Summer shooting season, originally uploaded by L.B.

The season for summer competitions is on us. If I shoot 6 cards a week I have enough competition cards to see me to the end of September! This includes 50m, 100yd, 25yd iron sights (open sights with no magnification) and 100yd with scope. I've made a few changes this season, and although the scores haven't greatly improved, my grouping has and I feel more comfortable.

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Teef!, originally uploaded by L.B.

You wait for one then 4 come along at once! These nibblers really hurt when Alex decides to clamp down!

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Duck Season, originally uploaded by L.B.

Friday...the weekend is here! An evening walk with Alex gives up some lake secrets in the shape of 9 ducklings and a whole load of tadpoles, all topped off with a wonderful sunset.

I'd still be trying to find a parking space and dodging mess and gangs of idiot drinkers in the streets if I still lived in Portsmouth...

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A little bit of history..., originally uploaded by L.B.

As Alex fast approaches the big 1st birthday, I thought it would be a good

time to show this pre-1939 picture of my Dad with his parents. I love this old snapshot of him before he hit 20. His smile looks like it has a great tale behind it and they all look like they've been having a great laugh. It wouldn't have been too long after this picture was taken that WW2 kicked off. This picture really was taken in happier times.

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Told you..., originally uploaded by L.B.

Sparko! After a hard days play Alex was so tired that he fell asleep during his evening drink. Hard to believe that 20 minutes earlier he was being a real fuss and making it tricky to get his nappy on...as you can probably tell! In fact trying to put an angry cat in a cat box is probably easier!

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Lake driver, originally uploaded by L.B.

Alex has a steering wheel toy from the ELC and he's loving it!

Today we went to the rifle range so I could help out with range maintenance. Alex had a bowl of water and had great fun splashing around with his mum whilst I worked!

He's really becoming more stable on two feet. He's not walking yet, but he's not far off letting go of the sofa and taking his first tumbling steps...

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Play park day out., originally uploaded by L.B.

Another lovely day and a new set of clothes from Granny. Alex took to the climbing frame today after having a really good long play on the swings. He even had a good crawl around the park.

Yesterday saw his Gran and Grandad visit for Easter, although I had to pop out for a few hours to shoot, as the summer season has started. I've entered 25, 50 and 100 competitions this year, with one of them allowing telescopic sights. Mind you, I shot a 98 and 99 out of 100 with normal sights this time, so maybe the scope isn't needed!

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Lookout, originally uploaded by L.B.

...but someone has to look as cool as me. Now move along, there are cats, dogs and ducks to squeal at....

Sometimes you just have to poke your tongue out!!!

Good Friday fun with Alex. We had a great time!!!

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Standing Orders, originally uploaded by L.B.

Alex is coming on in leaps and bounds...well, maybe not actually leaps and bounds, but he is getting more mobile and brave all the time.

Yesterdays trick was to pull himself upright on the sofa and edge his way along it. To get back to ground level he just fell on his bum!

Today he leans forward and lowers himself by bending his legs and tipping forwards onto his hands and knees! He can also get up onto his feet by pushing up on lower objects, rather than pulling himself up on the sofa!

If you are a parent then you'll know why this is all a big deal.....If you're not, then you'll probably not really get why this is such a cool thing!!!

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I think I've found your problem mate..., originally uploaded by L.B.

The son of an engineering dad!

During our play in the field, Alex was obsessed with the pushchairs wheels. Even when I moved it a good 10 to 15 metres away he would crawl straight over to it. He even chased it when I kept it just out of his reach!

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Explore!, originally uploaded by L.B.

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Dirty knees!, originally uploaded by L.B.

A day off and a walk in the woods around the lake.

We found a lovely field where Alex had his first outdoors crawling session.

He really enjoyed himself and almost tired himself out!

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