Happy New Year from Joe

Between Christmas and New Year we were visited by Frances, Christopher and our adorable (and, it has to be said, increasingly adventurous) grandson.  These shots were taken at the Foxton recreation ground, where Joe had a wonderful time in the children's playground.

Just like his dad, Joe can't survive long without eating.  Sure enough, he brought a sandwich with him to the playground...

His face says it all, having been bundled back into the pushchair and about to go home.

Isla was sporting an injured back leg, but this didn't stop her wanting to run around like a mad thing chasing a ball.

Crufts 2019, part 1

I'm starting to catch up with some of the pictures taken over the past couple of years which I haven't (yet) had chance to process.  Back in March, Issy and I made our annual pilgrimage to Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham.  It was the Hounds and Terriers day, meaning that the dogs came in all shapes and sizes - quite literally.  This first set concentrates on the activities in and around the judging rings.  Not being a fan of eugenics, I've never been interested in breeding animals for "cosmetic perfection".  Even so, it's fun to watch because of the characters involved (both two- and four-legged).

Smile, please...

Mr Gordon appeared to be calculating the force required to push a West Highland Terrier off a table, although I've no idea why.

One poor Basset Hound had clearly waited long enough to be judged, and left her mark on the carpet to prove it!

More of Baby Joe

After a busy weekend meeting family and friends, Baby Joe came to visit us again last night before heading back to Bristol today.  He's absolutely lovely, and we all had the opportunity to play the doting aunt/grandparent.

Not to be left out, Isla decided that she needed to investigate the rather strange "man pup" who had appeared in the house.  She even went and fetched Joe one of her toys to play with (a bit premature given that he's only three weeks old).

The pictures of me were taken by Issy, who expressed incredulity that anyone would want a camera without a zoom on it...

A proud day

Wednesday was a very proud day for us, as Issy graduated from the University of Southampton.  Harriet and I were joined by James, Issy's fiancé, and Frances (pictures of whose graduation can be found here), making it a wonderful family occasion. 

What are sisters for if not to ruin one's graduation pictures?

My "womenfolk", all together, with Frances carrying the next generation (due at the end of November).

Issy decided to use a professional photographer for this particular shot...

Harriet and Frances putting the world to rights.

Issy, in full regalia, ready for the ceremony.

Now officially a graduate rather than a graduand.

Issy received a prize, which was presented after the ceremony in a sweltering hot marquee.

All over bar the shouting, so time for a silly picture or two.

Finally, that (apparently) essential piece of modern life, a graduation bear.