Happy Chick

These past two weeks have been lovely for Lillie, and indeed for myself. Firstly, Lillie was a bridesmaid the weekend before last. It came as a surprise for her, as she thought her Dad's wedding would be in September. Nevertheless, she enjoyed the day very much by all accounts and no doubt looked totally beautiful too. She was allowed to bring her bridesmaid dress etc home to use for dressing up in, which she has done so twice now and looks just like a little princess. Lillie's beautiful bridesmaid's dress, shoes and flower bag...

Lillie also turned 8 on the 23 August. It was a lovely day. Since being taught to ride a two wheel bike at her Dad's, a bike was a gift she had asked me for. And a bike is what she got. Of course a safety helmet, until she decides to not wear it! She did very well with other gifts too - money, vouchers, a portable DVD player, a Wii game, DS games and equipment, 2 DVDs, a Hello Kitty diary and pen, hair accessories, a Hello Kitty bag, a birthday outfit, an indoor rose plant and of course a meal of her choice, (home made chicken curry with mango chutney), followed by a yummy triple chocolate birthday cake!

Unfortunately, the weather was awlful to take her out on her new bike. However, the next day was sunny and warm...

Lillie feeling free to cycle in our local basketball court...

We've also been working on our family tree - it's been great fun discovering ancestors and what they got up to in their past. One set of grand parents on my paternal side were Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bermondsey. They also travelled to Boston, Massachusettes for what reason I do not know as yet. Also on my paternal side are ancestors who came to England from Ireland. And we also have a Scottish connection too, which I will investigate soon. We have a couple of Publican's from Essex on my maternal side. A great great great great grandfather, (maternal side), who worked on the largest horse breeding stud farm in the world, ( at that time), in the 1861. What makes this story special is that the stud farm was just down the road from us and in the area which was my first home after being born. Sadly, we've come across a relative, an uncle, also on my maternal side, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme. I cried when I discovered this, but feel very proud of him. Lillie doesn't really understand as yet, the horrific stories of war, which I am thankful for at this moment in time. Another uncle served during World War I. He fortunately survived and makes me feel very proud too. Another relative I shed tears over was indeed the grandfather who worked on the stud farm - he ended up finishing his days in Holborn Union Workhouse. I did wonder why he never ended up living with a member of his family. Maybe, he was just a proud man and felt uncomfortable being looked after by one of his children. We also have a relative who emigrated to Australia - New South Wales. So, lots of interesting ancestors so far. Lillie and I have decided that we will take some trips to various places in the coming months to see what else we can discover and hopefully visit some cemetries to lay flowers for them. Without them we wouldn't be here and we just want to let them know we are aware of them and that we will never forget them. Wow, writing that chocked me up a little.

Yesterday, Lillie and I met up with friends who have just returned from their summer holiday. We had a lovely time catching up and have made plans for next week before Lillie's froend Catherine returns to school for the autumn term. Lillie's clubs also start up again next week. She's looking forward to getting back to them. We also went on a clothes shopping trip after seeing our friends yesterday. Lillie chose some super clothes and will look totally gorgeous in them. It will be my turn in a couple of weeks!

My new module books have been delivered and are waiting patiently to be started on - probably some time this evening. I can't wait to get started. Ive moved away from Creative Writing now and embarking on the environment this academic year.

This autumn will start very busy, though I'm sure after a very relaxed summer break, Lillie and I will slip straight back into a different gear. I think that's it for now. My son is visiting today, so I best get a move on and get my kitchen rug shampooed before he turns up! As for Lillie, well she is engrossed in playing her new Wii game - Super Mario Bros Galaxy 2.