Drowned Rats!

What a weekend...it spent all yesterday raining and then this afternoon when Alex and I went out to the park the heavens opened and we got soaked. As we were wet anyway and both wearing rain coats I decided that we may as well stay and have some fun. Alex loved it, splashing through the puddles, sliding down the slide, running round after his football. I can't say that I had quite so much fun getting soaked through, but it was worth it to see his enjoyment.

Yesterday as it was so wet Alex and I went round to my friend Julia's house in the afternoon to play with her two children. Robin is older than Alex and Chloe is younger but they all get on quite well. Sadly Robin was exhausted and so wasn't up to playing but Alex and Chloe had fun together, pushing the toy pushchair and brick truck round. Alex just loves exploring other peoples houses and toys so was really grumpy when it was time to come home.

This morning the weather was actually very nice with some patches of sun so Alex and I headed out to the Botanical Gardens for the annual Art in the Gardens. I have never been before and it was wonderful to wander round the botanical gardens and discover various different artists selling all sorts of arts and crafts. I had a wondeful time and Alex especially enjoyed the live band, dancing to their music.

The great inchie marathon continues and a further 16 have been completed. These ones were comparatively simple with papermania stickers and gold pen embellishments.

I have been meaning to do a Scrapbook of my Gran's family for ages. I scanned in all her photos and she gave me details of when and where they were taken and of whom and now I have finally got round to starting the process. These two layouts were made using the Hot off the Press, Paper Pizazz 8"x8" Vintage paper set which includes co-ordinated papers, alphabet tiles, tags & art. This first layout is of my Gran, her brother and parents when she was about 18 months old. The journalling says 'The Holes family portrait: Alexander, Annie, Les and Joyce. The layout is a total scraplift from one suggested in the set so I can't take credit for the design. However, it helped me to get a feel for the set and what you can do with it and I am quite pleased with the result.

This second one was all my own design and is of Gran's parents on their wedding day. I just remember Nana and Great-Grandad (they died in 1978 and 1980 respectively) so it is a nice place to start with this project. The journalling says 'Annie Merritt married Alexander Holes on 15th August 1921 at Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bitterne. I am pleased with the effect of adding the stitching round the journalling and the fluorish stamp by Purple Onion. As this is a total change of direction for me with scrapbooking I would love to know what you think. Take care and have a good week.

Love,

Caro

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