Jam2MapleSyrup: DotDot Fishings and Chippings

Huffle and went to bed at 10pm last night and apart from me needing painkillers and a neck rub at 3am as I was in agony with a trapped nerve, plus the clock had to be moved because it ticked too loudly, we slept a long restful 10 hours. We only woke up when Smallest came in to ask if they could play on the IPads as the tv wasn't working (actually Smallest it wasn't plugged in!).

The boys slept well (they got up at 8:30am but only because when they woke at 7am they thought it was only 6am so they went back to bed and waited, ha ha ha funny). Smallest had colour in his cheeks again and ate a whole round of toast and jam for breakfast (he would normally only eat one half for breakfast). He is 100% better and told us he does not like travelling on a plane, he much prefers the train. (That could be an interesting trip back).

We had a slow breakfast and part of a DVD, the start of a game of Cluedo for me and Small whilst Huffle and Smallest went for a country walk. The boys played hide and seek while I showered and blew away the jet lag cobwebs. Smallest took me for a walk along the drive and showed me the sheep and the gate. The sun was out and apart from the odd puddle it was lovely.

Our house, views and our walk

Huffle got the dongle working in the car (not in the house and only a bit in the car on the drive but fully working in urban areas) and suddenly we received emails and messages and posted last night's blog. As long as I sit in the car, I should be able to post from now on (fingers crossed).

We had a trip to Market Harborough where Small instantly recognised Sainsburys and commented on how many people were walking! Huffle noticed that the men here appeared more groomed and 'puffy' though I pointed out he merely meant they had more pride in their appearance and were better dressed than the 'big manly bears' of Canada. We bought a charger for Huffle's phone as that is our only contact without wifi and picked up some porridge for Small's breakfast and made our way to the Dotdots. On the way we drove through our old village and saw our old house (disappointed that a part of the gate was broken and the hedge wasn't cut).

At dotdot's it was like we had never left and we had just popped round for a cuppa. What a lovely family they are. We had a fabulous afternoon. The four boys who have always been friends all had a great time and played together on the wii and Xbox and outside with football etc. and with the older DotDot boy and his friend.

Huffle and I went and picked up chips for all from the local chip van. While Huffle was in the queue, Smallest and I visited the lovely old couple who lived opposite us. They didn't know we were in England and were very surprised with us being on their doortsep. We couldn't stay long but promised to call round again. They couldn't believe how different Smallest was and how grown up he was looking. We picked up our chips, had a quick chat with some of the people in the queue and went back to the DotDots. We had a lovely Fish and Chip dinner (oh Canadians, why can't you make chips like this?). Huffle and I had a very relaxed time, chatting, playing with BabyBernard (who is certainly not a baby anymore), and eating LizzieDotDot's gorgeous brownies. We got given some lovely things to take back with us which was really nice, tops for the boys, chocolate bars and London Souveniers. I said to LittleDotDot "thats naughty of your mummy isn't it?" He said "I think its kind". Yes it was very kind. We all had a drive of the Sinclair C5 which was funny, looked at the motorbikes and watched the chickens roaming around.

Their house has the most amazing views. I do love the Leicestershire countryside. We even saw the sunset which was beautiful. We overstayed our welcome but we did have a great time and the boys loved it.

We left around 6:30pm and made our way to Aunty Miaow and Uncle Tuc's house. NO SHE STILL HASN'T HAD THAT BABY! Bless them, we turned up late (roads closed all over the place) and we were slightly hungry, jet lagged and sleepy. Still they welcomed us with hugs, food and drink and again it felt like we had just popped round for a chat. It was lovely to see them and we had words with the Bump and told them to get a move on. Smallest's tooth fell out.

DEAR TOOTH FAIRY, I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS OBVIOUS BUT WE ARE IN ENGLAND IN THE CORNER OF A FIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, HOPE YOU FIND US. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ENGLISH EQUIVALENT OF ONE DOLLAR IS 60p BUT UNDERSTAND IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A POUND.

We stayed long enough to not eat and run but not too long as the kids were falling asleep. A late night for them tonight! We promised to get together soon but didn't make any definite plans as we are obviously waiting for THAT baby!

Huffle drove home - he has told me I am not allowed to drive here until I get over my jet lag - humph!

Once home, Huffle and I spent time going backwards and forwards to the car to post on facebook, post the blog, pick up photos from one phone to another, get emails. It's like a bad comedy!

A lovely cup of tea and a scone made by the lady who owns the Barn, then off to bed for another ten hours sleep (here's wishing).

YESTERDAYS PHOTOS