Summerfield Family News
Thursday 5th February 2009
Darran completes the first draft of his latest book.
Monday 2nd February 2009
It snowed like billyo overnight, much to the delight of the kids and Darran. Joel is particularly happy because the school is shut and he gets to stay at home and play in the snow on his birthday. Darran is happy because he gets to build a snowman for the second time this winter.
Sunday 1st Febuary 2009
Joel's big Mad Science birthday party with 30 of his classmates. It was great fun, they all enjoyed blowing stuff up and riding on the homemade hovercraft.
Friday 30th January 2009
Our team came third in the annual School Quiz, which isn't a bad result really. However, we have been nominated to run next year's quiz because we were apparently the noisest table!
Saturday 24th January 2009
Last year, for a silent auction to raise money for the school PTA, Darran volunteered a "night with the stars". Two families bid similar amounts and tonight they both came around to gaze at the heavens through Darran's big telescope. Everyone enjoyed the evening, particularly Jen's home made brownies.
Sunday 11th January 2009
Despite Darran being in hospital - again - with his "problem plum" just six hours before we are due to leave, the family manages to set off to Courchevel in France for their annual ski holiday. The snow is great if a little thin in places, but is right down to the chalet, and the weather is nearly dawn to dusk blue skies. Abbie manages to achieve a one star badge which means she's mastered parallel turns on green runs, Joel got the two star badge because he can do parallel turns on red runs.
Everyone survives without further injury and has a great time.
Sunday 14th December 2008
Joel gains his blue belt at his latest Karate grading.
Saturday 13th December 2008
Due to diminished numbers, Jen joins Joel and Abbie in their Christmas concert.
Tuesday 9th December 2008
Abbie plays Mary in the school nativity play.
Saturday 4th October 2008
Joel starts a course of golf lessons towards his Bronze Young Masters Golf Award.
Sunday 21st September 2008
While on a day trip to Lightwater Valley Abbie gets so bored standing in a queue for a ride, that she pulls out her first wobbly tooth.
Friday 5th September 2008
Joel starts Maths lessons with Year 7 at Boston Spa School. He's very nervous, but makes it through, and later comes top of the year in a test.
Darran is admitted into hospital (just as Jen is scheduled to escape for the weekend). It turns out to be an infection in a rather tender spot. After a course of antibiotics and morphine he's back home the following day.
Sunday 24th August 2008
Trip to Winkie's, via Edinburgh to see cousin Polly's new house. Joel went diving in the freezing Calder and played the Newtonmore golf course for the first time.
Saturday 16th August 2008
Trip to Wales, via Shrewsbury to see cousin Katy's new house, then onto the valleys to meet Sara's new chickens.
Friday 8th August 2008
A family gathering at Newby Hall. The kids try sculpting for the first time and Great Granny Isabel joins us for lunch.
Wednesday 6th August 2008
A family gathering at Matlock Bath, visiting the Heights of Abraham. Punch and Judy, ancient mines, and Jen and Darran manage to palm the kids off on their grandparents.
Sunday 27th July 2008
Darran takes a trip to Tunbridge Wells to get his old telescope serviced. However, he only makes it an hour down the road before the exhaust falls off the car. After a night in a Premier Inn and a trip to the garage he's off again next moring and manages to complete the trip.
Friday 4th July 2008
Joel sets off for a weekend away camping with the cub scouts. Hopefully the weather will be better than last year...
Tues 1st and Wed 2nd July 2008
School Sports Days and everybody in the family gets a medal..apart from Darran.
Monday 23rd June 2008
After several months of tests, Darran's sinusitis problem is traced to an allergy to his pet cats. The rest of the family decide to keep the cats so it's his tough luck...
Friday 20th June 2008
Jen,Darran,Kath and Den enjoy a fantastic performance of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Joel sings in the chorus.
Saturday 14th June 2008
Joel takes his Music Grade 1 Theory Exam and passes with distinction
Friday 13th June 2008
Abbie breaks her finger doing handstands at school, it's not a bad break and manages without painkillers.
Monday 9th June 2008
Joel has a Year 4 visit "down pit" at the Yorkshire Coal Mining Museum. Meanwhile, back above ground Nat has a hernia operation.
Thursday 29th May 2008
Jen and the kids visit Chatsworth along with Anna and Bella and the Hobsons. The boys play golf...
