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Yesterday was the annual Horbury Show in Carr Lodge park.  As Jack and Grace were up early (before 5am!!!!!) I took them to the park to watch everything being set up.  We returned later to see the Show once it had started and visit Sarah on the ‘Friends of Carr Lodge Park’ stall.

 When Sarah had finished her shift we all went to watch Punch and Judy and look around the stalls.  After lunch, Sarah took the kids back and they were very intrigued by the Falconry Display.  And had a energetic time on the bouncy castle slide.

Afterwards we went across the road to Benjamin’s 3rd birthday party to join all the neighbours watch England in the World Cup.  It was topped by the football pitch birthday cake.

We had a wonderful time on Saturday, when we went to Temple Newsam for a birthday picnic.  Lots of friends went too, and there was plenty of room to run around, and plenty of lovely food.

After a smattering of rain drops the sun came out for a typically sunny birthday party.  We’d had a cake made and it was a bright red Qantas jumbo jet.

Jack’s 4 today.  He was up early very excited about it being his day.  We came down for breakfast and then when Sarah and Grace joined up presents were opened and mayhem commenced.

He must have had a good day as he was asleep by 7:30.  We had a good birthday tea and now we’re getting ready for his picnic party on Saturday.

A very special evening was had on Saturday.  A lovely circle of friends in black tie and evening gowns enjoyed champagne, cocktails and canapes.

The evening went into the early of the morning, and we were able to sit out on the patio in candle light.

This weekend was the Horbury Fayre.  The streets around the town centre were closed off and there were stalls and activities in absolutely perfect weather.

Sarah helped out on the Friends of Carr Lodge Park stall, looking for comments on new play equipment in the park as the old ones have been removed.  Unfortunately it seems the new play equipment will be too late for us.  This, and updating the rest of the park, is within reach of Lottery and heritage funding, as £4.5 million is needed.

We went down to the fayre on both Saturday and Sunday and the kids really enjoyed the puppet shows and the dilapidated antique merry-go-round.

While we were in Holland we received the long awaited news that Katharine had given birth to a girl.  Emma Katharine Bowers was born on Wednesday evening 31st May at home.

On the way home from our holiday, we all stopped in Hitchen to meet the new arrival.  All the family, especially Katharine seem very relaxed and enjoying the new baby.

We’ve just returned from a wonderful holiday at Het Meerdal Centre Parc in Holland.  I wouldn’t say it was restfull as we were constantly doing things but we all, expecially Jack and Grace, had a good time.

We left very early on the Saturday morning and drove down to Canterbury.  We spent the afternoon in the centre of Cantebury, mostly in the Rupert the Bear museum.  Though we did get to see some of the historical sites.  Then we stayed the night in the Youth Hostel.  We were in a family room and there were plenty of places and toys for the kids to play with.

Another early start on the Sunday and we met up with Edward and family at the Channel Tunnel entrance.  It’s still fun crossing the channel by this different method even though I’ve done it a few times now.  A short drive on the other side took us to the Novotel in Antwerp.  The hotel was in the modern port area, but had a swimming pool (not quite cold enough to stop John and Rose swimming) and a tennis court so we could have a rest and play before heading into the city.  We had a short walk around the city and a meal before coming back for a well earned rest.

The Centre Parc we stayed at was near Eindhoven near the Holland / Germany border.  We were booked into 2 neighbouring chalets which were clean and tidy though quite old.  But the best thing about the Parc was the swimming pool complex. 5 or 6 different pools and 3 water slides were the main attraction for the week.  Every day we spent at least a couple of hours in the water.  Toby, John and Rose did an excellent job looking after Jack while we were able to relax a little.

The site was also car free.  So we all had bicyles (Grace on a bike seat and Jack on a trailer bike) and went everywhere on 2 wheels.  It was a large site enclosing a lake and forest, so it was very pleasant to cycle around.

Both Jack and Grace spent some time in Kids Klubs.  Jack was particularly impressive as a red indian.  We were also able to watch Toby, John and Rose on some of their activities (climbing badminton etc)  I’m sure there will be more details on their website on these.

We were in the Centre Parc from Monday till Friday and it was sad to be leaving on the Friday lunchtime.  But by then the weather was coming out nice and we spent the afternoon and evening in Bruges.

Yet another early start for the drive back through the Chunnel and home.