Not quite Glastonbury

Sunday was the UK's largeset free concert - apparently.

It was certainly the kids' first taste of live music.





Same Difference playing High School Musical's 'Breaking Free' - doesn't get much better in Ruby's eyes!

Then of course we all had fun boogying to McFly - shame they didn't play 'Don't stop me now!' thought Noah...

Several hours, many ice-creams and lots of water later and we were still on Daddy's shoulders.

And finally the one Samuel had been waiting for... 'Scouting for Girls'

It really was a great family day out and fun to do something (almost) that as adults we would choose to do.

Shhhh

Some things are just too exciting to not be shared.

Every now and then something out of the ordinary happens.

But it's top secret and I promised I wouldn't tell.

But nobody reads this blog. Right?

Taken over

We've had a big arrival in the office this week...

It feels a bit like we are being taken over...

And then there were more...

I for one am very excited about these new additions. The very clever Alice, from Alice Apple, has created these gorgeous creatures that we are delighted to have at Blueberry Park. They aren't quite available online yet (they will be soon). Until then, please feel free to get in touch to reserve your personal favourite now.

One moment of madness

It seems I'm now committed (or should be). I've now not only gone and signed up for this year's Leeds Half Marathon, but sent an email around to let people know. And already people are putting their money where my mouth is and making it now impossible for me to back out.

So I guess the race is on. Not that I'll be racing. I'm only just back into my running gear after a month's absence with my bad back. I gingerly stepped out yesterday for the first time. And whilst it didn't feel bad (it actually felt rather good) my lungs weren't quite sure they could remember being pushed like this and definitely need a bit more preparation.

Still, I've said I'd do it and I will. In the meantime, if you want to make absolutely 100% sure that I won't chicken out, hit here and give a donation to put more guilt on to me and make sure I carry out my threats to participate.

Just remind me to not mention a full marathon...ever...

(Big thanks to those that have already supported me. I do appreciate your generosity x)

Deviation

Why is it when men go to the supermarket with a list, your list, they think they know better? How come they always come home with things that weren't on the list? Things that can't make a meal. Things they've never seen in the house before. How come they don't know the difference between Percol Americano Coffee that we ALWAYS have (strength 4 - important point) and some other random weaker variety. How come they refuse to acknowledge that, even though I don't insist on all organic, there are some things that are a must. Bananas. Milk. Butter. Cheese. Carrots. Eggs. Coffee. Bread. (That's quite a long list isn't it?) It's irrelevent that there may be no rhyme or reason to this. But they should know. They live here too.

But of course it's ok to deviate from the list (my list) if you are coming home with this...

Thanks, Matth! But it still doesn't give you the right to deviate from the list - my list...

Whirlwind

Life is so full of this...

that we forget to stop and do this...

Which is why I have decided to do just that. I now have 10 mintues - 10 whole minutes - before my day is taken over to the whirlwind factor, until bedtime - actually today to well past what should be bedtime, that I've decided to get my book out in the middle of the day. I know, shock horrors, what could I be thinking!

I could be putting the Shepherd's Pie on. I could get that extra load of washing out. I could do a few work emails. I could...

But no. Today I am going to grab those extra 10 minutes for me. Just me. And take a few moments to do nothing other than read my book and sip my coffee. Bliss.

Oh crap - down to just 7...

Sleeping Beauty

It's a month to go to Ruby's 7th birthday. And having spent the whole year being 6 planning number 7, she's suddenly lost interest. I tell you, when the going gets tough...

Needless to say, I'm just revving up. Throughout the year we've planned swimming parties at the local aqua slide centre, bowling followed by fish and chips back home, a BBQ in the park and yet another bouncy slide/arty party back home. We've done the latter FOREVER and whilst I had in my head that we would do that again, yesterday I was hit by a bout of inspiration. So instead of our usual format of this...

and this...

followed of course by this...

Instead I've gone for something entirely different. I'll post more about it in the aftermath but my very clever friend Roz has come up with this gorgeous invitation which is perfect for the event.

I for one can't wait!

Roses are red...

..or white, or pink.

We are having the best weather at the moment. I'm not sure if it is due to last, but it certainly puts a big smile on my face before I even leave the house.

And then when I do leave the house, the first thing I am greeted by is this...

Oh the scent hits me first. Delicious. And then I notice the sun bouncing off the delicate pink petals.

And one of the best things about this huge rambling beauty (I've only snapped a smidgeon) is it enables me to do this...

So I can be surrounded by this delicate beauty inside and out. Long may it continue. Happy summer everyone.