Chester & BBQ dinner

Whilst driving to Chester trust it to start raining as soon as I got on the M62 so didn't really enjoy my drive over there. Got to Hayley's about 4.30 and usually plan to go to David lloyds so kids could go to kids club and us have a coffee in the lounge. But was change plan just decided to stay at hers and both Samuel and William were hpy to see me and appeared to like their presents t-shirt, Scooby doo book and haviananas. I had got them different styles of haviananas but both ith transformers and trust William to prefer Samuels but made him feel better when said will get them eventually when too small for Samuel. We had a little play and when came to bedtime had to read their Scooby doo books I read to wiilliam then will read to Samuel next night. Once boys in bed me and Hayley had tea pasta with prawns and asparagus with wine, Jamie got home later watched TV for abit then bed midnight. Sleeping on sofa bed in lounge and boys came down early in morning and Samuel put film on at 6ish then Hayley and Jamie got up 7am. I took the boys to school to Hayley and were very excitable and trust it to be raining. Then me and Hayley went to Cheshire oaks a Designer Outlet with a great range of designer brands, offering up to 60% off designer clothing and products. Was a few shops which weren't there before like Barbour, joules, Kipling and a few more was a few nice jackets at Barbour but don't need another one. I also tried on a few dresses as want one for New Year but was nothing which I thought I had to have. Was some asics tiger trainers in black which fancied for work but tried on but still not 100%, but had to tell when got a skirt on. Whilst shopping was dry and then trust when we were just leaving for it to start raining which is typical when got to pick boys up. But first phone David Lloyd gym up to see if can use free pass from voucher cloud tomorrow and can do. Then to pick boys up and had to take umbrellas for them and were abit silly at first but soon settled. We then went out in my mini to McDonalds as Hayley wants mini and to see if car seats fit in which did and boys enjoyed. When back boys play for abit and I had my first packet of quavers a cheese flavour potato snack very nice and then bed for boys and I read to Samuel tonight. Had Chinese tonight which Jamie got on way home and was very good especially the prawn crackers and bed 11pm. 

William came down in morning unsure what time but just wanted a cuddle and then we both went back to sleep, Samuel then came down early to watch TV. It was then to David Lloyd and boys wanted to go in my car but said no as I was going straight home after been to David Lloyd. So boys went to kids club first and whilst there were they me and Hayley went to gym only went on cross trainer for 10 minutes then ran on treadmill for 3.15 miles. Then time for the boys swimming lesson but had time to play in pool first was cold outside but at least pool heated. Whilst boys were having swim lesson gave me chance to have a swim, watched boys swim from jacuzzi then go in sauna and steam room very relaxing. Finished about 12ish and then trust William to want to have shower with me which was fine as liked using my toiletries. We then went to cafe to get something but nothing really fancied so just had parsnip crisps and a latte and to have pictures with the boys. I left just after 1.30 and Samuel was very sweet said was nice seeing me and my dress was pretty, I also enjoyed seeing them. Lucky when I left the sun was shining which was nice alot better weather for driving in not like when I drive here. Once hone cup of tea then take sone clothes to loved shop in boroughbridge who sell them for you, let's hope sell. I then helped mum put Ellie's old babywalker on gumtree as mum unsure how to do and don't need anymore. It was then to Linda and Stuart's about 7ish for BBQ dinner and we arrived just before Sarah and Jamie. Had lots of nibbles first breadsticks and dips very nice and also had Pimms for us to drink felt like a proper British summer. But wasn't really sure if wanted to sit outside as was still abit chill but was actually not to bad once out. It was then time for the BBQ and certainly plarnty of food sausages, kebabs, spare ribs, chicken wings, burger and steak burger and was all very good. Mum had made pudding lemon mousse which very refreshing and white chocolate cheesecake which was good but couldn't eat too much and Linda had done fruits sticks. After pudding was time to go inside the girls in the garden room and the boys in the lounge watching football. Was a nice night just a shame didn't really have chance to have a proper catch up with Sarah and left midnight. Once home watched the end of Glastonbury live on TV first time Rolling Stones their were very entertaining fell asleep on sofa and bed 3.

