Cotswolds Zoo with Friends

I spent last weekend in the Cotswolds with Matt, El, Clare and little baby Olivia. We couldn't go to our usual cottage but found a really good alternative. On the Saturday we went to the Cotswolds Zoo. All for Olivia of course, even though she slept through most of it. The adults however loved it. The weather was hit and miss but they had little shelters from the drizzle and we had umbrellas.

The best bit was at the start. Rhinos. And there was a baby! Baby Alan was born 13th September so roughly the same age as Olivia.  

Baby Alan

They came so close! There was just a little wall and ditch and they went into the ditch to snacks. Little Alan had some issues get out though; it was a bit slippy.

Olivia was a bit confused by them.

Next was the giraffe and they were inside by the viewing platforms, having lunch so we got really close to them.

Not sure how impressed she is.

I really recommend this zoo. They have big enclosures and lots of animals. And many I have never heard of.

Lion pack

Yawn.

Gundi.

Cloudy leopard.

Capybara 

Matt attempted the kids play ground but gave up.

We lucked in and were in time for the penguin feeding. There was one little cute one who was playing the clown, swimming on his side, waving his flipper and splashing. The Happy feet of the bunch.

food! food!

We spent the evening at the cottage watching a movie and playing with the baby.

Yes we dressed her up.

Sunday we went to Bourton-on-the-water for a walk around and lunch. One shop was packed so Matt and I stayed outside with the buggy so we entertained ourselves.

Shiny object!

Trying to make her smile.

Milk coma face - and blackmail material for later in life.

Meeting Olivia

On Sunday morning, before heading back to London, I went over to Matt and El's to meet the new little one. Who is gorgeous!!!!!!!!

I managed to get a lovely little cuddle (well, she slept on me but I am good with that) before we went out for lunch.

Awake.

But not for long.

She was so well behaved, even so young. I think she was the best behaved in the entire pub and certainly the cutest and smartest.

And of course it was great seeing Matt, El and Clare. I can't want to meet up again in a month and spend more time with them all.

Visiting Joseph

Last week I spent a few days in Preston, catching up with Katherine, Philip and Joseph. Joseph has grown so much in the last 3 months! As soon as I got there I got a cuddle which made me very happy. He is also smiling and giggling now which is one of the cutest things I have seen. He was a little unsure of me at first, but we are fast friends now! 

Katherine and I made our social plans for the next day before I went over to my hotel.  However the next morning, everyone changed/cancelled our plans! So we just played with Joseph instead and gave him a bath - not as messy and wet as I expected but give him time. (I was trying to teach him to splash!)

Trying to eat the sofa

Encouragement from mom to do push-ups

Nearly

Given up

We tried to get him to push himself up. He thought about it. Then tried to eat the sofa.

Teased with the hair.

Big boy

We had lunch in town and did some shopping before heading back to Katherine's for more cuddles. :)

Loving the bouncer.

I also managed to catch up with Danielle and Daniel and meet their little Jonathan, who is also a cutie, even when he was being sick on me.
I am already planning my next trip up and keep buying baby things. My little nephews are both going to be very spoilt by their honorary aunty.
It did snow a little here last week but not enough to even warrant a photo.
The only other news is I managed to get onto the Science 2 Data Science course for March. As it is the second best in the world (the best requires you to live in the USA so no thanks), I am super happy and very excited. So it's official. I am leaving astronomy. :) 

Visiting nephew #2

Benjamin Matthew Fellows

On Christmas Eve, my oldest friend finally had her little baby boy. Mom and baby are doing well and dad is smitten already. I have proclaimed myself honoary Aunt again!

He arrived late, meaning I lost the baby pool but I'll forgive him. Though mom and dad missed Christmas. I have decided to give him a 0.5 birthday so he gets something to look forward to mid-year. And I get to buy more cool kids stuff!  

I popped over to visit this week and got some cuddles in before he decided to fill the nappy and then exercise his lungs. Unsurprisingly (given his singing mom) he has a really good set!

Not liking having the nappy changed.

It's a tough world.

 I am already claiming him a genius as, at 2 weeks old, he is lifting up his head and rolling over. Which he should not be doing just yet. So I am planning the chemistry and physics sets early.

Sleepy.

 He also has the largest feet I have seen on a baby. It is seriously adorable!

Big foot.

I love him to bits already! He is smart, cute, sweet, and probably a bit mischievous. I can already see him being an amazing little boy and fabulous man.

And I get to visit my other genius cutie-pie nephew as well next week and see how he has grown and catch up with some good friends. I am getting excited already! Despite the weather, there are some thing I really love about being back home. :)

Last weekend and nephew

Sunset on the way to Tenerife

Last weekend I managed to spend the weekend at home and a trip to see my new (honorary) nephew before coming back to Tenerife.

The time at home was partly spent sorting out my things which, when I got back from the states, just got stuffed wherever there was room. I have no idea where anything is! 

I also managed to fit in a trip up to Preston to see my new (honorary) nephew. My friend Katherine and here husband Philip now have a gorgeous little boy. Things didn't quite go to plan, as they ended up having to spend the day in the hospital while I waited at my hotel. But everything is ok and they were able to come home for the evening so I sent over to say hello.

My gorgeous little nephew.

The bib says it all!

Good night Joseph

I'm now back in Tenerife, living in a cloud.  The view was nice coming in. Even if I did have to sit listening to people discuss their holiday plans. (I got home at 9.30pm and was in work before 9am the next day.) 

Tiede.

Weather-wise I don't think the next 2 months are going to be as nice as the first 2, if the past couple of days are anything to go by. I am glad I packed my winter clothes!