Our Half Term

We once again enjoyed a wonderful half term with some of the Dobsons, including Grandma Jeanette, Grandad Harry and Uncle Bar (unfortunately we missed the company of Auntie Marilla who is now at Uni in Bangor, North Wales). They came to stay with us in Exeter for the week, the weather being changeable with a few good days.

Here we are at Haytor on a lovely sunny afternoon...

Climbing with Uncle Bar

Stunning Autumn sun

The rear of Haytor

Zachary at the top (of a smaller peak) with Uncle Bar and Grandad Harry

We also enjoyed another interesting trip to Haldon Forest Park; Zachary loves finding the arrows to show us the route.

Blowing raspberries in his snowsuit

All ready to brave the elements

The giant xylophone is always a big hit

Hiding in a secret den

The babies later enjoyed having a rest and cuddles with Grandad Harry:

Tahlia shuts her eyes at just the wrong moment

Lydford Gorge was another highlight of the week. Although it's a fairly wet walk with various streams cascading around the paths, we enjoyed a dry day. The 6 mile walk was a little long for Zachary, who later required carrying, but it was worth it for the beautiful waterfalls, close up rapids and churning chasms. 

Smiles of satisfaction

Four Dobson boys

Churning rapids underfoot at Devil's Cauldron

Back for storytime before bed

Later in the week we drove to Dartmouth, catching the ferry to visit Dartmouth castle, with stunning views on a gloriously sunny day.

Grandma Jeanette aids his ascent

View from the castle, including the nearby St Petrox Church

Manning the cannon

Having a rest (a nap for some)

Shocked at the views

More lovely views from the castle

Here's Tahlia getting ready for a very special event...

(Zachary helped)

Sunday 1st November was the date of the Dedication service at St Thomas Baptist for Zachary, Tahlia and Jory, followed by the baptism of their Daddy, Swithun.

"Make sure you're quiet, or you're going in the pool". He didn't say a word.

Making our pledges

 Zachary is starting to get a little heavy

Praying for the babies

Tahlia checks it all over

Dunkin' Daddy

Family photo

Lewarnes and Dobsons

A few of the guests

Hazel catches up with old friends

Dedication cake

Zane enjoys his lunch

Devouring a tasty buffet

Some found it a little overwhelming

 Open house with a few friends who had come from a little further away.

Lovely to see Dan, Jo, Elijah (not pictured) and baby Rosa

We enjoyed a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it special.

Our Recent Exploits

It was lovely to head to Cardiff recently to celebrate Auntie Berni's birthday (and see the bump!). Tahlia and Jory enjoyed lots of cuddles, whilst Zachary had a great time playing games and reading books with his myriad of (unrelated) Aunties and Uncles.

Cuddles with Auntie Berni and a much tinier baby

Fast asleep in Auntie Steph's arms

We also recently enjoyed a visit and tea with the Lewarnes. Jory was a little unsure at first about Uncle Aaron's beard, but soon got used to it.

Uncle Julian and Jory

All of the Dobson children were delighted to have a visit from Auntie Vickrum, Auntie Beckrum and Baby Kalina (though not such a baby anymore...).

Happy Jory

Kalina loves Zachary's slide

Fortunately, Mummy didn't have to do too many tandem baby cuddles while the girls were here

Darts Farm Maize Maze was the perfect size for little legs

Shattered after all that riding

Zachary's not sure if there's room for three in his tent...

...Turns out there's room for four, though Kalina isn't keen on the cramped conditions

Chillin' out in the shade

Zachary loves spelling, so had fun with their names

Eating a tasty meerkat

Hopscotch in the park

Lunch time for some

All finished!

What's that smell?

Teaching Auntie Vickrum how to tell the time

One last cuddle before they had to go

The recent church away day at the Waie Inn in Zeal Monachorum was a wonderful chance for more cuddles and play...

Amy and Jory

The Fowlers and the Dobsons

Smiles all around

Keeping them happy in the service

Having races in the playground

It all got too much for some

Which is cuter? (N.B. Liz and Joanna not in the running)

In recent weeks...

Jory has started moving! He rolls around everywhere; Tahlia remains stationary.

Jory was lying on the playmat just a few moments ago. He fell asleep here instead.

Jory and Tahlia are lifting their heads and upper bodies well.

Tummy time!

Zachary is enjoying playing with his little brother and sister, finding them more interactive than ever.

"We'll top him with green tomatoes. Yummy!"

Zachary counts down to Jory's next roll

Both babies are reaching and grabbing things, but Tahlia in particular will quickly clamp her fingers around anything in her view and immediately put it into her mouth, including Jory's hand.

Tahlia fancies some pork

At first glance, Tahlia appears to be attempting to console Jory; in fact, she just wants to eat his hand!

"See ya next time!"