Sunday 18th May 2008
Darran wins the Cheshire Pitch and Putt handicap challenge at the Woodside par 3 course!
Saturday 17th May 2008
Joel and Abbie perform in a concert as part of their Saturday morning music classes. Abbie tootled her recorder solo, she said it was both exciting and scary.
Friday 9th April 2008
Jen escapes to Dublin for the weekend with Sara and Anna. The Summerfield household manages to survive without her
Wednesday 30th April 2008
Primrose Lane Primary School has an evening concert. Joel performs in the recorder ensemble, the choir and bravely performs a solo piano piece. All went well and grandparents enjoyed the music too.
Saturday 26th April 2008
The circus visits Primrose Lane Primary School. Abbie is picked as a volunteer to stand up at the front. Will this influence her career choice ?
Friday 25th April 2008
Abbie and Jen visit Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall for Abbie's Year 1 trip.
Saturday 5th April 2008
Not only do Jen and Darran have their 11th wedding anniversary to celebrate, but Darran recieves a letter from his neurosurgeon saying that his acoustic neuroma has not grown, and therefore doesn't require treatment at the moment.
Friday 28th March 2008
A family trip to Winkie's. Everyone has a great time, Nessie hunting, toasting marshmallows, and the kids try horse riding for the first time. On the next visit, Dad's threatened to have a go...
Sunday 23rd March 2008
Darran and Jen head off to Derbyshire for some hill walking and are met with howling blizzards.
Sunday 16th March 2008
Abbie passes her primary ballet exam with merit. She's now studying for Grade One.
Friday 14th March 2008
Darran has his follow up MRI scan, he's now awaiting the results...
Thursday 6th March 2008
Darran finally hears from the publisher, and it isn't good news. Although she does not want the current book, she encourages him to submit his next book. He's already working on his next magnum opus, but is considering writing some short stories in the near future.
Tuesday 26th Febuary 2008
Jen starts her third job working for a company producing golf club marketing brochures. Darran looks forward to reduced green fees !
Tuesday 4th Febuary 2008
A literary agent requests Darran submit his entire manuscript.
Saturday 2nd Febuary 2008
For Joel's birthday he invites a friend to go swimming and water sliding.
Wednesday 23rd January 2008
Darran's first visit to the neurosurgeon. Now waiting for another brainscan to see if the thing is growing, its reassuring to know that many of these things are static and never need treatment.
Saturday 12th January 2008
Darran submits his finished book to a second publisher, now he has two sets of fingers crossed.
Sunday 13th January 2008
A week of family skiing in Tigne. Mixed weather, but no injuries and by the end of the week both kids were skiing very well. A truly great time was had by all.
Sunday 2nd December 2007
Joel achieves his green belt at Karate.
Monday 5th November 2007
Darran's second visit to the neurologist, the MRI scan shows no "physical" reason for the headaches. The diagnosis of Chronic Daily Headache is confirmed. However, the MRI scan shows an
Acoustic Neuroma
, and Darran is placed on a waiting list to see a neurosurgeon. (Don't panic! These things are usually benign and slow growing.)
Tuesday 16th October 2007
Darran is recalled to the hospital for a higher resolution MRI scan!
Monday 15th October 2007
Darran has an MRI scan to help with the diagnosis of his headaches.
Sunday 30th September 2007
Darran successfully completes The Great North Run, his first half marathon in 2 hours and 17 minutes, and vows "never again!".
Monday 24th September 2007
Darran has his first appointment with a neurologist regarding his recurrent headaches. The initial diagnosis is Chronic Daily Headache Syndrome and he is banned from taking any painkillers.
Wednesday 12th September 2007
Darran finally submits his thrice redrafted book to the publisher. Now fingers are crossed...
Sunday 1st July 2007
Abbie passes her first ballet exam with flying colours...
Sunday 10th June 2007
Darran jointly wins the Cheshire Pitch and Putt Challenge!
Wednesday 4th April 2007
For their 10th wedding anniversary Jen and Darran spend a long weekend in the Yorkshire Dalkes. (Thankfully there were no blisters this time!)
Sunday 10th December 2006
Joel attends a Katate grading meeting; due to his hard work and skill he achieves his orange belt.
Monday 27th November 2006
Swimming success: Joel gets his Dolphin Eight swimming award, which means he'll be a Baracuda next term, with the challenge of swimming ten lengths!
Abbie is also showing remarkable progress, being more tadpole and less jelly-fish. She recieved an achievement award and is expected to get her Dolphin Three next term.
