We've spent some more time playing with chickens, then we went to Lancaster to hang out with Katy and Max. We got to experience some true Cumbrian weather, much to Will's delight, and Katy taught me to crochet. Then next day we went to Sedbergh and hung out with the Websters, who have all doubled in size over the last two years, and did a little shopping at the new outlet shopping centre in Kendal. I managed to get the waterproof I wanted reduced from £139.99 ...

We are house sitting for some friends in Grange-over-sands this week and it's so exciting for the kids. The friends have five chickens and 2 guinea pigs, both of which have been an endless source of amusement. Between chasing chickens and stroking guinea pigs, we've also managed to visit friends in Lancaster and Sedbergh so far. The Hubbard's have moved to a new house in Howgill and we got to spend a lovely day with them and meet their newest daughter Martha. ...

We went to visit Grandpa and Jo for a few days at their new house in Southbourne. It just so happened Georgina was visiting for a few days too, so it was really nice to spend some time with all of them. We had plenty of fun on the beach, rode on a steam train and a diesel train, a chain boat ferry and visited corfe castle. Everyone's favourite part was the beach, and Matt made the comment that his sand castle was probably the best thing he'd ever made, right be...

Today we decided to take a family bike ride. The problem is that our bikes are knackered (I haven't ridden mine in seven years and it's been stored outside), so we hired some. I pictured the day; beautiful, sunny, a picnic by the adventure trail followed by a leisurely pedal around the stanwick lakes sculpture trail. It was going to be beautiful. Maybe we'd do it every Exeat and holiday; maybe I'd even take the kids without Matt and do it sometimes whilst he's at...

Today we went to a vicious venoms and poisonous parasites workshop at centre of the cell in London. My goodness it was good. Mamie, Ruby and Christine joined us, whilst daddy and Lila stayed home. The day began with a train journey into London, or should I say Luton, where I got kicked off the train for having a cheap ticket. Turns out I'm not allowed to ride on virgin trains if I have an FCC ticket, much to Christine's amusement. So we got into St Pancras ...