This Christmas was based at home for us and we had various vistors passing through. Gran arrived a few days before. Santa came on the 24th. Grandma arrived on boxing day and David, Katie and Lily arrived on the 28th - see here for the photos. A shame we never got to see Campbell and Tracy and co - we must catch up later in the spring.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Matthew the Inn Keeper
Matthew and his peers at school gave a terrific performance of the Nativity on Tuesday, which included some great singing by Matt, some dancing angels and of course the lighting of the symbolic Christingle orange.
"I am a Tiger!"
Continuting the theme of toddler-chaos, see attached for what happens when our friends C and J left their a 2 yr old alone for a few minutes with marker pens within her reach!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Angus the Shepherd
On Wednesday Angus followed in Grandma's thespian footsteps with a close to Oscar winning performance as a shepherd, in the South Zeal pre school version of the greatest story ever told. Helen also provided interesting, improvised, supplementary theatrical delights. Bafta for her?
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Anticipating Santa
I love this photo, for me this is me of the best I have taken all year - Matthew and Angus waiting to see Santa last weekend. Angus dressed up as a rocker last week and gave us a show (it looks like a good job we bought him a guitar for Christmas). Most importantly of all, our 6 yo was invested at Beevers last week - proud boy. Proud Dad.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Winter warmer
Last night we hosted the 'Snogs' Christmas party (see if you can guess the accronym!)- the theme was 'winter warmer'. Lots of good company, stodge and sac....
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Which portrait?
Recently we have been trying to take a portrait of Matthew, Angus and Helen together. Of course it is proving difficult because invariably, one of them does not work out, for example blinking, facial expression failure due to impatiance (common with Helen) etc.. We have not quite nailed it yet, but thought we would share this batch with you and would welcome your opinions and comments please - either on the blog or on the pictures.
Mud and mowing
Last weekend I finished off the lawn with the last cut of the winter. Angus loves it when I mow and insists on following me with every step of the way with his toy mower. He even mimics me when I drink my cuppa! I am going to make sure that I enjoy it because I am sure that there will come a time all too soon when he realises it is not cool to copy Dad! We finished tiling the bathroom too, or Anne did while I took the wee ones out for a play. We went cycling off road in Abbeyford woods. I also took time to get muddy all by myself by doing a cyclo cross race at Escot Park in East Devon. I achieved my aim - to have some fun and not to come last. That reminds me of a great video Josh and Jake Chadwick made of a floodlit cyclo cross race at Wadebridge earlier in the year - I just posted it if you want to have a look. Must dash. Swimming lessons for Matthew and Angus this morning. P.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Letter to Santa
Matthew's letter to Santa. I hope Santa manages to get it because he hasn't presented us with any alternatives!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
A weekend with the Ents
Last weekend we burned across to Rutland to stay with Jan, Doug, Eleanor and Jack. We received a warm welcome and it was good to spend 24 hours in some great company. We simply hung out, walked the dog and went swimming - and not to mention the 'DC and Jan's great Sunday dinner. They will soon be selling Dapple Cottage and moving to a new place - good luck and thanks for having us.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Reptiles
This morning Angus came into our bed, as usual about 6.30 am. It was dark and raining outside. He lay silent. All of a sudden, after about 10 minutes of silence, he popped the question
"Dad, what do Lizards eat?"
What a cracker - that made my day!
"Dad, what do Lizards eat?"
What a cracker - that made my day!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Sparkler!
Today is Nov 5th and it was Helen's first witness of fireworks. Also noteworthy is today I can say that Angus started confidently riding his bike without stabilisers - he suddenly decided he wanted them off in the garden. Later he cycled 3.5 miles on the cyclepath unaided with Matt, Helen and I - whilst Mum tiled the bathroom!
