Good news started the year. Granddad Pearson was told he was in remission with his cancer – fantastic – no more chemo- or radiotherapy.
As mum approached 40, she made use of her Christmas money to go on two great treat days out. Firstly a colour analysis day, where she learnt that autumn colours suited best, and what colours these are. Secondly, a style and image day – a bit of a Trinny and Suzannah experience. This was fantastic, enabling mum to understand she is a ‘natural romantic’, ie. natural styles but with frills and feminine cut.
Tom’s 7th birthday saw him getting a treat from Nottingham Forest. As for all 7 year olds in the city, Tom was invited (with the family) for an evening at the City Ground where he received a Forest shirt, and tickets to a home game. It was a lovely evening and the shirt has seen some regular wear !
February half term saw our first weekend away of the year. We went with the Turners (Gill, Mike, Anne, Beth and Daniel), and the Hallsworths (Cathie, Peter, Katrina and Dillon), to the YHA at Ilam Hall in Derbyshire. It was cold, but very enjoyable, although a mega bike ride led by the Hallsworths did nearly finish us all off !!
Jill, Neil, Sophie and Matthew visited us in March. We had a great time, with lots of opportunities for walks and trips out. The kids really got on well, and it was great to have chance for a real catch up with the adults too.
Mum’s Grandma died in March, aged 100. She had lived to a fantastic age, although suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for many years before her death. Her death, when it came, was generally believed to be a release from her lonely world.
At Easter, we paid our second visit to Orlando. This time we spent a fantastic 2 weeks on I-drive, enjoying the thrills of the Univeral Studios, Islands of Adventure, Busch Gardens, Seaworld and Wet and Wild. Once again a wonderful holiday for kids of all ages.
June saw the European Championships, held this year in Portugal. England did quite well, but lost out in the end to Portugal on penalties (again !), due to the infamous Beckham divot !
June 25th was mum and dad’s 10th Wedding Anniversary. A low key affair, but they did get a posh meal out while the kids ran amok with the babysitter.
Another long (and very wet) weekend was spent at Lodge Yard in the Yorkshire Dales, with granddad Webster and uncle Tony. We travelled the Settle-Carlisle railway and finally saw the real Ribblesdale !
In July Charlotte was 5 and had a great party at Tumble Town. This was one of many similar parties as her friends all share birthdays during the same month.
Following our earlier YHA success, we tried again. This time Boggle Hole, at Robin Hoods Bay. The weather was decidedly warmer and we had lots of time on the beach and exploring local places. A definite for a return visit.
Our summer holiday this year was to an HPB place in Kent, Sibton Park. It was a spectacular place, and with excellent weather we were really able to explore the locality, enjoying beaches, Monster trucks and parks galore.
Jordan’s 9th birthday was celebrated at the bowling alley with his friends. Later in September, mum had the opportunity to go to Argentina and Brazil. Albeit for work, she had a great time seeing how life is down there.
Finally, the dreaded day, and mum hit 40 ! Following a great weekend of reminiscences in Birmingham, including a trip to Disney’s Toy Story on Ice at the NIA, joined by grandma, granddad, Andy, Tarn, Olivia and Lois. Mum celebrated the day itself on her own, pampering and shopping, with the family joining her for a fabulous Chinese in the evening. Memorable, and enjoyable.
The build up to Christmas was as hectic as ever, and Christmas itself was enjoyed again with grandma and granddad. New Year (and of course dad’s 40th birthday) was spent in La Gomera, with warmth and relaxation.
