January 2013 - Thai Robin

We Rowlatts banished the thought of January blues with a fairly late planned holiday to the land of smiles…Thailand.

Having read lots (too much) about flights with toddlers, jet lag etc we were quite terrified about how the journey may pan out but in fact, the night flights were helpful and Robin managed to sleep well on the way to Bangkok with us also catching a few hours sleep too. We arrived in Bangkok into the glorious heat of the early evening and checked into the Four Seasons who had a lovely cot and welcome pack all ready for Robin. Fortunately we overlapped with Ali and Phil Hitchell for one night in “Bangers” so they met us for our first ever real Thai meal at the hotel.

The next morning was an early flight out to Koh Samui and a bumpy boat transfer to our Anantara Resort on Kho Phangan. Although I was slightly nervous the big bumpy waves somehow soothed Robin into a short nap on the way to the islands.

Our first meal at Anantara Rasamanda. The children’s rice soup goes down well!

The next 10 days were just wonderful. We enjoyed wonderfully warm days and nights, lots of swimming in the sea, great meals and lots of sleep for us all. A wonderful side effect of sun is the feeling of sleepiness and here is where Robin started on long naps and sleeping through the night in her very own little room (our walk in wardrobe!). After 15 months of waking at least once a night, we were in shock!!

It really did feel like a holiday with us all catching up on reading, movies, sleep and eating well. It must have been quite a different feeling for Robin, being able to run around in just a nappy and her vava (jewellery). Philip says she was in her element in the sea, singing and laughing while splashing in the warm water.

The staff at the hotel and in fact all Thai people in general just LOVED children which was lovely as we always felt welcome and treated well, everywhere we went.

The first time Robin really saw the moon and the stars was on our beach in Thailand and she fell in love with them. She still was not saying many words but “Star” was a favourite by the end of our time there!

Our little plunge pool, perfect for splashing with Mummy and Daddy.

Grandad Rowlatt made the long trip from Pattaya to stay with us for a few days which was really lovely. It was lovely for us all to relax in sunnier surroundings than normal. We all had a fantastioc relaxing time and Robin loved spending time with Grandad.

Enjoying Breakfast with Grandad

After a full 11 days in our little paradise, we head back to Bangkok for a night and day before flying home. Grandad came to see us in the capital and we took quite a few sights in one day.

Bye Bye Ko Phangan

Reading the Guidebook with Grandad



The Rowlatts at the Palace

 Our flight home went as well as could be expected for a 13 hour trek with a toddler. We arrived back in London to face below freezing temperatures which was quite a shock after our two weeks in the sun.



December 2012: A month full of Christmas cheer and love

A festive and love filled month for the Rowlatt's in December!

As always, the festive season was kicked off my one of our favourite days of the year. The Annual Price Christmas Dinner. This year's meal was amazing as always and Robin got to join the official kid's table. It was lovely to see Jasper, Bobo, Dylan and Rose enjoying their meals for the full 5 minutes they were all sat at once! ;)

Thanks to the Price's - December and Christmas would not be the same without this kick off!

 

The obligatory family Christmas jumper shot! Bobo looks unimpressed.

Our Christmas Robin helps pick out a tree for Number 10

December Birthdays can be a curse, but not if your mummy organises you a lovely tea party!!!
My gorgeous godson Jasper turns 3.

Nana and Nani left for their trip mid December so we took some photos around the tree. We were very sad they wouldn't be around for Christmas again but they were off to sunnier climbs...January with Janita Masi and Amit's wedding in India in February.

Mummy's Birthday:

For my birthday Philip organised a trip up to the Cotswolds. First stop was The Wheatsheaf for a spot of Birthday lunch! This was Robin's second trip up to the Cotswolds and third to the Wheatsheaf!

Patiently having lunch with Mummy and Daddy

The first photo Robin ever took! Dadda!

The Wheatsheaf

We stayed at Barnsley House and had a lovely afternoon relaxing, watching Christmas films and then Robin went to bed in our room, leaving us to enjoy a birthday dinner in the restaurant.

On the Saturday we met with Matt and Tess, Harry Aran, Edu and the newest Jimenez-Pass, Elena. The Kingham Plough didn't know what hit it, with Edu and Robin running around, hugging and causing mischief! A literal run in with Jeremy Clarkson and Alex James left the pair (and us!) quite exhausted after a fabulous lunch!



What you lookin' at Uncle Matthew?




Baby Elena

Birthday Kisses for Mummy

A Sunday morning wander around Barnsley House Gardens included hiding in bushes and spying on Chickens

Christmas at Auntie Sarah and Uncle Mark's:

On Christmas Eve we drove to Guildford to join the Towell's for Christmas. Auntie Sarah's house is the most Christmassy house ever!! There was a Christmas cake, mince pies and cookies ready and a fire burning when we arrived. Philip made a Chestnut soup for lunch and there was a delicious ham plus trimmings for dinner thanks to Uncle Mark! A very cosy and lovely Christmas Eve which included Robin dressing as a Snowman and leaving out some treats for Father Christmas and Rudolf.

Christmas morning.... Santa came....twice, judging by the amount of presents we were all lucky enough to receive! Grandad Rowlatt brought Buster down for the festivities and of course Robin loved him!

An amazing Christmas dinner, thanks to Uncle Mark and Auntie Sarah!!

Our little soldier

Thanks so much to Sarah, Mark, Alex Lewis and Issy for having us stay for Christmas. It was so lovely and a special think you to Issy for giving up her bedroom for us!!!


New Year's Eve in Salcombe:
We headed down to Salcombe for New Year's with Chris, Amy and Aoife! Windy walks on the Dog beach, cosy lunches and dinner and Baby New Year's Eve. As always a great end to the year and start of a new one.

The View of Salcombe Bay

A classic scene in Salcome.

BABY NEWMANIA!!

Well, we wish 2012 goodbye - what an amazing and different year we had, as a couple, as a family. We give thanks and love to all our friends and family who makes our lives so special and look forward to an equally exciting 2013!