On the buses and other things
Yesterday I took Angus on a double decker bus ride from North Tawton to Exeter, he was delighted, it thrilled him to excess. This week Helen amused us by reading the paper and dressing as Spider woman. Lovely crisp weather at the moment. I may mow the lawn today - amazing for November. Happy days. Dad
PS. Angus just asked me "Dad, why do children have ears?" Great question eh - if you are 4!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
A busy weekend
This weekend was consumed by parental duties, rugby training Friday night, costume making on Saturday morning, the village carnival parade on Saturday afternoon. All of ours won second prizes! On Sunday Matthew took part in his first march of tag Rugby at Sidmouth - and nearly scored a try!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Party tea
On Thursday we had friends round to celebrate Angus's birthday. It was a sunny October day, reminding me of a similar day when he was brought home from the hospital 4 years ago, and also his 1st birthday at Sourton (click here). We had romps in the garden - and I got some good light for pictures (click here). Angus was delighted to absorb the attention of his friends, as you can see this so evidently in the video clip of the 'happy birthday song' (click here). A happy birthday indeed! Dad
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Monkey-mess
It's half term this week and today we are off to Paignton Zoo. You can come too. It's a bit rainy but I plan to take the camera so I hope to show you how we get on. Helen seems to be a bit lively in the botty department actually, so it could get messy. Anne is off to Waitrose to get some emergency naps - we are going through them like hot cakes at the moment, pooh. Better go.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Early signs?
Click on Uncle Dave’s picture in the recent 3 Peaks to see how birthday-boy Angus demonstrates early tendencies of following in his Uncle’s footsteps! Dad
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Angus is 4
Today our lovely boy Angus turned 4. Click on the photo to reveal more pictures of birthday boy with his brother and sister. Mum and Dad xx
Sunday, October 15, 2006
A trip to Norway
Helen and Anne joined me on a 2-night trip to Oslo Monday-Wednesday, whilst Grandma stayed at home with Matthew and Angus. We had some quality one-to-one time with the one-in-pink. It was a simple but much enjoyable time; we walked around the city, enjoyed our hotel and, whilst I had a meeting at the University, Anne and Helen explored the palace. Thanks Grandma for allowing us the chance. Click on Helen to see the full set of pictures.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Posh and Becks spotted outside the shop in South Zeal
Or Mark and Sarah visit us from New Zealand on Friday! It was the first time we have seen them since March 2001 when Matthew was a baby and Angus and Helen were all-but glints in the eye. A great 20 hours - a walk around the village, picking up Matthew from school, a few pints at the Taw River Inn and a meal with an overnight stay. Until the next time! Click on Posh and Becks to view the set.
Monday, October 02, 2006
After
Well, I know that many of you have been just itching to read this blog to find out how I did. ha ha! It was not all that bad in the end, actually considering my erratic and diverted preparation strategy I was quite pleased with my time, ca 4 hours 48 minutes, almost balanced exactly between worst time and best ever times (2004, 5 hours 17 and 1999, 4 hours 25). I started for the first time as a veteran that meant I was 30 minutes up on the seniors, I felt ok on the road until the turn to Gill Garth (+ 15 minutes) where I went into the red, and paid for it for a while after. This happened almost certainly because I never got to interval training in my last couple of weeks, due to the afore-blogged virus. hey ho. I gasped and grunted up the steep fell side and (after a brief pee just over the style - I drank too much water in the morning note!) Made my way steadily over the summit of Ingleborough (+ 1 h 08) until I reached Cold Cotes (+ 1 hour 30). On the descent my tool kit burst open and I lost a minute or two fumbling around for essentials before realising it was futile task. After changing tool kits with my support team (Angus, Helen, Matthew, Grandma and Anne) I settled into a reasonably strong road section to the Hill Inn. I missed seeing Rob Jebb pass, it may have been whilst descending Ingleborough. The first big bunch with Nick Craig in my flowed passed effortlessly around White Scar Caves. I shared the effort and company with Graham Robson (Hull Thursday RC) and gulped a coke handed out by Tolly (bad move - too early in the race) before I was passed by my brother in the second group just before the pre-Whernside drinks station. At this stage Dave was around about 10th and I nearly blew a gasket seeing how well