Tuesday 14th November 2006
Darran gives Joel's Beaver group a chat about astronomy, and they all enjoy a look through his new telescope (which is more child friendly than his old one).
Thursday 2nd November 2006
After much soul searching Darran has to admit he does not have the time to make a telescope, so that little project has been boxed up for a later date. So instead he buys a new one.
It turns out to be a wonderful instrument.
Friday 27th October 2006
Jen flies (literally) down to Southampton to spend a lovely child-free weekend visiting Sally.
Saturday 14th October 2006
Darran becomes Yorkshire Astromind 2006 ! (despite not doing any revision)
Saturday 23rd September 2006
Darran meets an agent (for one of the county's top publishers) and she wants to see his book ! He expects to have the rewrite of his novel ready to submit by just after Christmas. There might be good news in the New Year...
Meanwhile Joel and Abbie try out the majority of the rides at Stokesley Fair. They especially enjoyed the Ferris Wheel.
Monday 18th September 2006
Abbie starts full time school (after two weeks of part time) and settles in very well (as expected). As a consequence Jen starts her new day job working from home. She is trying to buy land for residential development, slightly different to Market Research but still phoning people up ! She is still working at her evening job doing Market Research.
Thursday 14th September 2006
Joel achieves his orange tip for his yellow Karate Belt, meaning he's one step closer to his next grading.
Wednesday 16th August 2006
We enjoy a Family day out to Howstean Gorge in Nidderdale. Both children loved climbing and exploring over the rocks, although Abbie wasn't too sure about the cave.
Friday 18th August 2006
Joel attends a day long goal keeping course run by Leeds United. He recieved a bloody lip, and the trophy for having the best attitude.
Thursday 10th August 2006
The family Summerfield set off to Scotland on the train to celebrate Great-Great Aunt Winkie's 90th Birthday. We stayed in a hostel along with other relatives and all enjoyed lots of late night partying.
Sunday 30th July 2006
We all get together for a meal and bowling to celebrate Grandad Dennis's 60th Birthday.
Monday 24th July 2006
After a short walk with the children up towards Roseberry Topping, Jen and Darran head off to the Lake District for some serious walking up High Street. The children have a lovely time with Granny and Grandad.
Saturday 8th July 2006
Darran chooses to spend his birthday playing Pitch and Putt with his friends.
Monday 26th June 2006
Joel gets his Dolphin Seven swimming award.
Monday 12th June 2006
Abbie achieves the fantastic milestone of swimming without buoyancy aides!
Saturday 21st May 2006
Joel attends his first Karate grading and achieves his yellow belt!
Thursday 18th May 2006
We discover that Joel is short sighted and needs to wear glasses. He's being very mature about it and does not seem to mind.
Saturday 6th May 2006
Joel has his first proper go at Pitch and Putt, and managed to complete all 18 holes at Harrogate's Valley Gardens. His greatest achievement was on the final hole where he did a better Tee shot than his dad!
Friday 28th April 2006
A family trip to Legoland Windsor which was enjoyed by all. Both Abbie and Joel had their first rollercoaster experiences.
Monday 13th February 2006
Abbie recieves her Dolphin 1 swimming award.
Thursday 9th February 2006
In an effort to avoid future problems with his unstable pelvis, Darran starts Pilates classes!
Saturday 4th February 2006
Joel had his birthday celebration at the Waterworld near York. He and some friends had great fun on the water slides and trying to capsize Darran on the gentle rubber ring slide.
Wednesday 28th December 2005
Winter arrives in Boston Spa with snow and sub zero maximum temperatures. The family go out for a morning of sledging and snowman building, great fun!
Sunday 25th December 2005
Despite only getting back from our holiday the day before Christmas Eve, we hosted Christmas this year (with many generous contributions to help us out). Guests of honour were, Jen’s Grandmother and her Aunt and Uncle, Jean and John. It was hailed by all to be a great success.
Friday 16th December 2005
Off to La Rosiere in France for a family skiing holiday. The weather almost cooperated perfectly with a huge dump of fresh snow as we arrived, unfortunately, this meant the first day’s skiing was a write-off, but at least we had the opportunity to get our postcards done early.
The kids did really well in their ski lessons, Abbie was awarded as the best skier in her ‘Spritelet’ group, and Joel was bombing down red runs by the end of the week. Everyone had a great time.
