Tropical Zoo

Heading out for our day trip to Syon Park Tropical Zoo... slightly overdressed for what turned out to be a scorching day.

the train ride

the pond

croc

meeting some of the animals

the older kids were a little nervous

while martha was keen to touch all of them

a much needed ice-cream to cool down after the intense tropical temperatures

a play in the park for Avery & Martha

down the hill and up again

oh dear what is she on about now

and they're off..

mad professors

What a lovely exhausting weekend!

After a VERY fun weekend of merriment and excitement, parties (Tom's & Zach's), sleepovers (at Tom & Anita's), visitors (Megs & Coco), a friend's christening lunch and an early morning trip to the airport (for Zach & Sam), the kids were completely exhausted. So much so that we almost took Martha to A&E because we couldn't understand why she was so lethargic, floppy and sleepy all day on Monday, despite napping for five hours!! Here she is asleep in her food.

Couldn't wake Zach for a couple of hours after he fell asleep in the stroller.

Farewell Megan & Coco

On Sunday, we had Megan and Coco to stay for one final night before they flew home to Australia.

It was wonderful to have you here. xxx

Zach's birthday party

Zach had a joint birthday party with his buddies Jack and Ellery who were also turning three. We had about 30 children in the hall for crafts, fancy dress, hat making, song-time, games, story-time and food.

The finished cake... now to transport it in the car to the party hall!

Story time

Fooood

and cake...

Happy Birthday to you!

Aunty's chatting with actual birthday girl Stella in the background

Three three year olds - Jack, Zach & Elle

Hooray we are three!

cuties

Martha and Charlotte, looking very grown up sitting up at the table.

Crystal Palace with Cam

Look at those dinosaurs!!

What a beautiful park.. and beautiful ladies!

some additional Tom's 40th photos...

Tom's 40th

Had a great 24hours at Tom & Anita's to celebrate Tom turning 40. Anita had organised party games for the kids (pin the beard/tie on tom, pass the parcel), pinata, glowing Ribena fountain, lots of delicious food, cake, cheese, drinks. Massages (from Makiko) and glow-in-the-dark Boules in the evening. Happy Birthday Tom.