Look at my muscles!!!

Somtime about a week ago, Jess turned to me one day in our lounge and said "Look at my muscles" and proceeded to do a Herculean 'tense up'. I can assure you this had nothing to do with me. I have not done something like that since before she was born. Therefore, those of you that can remember my excrutiatingly vain "bodybuilding" days, and get a lot of enjoyment mocking them (Scouse) I may need your pity as it would seem to be due to a heriditary genetic predisposition, which Jess has picked up. Thanks Dad.

These videos have been included so you can savour our amusement each time Jess performs the pose. She already has the 'game' face and neck.

Easter Egg Hunt

Gordon Conwell has an annual Easter Egg Hunt where 2000 eggs are scattered on the main field and around the main playground, with candy, chocolate or stickers hidden in each one. At the starters whistle the big kids collect the ones on the field and the little ones, the ones around the playground. It was a beautiful day and eggs looked so tempting reflecting the sun's light.
I positioned Jess to the side of the playground where there were no other kids and took the event a little more seriously than the spirit of the day was probably intended.

Nanna helps Jess raid the eggs from around a tree.

Jess surveys her prizes.
Jess with a good 50 eggs
Say cheese. When we got back to the house Jess opened the eggs and fortunately only about a 3rd had chocolate in them (which she's not allowed to eat because of her allergies). It's so enjoyable to share in her excitement and enjoyment of the situation.
The nest raider in action...

Easter 2008

This Easter Nan and Pop Patterson have come to visit all the way from Wales. We're having a lovely time whilst Nan and Pop do all the washing up and housework and look after Jess. Another holiday is likely to be needed for them once they return home.

Army Assault Course Disaster

Dad shows Jess how to tackle the apparatus. He can 'talk the talk', but as the below video shows, he unfortunately cannot 'walk the walk'.
Whee!
The love between a grandfather and a granddaughter is so precious.
A random family photo. Note the 'spare tyre of comfort and satisfaction' around my waist. I felt it my duty to eat every time Shelley ate during pregnancy so as not to make her feel left out.

Lizzie and Dad try out for the marines. The simple task that was set was to get from one side to the other, without your feet touching the ground. Clearly upper body strength and co-ordination are not family strengths. That said, at least Dad had the dignity to stop after one attempt, unlike Lizzie, who surprisingly hadn't been drinking before the event. I'll let the clips do the talking now.

Visit from Ingerland

Beware! Watch out for the happy hiker above.

My Mum and Dad and younger sister Lizzie visited at the beginning of March for a week to help look after Sienna and Jess and to visit their favourite son. My favourite day was a visit to Boston with Dad and Lizzie; the 1st time I've been in a year as I usually look after Jess whilst Shelley is the tour guide. Here is a selection of photos from that day.

Dad with my twin, who is particularly simple, as this photo confirms.

Enjoying the sites.
Accepting dares.
The steeple of the historic Park Street church where 2 of America's great revivals started. It's next to the lovely Boston Common. Well worth a visit if you're ever in the area.

Hello from the Doyle ladies

3 days old

I'll let this one speak for itself.

A few more of Little C

Snug as a bug in a rug.

Jess has just whispered into Sienna's ear that once this photo is over, and Mummy and Daddy aren't looking she is going to poke her in the eye for getting all the attention this last week.

Little C tries to impersonate Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance routine.

A very proud father. Now I know how my Dad must have felt. And then I came along.

BUCKING Daddy

Being a big fan of bull riding on TV, Jess now demands that I play bucking bull with her most nights. As this video will show it is completely humiliating for me, and maybe this is why Jess enjoys it so much. For all the people I have intentionally embarrassed over the years for my own amusement, enjoy......

And yes I know that bulls do not rear up and neigh, or get out of breath so quickly, but Jess doesn't, so let's leave it at that.

This was also the 5th ride of the night. Jess' favourite expression of 'Do it again' will haunt me into old age.

For Mum Doyle on Sunday

For Mum Patterson on Sunday