Callum is doing well but Jenny is still recovering from her surgery but hopefully will be allowed home tomorrow (Saturday). We went over to Caversham to look after Bethany so that Mark could be with Jenny and Callum. We were so please when ,just before noon, Mark rang to tell us that we could take Bethany to see her new brother (and her mummy of course). Not only that, but Annie and I were also allowed in!!
What a happy family!
August 1st, 2008
We are so pleased that our two new grandchildren have both arrived safely.
Sienna Grace Papaioannou was born in San Diego at 9:30pm on 24 July and weighed in at 7 lb 11 oz. Jo and baby are both doing well and well established back in the family home with Todd and brothers Alexander and Oliver. For pictures of Sienna and up to date information, click on the Papaioannous link.
Callum Alexander Davidson was born in Reading at 4:25am on 31 July and weighed in at 8 lb 13.5 oz. Jenny and baby are both well. Congratulations to Mark and big sister Bethany on the addition to their family. Callum looks gorgeous but, unfortunately, I can’t download the photo from my phone - I will post a photo as soon as I can. As I write this (4.5 hours after the birth) it is too soon for pictures on the Davidson Blog. By the time you read this Jen and Mark may be home and have posted some pictures - check by clicking on the Jen and Mark link.
July 31st, 2008
At last I have completed the Blog for the first part of our 2008 Round The World Trip. Click here to visit the page.
July 15th, 2008
We have just returned from 4 nights camping on the edge of Dartmoor at Harford Bridge near Tavistock. The weather was pretty wet to say the least but we managed a couple of good walks in pleasant enough weather but also spent one day visiting National Trust Houses dressed in full waterproofs!
We also managed to visit Annie’s sister Pam and Neil for afternoon tea and chat. Despite the weather the tent kept us dry and warm and, once again, we thoroughly enjoyed being out of doors. We will try and fit in another few days camping before the end of the summer.
The campsite was next to a river and you can see from the photo just how fast the river was flowing following a day of rain. The speed and ferocity of the water was quite frightening. Although the river had burst its banks in places, by the next morning the level had dropped back considerably.
July 10th, 2008
Well the UK and USA based family have all returned to their homes but in addition to Martin and Louise’s wedding, there were a few special moments just before they departed.
You can see how Oliver and Bethany were getting on so well!
and then the next day playing Ring a Ring a Roses with Jenny.
We had the, now traditional, BBQ the day after the wedding and were so pleased when Martin and Louise joined us together with Louise’s mum and dad (Lynn and David) and also Mark’s parents, Judith and Alex. Whilst some were sitting outside, others were entertaining the boys with Lego!
Alexander also prepared a time capsule of mementos from this visit to England that he did not want to take home. The mementos were put in a tin model van and buried in the garden.
Sadly Jenny, Mark, Bethany, James (Henderson), Lucy and James (Hopkins), Jon and Jess left us on Sunday 1 June and we said goodbye to Jo, Todd, Alexander and Oliver on 2 June. How quiet the house seems! But a great month of May culminating in Martin and Louise’s fantastic wedding weekend.
June 19th, 2008
Martin and Louise were married in St Mary’s Church Fairford on 31 May 2008. The weather was amazingly kind considering the doom and gloom of the weather forecasts before and on the day. The weekend started on the Friday evening with the (now traditional) family meal. We gathered outside in the garden for drinks and some nibbles and a group photograph. The only ones missing were Louise (obviously) and Bethany who had already gone to bed. Saturday saw us gather at St Mary’s for the 12:30pm ceremony. It was a really enjoyable and happy experience, Rev Brian Atkinson (who had married Jenny and Mark) took the service and helped make it a very memorable. John Stanley’s Trumpet Voluntary with trumpeter and organ greeted Louise as she walked down the aisle (looking absolutely beautiful). Martin was also beaming broadly. The Church choir (of which Martin was a member for many years) sang the Gloria by Vivaldi and John Rutter’s The Peace of God. Martin and Louise then walked out to Widor’s Toccata thus ending a beautiful service.
The reception was held at Cricklade Country Club and was enjoyed by all. The food, the ambience, the company and of course some good speeches made for a great occasion. Martin and Louise were smiling right up until midnight when the party finished and they were justified in doing so. They make a wonderful couple and we are very happy to welcome Louise fomally into the Willis family. We did not take many pictures but click to see some of Martin and Louise and the rest of the family.
June 2nd, 2008
Uncle Jon and Aunty Jess came to visit Alexander and Oliver (as well as Jo and Todd of course). After a very pleasant lunch, Jon and Jess spent a couple of hours being pursued by the boys to play football, and undertake various other activities in the garden. They then moved inside and Jon’s talents with lego were in particular demand as trains and spaceships were created or just played with.
I am not sure who were the more tired at the end but adults and children did stop long enough for a photograph.
May 27th, 2008
Martin and James have both visited and each stayed for a night. They were much in demand by the boys and certainly earned their food providing many energetic and cultural experiences for Alexander and Oliver.
May 24th, 2008
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We have just had a lovely weekend when our friends Ian Bottomley and Melissa were married in Fairford Church. Gerry acted as chauffeur and transported Melissa to the Church and then took the Bride and Groom to the reception in our Jaguar. The car has never been so clean and shiny!. 
Bethany had a wonderful time with Aunty Louise and Uncle Martin and then on Sunday enjoyed some of Granny Annie’s chocolate cake. We had a really super weekend. 