Spa morning

Woke up during in night and eventually got up at 7.30 had breakfast then off to Aldwark manor at 9.30 for our spa morning, as only 5 minutes down the road. As unfortunately we didn't have enough time to do a full spa day as probably would of preferred Rockcliffe hall or Seaham hall but aldwark more convenient. Aldwark manor is a fantastic old manor house set in lovely grounds, the spa and health club is very quiet with a pool, steam/sauna room and gym. Me and mum visited aldwark manor reflections spa as a treat to ourselves and its always nice to have some pampering now and again. Our 1st appointment was 10 am and unfortunately there couldn't fit in 2x60 minute treatment so I let mum have the 60 minute treatment and I got 2x 20 minute ones. Got to wear my new swimsuit which I got from Seafolly in Australia and was nice to wander around in robe. My first treatment I decided to have was head, shoulder, neck and back massage as my shoulders were tense and felt it helped. Was taken to thevrelaxation room but decided woukd prefer to use facilities so went in the steam room. It was then time for my next treatment this time decided to have a facial as is recommend every few months and not had one for ages. I then went to meet mum in the spa first was into the jacuzzi, steam room and then for a little which was nice and cool then to sauna, steam room and pool. My favourite was definitely the steam room and i usually prefer the sauna as like it hot, unfortunately didn't have time to use gym. We left the spa facilities at 12.15 to go changed for our light lunch where we got 2 courses and we prefer had the same. First was pancetta and onion tart then salmon seemed small but was very filling with new potatoes but mum not keen on new potatoes so got chips aswell. It was a great place to be pampered for half day by attentive staff in the Spa and enjoy fine dining in the restaurant, but not sure if coud do full day here. After was straight to boroughbridge to put Rachel's cheque for NYE cruise in bank and to fill car up for my journey later on. It was then home time for cup of tea and then time to head to Chester left just after 2ish and was fine when left.

Catch up and cinema

Slept slightly better last only actually woke up once at 6am and then got up at 8.30. Had breakfast then thought best go for a run to test out my new trainers only did 2.01miles but stopped after 1 mile. Then back shower and drive to hornbeam train station to catch train to Leeds and just missed train as was just pulling away as I got into car park. Drove round a few times but couldn't find a space was hoping to park in college car park but is now permit holders. It took me so long to get parked but eventually got parked up the road but still missed the 2nd one but made the 3rd one. So by the time I got to Leeds was 12.30 and 1st stop was Trinity shopping centre a new shopping centre which only opened march 2013. Trinity Leeds shopping centre has the best high street shoos and restaurants with its own impressive artworks and a glass roof. It also has a few new shops in Leeds which won't their before like 'Hollister' but was nothing what I wanted and met Kate there. By this point I was quite hungry so we went to M&S cafe and I just had pasta and sushi then time to look round shops. As Kate looking for graduation outfit but never found anything, I tried on nice dress by Ted Baker at house of fraser but wasn't sure on the zip. So I ended up buying nothing and was nice to catch up with Kate who doesn't appear to miss Sydney and was surprised am not bored with it yet. Got train back at 3.59 and was worried might be clamped after speaking with mum but luckily wasn't. Then driving out saw sign which said 'if not authorised clamp £50 to remove' so was very lucky but parked opposite side of road to sign. When home had tea with dad fishacakes from M&S and strawberries for dessert very nice. Then Lisa came at 7 as off to cinema tonight but first to Tesco to get a few sweets wasn't sure what to see ended up seeing 'World War Z'. The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself. Was a well-crafted, action-packed, and most impressively, not overly gory horror thrill ride as am not that keen on zombie movie but was better than expected. Was also good to catch up with Lisa and find out what she been up now has her own cat and dog now. Once got in was still wide awake so finished watching the end of 'Ghost' and then go to bed 11pm.