Saturday 10th December 2005
To everyone's surprise, not least of all his own, Gran and Grandad Smith manage to coax Joel into riding his bike without stabilisers. Suddenly he's off...
Monday 28th November 2005
Abbie achieves her Water Babies Three swimming award, this means she can go up into the next class!
Friday 25th November 2005
A whistle stop visit to Bristol for the weekend, narrowly avoiding the blizzards that hit the South West on the Friday and the Monday. Everyone enjoyed the visit and a great time was had by all. Everyone particulaly enjoyed the visit to the Exploratorium, an interactive museum.
Thursday 17th November 2005
Joel attains his Dolphin Five and Six swimming award. Which means he'll no longer be a Minnow but a Seal!
Sunday 13th November 2005
We all attend the Christening of Isabella Grace Kydd. Joel and Abbie helped to fill the font and clear the generous after service buffet.
Monday 24th October 2005
Another family trip to Newtonmore in Scotland to see Winkie. The highlight of the trip (apart from seeing Winkie of course) is a funicular trip up to the top of Cairngorm mountain.
Saturday 15th October 2005
Darran narrowly misses being crowned the Yorkshire Astro mind this year, pipped into second place by one point by a previous champion! He intends to do everything in his power to win it next year.
Saturday 1st October 2005
Darran is told by a literary agent "you write beautifully", which he's pretty chuffed about. This spurs him on to complete the rewrite of his book in time to approach agents in the New Year.
Tuesday 13th September 2005
Abbie begins to attend Nursery at her big brother's school. She is so excited, as you can imagine.
Monday 5th September 2005
Joel starts his second year at Primrose Lane Primary School. He had a great holiday but was looking forward to the new term.
Saturday 20th August 2005
We attend Jen's cousin Katy's wedding in Shropshire. Jen plays her 'cello for the ceremony,
Joel is an usher and Abbie is the bridesmaid.
Everyone had a lovely time.
Friday 12th August 2005
Joel and Darran spend the midnight hour in the garden watching meteors. Joel sees a few and is very pleased.
Friday 12th August 2005
On the book front, Darran finally managed to finish and send off his submission for his meeting with Dorothy Lumley
of the Dorian Literary Agency at the British Fantasy Conference in October.
Wednesday 27th July 2005
The family trip to France, flying from Leeds Bradford to Paris, then hire and drive to the HBP property Nat and Wendy have arranged.
Everyone enjoyed themselves (and the food) and the kids particularly enjoyed the swimming pools.
On the return leg we visited the Robertsons. Finally returning to the airport was nowhere near as terrifying as leaving it!
Thursday 30th June 2005
Darran begins receiving treatment for lower back pain, it turns out to be pelvic misalignment he's had since his early teens.
The inital treatment is a success but that is just the beginning...
Tuesday 21st June 2005
Joel is invested into the local Beaver colony and is now a fully fledged Beaver!
Sunday 19th June 2005
A visit to Lincolnshire for the Saxilby Teddy Bear parachute jump with Sara and Dave hosting a BBQ.
Both, Petal and Bunny were very brave and only suffered a bruised paw and sore ear between them.
Saturday 18th June 2005
Katy visited and fitted the children's outfits for her wedding later in the summer. As you can probably guess Abbie loved every minute!
Saturday 11th June 2005
Darran attended the now annual Cheshire Pitch and Putt challenge. Despite coming last he did enjoy himself.
Saturday 28th May 2005
A family trip to Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge. Amongst other things, we found a huge Woolley Ant nest made from a mountain of pine needles!
It was creepy!
Friday 22nd April 2005
Joel's first loose tooth finally falls out.
Saturday 9th April 2005
The whole family go to the cinema to see "Pooh's Hephalump story". It was Abbie's first trip to the cinema, and
she enjoyed the experience immensely. However, when the film ended the emotional strain was too much for her and she
left in floods of tears...
Friday 8th April 2005
Joel' now has two wobbly teeth. The whole family is on the edge of its seats waiting for them to drop out!
Friday 1st April 2005
It's no joke, we went to the Peak District with friends for a walking holiday. We enjoyed three days of rain free walking which included Stanage Edge, Chatsworth and Mam Tor.
Wednesday 30th March 2005
Joel discovers his first wobbly tooth.
Friday 25th March 2005
The big trip to Bristol. Joel and Abbie loved cousin Elodie and Patrick's new house.
