Busy busy busy!

Well it has been chaotic in the Mazzotta household.

Since I last blogged we have celebrated Samuel's 3rd birthday, spent a lovely day at the Swindon Forest Festival, had a trip to Bourton on the Water, Benjamin has gone back to school, Anthony has gone to America for work (and is still there!), Orchid Vale (Ben's school ) has celebrated its 1st birthday and I have been to Scrapaholics.

Blimey, just reading that list makes me realise why I am soooo tired!!

Samuel's birthday was lovely. We had a party at home, but unfortunately some of his friends couldn't make it. Never mind, for the few who came, we had bubble fun, pass the parcel, a treasure hunt around the garden, and most popular of all a game of cricket with his new play set. Plus of course the most important bit - a Thomas the Tank Engine cake (and yes it was homemade!)

We have never been to the Forest Festival before, even though this was its 9th year. I wish we had, as it was a wonderful day out. There were lots of traditional woodcrafts, great fun and games for the kids (and adults too if I am honest) - anyone for a game of Frisbee golf? - some scrummy food and great music, as well as lots of information about living ethically & healthily. I loved it!

Bourton on the Water was a great day out. It was the boys designated "Auntie" weekend, as my sister and her partner have so many nieces and nephews (and live too far away to visit often) that they have designated alternate months to visit each family! We decided to meet at Bourton as is about half way, plus there was a geocache event going on that weekend so we knew there would be some new caches to grab.
We started off by visiting Birdland which the kids loved, especially the lunatic penguin who swam on his side whenever anyone came near and flapped his flipper so hard he soaked everyone! They also loved the flamingos and Ben was very chuffed to be able to tell me that they are pink because they eat pink prawns! How does he learn this stuff??

After lunch at a riverside pub (not a particularly good one it has to be said) we headed for the Motor Museum so that the boys could see Brum. Yes he really does live here, and this really is the museum that he goes home to in the programmes. On the way we managed to retrieve Brum's Cache even though there were loads of other people on the river path.

After a few more caches, an organic ice cream at Lower Slaughter mill and a paddle in the very cold river we headed home.

I think that's probably enough for now. Apologies for the length of the post, but to be honest it is mainly for Anthony's benefit so that he can keep up to date with what we have been doing while he is on the other side of the atlantic. We love you and miss you!! xxx

Back to school excitement to follow soon.