Uncle Joe comes to visit

 Joe was over in England for a week sitting an exam with the Open University. Julie and Joe drove over to pick up Amy and I and we went up to Knottingly to see Grandma and Grandad. We had a lovely meal at the Hungry Fox. Amy enjoyed eating lots of chips and Grandad's icecdream sundae.

  She likes to sit in the driving seat

 A lovely new toy from Grandma

 Back in Derby we headed to the park

Amy had a lovely time with Joe. Thanks Joe and Stayci for the lovely clothes and teddy, Amy absolutely loves her South Africa Tshirt! We are really looking forward to spending Christmas with you!

Castleton Field Trip

Earlier in the month Dan, Amy and I went on a geologyical fieldtrip with my WEA group to Castleton.  It's one of the classic places for geology students to go as there are lots of mines, (Blue John) fossils in the limestones, basalt lavas, giant landslides messing up the old A625, caves and of cause beautiful scenery. We had a lovely day despite it being very VERY windy on Windy Knoll.

 Our little tellytubby

 Amy and Gerry (course leader)

 Gerry explain limestone reef formation

 Cave Dale

Arran

So I finally got around to uploading images of Arran. We can hardly believe we had a full week of fantastic sunshine, what a week! Arran was spectacular. We enjoyed our lovely cottage, the views, the walks, but not so much the midges (they went for Fraser over us... he must have tasty blood). It was great spending time with Isobelle and Fraser. Dominic was so lovely, Amy loved spending time with him too.

Caladonian Ferry just about to arrive in Brodick

Little waterfall near our cottage

I can't tell if Amy thinks this is a cigar or a flake

Our fisherman's cottage left of Dan

Drummadoon

He's so cute!

Despite feeling sick on the buses I just loved the views

Babies paddling pool

On our beach

View of Whiting Bay from Giants Graves

Giants Grave

Sunshine and sea!

We took a trip to the Holy Isle for Amy's 1st Birthday

Not too impressed by rock climbing

Tropical island in the sun!

Cake and jelly picnic by the sea

Heading to the hills worrying the cloud won't lift

Chir Mhor

Going down the other side view towards Goat Fell

Worker's camp to fix the paths

Glen Rosa with Chir Mhor in background

Picnic in the shade of Lochranza Castle

For all you geologists out there, Hutton's unconformity

Quick paddle in the gorgeously clear water

Going home :(

Back in Glasgow, Queen's Park Glasshouse

Arran

I've been looking through some of our summer photos to pick out some images to take along to my geology class to discuss.  This is my absolute favourite, Dan and I had an amazing day hiking from Sannox Bridge over the ridges and back down Glen Rosa to Brodick. We had such an incredible holiday on Arran.  I really should upload more of the images to give you an idea of what our holiday was like.

Bel-Air

While Dan was sunning himself on the Yorkshire Moors, Amy and I were in France enjoying a relaxing holiday at Bel-Air with mum and dad. What we expected to be a 10 day holiday turned into a two week trip due to French strikes. It was great! In those four days I managed to read more books than I have managed to all year so I really cannot complain. We had a lovely time enjoying realxing in the garden, running round the lanes with dad, going to the beaches and castles and just soaking up the atmosphere. When we got home I really noticed the noise of the city. So much has changed at Bel-Air since Dan and I were there over two years ago. For starters the place has got electricity, so no more need for candles. There are stairs where the ladder used to be. The kitchen is fully kitted out complete with dishwasher! Luxury. These are just a few of the changes. Dad has done an absolutely excellent job, I just wonder what he's going to do when the place is absolutely spotless?! Anyway, take a look at our photos to see what we got up to:

Amy's first trip on a plane and abroad (if Wales and Scotland don't count)

Wheelbarrow rides with Grandad

Enjoing French toast

Grandad teaching Amy how to say 'Mooooo'

Grandma and Amy outside Chateau de Suscinio residency of the Dukes of Brittany

 

 

Taking a quick paddle

Dad's latest toy

Amy's new best friend Bev.

Helping Grandad

Helping the farmer

Getting ready for the beach

 

Grandma and Amy enjoying sand wiches

 

 

Tired baby

 

Fire in Plumelec

Pine cone collection from Ivan's wood

Visiting our friendly neighbours

Mr Goat (and Mr Horse)

Catching the last rays of the day

The boats summer mooring spot

Helping with the lock

Josselin

Biker babe

Spot Grandad's boat

One of the locals... and it is not a slow worm mum!