Memphis

Alex and Charlie's piano teacher Steph was in a wonderful musical Memphis about the start of Rock and Roll in the 1950s. We went with our friends Julie, Hannah and Aidan. It was a really fantastic show and they got a standing ovation.

Visit back to the UK

Before our holiday in Italy we had a lovely trip back to the UK visiting family and friends. It always brings a mix of emotions with all the 'Hellos' and 'Goodbyes'. The kids particularly love seeing their cousins and being 'spoilt' by their grandparents.

Flynn,  Paddington's Australian cousin enjoys London

Always lovely goin back to Ripley Castle

With Chris and Vicky, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

What's there not to love about Italy?

This is a very late blog post on our holiday in Italy. We've been back home nearly a month already. We had ten days on the Amalfi Coast in Erchie just north of Salerno in the less touristy part. The coast line was stunning, temperature a perfect 24-26 degrees and the water warm and clear. We did lots of walking in the hills, swimming and eating wonderful food.
Sam turned 6 and Alex 13.
So really, what is there not to love about Italy?!

The pedalo with a slide was a big hit.

Sam turns 6!

We hired a speed boat on Alex's 13th birthday

Badia Santa Maria de Olearia

We stayed at the Monastery of Badia Santa Maria de Olearia. This is easily the most interesting place we have stayed on our travels. It was established in 1029 AD by “Peter the Hermit”. The monastery is built into mountain cave above the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has commanding views from Maiori all the way round to Amalfi.

The accommodation comprises a number of buildings built into the rock. The children literally had a cave to sleep in which was a big hit. The view from the terrace was stunning. The apartment is spacious and tastefully decorated with three large bathrooms with a good kitchen.

View from terrace

terrace

Fresco

Erchie

After a long and interesting journey from Naples Airport via bus, train and bus we arrived in Erchie. We deliberately booked an apartment in Erchi because it was small and at the quieter end of the coast. We were not disappointed.

Erchie is wonderful spot and Gianluca's apartment was perfect overlooking the Church and village Piazza. The beach had great swimming and lots of local colour.

Benito's Map

Alex's Trop Fest Jr. Entry 2014 (aged 9)

Fun with Friends

Alex

Charlie is 10!

Charlie is 10 and very happy about it!

APC

Alex's animation

This animation is called Metamorphosis and the soundtrack is an original composition called Jupiter.

New York (without kids!)

New York by Bike!

First Day at APC

Alex had his first day at Senior School Albert Park College on 31st Jan. He enjoyed it! Very proud dad cycled with him to School! Although Alex did not want his friends to see!!

Summer Film Making with Sam

Sam and I have been making puppets and movies. The first film is from April. Then over a few days in the summer holidays we put together "Monster Wars"

                                                                       Monster Wars

Molly G Wins the 88th Stonehaven Cup

Molly G skippered by Nelson Skys took out the Stonehaven Cup for RMYS. There was a great awards night at RBYC. Alex had a good time and got to go up with both clubs as he sailed with RBYS and RMYS.

Molly G's Crew

Nelson holds the cup

Alex and one of his crew mates

Alex and Dad

88th Stonehaven Cup

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron entered 3 cadet crews into the 88th Stonehaven Cup. Alex was competing for the first time he ended up crewing for Royal Brighton with Tamra as his skipper they came a respectable 10th place out of 15 boats.  RMYS took out lines honors with Molly G skippered by Skys