Here are some photos from Claire's wedding

Lovely cocktails!

More than your average marquee.

Here comes the bride.

Deutschland Uber Campervanning

A retrospective post.
We spent 2 weeks in June in Germany with Sam & Paul & Siun. We flew (separately) to Munich, took a taxi to 'McRent', picked up the Winnebagos (Fiat's actually) and embarked on a motorhome roadtrip across Bavaria.














For Niamh and me it was all new. Neither of us had been to the south of Germany, and we were pleasantly surprised. Loads of cliches are true: it's very beautiful, it seems like it's stuck in the 1950s, the food is all schnitzel and sausage; but we were surprised by how relaxed it was, how friendly all the people were, and what a genuinely lovely holiday destination it was.

The campervan(s) were a test of our stamina and resilience. They were wonderful vehicles - 4 'berths', shower and loo (only ever used for storage!) cooker, fridge, aircon, stereo, table & seating for 4. Really good. But sleeping at night in the same 'room' as 2 kids is exhausting. It shows you what having a wall between you at home means - that you don't hear and sleep through a lot of murmers and little cries.
We drove to and stayed at 4 camp sites.
















The first night was by a lake. Highlights: lake view, diggers in sandpit, 'selection' (platter that could feed 20 people) of food for 25 Euros.

Then a week by a river. Highlights: Joe: 'man has fish in hands' [fisherman in river]; the local football team's celebrations over the Euro 2008 games; ridiculously lovely sunsets, crazy golf, crazy 'pool' (crazy golf but with pool cues!)

Then a week in a luxury site. Highlights: the best swimming complex in Europe. On-site restaurant (3 meals a day thanks). On-site (and totally empty) heated swimming pool. Play park. Dad-slide. Piped pop music in the loos (highlight: Fantasy Island by Tight Fit at midnight).

Then the last night by another lake. Highlights: arriving and picking the best spots. Beer in fridge. Jumping in the lake before bedtime.

Every other day we took a trip to a local site. Nuremburg; Bayreuth; a few lovely little towns. All lovely.

The best thing of course was the chance to spend 2 whole weeks, all day every day, with Sam & Paul & Siun. These days, as parents, with our best friends spread to the winds, we rarely have hours together let alone days. We all got on really well (we think!), we share a bit of childcare, we shared a lot of beers and Radlers (shandy - German for 'cyclist'), we watched a lot of football.

Wonderful.

Hope you like the photos.

Bestival Style

Saynomore

Bestival Blogging

We had a great time at Camp Bestival. Here are some photos.

Enjoying fancy dress









Sylvie as Alice (listening to Billy Bragg)










A view of the Magic Meadow




















Joe-anna









The Teepee field











Joe meets Barbara the pig













Sylvie loves the swings












The kazoo marching band













Niamh & Joe wait for Pizza












Joe finds some space to run after balloons

Go Johnny Go Go Go

Just back from a fantastic weekend at Camp Bestival. It was Sylvie's first ever and Joe's first as a walking talking whirlwind camping on site. We have some great photos which I'll put on as soon as poss. We had great weather, good food, lovely cocktails and champagne, our Bestival Bivouac was a life saver and well worth the money. The site had a lovely chilled out vibe with lots of friendly people everywhere. The Kids Field turned out to be the place to be, I've never seen so many buggies in one place! My highlights include Chuck Berry introducing his children from his band, the Flaming Lips' singer's entrance on stage from the castle walls in a huge see-through bubble, Billy Bragg, the campfire with sofas and a piano, the skipping competition, Joe's face as he sat on a 5ft high model sheep, the pot bellied pigs in the farm and the jousting competition to name but a few. The teapot looked great in the end - we put tons of glowsticks on it at night and I think they're still going. We had a truly historic time, the children were made to feel like an important part of the festival and we weren't social pariahs because we had them with us. So we hope to see more of you there next year with your nearest and dearest.

Needles and pins

Up to my ears in fancy-dress-costume-making at the moment. We're all very excited about this weekend, been looking forward to it for ages. Conor and Liz came last week to help out with the arty stuff so we won't be laughed at hopefully! Sylvie has her audiology appointment this afternoon so fingers crossed she'll get the all clear.
Our bathroom has finally been finished and we're very pleased with it. So nice to have the house back to ourselves but Glenn was a very hard worker. He's coming back in September to do the kitchen when we're in Cornwall so hopefully won't be as disruptive.