Sunny June?!

Following on from the storms and floods in Sydney and not to be out done the English summer decided to join in. Talk about flaming June, you should see the flaming weather!
Hundreds of homes across North & South Yorkshire have been flooded and we have never seen scenes like it!
Andrew & I went out on Monday and couldn't even get out of Garforth and it never floods here!

This picture shows two people struggling to get past the Old George. Behind them is the roundabout but no one could get round so it was about turn for us. Just as well I wasn't at work as I wouldn't be able to get home.

This is a view from the other side of the roundabout, because it was flooded cars were having to go round the wrong way round the roundabout, which is pretty weird when you're going the right way and cars are coming at you!





Whoa mind your brolly mister!







Back home and Isla was dressed for the weather but it was throwing it down so we didn't let her out, instead she had to make do with watching through the window. Doesn't she look cute in her raincoat and hat though? just as well you can't see her feet as we only have sandals that fit her currently.

So its been pretty wet and miserable lately, despite it being brighter today the forecast for the weekend is more rain. Good job we live on the highest spot in Garforth so not much chance of our house being flooded.

Lets hope the sun decides to make an appearance soon, we're ready!

Birthday Boy

Uncle Bryan turned 65 last week but is still only admitting to 27! It seems the Mortimers have trouble in revealing their age, I don't know why cos none of them look it!

To celebrate we had a family meal at Maxi's, we couldn't ask anyone else as that would give the game away!

I think Mum,Bryan & Sandra look fab so hopefully it bodes well for me Chalk & Kim!


We had a lovely meal, the lazy susan was piled high and we kept spinning the wheel so we could try a bit of everything. It has been a long time since we have all been out together and it was a really good night. It's great to have Kim & Phil back in Yorkshire, I wonder if Chalk & Bek will see the light and return to Gods own country!






No clubbing after the meal, Andrew & I had to get back for the babysitter. Kim & Phil had a long drive home and lets face it the others are just too old! ONLY JOKING!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to Uncle Bryan for a lovely night. I look forward to the next family celebration if we have one eh Mum!

North York Moors Railway

The North Yorks Moor railway have recently extended the line to go to Whitby. This being one of Andrews favourite places we couldn't pass up the chance of a fabulous steam train journey!

Andrew had just finished nights so it was a bit of a mad dash to get to Pickering in time but the traffic was kind so got parked and on the train with ten mins to spare.

Isla has been on the train to Leeds but this was a very different experience. We had a carraige to ourselves and she loved wandering from window to window to look at the views. With the windows open you could smell the smoke coming from the steam engines.

As it was such a lovely day we had a wander round Whitby and then went down to the beach for a picnic lunch. Isla has been on the beach before but only in the pram so feeling the sand between her toes was a whole new experience but not one she liked! It reminded me of Chalky at Great Yarmouth, she was pulling her legs up every time you tried to put her down and was less than impressed by the whole beach thing!

Andrew & I laughed at the funny expressions she was pulling. Andrew said it was just as well we hadn't wasted money on a beach holiday abroad the month earlier, as on this showing we wouldn't have had much quality beach time.

Isla you will have to get to love it as Mummy likes to laze on the beach! Andrew took her for a paddle but she cried, mind you not surprised the water was freezing!

So time for home, all aboard the Whitby Express for the return journey to Pickering.

We had one of the nicest days out so far as a family. Now Isla is getting bigger and taking more interest its fascinating to watch her take in and explore all the new sights & sounds. I wonder what goes on in that little head of hers? I hope she enjoys her time with us as much as we enjoy our time with her!

Till next time..........

Birthday Girl

Welcome back to the blog! have a new laptop so all systems go!

Well its been a full year since we welcomed Isla Jane into the world and for Andrew & Me it has been the best year of our lives!

What a year a difference a year has made, we now have a little girl and not a baby.

To celebrate Isla's big day we had a party for all her friends. All her lovely grand-parents clubbed together to buy a play house and as you can see she loved it, Isaac enjoyed playing with her too. Isla enjoyed opening all her presents and was thoroughly spoilt by everyone.

Not to leave family out we had another party on Saturday, we were s lucky with the weather as it was glorious sunshine both days.

I even made a birthday cake and 48 buns for everyone to enjoy! and despite me making them they tasted great and they scoffed the lot.

I guess in years to come it will be screaning kids, jelly & ice-cream and pass the parcel. The first birthday is a little more civilised!