Cinderella

Lovely panto afternoon with the Martins. We went to see Cinderella at the London Palladium - Julian Clary, Paul O'Grady, Lee, Mead - really, really funny.

Merry Christmas

Lovely Christmas, as always.

Started with a Christmas parkrun - just me and Alfie this year.

 

 

Then lots of presents; TVs for Cam and Clara, lovely perfume and aftershave, chocolates etc.

 

A HUGE dinner and relaxing afternoon with some games and films to watch.

 

Merry Christmas one and all.

 

 

Happy 17th Birthday Cam

A birthday on a school day - never mind!!

When we all got home Cam unwrapped a sweatshirt and some aftershave from Clara. Got lots of money from family and friends and some driving lessons from Mum and Dad.  His first lesson is on Wednesday.

Panic Room

Jon finally got to use his voucher for Panic Room in Gravesend that he got for his birthday in May!

We left early to reach Gravesend just before our booked session at 10:00.

We were given a briefing and then left in a fairly bare looking room with the instructions to find the information needed to solve the mystery before the police arrived in one hour's time.

If we got stuck then we could ask for clues - which we did - but if it looked like we were struggling we were given some hints too.

We just about made it out in time - really good fun and we would also like to go back to try one of the other rooms.

Gill and John's silver wedding anniversary

Gill and John celebrated their silver wedding anniversary this year.

They decided to hold an afternoon tea at the Chilston Park Hotel for about 50 people.  It was a lovely afternoon.

Tougher Mudder

Jon and Cam left very early (around 6:10) to meet Gary and Archie at Ben's. They travelled to Crawley for their wave start time of 8:30. 

They finished the 10 mile course in around 2:15. 

Cam really didn't like the ice bath and Jon wasn't too keen on the water obstacle. They arrived home filthy but having enjoyed them morning and looking forward to doing it all again next year!!  

Back to school

Cam started 6th form at...Oakwood Park - after much deliberation.  He will study maths, economics, psychology andEnglish literature. 

Clara's back too to start her GCSE subjects. She's chosen RE, classics and history. Her language is German. 

Birthday meal for Gareth and Lol

As Grandad is having an operation on a growth in bhis mouth we went for an early birthday meal with Gareth and Lol at the Hollywood Bowl. 

 The dogs dinner was a popular choice. 

For which a bib was provided. 

 

East Malling Beer Festival

We were invited to the East Malling beer festival at the research centre on Saturday afternoon. 

We got a free bus from the station to the research centre with Steve Smith to meet Andy, Karen, Dan and Luke. 

Tried a few ciders some lovely some not so lovely.  It was a lovely relaxing afternoon albeit a bit cold. 

We left earlier than Andy as we had Emily and Dave's wedding to go to in the evening. 

Mini golf

The worst mini golf ever....

Mini golf at the Olympus Hotel for 10 - girls v boys.  Arrived T 10:00pm with an hour to complete 18 holes. The course was crazy hard as the surface was wooden and the ball wouldn't stop rolling!

Still, we enjoyed ourselves - if frustration is enjoyable!!

A day at the water park

A day for all of us at the Water Park this Wednesday.  

Cam cut his toe but other than that it was a great day. 

A day in Rhodes Town

Jon had a brilliant idea - he and I go to Rodos for the day together, Cam and Clar opted to stay by the pool. 

Lovely time. 

Rhodes Town is soooo pretty

An evening in Rhodes town

Went to Rodos to try and find somewhere that the football lovers could watch the first games of the new season. 

Got to Rhodes about 16:54 and Karen, Clara and I went to look round the town while the rest went to find a sports bar - they failed unfortunately.  

Lovely evening in a beautiful town with a nice meal on the roof watching the sunset 

The restaurant owner also had some parrots. Why not??!!

Jet skiing

Cam and Megan had a go at jet skiing today. €35 for 15 minutes. 

They had to be 18 - although that seemed to be a bit of a guideline and when they confirmed they could swim a bit and signed a disclaimer they were shown the start button and off they went!

They LOVED IT. 

They want to go again when the Martins arrive next week. 

Rhodes Town

Another pool day.  Lots of swimming in the sea and the pool. 

We got a bus (not sure the driver had been given a copy of the timetable) and had a drink before wandering along the harbour looking in envy at the Yachts. 

Very beautiful. We're going back for a proper look round in the evening. 

Rhodes - day 1

You need to get up VERY early to get a sunbed in this place!

