Kezia walks 4 miles!

Today, Team Browning went out for a day in the countryside. It was brilliant. We caught the train to Henley and stopped for a coffee and a play in the playground and then we set off North along the Thames to find a spot for lunch. We stopped for a scrummy picnic by the river and then carried on further up to Hambleden Mill and Hambleden village.

Hambleden is a picture postcard type of place and has been used as a setting for filming Midsomer Murders. We were in need of a rest when we got there, so it was a good job the sun was shining and the pub had a beer garden.

When we had got our breath and strength back, we set off back to Henley again to get the train home. By the time we got back to the station, we had walked about 9 miles and Kezia must have walked nearly half of it. It was ace - we had such fun and Kezzie was so good and interested and excited - not to mention completely kaputt by the time we got home.

Our camera is out of batteries so soon I will add some links to the terrific www.geograph.org.uk site so you can see where we went.

It was a brilliant family day out.

A trip to the science museum

This week, we braved the overcast, gloomy weather and the chaotic, school-holidays crowds and took Kezia to the Science Museum in London. She did have fun, and she enjoyed the interactive area for small children and the bubble-blowing show that the 'explainers' put on for kids, but Mummy & Daddy found the kids' bit not all that good, too small, too cramped, too packed and too chaotic. We were all pretty worn out by the time we left!

Kezia was really taken with the shiny gold model of the lunar landing module that they had. You'll just have to take our word for it that that is what is in the background!

We had a little tiny look around at the transport section while we were there. (Though not for long - we were in need of coffee and a sit down after the mayhem!). Daddy's favourite thing was this plane, though this is such a rubbish photo that it doesn't do it any justice at all.

Ace - Auntie Eve came to stay!

The weekend just gone, Auntie Eve came over to visit from Suffolk. It was great. We had loads of fun out and about together and did all sorts of good stuff. It was great to see you Auntie Eve.

Sarah and Eve (at Tracey's)

Playing catch in the garden.

The biggest bouncy castle ever!

While Eve was visiting, we all went to Tracey (Kezia's childminder)'s housewarming party (they moved about a month ago). It was fun, and full of suitably wild and excited children. Kezia spent almost the whole time we were there on the bouncy castle in the garden. She must have bounced for nearly 2 hours. She even persuaded Daddy to have a go. She was completely kaputt by the time we went home!

Making a 'mixture'...

Recently, Kezia has been really keen on making a 'mixture' in a tub in the garden. This seems to involve throwing a lot of stones, grass, weeds and muddy water into a bucket and giving it a good old mix with her spade. She has been having great fun doing it.

Exploring Highwood!

Last week, Mummy & Auntie Joe took the cousins for an explore in the woods and on the heath - they began with a bit of mushroom-spotting.

"Oi! Will you lot PLEASE come and be in a photo with me?!"

The kids on the heath

Kezia in a hole!

The British Athletics Grand Prix at Crystal Palace

On Friday evening, we went to the athletics at Crystal Palace. It was great fun, as always, but only about 15 minutes after we had taken our seats, there was a TORRENTIAL downpour. We were soaked straight away, and even though the rain stopped after about quarter of an hour, we still had to sit there for the best part of 3 hours in wet shoes, socks and jeans! Still, we made the best of it. Coffee, hot chocolate and hot doughnuts sorted us out!

The stadium after the deluge!

When we got there, before the event started, there were some of the stars of the British team signing autographs. We were very pleased with this photo of Jessica Ennis.

We also saw European High Jump bronze medallist, Martyn Bernard. Sarah got his autograph on the free Union Jack placard we were given, but sadly, in the torrential rain, the placard turned to mush!

We saw all sorts of terrific athletics during the evening, but we were too slow with the camera most of the time. We were quite pleased with these pictures of the 'Bladerunner', Oscar Pistorius, though.

A lovely trip to Woodford Park

The weather was beautiful on Sunday morning, so we decided to go to the newly re-done playground at Woodford Park. We began by all taking turns at having our feet buried. First up.....Mummy.

Then it was Daddy's turn. Ugh! Daddy's feet! Cover them up....cover them up!

...and finally it was Kezia's turn.

Help! I'm trapped!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Helping Grandad with the weeding

Kezia and Grandad set about the weeds in our garden last week - they did a good job!

Little pink girl waiting for a train....

....en route to Winnersh to see Lucas and baby Megan. The sausage dog hat is making its annual reappearance!

Football is here again (already!)

Last Saturday, I went down to Gillingham in Dorset to see my friends Stuart and Jenny and watch my first pre-season friendly of the season. Can't believe it is footy time again already! My new Tranmere shirt got a run-out too. There was a beer festival going on at the same time, so it was a brilliant day all round!

Sampling the beer on offer!

A final pose in front of the grandstand - all in all a great day out. Cheers!