Social Media

Those of you who know me, will also know my ongoing love / hate relationship with social media.
Along with most, I have dipped my toe into the usual...Myspace, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Blogspot...

St David's Day

Happy St David's Day from The Bungalow!

St Davids Day, also known as The Feast Of St David, the patron saint of Wales.
March first was the day chosen, for remembrance of the death of St David.
Being a (partly) Welsh family, it is something we like to acknowledge and if we have time, make some Welsh treats.

Lately

Lately Evan and me have been experiencing new things together.

Happy Valentines Weekend

Looking Back To Half Term Last Year

This time last year we headed off to Cornwall to stay in a remote wooden cabin, overlooking the Heleford Passage.

Botanical Gardens

A trip to The Botanical Gardens is one of our favourite ways to spend a day.

A Bungalow Retreat

It is eleven am on Saturday morning. I am sat propped up in bed, The Janitor beside me reading, curtains and window open, listening to the sound of birds and passers by. The sun beaming in through the window, reflecting off the plant that resides in the corner of the room.

This morning is the first morning in over fifteen months that we wake alone in The Bungalow, no six am chatter coming from the next room, no milk feeds or bed crasher, bleary eyes or indoor bike riding.

January

Bright blue skies, minus temperatures and snow petals that dance between bare brittle branches. Winds howl and whistle, singing their merry song to all who will listen. We listen, ears poking beneath woollen hats, breathless, echoing the call of nature.
Red cheeks, teary eyes, blue fingers and numb lips. Still we want to run in the fields, never stopping for breathe. Relishing the freedom and endless supply of fresh air.

Christmas And 2014 Wrapped Up

And just like that, Christmas has been and gone.
Filled with car rides, food comas, family old and new, beach walks, gifts galore, party hats and bottles of plonk that made us all a little silly. That's what I'm talking about.

These days this time of year is all the more special. With a baby of our own, we were taken back into the magic of Christmas and reminded what it is all about.
Although E is still too young to understand what is going on, the excitement of watching him open his presents, surrounded by family who love him, filled our hearts, bringing us together.
To me, there could be nothing better.

Barcelona

Slightly worn out and in need of some time away with my boys, I decided to book a half - term mini break to Barcelona for a few days.

A city I had wanted to visit for many years, but for some reason had never gotten round to it.
I have heard so many great things about Barcelona. I was excited to explore it with my two favourites.

A Little Bit of October Through The Lens

So far, the tenth month has been golden in every way possible. I am sure it will always be so.

Here is a snapshot of some of the best bits:

West Midlands Safari Park

My mom came to visit us last week and took Evan and myself for a trip to the Safari Park.
It was a great afternoon and being able to watch Evan wide eyed in amazement, made me the happiest mama.
Although he was mostly interested in the car keys and steering wheel, he loved coming nose to nose with a friendly zebra.
Read on for more photos.

October?

October, how did you creep up on us so fast?
September a blur, consumed with sickness after bug after cough after cold.
 These past weeks slumber has been scarce and the load of motherhood heavy. Mornings have been slow, only venturing outdoors past midday, if at all.
As work life returns to normal, responsibilities grow and the burden of my shift sits heavy on my shoulders.
Through this mist of September, the Indian summer has stood us in good stead for the month of October.

A Week Without The Janitor

This week I've been flying solo on the parent front. Just Evan and me, mother and son.
It was only last week that I struggled to see through the fog of sleep deprivation. So you could say I was slightly apprehensive at the thought of going it alone.
However when he left, all apprehension followed him out of the door.

I had planned for us to keep fairly busy. A group here and there, meeting up with friends, and making the most of the last days of summer, using the car as little as necessary, being outdoors, playing in the park.
 Evan loves the outdoors, instantly calmed when he is being pushed around in the buggy. And being on the swings, well just look at that face, he's waving to daddy here....

Exploring the Midland Countryside

 I've always been more of a city chick than a country girl. However since becoming a family of three, I am enjoying the fresh air more than ever before and having fun exploring the countryside where we live. The Janitor loves to take us off the beaten track to see what gems we uncover. I am learning to love this!
Evan will be crunching through those falling autumn leaves before we know it and I just can't wait. Here are a few photos from our recent outdoor adventure near the Clent Hills.

Read on for more photos.

Summer Holidays

We are lucky enough to have family scattered across the UK, living in pretty towns, near beautiful beaches and our summer holiday this year was all about spending time with them.

Taking advantage of the good weather the first week, we took Evan to the beach. He loves the water and had great fun splashing in the waves. However, due to us getting washed up by the incoming tide (not once, but twice) our beach trip was cut short! Other days were spent with Evans cousins, walks and catching up on some much needed sleep (thanks grandparents!).

Parents Day Out To London Town

The Janitor and me were due a day out. Together. Him and her, her and him. We wanted to get out of the area, so what better place to visit, than London Town?

With Evan packed up and picked up by Grandad, we were on our way. Hitting London Marylebone by ten thirty, the day was ours. 

We were in no rush, no pressure to see anything or be anywhere, so we spent the day walking, window shopping, holding hands, eating and getting lost in this Big City Life. 

Home by ten that evening, we were well and truly worn out having had the best day together. and looking forward to seeing our little guy. 

It's funny how easy it is to get lost in the world of parenthood, forgetting that you are a couple who are in love, who need time together away from the daily goings on of real life. Its important to me to find time to reconnect, forget, remember and be thankful for what we have, where we came from and where we are headed. 

Read on for more photos

A Day Trip to MAC Arts Centre.

The Janitor is on his holidays for two whole weeks and Evan and I are taking full advantage of having him around to join us on our adventures.

We decided to take a trip to Birmingham's popular arts centre, MAC. 

With tennis courts, crazy golf, cycle and walking paths, lakes, play grounds, cafes and ample grassy areas, there is so much to see and do.

Tales Through the Lens This Past Week.

                                                     

^^ Evan makes a quick escape to the guitars. Again.^^