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Autumn 2008

Symonds Yat 4-6th July 2008

We went to Symonds Yat for the weekend with our dance class. We stopped off at Tintern Abbey on the way. Dinner was followed by a night of dancing.

The hotel serve breakfast at 8.30am, no later or earlier so we were up early both mornings. Roger and Helen were looking after Poppy for the weekend, they brought her over to Symonds Yat on Saturday. We met at the pub and walked along the riverside.

That evening we danced again and Steve won the bottle of whiskey. We had another dance Sunday morning followed by Sunday lunch. We then popped to Cardiff to see Anna's house.

After dinner at Roger's and Helen's we watched the wimbledon final, collected Poppy and headed home at 9.30pm.

Crufts 2008

The winning Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua in it's own stroller!
Maltese

Toy dog finals and our very own Poppy!

We thought it may be fun to go to Crufts this year and check out Poppy's competition! We took the day off work and went up to the NEC. It is a huge show with loads of halls full of trade stands and lots of dogs competing for each breed.

Luckily we spotted the Shih Tzus first and were able to walk around them as they were being groomed and pampered. The owners were friendly and welcomed our attention.

We spent a few hours watching the Shih Tzus being judged; they were all very sweet.

The Lasa Apsos were next to the Shih Tzus and looked very smilar except that their fringes don't get tied up. We also saw Tibetan Terriers which are larger but very similar to Shih Tzus.

The Shih Tzu wasn't placed in the Utility round and a Chihuahua won the Toy dog competition. It was a fun, but tiring, day out.

We still think Poppy is the best!

February 2008

For Valentines day we went for a nice meal at Colley's. Steve bought me a watch and I bought him a shirt and tie.

The next day was the Twins 29th birthday. Anna and Debbie spent the day together in Leicester.

Debbie, Mike, Raia and Minnie came down the next weekend and we met up with Dad and Heather on the Saturday for a walk along Clevedon Sea front and had Sunday lunch at mums the next day.

There has also been alot of activity in the pond this month. Three lots of frogspawn had been laid by the end of January and now there are 15 lots.

Torquay January 2008

On 4th January we left work early and went to The English Riviera -Torquay for the weekend. We stayed at the Victoria Hotel with our dance class. We had a nice meal follwed by an evening of dancing on Friday. Saturday we took it easy and went shopping in Torquay followed by another evening of dancing.
There was another dance Sunday morning then we went for a stroll through the parks and along the beach.

Anna Poppy sat for the weekend which was very kind of her, she was exhausted by the end of it!

Cornwall December 2007

The weekend after christmas we went down to Cornwall and spent a long weekend with Helen's Auntie Maureen and Uncle Mac.

We walked the dogs on the beach at Longrock, the light was fantastic with views of St Michaels Mount aswell follwed by fish and chips. Deanna came over for the night and met Poppy.

On the Sunday we went to Praa Sands, the dogs loved it, it was packed with dog walkers and surfers. Helen bought a rash vest for snorkelling and bodyboarding (in summer) and we had a drink in Chris Old's cafe on the seafront. He came out and served the ladies next to us. We went to Marazion and walked over to St Micheals Mount. Auntie Maureen cooked us a lovely roast dinner and Kay also popped over followed by a trip to the local pub.

We drove back on New Years Eve, missing out on all the fancy dress parties. We called around and saw Hazel, Phil, Mickey and Richie. We had lunch next to Gwithian then went for a walk along it, we didn't make it all the way along and back.

We arrived home about 6.30pm New Years Eve and chilled out watching a DVD.

Christmas 2007

Christmas was lots more work than last year, when we spent it in Oz having a BBQ on the beach and bodyboarding.

We spent Christmas Eve at Helen's Dad's house, had a nice meal and exchanged presents (largely consisting of Weird Fish clothing); Poppy and Chip were both in their festive hats.

On Christmas morning we went to Steve's parents' for the opening of all the Christmas presents. It was a full house and Craig's dog, Cooper, was there in his Christmas outfit, and he kept Poppy occupied. We had Christmas dinner at our house with Helen's Mum, Nan, Anna, Debbie & Raia over- thanks for cooking Anna!

Poppy was an early Christmas present from Anna. Thank you Anna, she is perfect.

Raia looked very cute in her Christmas outfit and enjoyed her second Christmas.

Helen had a Philips digital photo frame for Christmas so we hope to see more of our photos. Steve got waterproofs and wellies ideal for walking Poppy in the rain and mud!

After all the preparations Christmas Day was over for another year. On Boxing Day we went to Steve's parents' and had a lovely lunch.