ATW Tuesday ~ Is it Spring Yet?

I heard on the news the other night that this winter 
has been one of the UK's mildest on record since records began - 350 years ago!

I find that SO hard to believe.

It feels like we have been hibernating indoors for months, 

...whilst a sub-zero world passed by outside.

The children all have serious cabin fever!

So when, AT LAST, the sun decided to defrost our little corner of the world this week

...my kids all headed outside as fast as their little ...

...(and not so little!) legs could carry them!

Taz declared he hadn't felt this warm for at least a millenium, which of course wouldn't be hard, since he hasn't lived anything like that long! He might have been fairer to say since the last millenium - wherein he was a babe-in-arms!

Seriously though ~ it wasn't that warm (about 13C max I think), but it was warm enough to be outside.

And it was just about warm enough to dry a line of shirts ~ even though they did still take all day!

First line-load of the year ~ may there be many more ~ and SOON!

The flowers seem to think it's nearly time ~ we hope they're right :D

Why don't you join in a fun little linky ~ show us what life's about in your corner of our world today!

  

You Capture ~ "Doors"

I have to confess ~ I'm cheating a little. 

It's not that I don't have doors I could have captured ~ even my own front door, which I love ~ but I didn't shoot specifically!

 However, I think you will forgive me...

Because these last two days THE SUN CAME OUT! 

Having endured a winter where the temperature has barely crept above freezing for weeks on end, 

to suddenly be basking in 13C is luxury.

We've downed books for large chunks of the day and headed out-DOORS!

(oh, and by the way, you may spot an actual door or two here and there too ~ just because, well, they snuck in without my noticing!)

For baby, these was his first steps in the big-outDOORS

And his first pair of real outDOOR shoes!

We tried him in boots, but he really was unsure of walking in them.

The shoes, on the other hand, were an instant hit!

The world's his oyster now...

(please excuse my not-yet-ready-for-summer garden!)

and there just ain't no stoppin' him!

Just a few more shots to kinda show you how we all feel about seeing the sunshine at last...

We're under no illusions: we know the winter could return any day, but just for now, we are making the most of a taste of spring :D

Photo Challenge ~ Hugs & Kisses

Kisses 4 Sis'

Don't you just love the stage where they haven't yet learnt to kiss properly ~ they more like 'eat' you!! ♥

It was a tough choice this week between the picture above, which has to one of my favourites lately, or THIS one, which I took on photo-shoot. This couple had recently been through some sadness ~ I think you can see it, don't you?

ATW Tuesday ~ Birthday Girl

Minnie turned 11 last Friday.

It's hard for me to think that my sweet, eldest daughter is already fast approaching her teens. 

Time is passing so very fast.

She is at that crossroads between little girl & young woman: between Sylvanians & Kindle: between ribbons & make-up!

We went out for shopping & lunch, just us two.

Carrot & Coriander Soup, Thick Belgian Hot Chocolate & Double Chocolate Cheesecake!

It doesn't come much cosier than that on a VERY cold winter's day!

But as we sat and savoured our yummy lunch, I had to beg the question...
What really IS the point of a hot drink so small as the one above, on such a freezing cold day. 
Rather have me a big MUG of Snug!
 The pleasure for the partaker of the above 'shot' of coffee, was as swift as sit-swig-flee. 
Not our style at all!


This Valentine's Day ~ be sure to savour the time you have with the ones you love!


♥ ♥ ♥

ATW Tuesday ~ New Skills.

Baby is all about new skills these days...

Stacking

Walking

Standing Up ~ Freestyle!

And do you like my new scarf?

I ♥ having a toddler in the house again, but boy is he keeping us all on our toes!!

Please pop by Communal Global, and share a little of YOUR day with us all :D

You Capture ~ Still-Life

I used to shoot a lot more still life than I do now...

...but life isn't very 'still' these days!!

All the same, I do love the subject...

...and the how when I get up close to something I still discover :D

It's all FUN 

& GAMES

Why don't you join in with You Capture this week ~ I know Beth would love to see you :D