Bradley's been invited to some parties at last. Our fault for not inviting his school chums to his parties before, now he's getting reciprocal invites.

William's party: I took just Bradley, Esme was at her Auntie's. Then the following weekend, Naomi, to which I took Esme as well. She didn't think much of it since they were all 4 year olds and she's 6. Not only that but Brad wanted to play with his friends not his big sister.

First was William's

Then Naomi's

Esme gets in on the action too

Last Thursday, Santa came to Telford. We went the year before, then they had the RugRats, which my kids didn't like, they were too scary. This year according to the leaflet, it was to be The Simpsons. Alas, no Simpsons.

And after waiting 20 minutes in increasing delight, Santa almost ran past us! Never mind, plenty of other things to entertain.

The tension and excitement is huge, HUGE! We've been waiting weeks for this!

Down there somewhere says Bradley

Snow man whizzes past, followed by Santa before my camera had chance to re-ready itself.

Another Sunday adventure. Lumbered with the kids while Amanda is at work, I decide to take them to Bridgnorth, about 18 miles south of us.

They have the Severn Valley Railway (more pix here), an excellent place to look around, even the high town is interesting for them and me.

We arrive at the foot of the cliff railway, a 200 feet train ride up the cliff face, but we're too early so settle for cream teas in a nearby cafe. Nice cup of tea for Dad and diet coke for them, and we all tuck into scones, jam and cream. Mmmmm.

The kids cannot believe the cliff railway, staring at the very steep rail line infront of the cab, and looking out of the rear window as we ascend. An amazing trip.

Then, at the top is a long walk around the High Town, with amazing views. Not to forget the long bridge over to the station. We spend an hour here, looking at the trains, even Thomas The Tank is here, without his face (he's having a clean, we are told).

But better, much better, we spy a black train with the name of Bradley Manor. This trills Brad to the core, he dashes over the bridge to tell people on the other side, obviously telling everybody on the way across.

We kill half an hour wating for the train in the pub on the platform, nice beer, and a big selection of bitters too! I could have stayed much longer. Esme and Bradley would have stayed till the great dane left, as it was we had to walk past it to get out. Esme took some photos of the beast, and couldn't take her eyes off it all the time we were inside.

We catch our train and wander up and down the compartments. We even saw elephants on the journey, as we went past the safari park. We break the journey to Kiddermister in Bewdley, and take an hour's wander, with a portion of chips.

Once we get to Kiddy, we have another mini train ride, and a rush to catch the last train to Bridgnorth. Two knackered kids lie on my lap was we trundle slowly through the night on the 18 mile trip. Another walk across the high bridge when we get to Bridgnorth, a walk around the High town and use our return tickets for the ride down the cliff face to the car.

On the car drive home we count the train we've been on. One up the cliff, one from Bridgnorth to Bewdley, Bewdley to Kidderminster, one mini train in Kiddy, Kidderminster to Bridgenorth. One more down the cliff. 6 in all.

Soon we're home, to tell Mummy all about it. Pity they're too tired to tell the whole story.

Wow! And, amazing! Two word repeated over and over by Esme

Looking out from the High Town in Bridgnorth, across the River Severn

There's a bridge across, somewhere.

A train called Bradley Manor!

In the pub at the station

Their collection of carriages include some wacky furniture layouts.

Chips by the River Severn in Bewdley

One of the old streets in Bewdley

On the platform in Bewdley

Bradley's sit down party for his fourth birthday. What a bash. Before us, and the same time we were there, a girls party with much screaming and shouting, the noise was deafening! This, I guess added the the excitement.

We didn't see them much, as they disappeared in to the play area, diving into the ball pools, sliding down the slide...

And I had to dash off just before the end for a meeting.

Auntie Alison, Francis and Harriot

Catching up with my camera. Just a quick trip to Telford Town Park, primarily because Esme wants to wear her roller skates. This means we go very slow, and I'm always there to help her (or else ;-).

Back from the mountains of South Wales. Spent a long weekend over Bonfire night back in the land of my fathers.

Saw some fireworks at the Rugby club, took a trip to the Hayfield, Aberdare Park and the Cwmdare Country Park. But my camera batteries ran out, so only took a few pix to prove it. Most of the time was spent indoors, watching Esme and Brad play.

Bradley's birthday. Number four!

we rise not so early, since the night before he kept on shouting down the stairs, "I can't get to sleep because I'm so excited."

Esme asks her mum, why she's only two presents? While denying that she's been downstairs at all. "Bradley's got lots more than me." "It's Bradley's birthday."

And soon, we tear into the presents. Or rather Brad does. It's all over very quickly. Too quickly.

It's not long before I'm untangling wires, to get the toys out of their display cases, and putting batteries in things. Rather cursing that we haven't enough of the right sort of batteries. Typical!

Later his cousins come around and we have a good old play. They're already dressed as vampires and witches. (Bradley's birthday falls on 31st October.) Then we go to Wonderland in Telford Town Park for their Trick or Treat party. Lots of witches and Frankensteins.

Bradley demanded that I take a picture of this.

Some of the rides in the Town Park's Trick or Treat night.

Bradley's birthday cake.

Esme's dressed as a pussy cat. She looks the part with her red hair.

Years ago I wouldn't have thought I'd buy my kids such stereotypical toys, particularly guns and tanks.

Maybe his memory of this event will also be blurry?

Another fishing trip, this time we bring Amanda along as she doesn't really believe that we catch fish like this.

A bussy Saturday morning, and we always manage to attract a few hangers on who are as surprised as Amanda at the fishing technique. Scatter some bread, use the net to scare the ducks, and soon the water's boiling with carp.

Esme joins in the conversation.

Brad doesn't care a jot about audiences, and just gets on with talking to his fish.

We went to Toys-R-Us in Shrewsbury to find Bradley some presents for his birthday. Always a stressful time for me and my credit card.

It was Esme's tractor that was nicked, we left it out on the car park... My fault I guess. It was quite worn, rusty and rain and sun pock marked. I suppose it was kids, but you never know.