Easter Encore

Adrian, Dee and Izzy visit
Originally uploaded by Dave Haygarth

Easter weekend saw a visit of Dave, Kate and Lily plus a bonus 'pop in' from Adrian Dee and Izzy. The image is caught here by Dave as is a great blog by the master of all bloggers viewed by clicking here....

Family Skiing Holiday, Val Cenis, French Alps

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Between 8-15th March we went skiing and what was a bit of a gamble (with the children so young) turned out great. Our philosophy was that first and foremost it was a family holiday rather than a solely ski-focused trip, and it worked, with some fun and quality time together. The boys went to ski lessons for 2.5 hours a day in the mornings. On day one they were on the nursery slopes and thereafter up the hill on the chair! Matt did the whole 6 days but Angus did 4 days - he was a tad under the weather and got tired. Later in the week I had a quality one to one ski session with both - which saw Angus (aged 5) on the blue runs and Matthew (aged 7) on the reds - they are off, amazing. This was a great parent moment for me. Anne and I also each managed some lone skiing for an hour or so most days and easily felt like we had skied enough - it is not that much fun sking alone. We had a couple of afternoons skiing as a family with Helen skiing between my legs whilst I supported her (she was so relaxed on one occasion she had the audacity to fall asleep!). Other special memories were made from simple shopping trips to the village with Helen, sledging, teaching Angus Uno (and him winning) and a great apartment next to the slopes. Pictures here. Phil

And here is the video (uploaded in July)

Mother's Day 2008

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Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

After the trip the Wasdale I dashed back to Kirkby Lonsdale and took out all my 'associated mothers' for lunch at the Sun Inn - made extra special because Gran had driven down from Scotland. Lovely lunch, nice day - piccies here.....Phil

Wasdale 2008

The first weekend of March saw me have a precious couple of days walking in Walsdale with my brother and cousin Adrian, amongst other friends. What is now an annual bonding experience (see other blog reports 2006 here and 2007 here) more than fullfilled expectations with an ascent of Pillar and a Sunday morning jaunt to the top of the Wasdale screes. Some notable exitement was a powercut in the valley due to high winds. Great blokey fun with some great blokes! My pictures are here and those from Adrian, Dave and the Wasdale Public Conveniences Knitting Club are here.....

And below is a 6 minute video summary...(warning only for those who have a blokey interest in bodily function, being overly picky about choosing breakfast and Jose Mourinho fibres)......