Twelve in Wales

Easter in Wales was wonderful and very special as we met with our friends.



Great to see how quickly the children grow and how we all seem so grown up.



The Easter bunny was very busy but gave the children plenty to smile about.



Our host Carolien, radient in the Easter sun.



Luis, Wyn and Roger taking things easy as they nurse a hangover.



George and Alex wind swept under a beautiful blue sky.



Luis is happy to be buried beneath a mountain of children.

Write on...

The next time someone asks me if I've read any interesting books recently, I'll be happy to recommend 'A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian' by Marina Lewycka and 'Broken Biscuits' by Liz Kettle. Last night they read extracts from their books and shared personal thoughts on the process of writing a novel which was particularly enlightening. Both authors live and write in Sheffield.















Marina with her novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian.















Liz following the launch of her first novel.

On the sofa...

Recent visitors to the Shakes sofa include...



Josiah, Dave and Daniel invade the Spurs household to watch Arsenal beat Real Madrid.



Oscar having a bedtime story with Yasmin and Theo during his sleepover.



Girls (not) Aloud!

Snow place like Sheffield

2006 was a traditional winter giving us the chance to enjoy snow on the Peaks.