A Weekend with Friends and Family - that's the best kind isn't it?

K and I started the weekend with Dinner at Darren & Sarah's.  Sarah's a great cook and they're both terrific hosts so we enjoyed our evening no end.  Apologies to K for the extensive school day reminiscing - I'm afraid it's inevitable.

Saturday night was spent at Steve and Patricia's.  We had a look at their wedding video, which brought back great memories and drank way too much!  This was evidenced by Steve's decision to pull his pants up to his nipples and then sit on his wife.  We can't remember why.

Sunday lunch with the in-laws and then down to Martin and Charlotte's to spend some time with Evie.  Clint, Emma and Joel were there too and the adults all played pass the parcel with the baby - I ducked out of that game, I'm always a bit nervous with tiny babies, worried I might break them I guess.

Hello Evie!

Welcome to the world to Evangeline Grace Hickerton - my new niece.

She was born yesterday morning and weighs a very healthy 8lb 8oz.  I think you can tell from this photo that Dad is quite pleased with the new arrival.

Marwell Animal Park

Just got back from a great trip to Marwell Animal Park with Lou, Pat and Oli. It's the little fella's birthday and he enjoyed the animals - but not as much as he enjoyed riding on a tractor!

My favourites were the giant anteater and the wallaby with a baby in her pouch.

Weather was very good (for Feb in England) so we really enjoyed it all.

Shep upsets Martin's London marathon training

Martin's doing the London Marathon in April and his training programme said he needed to do a 16 mile run. That's further than he's been before and he asked me if I wanted to go with him (on my bike, obviously!).  I planned a route that I was sure would be between 15 and 16 miles but, as usual, I underestimated and he ended up doing 18.8!  It all turned out OK because he managed it really well and there was no sign of hitting the fabled 'wall' which often comes around the 18 mile mark.  Martin might let me go out with him again but I don't think I'll be allowed to navigate!