Countryfile filming!

We spent a lovely week up at my parents' place in Cumbria the week before last. It felt like a real holiday, and Matilda had so much fun that a week later she is still asking to 'go back to Nanny's house'. One morning while we were there Mum and Dad were being filmed for an episode of Countryfile. The episode is about the North Pennines, with a small section about my parents' winemaking business, High Cup Wines. It was great fun to watch the filming and meet presenter Matt Baker, who seemed like a lovely bloke.

My Dad shows Matt how to make beetroot wine

Matt poses for a photo with Matilda, baby and I.

It should be broadcast on 4 September, 8pm on BBC2. Hopefully you'll see my parents' winemaking in action!

Chasing shadows

Last week, with the first proper spring sunshine of the year, Matilda had a great time chasing her shadow, waving and pointing at it and trying to step on it. On pancake day we walked over the hills into town to watch the pancake race with some friends. It was a lovely chilled-out day - a picnic on blankets on the grass, watching the ducks on the pond, and following a little shadow around the park.

Last weekend we went to Goodrich Castle to meet up with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. Matilda had a lovely time with her cousins, but refused to wear her gloves and cried when her hands got cold so I ended up having to carry her with her hands tucked into my coat. Wish I hadn't left the sling in the car!

My handmade Christmas

In an effort to use my new skills, save money and give meaningful presents this Christmas, I attempted a handmade present for everyone in my family (I only give presents to my immediate family so it's not too many). In fact, the only person who didn't get a handmade present from me this year is Sam (his present - a log bag - was handmade, but by a Mummade colleague rather than myself!). I don't have a photo of the linen laundry bag I made for my brother and his wife for their travels (they are currently spending 3 months travelling round SE Asia and Australasia) but here are the photos of the rest:

The doll I made for Matilda - complete with a dress that matches hers.

Drawstring playmat for my nephew

Shoulder bag for my sister

Fingerless gloves (made from jumper sleeves and lined with fleece) for my other sister

Baby doll for my 14-month-old niece

Crayon/pen roll for my 5-year-old niece (plus matching roll for her doll)

Wine cork board for my parents (who run a winery). Frame from a charity shop, painted to match the winery colour scheme.

Making presents for everyone was fun (if a little time-consuming!), and they seemed to be well-received - I'd love to keep it up next Christmas if I can!

My little hiker

On our recent trip to Cumbria we went for a lovely walk above Ullswater in the Lake District. Sam and I really enjoy walking so it would be great if Matilda loves it too. Well, she seemed to enjoy her first Lake District hike - she slept in the sling for the first part, had fun roaming around during lunch, happily went back in the sling while we descended the steepest parts of the route, then strolled the last bit herself, even using Grandad's walking pole for some of it! So far, so good!

Holiday!

Last week we had a wonderful holiday visiting my parents in Cumbria. What a relaxing week! M had a lovely time with Granny and Grandad, and I enjoyed a week of lie-ins, cakes and home-cooked food. I could've stayed for a lot longer; even Sam was sad to say goodbye at the end of the week. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Watching the gibbons at Trotters' World of Animals...

A two-week old zebra and its mummy...

Walking with Daddy...

Feeding a friendly donkey...

A sunset, viewed from Granny and Grandad's house...

A burst of colour...

Meeting the locals...