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!

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...

Beach life

We had a fantastic few days the week before last on holiday in the Gower, South Wales. Matilda had her first taste of beach life - the first time she has felt the sand between her little toes and dipped them into the sea. Found a lovely friendly campsite at Oxwich - we practically had the place to ourselves - swimming pool and all!