The New Year started with quite a treat for Dad and Charlotte, with a trip to see Kylie Minogue in Manchester, which was spectacular. At the same time the boys took up a long time ambition, to learn street dancing. Oh, and how much harder did it prove to do than it looked !!
After almost a year doing Kumon, and making remarkable improvement in his numeracy skills, Tom finally got expelled from the class following an unfortunate incident involving him setting fire to the local Methodist Church.
Jordan, speculatively took the entrance exam for Nottingham High School, in January, and surprised, or should I say shocked us all by being selected for interview, and following that was offered a place. We were all so proud, how could we turn it down ?
February half term saw a family trip to Mablethorpe. Our first time, and whilst it was cold, it was fantastic as we spent time walking along the promenade and enjoying the delights of Skegness (and the bus ride between the two), and the culinary extravagances on offer.
Mum had an achievement this year too. She trained and qualified as a Myerrs Briggs MBTI assessor. That means she can assess personality types. Great fun, useful and interesting for work !
A surprise invitation to a British Rail reunion was also a treat for Mum in March. Over 70 old faces turned up at the Crewe Arms for a lovely afternoon of memories and reminiscences.
After much deliberating and almost giving up hope, we finally managed to book a skiing holiday for Easter, with the Harmers. Our second trip to Chamonix, this time in a much more ‘luxurious’ accommodation, with a pool and a spa (mum had the best facial ever !). Everyone had a great time skiing, and standards vastly improved with a few lessons for children. The après ski was also good fun with a larger group.
May saw mum’s luxury work freebie to St Tropez – enough said !
This was the year of the first school residential trips. At least it was for Jordan and Charlotte, as once more Tom’s behaviour precluded him from going on his class trip.
Jordan went first with a week at PGL. It was a fantastic experience, and although he tried hard to get himself sent home, he experienced a wide range of new and exciting outdoor activities: trapeze, Jacob’s ladder, rock climbing and kayaking.
Charlotte’s trip, a few weeks later was a little shorter, but just as much fun. Can’t wait for next year eh ?
As the end of the school term drew near and Jordan’s final few weeks at Seely, the school rehearsed a contemporary production of Oliver. Jordan was the Artful Dodger, or AD as he was known in this production, and truly stole the show with his wide boy style. Perhaps a budding actor in the making ?
It was the bi annual Chester get-together this year, with once again the Horrocks Websters and Carters getting together. Ashley is now taller than most of the ladies and the boys are becoming young men. It didn’t stop the regular games of football and rounders though.
The summer holiday saw another summer of fun at Roosters, with our summer holiday to the Lake District. We had a terrible summer weather-wise but surprisingly our week in the Lake District was fantastic. We did lots of walking and climbing, with the highlight being our conquest of Helvellyn, a proud achievement for all.
September saw the start of a new school for Jordan and new classes for Tom and Charlotte. Most of our energies were spent getting Jordan organised and used to his new routine, but he soon got into the swing, made some new friends and got involved in the Cross Country and Orienteering teams.
October half term saw Jordan off to Butlins with a junior school friend and his family. Peace at last after a hectic first few weeks.
In October, dad finally decided to call it a day with Experian, after 20 years service. He left on November 9th, mum’s birthday and there was a very memorable leaving do with many, many people spanning the full 20 years. This was topped off (for dad anyway), with ‘The Other Smiths’ gig at a local venue. Dad embarrassed himself in the mosh pit. Remember your age dad eh ?!
The run in to Christmas was again exciting and eventful with parties, running, Xmas dinners galore for the whole family. Xmas itself was spent with Grandma and Tony with a lovely visit from Andy, Tarn, Olivia and Lois, to try out all the new recently purchased beds.