We had a table and some chairs by the pool which was fine.  Nice food, lovely setting right by the sea and a good bar. 

Off to Rhodes

We were picked up by taxi at 15:30 to get to Gatwick airport in time to have some dinner with the Smiths and get our Thompson flight at 19:55 to Rhodes. 

Four hours later we landed in Rhodes, collected our bags and waited for our taxi to take us to Avra Beach Resort. We were very quickly checked in and given our keys to rooms 704 (us) and 703 (the smiths) and off to bed. 

A day out in London etc etc

Jon and Cam were picked up by Grandad, Gareth and Lol for a day out London. 

Meanwhile Clara got her hair done. 

We went dog racing in the evening at Sittingbourne with the Madams and the Martins. 

Didn't get to ride in the 'special' limo tho!!

Happy birthday

Mum's birthday Thursday 14th July.  

Lovely day - despite going to work!  A nice bottle of Rose from work team, some running tops from the mums, lots of lovely choccies from the kids and a book and garmin from Jon. 

Lucky me 

Larkfield football club presentation

It was the club's presentation afternoon. The event started at 12:00 for the younger age groups.  We arrived at about 2:30pm expecting Clara's team presentation to start at around 3:00. It actually started at 4:00!

Clara won the supporter player award. Well done Clara

Manager's player was Grace Maddams, most improved was Kaylee and player's player was Louise

Pretty Muddy

We did the Pretty Muddy 5k again this year. There were more obstacles which was good fun and there was less actual mud and more dirty water which got thrown over us by the bucket load.  

We were very wet and pretty muddy by the end!

Cousin's night out

Jon Had a great evening last night with 10 of his 13 cousins.  They went for a meal at the Bell then went off to Mu Mu's. Jan Bissenden, Louise Melville, Darren Spree, John Spree, Beth Turner, Adrian Spree, Robert Spree (came all the way from Yorkshire), Lee Packham, Joanna Spain and Lorraine Spree.

Just missing Carolyn, Nicky  and Lawrence. 

Prom night

Cam and Gemma went to MGGS prom at Oakwood House. You both look great guys xx

A nice sunny weekend

Friday night and a meal at the Cock Horse on Detling with Gill and John. 

Saturday started with a parkrun on for Jon at 24:43 - nearly 30 seconds of his previous PB which was on 28th September 2013!  

Then shopping to buy a prom / 6th form

Suit for Cam - looking handsome. 

Followed by a trip to IKEA for a new light, shoe rack and chair for Clara's desk. 

Sunday - a gentle 13 k - Chris's longest run ever  - followed by taking up the decking in the garden ready for a new shed and patio to be sorted. 

Very busy but enjoyable on a very lovely sunny Sunday. 

Jon's opponent

Jon went for his 'weigh in' and found out who his opponent will be for his bout on Sunday. 

Similar size and punches hard but not so well trained. Hopefully should go well for Jon 😜

Jon's boxing

Jon has been training really hard for this for aggggeeesss

This was a white collar event in aid of Cancer Research. 

He arrived at Priestfields at around 13:00 and had invited around 70 people to watch. His fight was scheduled for around 18:00 and lasted only 1 min and 26 seconds

Great fight.  Well done 🏆

Ragstock

The Martins invited us to Ragstock.  This is an annual event in their close whereby the neighbours get together to have music, a hog roast and LOTS to drink. 

It poured with rain so we all say under lots of gazebos put up in the close and ate and drank. It was a good atmosphere and team Spreedom, Jon, Clara and I came second in the sweets and chocolate quiz. 

Nice to catch up with the Hatton-Shaws too. 

Goodbye Dan

The Martins held a BBQ for Dan as he is going off to Fulham from July. 

Great evening and a lovely cake. 

Larkfield tournament

Clara's team played in the larkfield tournament today. 

Results:

Holland all stars 1:0

Maidstone.         8:0

Castle colts.       1:0

Anchorians.        1:0

Some really close games; the girls played soooo well

Royal Ascot

We went to Ascot today. A coach from Hempstead to Ascot with some bagels and booze on the coach. When we arrived at Ascot we went to set up trackside.  We quickly decided it was lunchtime and went off in search of cheese on toast and a shelter from the rain. After lunch we watched the Royal party arrive. 

We also saw some horses. 

And some weird and wonderful outfits. 

We lost some money with unsuccessful bets and got a bit wet when it rained again. 

It was a shame it wasn't warmer weather as the asmosphere and spectacle was amazing.