he was doing (I had hoped to make the top of the 2nd fell until I suffered the indignity of being caught by my 30 minute-brother – he danced ahead with his bike on his back). Whernside (top at + 2 h 25) seemed a longer slog this year and I rode across the top in heavy rain, followed by a reasonably flowing descent picking my way between the rocks and finding the best route generally to the left of the slabs. I seemed to make up a lot of positions here and was surprised at how often people walked when they could so easily have stayed on the bike. Someone caught a great snap of me (and others) descending Blea Moor here, in a cheeky bit of short cut that my brother had previously explained me. I always enjoy the final descent to the Ribblehead to the right of the steps. Richard Bardgett caught some good pictures at the stage. After grabbing a bottle from the crew (+ 3 h) I had a very strong road ride to Horton where I (unnecessarily) grabbed another bottle from Katie (+ 3 h 25). I seemed to slip into go slow up Pen-y-Ghent but was inspired with the emerging sunshine near the top. After laving the lane, Dave and Trev passed me descending near the bottom of the hill-proper. It took me a shameful hour to reach the top (+4.25). Pleased to descend, I settled into it and raced down, thwarted by a front puncture half way down the track Richard Bardgett caught some more good snaps here). I rode on the rim for about 10 minutes until I made the road and my trusty team of support swapped my bike for the last roll into Helwith. Anne got a good picture here too. Nutrition wise I eat a load of pasta the night before (not too much) and some shredded wheat on the day of the race, plus an energy bar and a few bites of malt loaf. I reckon I eat and drank too much before the start this year - I never ate a thing except liquid carbo at the 2 drink stations. The malt loaf I had prepared was a bad choice and I hated it, just could not get it over. Tip for next year; rely on liquid carb singly and carry one or 2 gels as back up. Do not eat too much on the morning. Other notable times were my brother c 3 h 25, Trev ca. 4 h, Leanne ca. 4. 40, Carl about a minute or 2 behind me and Simon P ca 5.15. The day is always great fun but if I want to improve my time I need to lose another stone and ride more – the question is whether or not I can afford the time with the family? But all-in-all it is still worth it and great fun. Probably see you next year! Thanks for your support everyone.
See results at http://www.ukresults.net/2006/3peaks.html
See pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/philhaygarth/tags/race06/
See results at http://www.ukresults.net/2006/3peaks.html
See pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/philhaygarth/tags/race06/
Friday, September 29, 2006
Three-peaks weekend at Grandma's
Last weekend we drive north to Grandma’s and stayed at Kirkby Lonsdale. It was a perfect time with family and friends, great weather, some playing in the park and some apple-picking. A blog about the race itself to follow (yes, I survived!). Click on the picture to reveal the full set. Dad
Thursday, September 21, 2006
It's not about the bike
This afternoon the family drives north to watch Dad humiliate himself in the 3 Peaks Cycle Race. Last year, having lost 1.5 stone in weight, I did one of my best ever times. I had even higher hopes for this year. Tsssk. It’s all fallen apart. Over the past year I kept the cycling and did a modest season of winter cross races. In the spring I upped-it more and had a few goes at some time trails in the mid-summer – with some occasional, but unpredictable form time to time. It as all-been up hill since then though. Here’s a list of the adversity I have faced over the last few weeks.......
- I got a sore mouth in late Aug, which turned into a viral thing and instead of doing 160 miles in the last 2 weeks I did nearly-non.
- My knee, for the first time ever, has started to give me gip. I never have knee problems. It all started whilst walking (yes, walking - how pathetic is that?) in Scotland in July and has been nagging me ever since. Brufon for breakfast.....
- My teething daughter has started to make a habit out of waking around 3 am ish and screaming until ca 4.30 ish. This makes training and recovery harder than last year. Not to mention juggling a career.
- At last week’s weekly-weigh-in, my weight was a mere 1 lb off my starting weight from last year, not bad, could be worse I thought! So, determined to lose that single pound I made an extra-special push with the diet this week and also have put some hard hours in on the bike and the moor – hit it hard from both ends I thought. So what do you think the outcome of all that special effort was? This morning I weighed 4 lbs heavier.
See you all on Sunday. I’m the sleep-deprived fat guy in the red and white top with the arthritic joints. But I’m not complaining. Helen needs her teeth and the bike looks good eh?
