lunch at the Pitcher & Piano.[/caption]

With time getting on, we headed towards a bus stop and caught the 79A, towards Nuthall Road, where the Commodore Hotel was situated. Keilyn was happy in the battlewagon, while Erin sat on my lap. In the short space of time it took us to reach our destination, Erin was sound asleep and snoring in my arms. This made it slightly more difficult as I carried her and the rucksack, while Emma had the battlewagon, with the suitcase in Erin's seat.

[caption id="attachment_1430" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Our hotel for the night.[/caption]

After checking in, I placed Erin on her bed, where she carried on sleeping for another hour, while we sorted out Keilyn and got ourselves ready for the party. Erin finally awoke, a little confused at the strange surroundings, but happy. With both girls dressed in pink skirts and tops, we headed downstairs to await our taxi.

We arrived at the Fiveways Pub just after 19:00 and made our way to the function room that had been hired for my cousin Sean's 40th birthday. Sean is a soldier in The 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment which, up until 2004, was known as The 1st Battalion, Worcestershire and Foresters Regiment. After finding a seat and getting the girls settled, Suzette, Sean's wife, spotted us and came over for a chat. Sean was busy talking with and greeting other friends but, when he saw us, he did come straight over. Katherine, Sean's sister, arrived a little later and we had all had a really nice time. Erin and Keilyn, who are normally in bed 19:00, were busy running around the dance floor and chasing balloons, with the other kids.

[caption id="attachment_1431" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Erin and Keilyn dance with their mum.[/caption]

Around about 21:30 the girls started to get a tired, so we said our goodbyes and ordered a taxi to the hotel. Shortly after we got settled in our room, Keilyn passed out, followed Erin and Emma, leaving me to watch Live at the Apollo, before deciding to turn in myself.

To be continued...

 

 

Keilyn's 1st Birthday, part 2: The London Aquarium

Wednesday 30th April

A typical early start in the Morrissey household, saw us up and giving Keilyn her presents, just before Alysha arrived at 08:00. Then it was a last-minute check, that everything was packed, before we set off for our trip to London.

Due to the strike by the RMT Union, much of the London Underground was closed or running at just over 50%, so we headed to Watford High Street station, to catch the 10:04 London Overground train to Euston. The train remained fairly empty until we got closer to our destination, when it began to fill up. We arrived at a rammed Euston station and, after Emma had taken Erin to the toilet and Alysha had bought a burger, we headed out into the warm morning sun.

We crossed Euston Road and headed down the A4200, passing Tavistock Square and Russell Square, until we reached Aldwych. From here we headed down Arundel Street, which brought us to the Victoria Embankment. Turning west, we followed the River Thames until we reached the Hungerford Bridge, where we used a lift up to the Golden Jubilee Bridge and crossed the river.





The Southbank was crammed with tourists and hundreds of school children, all dressed in high visibility vests, that were obviously on a school trip to the London Eye, or some other such attraction. We found some shade in the Jubilee Gardens, where we could rest and eat some lunch and feed Keilyn. Alysha disappeared off to get a chicken burger and chips, while Emma had a pulled pork burrito and I had a grilled steak burrito. When everyone was suitably fed and watered we then headed in to Sea Life London Aquarium.

Having booked our tickets online, we didn't have to queue, so we started our exploration without waiting.

The first thing that happened was that we had a couple of photographs taken, by a man in a lifeguard uniform. One of us all smiling and another of us all pointing at a pink starfish, painted on the wall. Informing us that these could be purchased at the exit, we followed the Shark Walk path which suddenly became a glass walkway, directly above the shark tank. We all thought that this was pretty cool, especially Erin who kept pointing down at some of the sharks and rays, that were literally a couple of inches below our feet.



The path then became 'solid' again and we were soon in a cave-like area, with various sized tanks filled with jellyfish, flatfish, octopus and many other exotic varieties. We then entered a lift, which took us down into the Atlantic Depths, where we got to see better views of the sharks (Blacktip Reef, Bowmouth, Zebra), rays (Blue Spotted, Blonde, Cow Nosed, Eagle), turtles and many species of smaller fish.







Then we were headed to the Ray Lagoon, which is a shallow glass tank that allows you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.



Then we were on to the Rock Pool exhibits, with crabs, urchins, starfish and the like, which led you on to the Ocean Tunnel, where we were completely surrounded by the rays, turtles and sharks.







The tunnel brought us out in to the Pacific Wreck and on into Nemo's Coral Caves. At this point Erin was in her element, as she knew the names of these fish; Nemo, Dory, Gill, etc.. All this time Keilyn had been watching transfixed from her buggy, having got tired of walking.



 



Next, we were in the Seahorse Temple, where there were many species of seahorses, seadragons and other strange and unusual creatures.







Then we met a Cuban Crocodile, in the Rainforests of the World, along with Red-Bellied Piranha, Neon Tetra, Terrapins, Red-Tailed Catfish, a Freshwater Stingray, Poison Arrow Frogs and many more.



 



 



 

 

 

The next location was the Antarctic and the Penguins: Ice Adventure, where Gentoo Penguins swam and played, while everyone watched.



The Shark Reef Encounter, where we had some of the best views of the sharks yet, was the end of our journey underwater. Alysha said that she could have sat there all day, watching the sharks and rays. I have to admit that I could quite happily have sat there all day, too.



Then Alysha discovered a Hurricane Booth, which she decided to take Erin in to. Well, Erin lasted until the wind speed hit 60kph (38mph), before she left the booth, while Alysha took the full 110kph (70mph). We then passed on into the shop where we got to look at the photographs, that we had had taken earlier. There were seven photographs (two 5x7, two 6x4 and three small ones to fit in a key ring and a magnet), all packaged in a spiral-bound booklet. It included a link to download the images from the website, too. This was ours for £25. And, for a further £5, we could have another six photographs (two 5x7 and four 6x4). We bought them all.





On leaving the Aquarium, we had a bit more to eat and drink, before heading back across the Golden Jubilee Bridge, onto Northumberland Avenue, Strand, Aldwych to Kingsway, while both girls slept.



With the sun still beating down, we stopped for more refreshments a t the Russell Square Cafe, where Erin and Keilyn had a good run around.



We then headed back to Euston and caught the 17:14 London Overground, back to Watford High Street. Unlike earlier in the day, this train was rammed and we had to stand all the way back.

Once we were home my mum popped in to see the birthday girl, and to have a chat, before her and Alysha headed off home for dinner. We then got the girls sorted and off to bed, which was easy as they were both exhausted from the trip.

All-in-all it was a great birthday day out, which was enjoyed by everyone.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium