Royal visit

 Today Amy, Bobbie and I popped into town to pick up a parcel. On our way home we took the bus back up the hill and got off round the back of the Cathedral. Lots of the Minster school kiddies were lining the walkway out the back of the chapter house clutching union jacks. Someone on the bus had said there was a royal visitor, so we went to take a look. A few minutes later we saw Prince Charles emerge. Amy seemed pretty impressed to have had a good look at the future king. After that we toddled home for lunch.

Cheesy Baby Photo

Couldn't help myself

First smiles

Yet another busy week in the Gosling household. I've been feeling very Christmasy and have finally started all the Christmas preparations involving lots of online shopping. I'm really looking forward to this Christmas; I think mainly because of Amy and her enthusiasm and excitement, having another baby around, and being in Lincoln so close to the historic centre where all the lovely festive things happen. Dan on the other hand has been extremely busy at work. He's had to spend evenings and weekends cramming in everything else that he has/loves to get done.

 Trying to get Bobbie into a good position for a photo shoot from daddy, obviously not too impressed.

 Not the most flattering shot, but Amy seems to be enjoying this whole big sister business.

 Saturday nights are becoming a real treat, with Dan cooking seriously gorgeous food (Morroccan lamb).

 Roberta's first visit to Knottingly to visit Great Grandma and Grandad Woodall.

Two extremely proud Great Grandparents.

 Yesterday we braved a trip in the cold to Hartsholme Park. The Autumn leaves were beautiful. It was nice to be out and about in the fresh air.

 'Ho ho ho'

 'Merry Christmas'

 I don't even know what Dan is doing.

Bobbie started giving out grins this week. This is only a semi-smile, the full on ones just melt my heart.

I'm already starting to see a little personality develop. She's been much more alert this week. I can see we have another little character on our hands.

Cousins

Sweet treat

For all of you who know Amy, you'll know she loves icecream.  So, as Dan's paternity leave was coming to an end, we dicided to treat ourselves to dinner and icecream.  Amy was up for the idea so we headed off into town.

It was lovely walking home.  It was a crisp wintery evening and we were all wrapped up.  I actually enjoyed walking up Spring Hill, it felt good not to be pregnant anymore.  Dan had to dash off to his astronomy class up at the observatory, so Roberta, Amy and I had a nice little walk home together through the Cathedral quarter.

Save the conservatory

One of my favourite spots in Lincoln is Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory.  This tropical glass house is tucked away close to the castles west gate.  It's a lovely treat for Amy to go feed the fish, including the man eating Koi. It was a rainy cold day when mum and dad came over, so it was lovely to be in a nice warm glass house.  Anyway, the City Council are trying to sell off the complex, as they have not been able to maintain it properly.  It will be such a shame for a little gem like this to be closed to the public. 

Dad brought this to show us, he has been enjoying his extra free time now he has retired.  He's always wanted to have a go at stone carving.  He had a go on granite at Bel-Air, but the sandstone from our old front wall in Nottingham was perfect.  The lizard is great! 

Aunty Rebecca

Rebecca was in town on Bonfire night, so the Gosling's made a visit. Roberta was totally oblivious to the noise, while Amy enjoyed watching displays from her bedroom window and playing with sparklers.

Clever Carrie-Anne

I've been following Carrie-Anne's cake making, baking and sugar art progress, over the past few months, as she's been preparing for her friends wedding. Last Friday I finally got to see the results of all the hard work.  The poor quality photos don't do it justice, the lighting was a bit naff in the Whitehart Hotel.  But I can assure you it looked and tasted amazing!

Yummy cake pops! I'd not even heard of them until a couple of weeks a go.

So if in need of any cakes or treats, don't hesitate to get in touch and I'll send you her details.

Fireworks

Amy and Dan had a lovely time at the Waddington fireworks display. Apparently she wasn't too sure to begin with but gradually got into the whole thing. Amy was very excited to go with her friends Pietra, Hugo and Oscar.

Enjoying the journey home.