Monday 28th February 2005
Darran starts a plastering course, and embarks on the beginning of a new career. Well, at least until he gets his book published...
Tuesday 22nd February 2005
Joel joins the Beavers, the precursor to the Cubs, he really enjoyed himself.
Sunday 30th January 2005
Jen Darran and Joel jet of to Andorra for a week of Skiing while Abbie has her own special holiday at her grandparents.
Despite the weather being occasionally foul, and Joel having a tummy bug, the holiday was a great success. Joel successfully achieved his one star international ski standard award, and perhaps more importantly he actually really enjoyed it.
Saturday 15th January 2005
Joel completes his first 'wedges' ski lesson at the Castleford indoor snow slope.
He did very well and is really looking forward to his skiing holiday.
Monday 10th January 2005
Abbie has her first 'solo' swim lesson, it was a great success.
Saturday 8th January 2005
Abbie has her first ballet lesson. As you might guess she completely loved it.
Saturday 8th January 2005
Abbie has a trial separation weekend with her Grandparents,
this is to prepare her for being left behind when the rest of the family goes skiing without her in a few weeks.
Saturday 25th December 2004
Christmas at Nat and Wendy's, everyone had a great time.
Monday 13th December 2004
Darran's two month bout of writers block finally breaks.
The rewrite of "Standing at the end of the world" begins in earnest.
Thursday 9th December 2004
After a long wait Darran gets a rejection form his first new job application.
Thursday 18th November 2004
Jen and her parents take a day trip to Bristol to see Patrick and his proud family.
Everyone had a lovely time despite the return journey being dogged by snow.
Monday 15th November 2004
Latest addition to the family, Patrick Benjamin Alexander Smith was born this morning to Dan and Terresa. Jen and Darran are a very proud Aunt and Uncle again, and Abbie and Joel are very excited cousins once more.
Saturday 23rd October 2004
Family trip to Somerset for a week.
We stayed in a 'borrowed house' in West Huntspill near Weston-super-Mare, which was very nice.
The kids slept in the same room together for the first time which they both thought was great fun, particularly Abbie
who wouldn't stop talking to Joel until overcome by extreme tiredness.
We managed to avoid most of the servere weather that battered the South West, and even managed a sunny visit to the seaside
two days before the very same beach was struck by a fatal tornado. We met up with Abbie and Joel's cousin Elodie a few times,
all the children got on well.
We had a great time.
Monday 11th October 2004
Darran is made redundant (but it's not as bad as it sounds).
Now he has a little time to attempt the rewrite of his book.
Saturday 9th October 2004
Darran makes his first attempt to become the Yorkshire Astromind, but after a close contest manages 4th place.
Monday 9th August 2004
Joel has a ski lesson at the Castleford indoor snow slope, he likes it and in doing so qualifies to come on next year's skiing holiday.
Monday 19th July 2004
Darran decides to have his book looked at by a professional editor.
Monday 21st June 2004
After a five year sabatical Jen returns to employment, this time as a telephone market researcher.
Thursday 13th May 2004
Abbie manages another visit to hospital with a suspected broken wrist, thankfully it only turned out to be a couple of bruised knuckles.
Wednesday 28th April 2004
Darran takes the plunge and begins approaching agents with his first book, more news to follow...
Wednesday 28th April 2004
Abbie realises a lifelong ambition and actually meets Dora the Explorer in the flesh.
Saturday 10th April 2004
A family visit to Winkie's.
Saturday 28th February 2004
Jen and the Kids start an epic roadtrip to visit friends and family in the South, stop offs include Sal and Stan's and the Smiths in Bristol.
Wednesday 18th February 2004
Jen and Darran headed off to Cumbria to stay with friends in a cottage. The weather was cold with the summit of Cross fell covered in frozen snow.
Saturday 7th February 2004
Jen and Darran jetted off to Val Thorens in the French Alps for a week of skiing. Despite getting off to a cold start the holiday was superb and no one hurt themselves (although Darran did try his best).
Thursday 25th December 2003
We hosted Christmas this year, notable atendees included great, great aunt Winkie and cousin Elodie, along with her mum and Dad.
Thursday 4th December 2003
Abbie visited her preschool for the first time today in a bid to get her acclimatised to the idea before she starts attending regularly next year.
Thursday 30th October 2003
Joel was presented with a merit award for coping well with doing maths with a class of children two years older than him.