Photo shoot

Tuesday 25th June and didn't sleep too well heard Ellie at 2ish but she went back to sleep then woke up 6ish and got up at 8. It was then to Ripon to sort out my Leeds building society just signed ISA up for another year and Dad eventually found some new trainers which I found for him. Home chill for abit then Sharon arrive 12.30ish and then go to York for our family photo shoot, Ellie eventually fell asleep in car as not slept all day. We ended up parking near the post office and parking was expensive was £12 but gave us parking til 8am tomorrow morning. Then to portfolio studios on micklegate for our photo shoot, Portfolio studio boasts the areas largest mult-set photography studio and a wide range of profesional photography packages. As soon as we arrived was offered a drink and obvisiously we all decided on the sparkling wine. Then time to have our make up done decided to go natural but couldn't believe how long my eyelashes were and decided to have hair curly for a change, happy with finished result. When we are finished and looking superb and glamorous, we were escorted to the studio to meet our photographer. This is where we got to discuss which backgrounds and sets we like from over a dozen different options for our exciting photo-shoot. By this time Ellie just waking up and first was to have our professional pictures done and Ellie wasn't really that bothered by it but liked the student who kept her distracted. The professional one was more focused on the three of us and us as individuals also Ellie wouldn't smile for camera think had 3 outfits. Following this we were escorted to the super saver infinity studio for contemporary, creative and energetic shots. This is were we met 'Maddie' who was taking our family shots and tried to make it more fun for Ellie. We then got chance to take a break of an hour so had a quick dash into town as Shaton wanted some MAC make-up and mum collect something from M&S. It was then back to studio to view our images which are retouched to the highest standard and we got see a presentation of them. Was so many good ones was hard to decide which ones we definitely wanted eventually got it down to 16 pictures on CD with a framed pictures for £100 each. Then home and can't believe where the time had gone as was nearly 7pm so decided we would go out for food just the 3 of us. Originally first thought was to go to Sweet Basil a Chinese/Thai restaurant but Dad not really that keen on Chinese. So ended up going to the Ship Inn at Aldborough a warm country pub which offers British food and we all had Gammon, egg and pineapple was good. It was then home drink wine and watch TV and trust me to fall asleep on sofa and eventually got to bed at 12.

Shopping and meet old work mates

Woke up in night just for a change then also 6 and 8am which is when I eventually got up. Our originally plan was to go to Ripon this morning with Nanna to change her bank account from 2 to 1 but she managed to do over phone. So instead decided to go to York designer outlet as the tunic's I got Sharon she decided wasn't really, so had to go back. First to pick up Nanna as thought best invite her since we were originally doing so etching with her even though designer not really her thing. Then trust Ellie to fall asleep just when we were arriving at designer so wasn't in the best humour when walking round. Found a nice star jumper at M&S but unfortunately not my size and my aim to find Sarah's birthday present which I got. Then Ellie just go to sleep when we were planning to leave so went for food I had bagel with salmon and avocado with Harrogate spring water. When Ellie woke up she enjoyed drinking from the straw and then it was too Tesco to get a few things. Once home the aim was to go for a run but it never happened got distracted with other things and had to get ready to go out. As meeting girls from old work today for a catch and trust the traffic to be bad even though left in plenty of time but was probably bad due to spillage on M1. Also once got to Harrogate couldn't get parked so ended up parking at Debenhams car park as got fed up driving round. Eating at Deano's graze and grill which focuses on hearty, rustic dishes with influences from around the world yet all locally sourced. It was nice was 7 of us including me and was a good night was nice to catch up with everyone and find out what everyone been up too and sounds like hospital still the same. To eat I decided to have the grazing plate where get 3 dishes for £15 which is like Spanish but without being typical Spanish. I had Thai fish cakes, shellfish risotto and meatballs with gnocchi all was very good and was nice to try abit of everything. Was a good night we all appeared to have a lot of fun catching up and everything told me not to rush to come back. When I got home was wide awake so didn't go to bed til 11ish.

