2008! So far so good.

Tigger enjoyed seeing in the New Year in with us... despite having to wear Mrs Fenchurch's gift of a spangly collar. Richard (Jim) and Emma came down to eat and play some games with us then we were invaded by some welcome "first footers" just before midnight when Rob, Leila & Rob and Becky came around.

Emma woke mercilessly early the next morning and was treated to some finger paints.

On the 2nd Helen, Leila, Emma and I went on a walk in Churchill. It was quite a nature trail especially when we saw this deer bounding across a field.

Leila took this picture of the three of us in front of the pigs.

One of the pigs had escaped as the electric fence wasn't working.

She ended up walking along the path with Leila!

Here are some pictures of Emma persecuting Tigger with a clothes hanger.



Poor pusscat! He's not safe anywhere. Not even in the window with the hyacinths.

Emma's been enjoying the shape sorter from her Granny. I think she's gradually learning her colours. She can say all the colour words now except orange. She likes saying yellow the best.

Here she is proudly standing in a toy oven tray.

On Sunday we went for a long walk along the Clevedon seafront ending up with a roast in Campbell's Landing. We then walked down the pier and took some photos of an epic game of peek-a-boo around the old Victorian iron structures.

Emma's Second Christmas

Christmas Day was a pyjama day up until midday for the family Shallcross. We opened our presents to each other and Emma started on her clutch of presents!

We had been invited for a very special Christmas Lunch at Rob and Leila's. They had prepared turkey kebabs which where cooked outside on a barbeque. They were marinated with a port and honey dressing and were delicious.

Emma helped distribute the presents. And she was very willing to help open them as well.

Here she is on my lap blowing out the candle. She understands "hot" now and didn't try to touch the flame.

She loved her Gramma Leila's present of a mini pushchair.

And GG's present of a rocking chair.

On Boxing Day we drove to Tisbury to see the rest of the family. Emma didn't sleep in the car and went a bit toxic for the last 30 minutes. We were all pleased to get to Wallmead! Here she is in her Christmas dress.

We took all the presents for Emma's cousins in a big red bag. Emma got inside.

The next day we went on a walk in Semley.

Jane, Jasper, Billy and Rosie have a new collie puppy called Holly. She is was only 10 weeks old at Christmas time and full of excitement. Emma loved her!

Here's Emma back in Clevedon on the 29th. She got up early and enjoyed a game of fish the duck with Daddy. (Nice Christmas present Helen & Stephen L!)



She went to Clevedon beach with her mummy.

Then on the Sunday she walked round Poet's Walk with me. She walked most of the way. Not always in the right direction though....

She liked standing on the plinth by the Marine Lake.


And had a good giggle on the swing.

Pre Christmas visits.

On the 20th December, Emma's Granny and Grandad came to visit. We took a walk along the seafront. Emma walked most of the way!

We ate some gammon that Helen had prepared. Tigger was only at the head of the table whilst I took this photo.

Then Rob, Leila and Becky came round for a chat and Emma took the enlarged audience as a chance to really perform.

She had a soft spot for Granny and her necklace. They even co-ordinated with their colours.



She loved looking at the haunted house book with her grandad.


And enjoyed playing a funny game with Auntie Becky.


When it was time for our visitors to go, Emma tried to hitch a lift!

On the 18th, Emma, Helen and Rob and Leila went to North Petherton where Nanna had prepared a feast. Emma wore her new Christmas dress.


There's a story behind this next photo.


Emma enjoys playing cheers by clinking glasses together - except she calls it "DOH!" - you'll have to ask her why. In a particularly enthusiastic game at Nanna's she succeeded in smashing Rob's glass containing red wine! Glass went everywhere!

These next shots were taken on the 23rd December. I took Emma out on the bike to The Beach in Clevedon. It was very misty and the tide was out. When we walked down the slip where the boats are launched, you couldn't see the shore. Only the big puddles that Emma likes!

Here are some fun photos taken at home.

Build up to Christmas

We had quite a busy December with lots of pleasant outings. Here's Emma trying on Graham's glasses in The Priory pub in Portbury. We met with Helen's friend Kirsty and her fiance Graham for lunch. Emma provided lots of entertainment but then wanted to be anywhere except sitting at the table.

This is Emma at IKEA with Helen and Leila.

In this picture she's in her new backpack. Helen, Emma and I went for a walk along the Severn up by the first crossing (in the background).


It was very cold. This ice came from a puddle in the field.

Emma still enjoys a good "High Five." We have Leila to thank for that skill!

And she LOVES fingerpainting.

And going outside no matter how cold it is! Here we are off to feed the ducks.

We got TEEF!

Hurrah! At long last Emma has sprouted teeth. We first noticed them poking through at the beginning of December. Now she has three. We've had a few broken nights and lots of early starts. She hasn't had her appetite much but she has been enjoying lots of milk at bedtime.