He had to stand up in front of the entire school during an assembly to accept it. His Mum and Dad are very proud of his achievement.
Thursday 23rd October 2003
Joel strutted his stuff on the catwalk when he was a model for the school fashion show.
Saturday 18th October 2003
Joel's reading suddenly "clicks" and he astonishes his parents by reading himself a bed time story.
Monday 8th September 2003
Joel enjoyed his first day at school, and Abbie enjoyed her first swimming lesson.
Sunday 21st June 2003
Joel managed to swim for the very first time, completely unaided.
Monday 16th June 2003
Latest addition to the family, Elodie Elizabeth Smith was born this morning. Jen and Darran are a very proud Aunt and Uncle, and Abbie and Joel are very excited cousins.
Wednesday 16th April 2003
Although Abbie has been taking a few steps now and then she only really started walking with confidence this week.
Now there's no stopping her!
Saturday 22nd February 2003
Jen and Darran take Joel to Bad Gastein in Austria for a skiing holiday with his Granny Wendy and Grandad Nat. Joel has a great time but is unimpressed by skiing, he prefers to dig in the snow with his bucket and spade. Everyone enjoys the holiday and returns home with plenty of new memories and no new injuries.
Abbie stays at home with her other grandparents and has a wonderful holiday aswell.
Tuesday 4th February 2003
Jen is convinced her husband is going grey.
Sunday 2nd February 2003
Joel invited twenty-odd of his closest friends to a slap up meal and bouncy castle to celebrate his fourth birthday.
Saturday 11th January 2003
Joel recieves his first proper bicycle, an early birthday present. He was delighted.
Friday 10th January 2003
Abbie spends her first stay away from home on her own, probably a bigger step for her parents than for her!
Saturday 28th December 2002
Jen's Uncle Eric and Sue got hitched in Hitchin. A big family party enjoyed by all.
Also, Abbie climbs her first flight of stairs.
Sunday 22nd December 2002
Abbie celebrated her first birthday.
Tuesday 19th November 2002
After an epic drive around the north of England in the early hours of the morning I finally located a patch of clear sky.
Myself, my father, my wife and her friend managed to see a Leonid meteor storm, the last of the current 33 year cycle. The event was enjoyed by all, despite it being 4am in morning in the middle of November.
Friday 8th November 2002
Darran is left in charge of both kids for the first time as Jen heads off for a weekend in Cheltenham, very exotic! Surprisingly both the kids and the weather behave very well allowing all parties to enjoy themselves.
Tuesday 22nd October 2002
At exactly 10 months old, Abbie manages to crawl properly for the first time.
Friday 11th October 2002
(gong bang alert) Joel receives his first academic praise when he's described by his teacher as Phonetically advanced.
Tuesday 8th October 2002
Abbie (and Jen) spend 48 hours in hospital after Abbie develops an agressive sinus infection. Armored with IV needle restistent blubber the doctors have to resort to slower oral medication. She is now back to normal but very fed up with taking medicine.
Saturday 21st September 2002
Abbie's first tooth breaks through, quickly followed by number two. She didn't seem to be too bothered and in fact seems to be enjoying the new sensation with her tongue.
Sunday 15th September 2002
Jen and Darran start their "week of Pain". In other words, going "fat free" for a week.
Monday 9th September 2002
Joel started nursery school.
Saturday 7th September 2002
During a weekend away from the kids in London, Jen and Darran enjoy their first 'flight' on the London Eye. Enjoyed by both, although next time we'll bring a map and binoculars.
Thursday 19th August 2002
We get a new car, a deep blue Xzara Picasso, Joel names it Dysa.
Saturday 3rd August 2002
A family trip to Derbyshire, and Joel's first caving adventure. Abbie hated the boat trip in Speedwell cavern, luckily she fell asleep in time for the return leg.
Tuesday 4th June 2002
Abbie's first trip to casualty, we're hoping that she'll not make a habit of it. A dislocated elbow, poor thing, she was not impressed, and almost as upset as her parents.
Saturday 4th May 2002
A family train ride to Newtonmore in Scotland to stay with Jen's great aunt, Winkie. The train journey was arduous, but was of course worth it. Joel was facinated by watching golfers up close.
Saturday 22nd December 2001
At ten thirty in the morning Joel became a big brother to a 9lb 5.5oz sister called Abbie.
Amazingly everyone was home in time for tea despite the snow, and the giving birth thing.