Due to Jacob being in a relationship that restricted access we didn’t get to see Jacob in his first year at Loughborough Uni. That is now over so we, with Lola, drove up with his whiteboard (very real mathematician has one of course) to see hime in his shared student house. Nice house, smelt of students which is mainly the aroma of the great unwashed (clothes not people).

Had a great lunch at a gastro pub Alice found, Royal Oak at Whatton. All went very well so Alice is really happy that a difficult period with Jacob, caused by a very controlling girlfriend is over. Best news tough was that ConDom are visiting next weekend and Jacob is coming back down to go to a party, just like a typical 19 year old. Albeit with Jacob’s unique quirks and view on life.

Hello my name is Alice….

Conor came down last weekend and helped to lay new laminate flooring in sitting room. Well in truth I helped him.

start, middle and end

walking….and first shoes

first kitchen…cool shoes too!

Late visit to Ibiza with just Alice and Mabel. Stayed in a hotel we have seen many times when running, Acorra. Small and boutique, which sounded and looked great, but as we found out not for small screaming babies! Well the baby is alright just not the next door neighbours in a small hotel.

This was a trip where we were going to look around the island with a hire car and get a feel for where we would like to live if we did move there. Alice has always felt the island calling her.

very funny

I went too….

Reuben’s 23rd birthday. As usual we have the Spiderman cake, traditions are important, or maybe not growing up….

Mabel 13 months yesterday. As usual selection of pics….

Been a very quiet few weeks hence no updates.

Visited Caitlin, Ava and Conor last weekend. Travelled up on Friday afternoon and back Saturday PM. Arrived later then expected, 5hrs non-stop drive, so all a bit of a rush in the evening. Had dinner with Caitlin and Ava.

Saturday the weather was non-stop rain so we didn’t do as intended and go to a petting zoo. Tried Sea World but £50 for use 3 for what would have been 1hr was too expensive. Back in the car to a Garden Centre, wander round, lunch with Conor and then headed home.

All over too quick so we need to plan our time better next time.

Visit to Yarmouth, this time with Tilly. First time for about 3 years, don’t know how that has happened!

New arrival yesterday, Finley Scott Brooks, to Laura and Tim. My first great nephew.

Amazingly the same birthday as Ava, so Tony and I have grandchildren born on the same date; one year apart. With Mabel’s birthday the same as Tony’s it should make it easy to remember…should.