June 7, 2009

Thursday night Daniel took a long time to settle, but once he finally did the other four of us plopped down in front of 'Jock of the Bushveld'.  It's an African movie about a dog named Jock.  Evidently, it's a classic?... who knew????

Friday morning and early afternoon were spent looking up free things to see around Newcastle while we allowed Daniel to get some good sleep that day.  Friday evening saw us head out to Aunty Mary's house (Gramps's sister).  Shame, she had eye surgery not too long ago and can no longer see out of one eye, but other than that she seemed to be in really good spirits.

I was able to get the boys to sit still long enough to take a quick photie of them with Aunty Mary.  She told us all the latest about her children and grandchildren, mind you, there are a LOT so I won't give all the details!

We waved goodbye to Aunty Mary and walked down to Uncle John and Aunty Laura's as we were to meet them, Gramps, and Dad there.

This is their house.  It begins where the hedge begins and goes up to the corner.

As soon as we walked in the door Dave got a good lecture about being prompt.  hahahaha.  We weren't even sure we were supposed to be there at a certain time!  hahaha!  We had a good time listening to Gramps and Uncle John tell stories from the good old days while we all munched on Aunty Laura's spicy chicken.  Well, most of us anyway; Daniel found the spring onions much more to his taste!

Here is Gramps giving him a yummy one.

Here is Uncle John getting some coveted cuddles from the Turn.

Oh YAY!!  It seems Aunty Laura has forgiven Dave of his tardiness.  Dave says all he had to do was turn on the 'Handyside Charm' and he was sure to be in her good graces again.  (Humility, thy name is David Handyside)       =)

The Handyside Men - 4 generations of them!

Saturday we had big plans to meet up with Gramps and Aunty Mary at the Blaydon Festival which started at 1pm.  Daniel was in the middle of a nap when the clock struck one, so we waited for him to wake up.  He was taking way too long to wake so we decided to just get him up and go.  

Here we are walking down to Blaydon.

As we were walking there we took some time to "stop and smell the roses".  I've included some of these for your viewing pleasure. 

In the end, we did run into Gramps and Aunty Mary at the festival, but they were on their way out while we were just on our way in.

When we first reached the festival we were just a bit underwhelmed.

We are too accustomed to the 'bigger is always better' mentality of the USA.  However, we did have a nice time.  The Blaydon Burn Festival is in celebration of the Blaydon Burn (a run) that has been going on since 19futsac.  The festival was geared mainly toward little children.  Joshua was given a worksheet that was filled out by walking around and finding the clues posted all over.

While he was busy with that, his Mummy was busy investigating the local insects.

The festival only lasted until four and we stayed till the very last minutes.  Then we began our walk over to the bus station in order to catch a bus down to Toys R Us and ASDA.  On the walk we crossed a pathway over the road that gave a great view of St. Cuthbert's church tower.

It took us a bit to pick up the necessaries from the stores; Katie's gift from Gogs and Rob, belt for Amy (forgot to bring one), folding umbrella, milk, bread, ginger biscuits, phone card, etc. Then we were out to the bus stop to wait for the bus.

"We only have about 10 minutes to wait", said David.  Forty minutes later, we were still sitting there.

Joshua started speaking in a funny voice to a person that was not there telling him, "We were having a great time on our holiday until we had to wait at the bus stop.  We had to wait so long that we just had to come back to the states after that".  Dave walked over to the bus schedule again and Amy walked with him.  As they inspected the schedule Dave emitted a sheepish noise. "Oh dear!", he exclaims, "I was an hour off".  Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.  We still had twenty minutes to wait.

Dave phoned his Dad to let him know that we would be later than expected and he graciously offered to collect us.  By the time we got home we were all exhausted from the walk about in the cold with the hundreds of people around and we were all ready for a good kick-back and relax.  Amy phoned her niece, Stefani, as it was her wedding day and Amy was very much wanting to be in Oklahoma at that present moment.  (Hope you have a GREAT time on your honeymoon no-no!)  That evening was rather down as Amy was a bit of a misery guts.... whiny, emotional woman that she is!!

Praise the Lord that it is a new day!

Sunday morning, this morning, we decided to attend the church that is just behind Rob and Liz's place.  Soooo glad that we did!  The congregation (of exactly 8) was made up of mainly elderly people.  They were very friendly and welcoming.  One lady, Shirley Clark, seemed to know all about our relatives which pleased herself greatly.  Another lady, Brenda, who was celebrating 32 years of marriage with the husband who's name I have forgotten (John??), kept the Daniel entertained with toys.  One sweet tiny, little lady of at least 75 kept Joshua entertained by playing basketball!!!  (This was after the service, of course, while we were all having tea).  I was speaking to one of the ladies, Barbara, and telling her the church had a sweet spirit about it.  She got a light in her eye and said, "Aye, and we know God is going to do something here, we are just waiting".  How Wonderful!!!!  Expectancy is a great place to be no matter what one's location, age, or numbers!!!

After church we were straight off to Katie's birthday party.  Unfortunately, our camera was losing battery power so we only got one photie that I can't even download until it gets charged up.  Also, we didn't stay a long time either as Daniel needed a nap and all the rest of us needed lunch!

After lunch Rob and Joshua went up to the allotment for a while.... they just got back.  Before they left we explained to Joshua that they would be there for a long time and that he needed to use the restroom and get a drink, etc. before they left, so as not to bother Grandpa once they got there.  Rob says that they had been there for about ten minutes and Joshua proclaimed that he needed the lou... and he could NOT use the bushes for what he needed to do!!  hahaha.  I guess he didn't have to go really bad because they were there for at least 2 hours.

Now here we are..... sitting in the living room drinking tea and watching Daniel jump up in down in Katie's jumper......  entertainment at its FINEST!!!!

God Bless my family... love you all very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!