:: schonken.com ::: February 2009

Half Term - Wareham, Dorset

Thanks to Bruce, Liz (who will now forever be known as "Briz"), Emily and Angus "McWatt" for putting up with us for a few days during an otherwise dull February half-term. There is something so "Enid Blyton" about magical Dorset and we always have such a good time here! Thanks guys and look forward to seeing you again in the summer...

Wareham Thursday market: the "iPod generation" was absolutely intrigued by this gramophone at an antiques' stall.

The River Frome, running through Wareham village. Angus was the first to throw off his shoes and head down to the chilly water. Here he is cajoling the less brave to join him...

A few minutes later...

Anna sporting the pink fur aliceband given to her by Emily (aged 8 and Anna's new hero).

Oops!

Studland National Trust Beach.

Checking out the campervans: Ben really really really wants to buy one!

Philip and Bruce in the garden when the sun came out to play.

Snow: Take 2

The snow is still around and now daddy has got in on the act: this spells "danger" with a capital "D". Yesterday and today's antics and tricks below:

Anna (pink coat) and her friend, Martha, picking up a bit of speed down Little Bridge Road.

Moving on to the "Headmasters".

Mommy's the king of the castle.

Before.

After.

Let's get this straight: snow is cold and wet and we can't all be happy all of the time.

Snow Party!

Anna was devastated that school was called off today ("adverse weather conditions") and lay in the passage crying for the first part of the morning. She did perk up however, when a hoard of her friends (and their parents) appeared on our doorstep. We spent the morning building snowmen in our back garden and then sledging down Little Bridge Road at the top of our street. Daddy sadly could not join us because he doesn't have the excuse of being unable to drive to work.

Anna and Harriet babysitting Fran's newborn, Katiya.

Duncan&Fi's Wedding - 31 January 2009

This was a truly great wedding: I know this because it has been a struggle to keep the photos confined to just three pages.
Philip's cousin, Duncan Awerbuck , married his gorgeous Irish bride, Fiona Hughes, in Kilmessan Co. Meath on Saturday and we were privileged to share their special day and their Guinness.
(You may notice the absence of Benanna in the photos. This is because we left them in Bloxham in the very capable hands of our lovely friends, Robin&Rebbecca and Gill&Dave, for Friday and Saturday night respectively. They had a great time and although Ben was delighted with the Irish Penny Whistles we brought back for them, Anna was in floods of tears because she "would have preferred a piano".)