James Brandon + Rebekah Zoe!: November 2007

A quick trip back to England

A couple of weeks ago we got the sad news that James' Great-Nanny Lilly (Joe's grandmother) had passed away. Although she'd been in a nursing home for a couple of years, and the news wasn't completely out of the blue it was really sad to hear and we decided to make a quick trip back to England for the funeral. It was a flying visit, and pretty tiring but we are really pleased we went. James and his Daddy looked very smart in their shirts and ties. James enjoyed playing with some of his second cousins at the reception after the service.

Our last night

Over the years it's become a tradition to have a Chinese take-away on our last night in England. This time we went over to Aunty Caroline and Uncle Adrian's new house for it. They recently moved into this brand new house. It's REALLY nice and James did a pretty good job of NOT DESTROYING it, thank goodness!! Maybe we'll be invited back again at Christmas ... Thanks for having us all over!

James' first cousin was due the day after we left (that's why Aunty Sarah has a big bump ... it wasn't too much Chinese food!) - and as of today she/he hasn't put in an appearance just yet. Come on, Baby Browning - we want to meet you!!!!!!

Aunty Caroline, what are you doing with your nephew?!?! I think he really enjoyed playing with you. ;0)

Uncle Adrian and Aunty Caroline's house has THREE storeys ... and that means ALOT of stairs. Good job James LOVED them and he climbed the first flight. He's not used to stairs at home (there's only the banana step in our house!).

Hanging out with Aunty Caroline in her very fancy kitchen!

Uncle Adrian explains what a kettle is and why EVERY British person MUST have one ... James LOVED pottering around with the kettle (don't panic it didn't have boiling water in it) - I suppose it's similar to a handbag/purse really ...

Garin Park with Aunty Karen

Yesterday we went to Garin Park with Aunty Karen (just up the hill ... literally ... from where Aunty Karen lives). We had a lot of fun and it was nice to explore yet another new park!

The more natural pose ... the first time I used the timer for this for some bizarre reason I did this weird hands across my chest gangsta pose ... but this one came out much better! We had a really lovely afternoon. The park was really peaceful.

Looking at the birds on the lake. There were loads of little dragon flies too which were really cool but none of my photos of them came out.

Climbing trees ... Doesn't look like he's afraid of heights but I think he was glad Aunty Karen had a tight grip on him!

Who's behind the tree?!?!

PEEK-A-BOO!!!

James thought this game was hilarious, and probably would be still there playing it if it was up to him!

Halloween Caaaaaandy

James had a lollipop from his Halloween loot yesterday. I think it was the first time he ever had a lollipop and he loved it.

Yep, he definitely enjoyed his lollipop!

Trick or Treat!

James went trick or treating in our neighbourhood on halloween for the first time this year. (It was a first for Dan and I too!) He was a cheeky little monkey - very appropriate as that's what I always call him and he loves bananas!

We went trick or treating with Max the Gladiator. We met at Max's Pat and Bruce's house and then went around the block. Then back for pizza so it was a fun evening. James was a bit bemused by it all but really enjoyed exploring Pat and Bruce's house (and making calls on their phone ...) when we got back. As you'll be able to see Max's Mom and Dad dressed up too and you might be wondering why Dan and I didn't. Actually we did. We dressed as a Reserved British Couple ... ;0)