- I got a sore mouth in late Aug, which turned into a viral thing and instead of doing 160 miles in the last 2 weeks I did nearly-non.
- My knee, for the first time ever, has started to give me gip. I never have knee problems. It all started whilst walking (yes, walking - how pathetic is that?) in Scotland in July and has been nagging me ever since. Brufon for breakfast.....
- My teething daughter has started to make a habit out of waking around 3 am ish and screaming until ca 4.30 ish. This makes training and recovery harder than last year. Not to mention juggling a career.
- At last week’s weekly-weigh-in, my weight was a mere 1 lb off my starting weight from last year, not bad, could be worse I thought! So, determined to lose that single pound I made an extra-special push with the diet this week and also have put some hard hours in on the bike and the moor – hit it hard from both ends I thought. So what do you think the outcome of all that special effort was? This morning I weighed 4 lbs heavier.
See you all on Sunday. I’m the sleep-deprived fat guy in the red and white top with the arthritic joints. But I’m not complaining. Helen needs her teeth and the bike looks good eh?
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Andy and Bethan Fraser's Wedding
On Friday night the boys went for a sleep-over at Lesley's whilst Anne, Helen and I travelled to Bridgend to celebrate the wedding of Andy Fraser and Bethan. Andy and I were work-colleagues in the 90s and also played together in 'The Lost Mules' and had not seen one-another for a few years, it was great to catch-up. After a freshen-up at the local Travel-Inn, we went to join the evening-do, most notably sharing time Tim and Sue Harrod (you MUST write that book Sue!), also Matt Clark. Helen loved being the centre of attention without having to compete for it with her brothers, and enjoyed staying-up late for a boogie, having a bite to eat before falling asleep in her pushchair (see the pic above!). The next morning we did not awake until after 8 (note Angus) and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before driving home around the estuary in the September sun via a shopping trip in Cardiff's M&S. It seems that the boys enjoyed themselves too so almost a win win for all - thanks Lesley!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Brief get-together
Last Sunday I had a rapid trip north and met with Mum, Dave and Kate. Dave and I did a long bike event (see Dave's Blog for more on this at http://minnellium.blogspot.com/2006/09/good-days-work-in-north-pennines.html) as part of some shock-training for the 3-Peaks later this month. I took a late Saturday train and saw Dave and Kate's new kitchen, whilst Lily slept like a pink princess in her new bedroom (unfortunately I arrived late and departed early so never got to speak to her). On the way back to Preston station, rain, wind and sun battered, Dave and I met briefly with Mum and Toby at Crooklands. In true only-Mum style she brought me a mobile & well-welcome Sunday-dinner wrapped in foil that I subsequently absorbed in the train home. I arrived back at Exeter Station at 2320 Sunday night and my undercarriage and limbs have been sore ever since. Some pics are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/philhaygarth/tags/cumberland/
Thanks Mum, Dave and Kate.
