Christmas is coming and we're off to visit Santa!!!!!

Christmas is definitely getting closer! It's almost December and we've got a meeting today with Santa Claus! We said farewell to Daddy's friends Graham & Jenny (lovely to meet you & thanks so much for the presents!) who were staying over, then it was straight in the car and off to Delaval Hall in Northumberland!

As we arrived we immediately noticed a mysterious vehicle parked in the main square outside the stables: Santa's sleigh! After we parked the car we headed straight for the Elf Workshop to make a Christmas decoration before meeting up with Nanna & heading to the café for a cup of hot chocolate!

Then it was time to head over to meet Santa! We were chatting to his elf as we waited but it wasn't long until we were going in to meet him! He knew my name and asked me what I wanted him to leave me on Christmas Eve. My mind went blank although I remembered that I would like some baby doll things, including a high chair.

It was so lovely to see Santa again - hope he remembers to visit me and Lori on Christmas Eve :-) xxx

Early Christmas present from Grandad Keith & Caroline!

Grandad Keith came up today to bring early Christmas presents from him & Caroline. Lori got some cash which I know she will love spending, maybe in Lush! And I got this marvellous new guitar! Couldn't wait to get cracking so Daddy & I sat down to begin some lessons the following day. Just starting out on my plectrum control and learning some simple chords : an easy G and G7!

On Saturday afternoon we went out to Tynemouth for some lunch and then to a pub for a couple of drinks. Lovely day which, although it was November, felt quite festive!

It was lovely to see Grandad Keith but a shame Caroline couldn't make it. She was having a lovely time in Helsinki! We'll arrange a trip down south to see them in the New Year though!

From both of us, thanks both for the Christmas presents! xx

Trip to Kielder: the last Snowdog!

After watching Mummy run the 10K we headed back on the Snowdog trail. We took the long journey along the A68 into the depths of Northumberland, to Leaplish Waterside Park in Kielder where we found the 61st & final Snowdog on our trail! And here he is: Patchwork Northumberland!

After we met Patchwork, we headed straight to the Boat Inn for a well earned Sunday lunch but then it wasn't long before we had to head home. Lovely day but a looooong 3 hour round trip!

Patchwork Northumberland (61/61)

Boat Inn where we enjoyed Sunday lunch

Quite a trek!

Well done Mummy in the Heaton 10K!

It was a perfect day for an adventure; the sun was shining and it wasn't too cold. It was also a perfect day for mummy to run the Heaton Memorial 10k race on the Town Moor in Newcastle!

After Mummy set off we headed out of the cold and into the cafe for a coffee before meeting mummy at the finish. She did really well - a personal best of around 42 and a half minutes! Well done mummy!

Off they go!

Well done Mummy at the finish!

My thoughts on TV

We were watching "The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds" on Channel 4 the other night, a programme that follows a group of four year old kids in a nursery, and analyses their behaviour as the play together.

I felt sorry for one little girl on the programme; she found it difficult to join in and make friends, but I didn't agree with what the adults on the programme said she should do...

Epic Snowdog mission with Daddy: south of the river!

Despite the poor weather we wrapped up warm & headed out to try and find as many Snowdogs as we could! We have 22 left to find however the Snowdogs are being returned to their kennels in a couple of weeks so we don't have time to waste!

First stop was Saltwell Park (open this time) and as we strolled through the windy, and beautifully leafy pathways we spotted our first Snowdog of the day! And after getting a little lost we found his buddy at Saltwell Park Towers before heading back in the car to the next location...

Mutt Me on the Corner - (Lindisfarne inspired) at Saltwell Park Lake

Beautiful waterfall in the park!

And squirrels running around like they own the place!

Pets corner in Saltwell Park

Snowdog Springtime at Saltwell Park Towers

We arrived at the Angel of the North! Fantastic! If a little scary. It's lovely 'n that but it's ginormous!!
The Snowdog there was very pretty and I gave him a kiss as we left, and it was onwards to Washington!

Dog on the Tyne at the Angel of the North!

Sitting on the Angel's feet!

Bye bye Dog on the Tyne!

The Snowbrador at Washington Galleries

A pen of little dogs!

Spocky Dog - also at Washington Galleries

After a quick Happy Meal we were on our way again - this time to Sunderland! Daddy wasn't too sure about being at Sunderland's stadium but there were Snowdogs to find! We toured all over the place; to the Glass Centre, Bridges Shopping centre and all over the city centre where there were 8 Snowdogs alone! And it was absolutely pouring down as we trudged through the city!

Wonderhound at the Stadium of Light

SAFC Spraydog

Frostbite at the Sunderland Glass Centre

Little Snowdogs at the Glass Centre!

Aero-Dog in the Bridges Shopping Centre

More little dogs - can you see me?!

Day of the Dog - Bridges Shopping Centre

Winter Lily on Blanford Street in Sunderland

Hiding Lions at Sunderland Winter Gardens

Snowdog Down the Rabbit Hole - Park Lane

Luna at Sunderland Minster

Persevering despite the weather!

Tails of the Sea at Keel Square!

The propeller wheel sculpture, honouring Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage.

Great North Polar Pooch at Sunniside Gardens

Sparky on Seaburn Seafront

Once we left Sunderland we headed north to Seaburn to find Sparky, before heading onward to South Shields. Although the rain held off it was starting to get colder so we didn't hang around. That said, there was still time for me to get a bag of candy floss!

South Shields Marine Park where Rhino the Rescue should be.

Unfortunately he was back in his kennels having a pamper day, but hopefully he'll be back soon!

Lovely afternoon at Marine Park South in South Shields!

Gizmo on Pier Parade

Dog on the Groyne on Groyne Promenade

Sitting in the eye on the Tyne!

Arrived at the Customs House in South Shields for the last one of the day,

and as it turns out one of my absolute favourites: Pawdington!

We headed home back through the Tyne Tunnel tired but during our mad day out we managed to track down 21 Snowdogs across Gateshead, South Tyneside & Sunderland! We're on 60 now so only one more to go. Patchwork Northumberland is all the way out at Kielder but we'll leave that for another day!

60 down, 1 to go!