A fun swim

Although we are not usually allowed to have cameras up at our pool, our Tuesday Toddler group has just ended and we had a farewell swim party. everyone gave their permission for photos and videos so we had an opportunity for some fun and rare swim photos!














Benjamin usually a limpet suddenly became a fish when given a woggle! off he went not bothered when I got out of the pool!




Leah has just figured out how to keep her mouth shut to stop swallowing half the pool so has started to swim towards me unheld.





And as it was a party they were happy to sit on the bench with some iced gems whilst I did some real swimming and put in a few lengths.
A lovely afternoon and the weather was sunny.

Sports days

Well here they are all in one! The nursery had theirs Thurs morning, reception Thurs afternoon and key stage2 were Fri afternoon!
I'm spending most of my time at school at the moment.... but I appreciate the priviledge of being able to do that, and watch them all as they have fun, joining in end of year activities.Still got the swimming gala to go, the triathlon, end of year assembly... I'll not be spending much time at home next week either!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

Our first yellow belly (lincolnshire born and bred!)has turned 4... life is moving on a pace and all we can do is watch and guide and teach as best we can. May God give us the courage and strength to raise them in his word.

WOW Matthew!

Well here he is (having just taken off his cap) in the pool lucky in one of the few sunny spells today; and the outcome? A most impressive 48 lengths in the ½hr he was in the water. He had to get out to go have his lunch! (He had wanted to round it up to 50!!) So thank you all who have sponsored him and be thankful you didn't make the mistake that we did, sponsoring him by the length!! ;) lesson learnt, never underestimate the ability of your own child
I will post his total raised but to give you an idea his efforts have earnt him or rather the pool just about £200! Well done Matthew, great effort! we are really proud of you!

A beautiful walk...

After a sodden morning of heavy showers, what change! The sun was out to greet us as we arrived at Ostler's plantation for yet another Billinghay Family Walk. New comers are always welcomed and it was lovely to have new faces join us. Not five minutes into the walk and what did we see coiled up at the side of the path? An adder warming itself in the sun. Steve who knew what he was doing picked it up so that everyone could have a close look. WOW! (Please note: Do not EVER attempt to pick up an adder unless you have done it before!)Next Penny picked up a sloworm sp? a legless lizard who'd been stunned when accidentally run over by the buggy!! Together with a grasshoper and pretty flowers our walk turned into a nature and wildlife fest! As usual, good company, friendly chats and fun in the woods with a bounce on the tree and cooling refreshments courtesy of Chris made for delightful afternoon. Thanks to all for joining us and see you all (and any new comers tempted to join us) at the next walk on Saturday 2nd August @ 4pm!

Billinghay Pool

You may or may not be aware that our local open air heated pool "Billinghay and district Community Pool" is threatened with closure because of high fuel costs. (BBC article here)
Now we fully appreciate that high fuel costs is a worldwide problem but we are talking of a volunteer run and maintained community facility which uses funds to cover it's costs... If they were to raise their prices 215% to cover their fuel increase then no-one would come!!!
As well as a tv appeal, the children of the village are participating in sponsored swims on various days to 'fill the coffers' so that we may have a pool to use this summer!
Matthew will be doing his swim on Monday 7th July and if anyone would like to sponsor him we would greatly appreciate it. (just contact me: b5kidz at gmail.com)
Alternatively you could simply make a kindly donation!
Thank you all.

Arrrrrrrrrrgh!

How quickly we become reliant on modern technology..... after a fair bit of use, at least four 2lb loaves /week for the past 4yrs, our bread maker can longer be of use, the tin itself has worn through and is leaking when we put in the ingredients!
Now I'm not averse to trying to make it by hand... but my family may just have something to say about having to eat what is equivalent to a doorstop!
we will be looking for a replacement ASAP as the shop bought stuff is ...well.... tasteless and horrible!
For once my husband has given me the OK to go to Amazon!!!!!!! See you later ;)

A quiet weekend in...

Anyone for a BBQ breakfast?
With Joseph on camp, we were all in a mood for an outdoor breakfast, so we started cooking... and it started to rain!









We ate in the sitting room.
Yummm...............









Later it was time for Isaac to join the Billinghay under 8's football team for their first training session.













The rain wasn't easing but Tom unperturbed set out to start clearing the beds which have, with the warmth and rain, been overun with a variey of unwelcomed weeds.

Life goes on...

And with children there are developmental milestones met, 'firsts' in their lives. Some obvious, first steps, riding a bike, some unseen like a sudden comprehension of consequences, some vocal, first words and sentences... and then there is the first tooth falling out! This as a family is our third 'first tooth' but it still twangs my heart just the same to see a gappy smile!!!

Happy Birthday...

To my darling Tom, a wonderful loving and caring husband and father. Have a lovely fun day. A day of family and friends and fellowship... and I'll join you this evening! The children have all your presents stashed away somewhere safe!!