Phil
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Family Holiday in the Dordogne
On Friday we returned from a week’s camping in the Dordogne area of France. It was a ‘Canvas’ holiday where you rent the tent already erected and drive yourself there. We booked it only a couple of weeks ago and we were slightly fearful that the driving and the camping would be too much for the wee-ones. It turned out to be one of the best holidays we have had and especially ideal for the families. After an early morning drive to Dover on 25th August we had time for a play on the sea-front in the sunshine. The boys were thrilled to go on the ferry and latterly we drove onwards to a campsite ca. 50 miles NE of Paris at Touquin. On this stop over (same as the return) we had a luxury caravan and were thrilled on the first night to find ourselves with a complimentary bottle of wine (Mum and Dad) and the play area (the 3 smaller ones) next to the abode. Next day was a long day in the car broken with a lunch stop in Orleans. The children were fantastic at travelling, Matthew absorbed himself in my ipod watching movies (mostly repetitions of ‘The Incredibles’), Angus listened to music (notably AC/DC's ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, primarily because of the chanting of his name at the introduction) and looked out of the window for tractors and Helen looked at the boys and thought ‘well if they aren’t complaining why should I’ – and clapped her hands to the music. We eventually arrived in Camping Les Hauts de Ratebout, a few km from Belves – a wonderful hill top quality site amongst trees and grassland (http://www.hauts-ratebout.fr/uk/frame.htm) in the heart of Perigord Noir. The tent was even better than the caravan as it gave us more space. Most of the week was centred around the swimming pool and both the boys lifted their swimming considerably – Matthew can now dive into deep water and Angus can ‘swim’ confidently with armbands in deep water too. He has a cute style of swimming in which his body and legs remain vertical in the water, yet make lateral progress! We enjoyed the company of another family whilst Angus and Matt made friend with another Matthew and his younger sister Samantha Paine from Guernsey. The weather was mostly good but for 2 days it was overcast so we went out viewing castles and caves – the boys seem fascinated especially by the knight’s armour and the dungeons! I enjoyed myself taking pictures with my new camera see http://www.flickr.com/photos/philhaygarth/sets/72157594268183824/ for the full set from the holiday. The only downer of the week was that Helen got a bug towards the end of the holiday so the journey home was not as peaceful as the outward one, but we still all agreed a great holiday, lovely part of the world and something we would do again. Here’s to next year! Dad
Monday, August 21, 2006
First shoes
Size 3 1/2 G, purchased on 20th August 2006 in Clarks in Exeter & sponsored by Grandma. One chuffed little girl! Dad
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Ben's new boy
Just back from a trip to meet Ben Turner, passing through the UK on a trip from his base in Panama. Ben and Christy were showing-off baby Luke to the family in Sutton Bonington, and I used it as an opp. to meet the little chap and also, as ever, fizz and plot about organic phosphorus with my long-term mate Ben. Thanks for the lovely stew Sue and for the chicken sarnie picnic on the train Christy - if you click on the photo you will see some more piccies. Great trip.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Summer social festival comes to an end....
Late last week Adrian and family visited us. Issy and Sophie spent the day with us on Friday whilst Adrian and Dee when to a wedding nearby. As ever, a great time, social and photographic frenzy and loads of excellent, especially dog-related amusement (see my earlier dog blog - and for the record it wasn't really Adrian's dog - we were looking after Jules' Westie called Archie and he's a pretty good-egg actually). Steve Riley and family also called in to add cream to a great social weekend that marked the end of over 3 weeks of continuous visitors to the Haygarth house, since before my party. Aunt Chrissy and Gran departed on Thursday and drove home safely to Scotland - impressive driving distance Gran and thanks for making the long trip! More piccies of the weekend if you click on the photos, Phil
Monday, August 14, 2006
Helen's first steps
It is official - she's off. After a few false starts over the weekend, Helen is now a walker. She is a most relentless, resilient and determined trier, who adores the applause from her brothers and partents on every step! As soon as she falls she is up again - pure delight to watch! This is what it's all about - click on the image for more....Dad
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
A train trip to see Grandma plus an evening cycling with friends
On Tuesday Angus and Matt joined me on a work-journey north to Lancaster University on the train. They were both very excited; Angus (having hardly slept the night before)looked out of the window for the entire 5 hours, whilst Matthew mastered my ipod. Overnight we seperated with Grandma and the boys staying at Kirkby Lonsdale (including a trip to Kirkby show) and me working at the University. In the evening I had a great hilly 2-hour ride around Caton moor with Trev, Leanne and Jim and later Paul S joined us for a take-away at Jim and Trev's house. Click on the picture to reveal the mug-shots, Phil
Monday, August 07, 2006
Two-years on
Yesterday we met up with me old-friend Tim Legg and his two-year-old son Jimmy. Tim now lives in France and was on a fast-track through West Devon, so we met at the playground at Bren-Tor. The children became acquainted for the first time. Click on the picture to reveal more pictures, which includes some snaps of Matt and Angus swimming in our neighbour's pool yesterday to stave-off the humidity!.
Phil
Phil
Happy Birthday Anne
Today is my lovely wife's birthday - Happy Birthday Anne xxx
PS For a photo of the party-tea with Gran and Aunt Chrissie see http://www.flickr.com/photos/philhaygarth/211165308/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)