Spooky Veg* Night 2010

Aside from Christmas and his birthday, Halloween is Alex’s favourite occasion. It’s quite good that the NCS at Bisley has its firework display around this time as well, as it really gets the little lad excited.

This year he had his first go at one of the fairground stalls at Bisleys display. It was one where you throw a ball and if you hit the object you win it. £2 for one go (in aid of the UK rifle team)…. We paid our £2… Alex (now 4 1/2yrs old) took aim, threw the ball… and won a toy. Great shot – square on!

The fireworks were brilliant – if a little on the short side, but made up for in sheer style and music. I don’t have any worthy photo’s, but hey… you know what fireworks look like by now…

2009

Anyway, that was yesterday! Today is Halloween and the time of year when I DO not want to see another pumpkin for at least another year… because it’s the time of year when Alex sets me a carving challenge! Last year was The Mini…

This year he chose Spongebob Squarepants. He didn’t want scary pumpkins because he thought they might come alive like in Monsters versus Aliens…

So… Spongebob, Patrick and Gary got carved….

 

Spongebob

 

Patrick

Gary

The rest of the photo’s

*P.S: I know Pumpkins are fruits, but Scary Fruit sounded a bit un-PC….

Mind you… Scary Veg isn’t much better….

Big bangs are a washout

It has been suprisingly quite for a Guy Fawkes evening. Only a few whizz bangs could be heard as Alex took his bath – any excuse to publish a photo that his future best man can use!

It seems more people are going to organised displays – such as the NRA Bisley one we took Alex to. They are so much better than back garden events, with major orchestrated fireworks going off to music. A back garden display wouldn’t even be able to get hold of the pyrotechnics that those organised events launch.

I remember a display at a Hells Angels run bike show. You wouldn’t expect it to be tame – and if you had done, then you would have been shell shocked! It still stands as the only display where I’ve felt the shock wave of an explosion really knock the air from my lungs, as for a split second the black of night became as bright as a summers day. I’m sure there are people with post traumatic stress, shell shock and arc eye from that show!

Hells Angels and the UK National Rifle Association… Let’s face it, if anyone is going to pull the stops out with big bangs, then these two must be on the top five!

Alex chattered away about the fireworks, but after his bath there wasn’t much to see out of the windows of his room. Maybe there will be more shows come the end of the week – I’ll keep an eye out, as I’m sure Alex would love to see more!

I suppose that the drizzle and rain hasn’t helped with fireworks tonight though. It was so miserable and cold today I didn’t even do my Nordic Walk – which means I’ll need to put in some extra tomorrow. I woke up cold though, and my back was particularly painful, so I guess a day of rest with some physio prescribed exercises before bed will suffice for one day.

New Bond Villain

No Mister Bond… I expect you to die…. Mwaha ha ha ha ha….

Alex slept on my lap as I watched the excellent Casino Royale. I think Daniel Craig makes a great Bond – top three alongside Brosnan and Connery. All play a grittier Bond, and I much prefer that over the campness of Moore – Those movies may be pretty good – but I just think he’s far too pantomime in his portrayal. The books are grittier, and that’s how I like the movies to be. If I want Panto, I’ll go to the Town Hall at Christmas. If I want Bond… well, Quantum of Solace is out now!

So Alex slept as I watched the twists and turns of one of the best Bond films yet played out infront of me. He only stirred at the part with 007 tied in a chair as Le Chiffre played conkers with our heroes jewels. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know the bit I mean…

Every time Le Chiffre swung and hit, Bond called out in pain… and Alex burst out laughing…. Then dialogue kicked in and Alex sat all dozy again… then swing and a hit… and Alex bursts out laughing!!!

I know which team Alex was supporting there, and it wasn’t Her Majesty’s Secret Service!

Before anyone says anything, I know it won’t be long at all until I dare not watch a Bond movie with Alex as he will start picking stuff up from it. Currently though he just likes the Aston chases and big explosions – Just like a firework display – and you know how much he loves them….The Fireworks Blog

Fire in the skies

Alex attended his first fireworks display tonight. It was held at the National Shooting Centre at Bisley (NRA).

Chris drove us to the event – I was doped up with pain killers, even though it was only a short journey. A 30 minute trip out the other day as passenger was enough for me to think twice about getting in a car at present.

It was only £4 per adult – and Alex was free. The show was set to music and went on for close to half hour. What a display! I have never seen one like it. It was so well timed with the music and the fireworks were impressive to say the least…. not that I watched much of them, as I was close to tears at how much Alex was enjoying himself!!!! I have never seen him so excited – not even half as excited!!!

Before the show we bought him an LED windmill thing – Lot’s of these LED type toys were for sale, so there were no sparklers (all very safe). Alex loves his windmill and as soon as we gave it to him, it stayed with him until he went to bed!!!

During the show itself I wasn’t sure if he was louder than the fireworks or not! He was grinning and laughing like a maniac!!!

Unfortunately I wasn’t that stable with the camera as my head was a bit fuzzy from the pills, but if you click on one of the pictures you’ll be taken to the album where you can see some of the fireworks and some of Alex’s expressions!

iPhone with Flickr and WordPress blogging – a great combination!