My birthday weekend

Saturday 22nd June and my birthday didn't have the best sleep woke up 3,5,7 and then eventually got  up at 8am. As soon as I got up I opened my presents from Rachel as mum and dad still in bed and she got me Roxy spotty bag, roxy stripey bikini and ted baker toiletries. Then once mum and dad up open rest of present who got mt Thomas sabo bracelet with star charm, acqua de gio perfume, digital luggage scales and razors. I also had other presents Sarah got me some clairns skincareand inga my friend from uni got me some lancome perfume, so very lucky. Only had light breakfast as mum doing bacon sandwiches later so just coconut yoghurt my favourite yoghurt at the moment. So after Ellie's swimming lesson arrive just after 10ish mum did bacon sandwiches for everyone was worth the wait, nice to have proper bacon. Also Sharon bought my birthday present a north face waterproof jacket jade which will keep me nice and dry once in Sydney. When Sharon arrived the post lady was just delivering and was parcel for me my present from Nat a cup and travel hair care very good timing that arrive on my birthday. It was then time to go shopping so left about 11.30 and went to York designer outlet a Shopping Centre which has a great range of designer labels at discount prices, reduced by up to 60%. Was so much choice I ended up buying ted baker dress only £20 a bargain, joules dress, Ellie gap star playsuit, I also got Sharon some tunics from joules and Rachel got some bargains. We didn't actually end up leaving the outlet til 4.15 and hadn't eaten so hungry, so called at Skip bridge to get crumpets and wine. Once home Ellie allowed there as Mum and Dad looking after her tonight so me and aravhel can stay at Sharon's. It was then time to get ready to go out wearing my M&S dress and didn't leave ours til 6.40pm get to Sharon's finish wine then go pick Lou up, Ben driving us. We met at Caffe Marconi a new Italian cafe/restaurant and Clare already sat waiting for us just then Sue and Julie arrived. Had garlic bread to share then I had cannelloni and lemon tart with pot of Nutella all was very nice would definitely recommend. After food we went for a few drinks to Pitcher & Piano then to a Banyan was a nice night unfortunately didn't take many pictures only one of me and Julie. Was an early night as Ben picked us up at 11 and once home straight to bed was hoping for good night sleep didn't happen woke up 3,6 and got up 8. Had crossiants and latte for breakfast very nice even though up early didn't actually get moving til 11.30. Sharon ended up sorting out Whatsapp for Rachel's iPhone as she wasn't sure how to do and will be cheaper for in the long run. We then went shopping to Harrogate tried on a few dresses but wasn't 100% so all I ended up buying was a jumper from TKMaxx and sleepsuit for Ellie from Cath KidstonHad lunch at M&S bought sandwiches and crisps from the shop downstairs then ate them in restaurant but did buy coffees, so did deserve to sit in their. Drop Rachel off at train station not sure if have to get ticket but said not then waited with Rachel til train at 4.53 and luckily no ticket. On way home have to pick Nanna up and trust her not to be at hone was at Josies house for the open gardens. Once home tea nearly ready having roast lamb with all the trimmings but mum made wrong pudding so will make Bakewell tart for next Sunday. Nanna also got Ellie a new toy a singing lion which Ellie seemed to like was constantly giggling when it sung but everyone else not bothered with it. Ellie staying tonight aswell since mum looks after her on Monday so me and Sharon gave her bath then put her new slepsuit on, very cute.

Shopping, baby gym and look after Ellie

Still not sleeping the best woke up 5ish then got up just after 7 which was good as had to drop Mum off at work at 8am. After dropping mum off was straight to Sharon's and Ellie was just finishing her breakfast then to Harrogate. First stop Up and Running which is a shop which has anextensive range of specialist running clothes, trainers & shoes. Up and Running had one simple formula to provide the best personal care to runners so Ellie got to watch me on treadmill then bought my new saucony trainers and got free socks. It was then to 'Blacks' an outdoor clothing store for Sharon to get my birthday present got me a north face lightweight waterproof jacket in jade. We then had a quick look round some of the shops as Sharon wanted a new top for tomorrow tonight but unfortunately couldn't find one. It was then to Little Gym to watch Ellie do her gymnastics which she seemed to enjoy and was straight to get the musical istruments. The Little Gym is an experiential learning and physical development center offering children's physical activities including parent/child classes and many more. I stayed on the outside of glass Ellie's friend Lucas was flirting with me through the glass kept coming to see me and another boy in glass before kept bringing me things. Straight I dentist after for Sharon not me but first stop havenhands for sausage rolls and flapjack, I stayed in car as Ellie asleep. Get back to Sharon's house and Katie's sister stood outside waiting for Sharon to go to the Take That concert in Manchester. Ellie wasn't that happy but probably as just woken up, was hungry and Sharon was leaving straight so just left with me. Was fine after she had eaten had a little play then we went for walk into town to get Ellie's passport form and paper for Dad. Was gone for about an hour on our walk then when back play in ball pool but not that interested much preferred the animals. Rachel arriving today but since looking after Ellie had organised for Dad to collect her straight after work and then dropped her off at Sharon's. By the time Rachel and Dad arrived Ben already there but had cup of tea then we went back to mum and dads. Mum cooking tea steak pie one of Rachels favourite dishes and coffee cake which was very good. Afterwards Mum and Dad went to pub as new ownership so wanted to see what it was like, which their said was busy. It also gave Me and Rachel chance to catch up as been over a year since we last saw each other then bed 11pm and slept on air bed.