Another weekend is over...

Saturday was just spent ambling around Torquay town centre.  We were bits and bobs shopping.  Husband needed a new coat, Tiegan got a new hat (and bracelet, which she has been wearing with pride!), Callum got the Wii game he has wanted for ages (he found it himself hidden in the preloved section of the Game store - saving us almost £10 on the price we had reserved it for in Argos!) , he also got two pairs of much needed new trousers - that lad is growing so fast!  We got three of the children some cheap rucksacks so I don't have to keep carrying all the food in one bag when we go out now, they can each have their own bag of goodies themselves now - much easier on me!  Child number four already has a rucksack if you were wondering - we weren't purposely being mean to one :)

The afternoon was spent at home, tootling around doing our own thing.  Off the top of my head I can remember Wii playing, reading (lots of that by lots of people), role play games, tv watching, playing with the cat, trampolining, scrabble playing, and bedroom tidying.  The evening was spent watching the X-factor auditions, as sad as it may be, it never fails to give us a giggle.

On to Sunday, and it started off so dull, dreary and above all wet.  Goodness it was really enjoying sending us downpour after downpour.  Despite this though we decided to don our wellies and raincoats once more and head for the hills - well, not quite the hills - choosing Haldon Forest instead.

Kira (our 4 year old Springer Spaniel) came along with us for the ride and walk.  She has been brilliant with the new kitten.  I had expected a mad dog chasing cat scenario going on for a while, but actually the opposite has been the case.  Harry kitten, yes that small, innocent looking little fella - is wreaking havoc in the household by stalking and striking out at the dog!  I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't have seen it myself - he literally wanders around the house following the dog and hissing and swiping at her at every opportunity.  Poor Kira doesn't know what to do, so she just keep walking off...

Today she was able to run through bracken, nosy down rabbit holes, follow scent trails of foxes and badges (I presume) and look longingly at the flying birds wishing she could grow wings and give chase (again, I am making a presumption!) :o)

I took a few piccies as per usual, I just picked my time in between the showers.

The views...

The paths...

The smiles....

The cheeky play...

The sticks! ...

The surroundings...

The puddles...

Yes, that's me!!!

and the tree inspections...

After 2 and a half hours of walking, we were ready to head for home - exhausted, aching, but happy :)  We cooked a roast dinner together as a family, and I made a trifle (or my version of one!) for pudding (which was yummy scrummy).  I (stupidly) tortured myself watched Supernanny on TV, and spent the whole time cringing, whinging, shouting, and screaming at the TV and any poor soul within earshot.  Not sure why I keep wanting to watch it, I disagree with the methods used on so many levels *sigh*. Moving swiftly along...we then snuggled down to watch a documentary on Great White Sharks, much more educational, and made all the more enjoyable by the arrival of hot-chocolates with marshmallows.

I wonder what our Monday will have in store for us....

Ooooh, before I go, can I just share this link with you:  http://unschooledmusings.blogspot.com/2010/08/proof-that-i-socialise.html
It's my eldest daughter's blog post about her socialising efforts.  Chelsea is 14 and she would love you to sneak on over there and take a peek :)

Julia x

{Haldon Woods, Brixham and Dartmoor}

Well we have certainly kept up with our promise of getting out and about this week whilst dh is off work. Yesterday we had a really lovely morning out at Haldon Forest Park. Rain had been forecast, and the clouds were looking threatening so I (stupidly) didn't bother to take the camera. However, we had a lovely walk, in fab weather conditions. It was warm, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Bliss. Kira loved it, and was very well behaved with all the other doggies around, and the children adored walking and playing on the equipment en route. Sadly, once we were home I started to feel really ill. Raging headache, bright light sensitivity, sickness, and general yuck. I spent the rest of the day trying (and failing) to sleep it off.

Today (re-armed with my camera) we headed to Brixham, just a short drive from our home. We took Kira with us as we are trying to get her used to being around more people and crowds. (I won't mention that the postman refused to visit us today because she "scared him off" with her barking. *blush*)

We all had a lovely stroll around the harbour, looking at all the different boats, admiring the views, and watching the crabbers trying not to get their fingers pinched by their little catches.

After a wander around the streets, we headed back to the carpark to get our picnic food to eat on the beach. The Brixham Lifeboat was directly in front of our car, as the crew were taking part in an interview for our local Spotlight news programme.

The photo opportunity was too good to miss, so I happily snapped away :o)








Once our picnic basket was empty, we all climbed back into the car and headed off to the Moors. I adore Dartmoor. It is the one place I am going to severely miss when (if?) we move from here. I love the wilderness, the tranquility, the history, the folk tales. I love the ponies, the sheep, the cows, and the Tors. I love the feel of it, the changing landscapes, the lush woodland and the barren ferns.

Anyway, we stopped for a child and dog run about. Kira needed to release the energy that she had been unable to use up whilst *yawn* lead walking around Brixham. She hates walking on the lead and I'm desperately trying to train her to walk nicely without pulling my arms out of their sockets. It's an absolutely impossible task I'm in no doubt, but I WILL NOT give up!! Off-lead she is a real darling, you can't fault her, her recall is superb. On lead? Forget it.

The children just wanted to run, for no other reason than there was lots of space to do so :o)

How could you not fall in love with views such as these:




Even on an overcast day there is just *something* special about the place.