77 Pizza Lights

Outside Pizza Express - also 50 years old in 2015 - at the West End for papa's 77th birthday.

Eggstreme Sports

Easter Sunday, and the day began with the kiddies scavenging around the garden for the chocolatey goodies deposited by Helen the Easter Bunny. Later on, we met up with the Millars chez Lismore for a wander up Arthur's Seat (and a spot of egg-rolling) and dinner at the Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston. All very jolly it was too.

Party Boy

DSC_9445, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Saturday was Louis' birthday party for his pals at Holy Cross Church Hall. We had about 20 kids, with a good balance of boys and girls. The magician - David Tricks (not, one suspects, what his mum calls him) - had them rapt and entertained for a time. The boys, jacked up on Haribos and party atmosphere were - how can I put this? - somewhat spirited. Holly had made a birthday cake, and she and Eloise "helped" with party games. Grownups were wholly outnumbered. Louis enjoyed it, which is the main thing. Maybe we'll try a different format next year though...

Christmas Chez Nous

DSC_8291, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We had the family round for Christmas this year. Holly and Louis were up sharpish to see what Santa had brought, and once everyone had arrived we opened pressies and had a splendid meal. An excellent day.

Porty Birthday

DSC_4794, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

A happy confluence of events; birthday lunch, a beautiful proper summer's day, and the seaside. We gathered at the Espy in Portobello in honour of Scott's umpteenth birthday, and even afterwards it was still balmy enough to splash around, dig holes and play cricket on the beach until bedtime. All afternoons should be like this.
Oh, and Scott and Michelle have some pics here too.

Fifth Amendment

DSC_4349, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Today saw the latest of the birthday celebrations, this time combined with the annual festival of resurrection and ovoid chocolate that is Easter. We had the combined Millars & Lodges round for an egg hunt, pizza and - implausibly - cricket. In case you're wondering, Helen got a piano for her birthday, and in this picture she and Louis - who prefers guitar - are performing an air duet.

Cool Walkings

DSC_3251, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Today, under a clear blue sky and a crisp frost, we went for a stroll up the Pentlands with the full quorum of Edinburgh Millars. The occasion was Niall's birthday, and after throwing a few found objects into Glencorse reservoir, we returned to the Flotterstone Inn for a celebratory meal. The kids did very well with the walking, and Holly was very curious about C.T.R. Wilson's cloud chamber, an apposite subject because I'm reading about particle physics at the moment, and was actually able to explain what it was for. A nice father-daughter science moment.

Happy Skye-Day

DSC_0066 a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Last Sunday saw the Millars and Nunns together for Skye's naming ceremony in anticipation of the final court date on Wednesday. It was in the same house as mum's 70th, and the humanist celebrant did a good job keeping things sincere but jolly. The weather and and the river joined in too, to make a grand day out.

(2^3)(3^2)

DSC_0039
Originally uploaded by Fraser Millar

Today we gathered to celebrate pater's birthday at the Toby Carvery at Lauriston Farm. All-you-can-eat is a concept I could get used to, and it's a good family-friendly place for the kids to run around when they inevitably get fed up sitting at the table. Afterwards, we had everyone back for tea and birthday cake, and to have a nose at the almost-completed kitchen. By fluke, I was able to get a picture of all four cousins together, looking at the camera, and smiling.

Birthday

DSC_0053
Originally uploaded by Fraser Millar

Last Sunday saw a gathering of the Edinburgh Millars to celebrate the second birthday of the newest addition to the clan. The birthday girl took the sudden influx of well-wishers in her stride, and was a model hostess. Holly and Louis idolised cousin Calum, and barely left him alone the whole time. Gifts were exchanged, and grub and grog consumed. Holly even gave us a wee dance at the end. It was all very jolly. Niall has more pictures of the birthday week here.

Water of Leith Walk

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Originally uploaded by Fraser Millar

On Saturday, we met up with Niall, Laura and Skye for a wee wander along the Water of Leith. With little ones exploring along the way we didn't make it very far, but it was a gorgeous autumnal day and perfect for pottering by the river.