My apologies to anyone who has googled in looking for a suitable diet!

Table manners are coming on, but at this moment in time Anna is finding her hands more useful than a spoon…

Eating is so intensely satisfying

And afterwards a stroll around the garden with the new rucksack – and Gwen of course (Anna’s minder)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/21/photographer-films-anti-terror-arrest

Need I say any more !

Phase One – Getting into the mood. Wearing Party Hats, – not really Anna’s thing…

But they can be used for putting food into…

As a trumpet…

Or just for chewing on…

Phase Two – Present Opening. She really got into this !

Gwen waiting for the cake to arrive…

Anna’s first driving lesson

Cornering…

The arrival of the cake

Dylan & Amelia

…And of course the Birthday Pixie gets into the swing of things!

One of the simplest tasks a photographer can be asked to perform is taking passport photographs – except when it comes to children. Chris and Irina failed to keep her still enough in the photo-booth at the local Tesco’s, so, Plan B, let John have a go! Now, this is often easier with an unhappy child, since they don’t always smile. Anna, on the other hand, as long as she has been fed and slept, smiles 99% of the time. OK, so you don’t have to obey the strict dictates of passport restrictions when it comes to baby photographs, but we tried to get a fairly neutral expression. Here are a few of the out-takes…

With regard to dress sense- we were out shopping this morning, and Irina was spoilt for choice with regard for clothes for Anna. However, Anna has a mind of her own, and is very definite about things!!! SHE picked this dress, and would not be distracted from it ! Cool choice eh?!

Well, Anna arrived at Heathrow with her minders last Friday, after two long flights, and an overnight stay in Istanbul. There were no signs of jet-lag, so she has proved herself to be a seasoned traveller. After a hideous car journey from Heathrow to Wales (more potholes and roadworks than clear road) -and enlivened by a short sleep, she was duly ready to play. Boy, are Carol & I going to be slimmer by the time she returns to Kazakhstan !

It is wonderful to have Chris, Irina and Anna with us again for a short while. Here are a couple of taster images so far…

Having a swim after a nights sleep…

Valentines Day. Sunshine !!!!! Impromptu morning party in the garden. Note the blue sky and T-shirts – except for Irina of course!

A case of curiosity about the farm next door…

Anna spotted this toy donkey among a mountain of toys in a services on the way home. She loves it, and seems to be using it for Rugby scrummaging ! She’ll be in the Welsh Team yet!

Of course, being refined is a hard image to keep up …..

Watch this space