Big Al arrived in L.A. in just as good a mood as he left London in… despite having napped for a total of 40 minutes on the 12-hour flight… and despite the fact that it was about 2am his time when we got back to our apartment in Westwood. He dug into dinner with Evie like a champ and then grinned his way through a bath…The next day, he caught up on a few zzz’s while the girls caught up on some shopping.Evie shows her little cousin how to build a “very very very tall tower.”Of course, it’s only a matter of time before she decides to pick it up and move it to the coffee table, where he can’t reach. Sorry Big Al, too slow this time!Al cheers on England.I came to the realization that I am purely a second-half football fan when kick-off is at 7am…If it’s not completely obvious, Evie is wailing, “My elbow! My elbow!”A little Peppa Pig on YouTube puts the world to right…ING-ER-LAND! (By the way, it must have been at least 90 degrees all day, and though Evie kept saying, “I very very hot,” she refused to remove the leg-warmers.)More bath-time together…Bex and Alex still hoping for a good result…Rob, feeling magnanimous after the dramatic U.S. win, consoles a little Italia fan.Fits of giggles on Evie’s tricycle put the world to right again…

The Martinelis in Oxford for the Triathlon weekend. Dinner on Saturday evening and Sunday lunch with Alex.Alex engaged in one of his favourite pastimes - eating!and a cuddle with Muzzie!

Four generations of Taylors …. (not that there seems much evidence of the Taylor genes in young Alexander Carlo Martinelli)  A bit unsure at first to say the least! … but eventually a good one for the record!Then a quick cuddle with Nan-nan before going out in his smart little bomber jacket.

Not sure Dianne is the right person to be teaching Chloe football but they both seemed to enjoy it!Bex and James at Emma Kew’s wedding so we were on baby-sitting duty! Emma Kew arriving at Church. whilst Muzzie wheels Alex around the Churchyard!The Martinellis looking very smart in their wedding outfits.Then back to Gerrards Cross with big Al! Mum seems very proud of her little lad .. as does his Dad!!! … with very good reason!!

Dianne trying to reduce the “cpw” of her MOB outfit at Emily’s wedding (cost per wear!) A beautiful foursome!and it wouldn’t be a post without some of the grandkids! … Alexander looking very snug!Evie gives us a song! and Megan getting excited about something! and we all liked Alexander’s outfit even if he didn’t!and the lull before the storm for Dianne!!The Martinelli family

Impossible to narrow down the selection of photos from this day! Here Alex reads his book from Suzanne & John…And here Nan-nan enjoys her microwavable booties from the girls…Chloe checks out her fancy new keyboard from Muz and Granddad…Alex gets his first train, courtesy of the Bunts.Evie helps herself to the spicy guacamole, proving she truly is her father’s daughter…Heels!KMeggy Moo!Nan-nan cuddles the cutest little Father Christmas in town…Evie helps Nan-nan unwrap her toaster…The Pink Stinks team celebrates the fact that while we may throw like girls, we certainly don’t compete in sports trivia quizzes like girls…Princess Chloe!Rob leads us all in a Christmas sing-a-long on his uke…The lads get into the singing spirit… even a sober Christian:And, not surprisingly, the girls get even more into it…Happy Christmas everyone!

Muz talks Bex into a glam makeover to stunning results! And Alex isn’t half bad either…

Becky catching up with a download of some of her recent photos (and no apologies from her that Alexander tends to feature quite strongly!!).  On the way to a wedding in Sheffield they called in on my Mum. My Mum has obviously not lost her touch. Then off to Granary Court for an early Christmas with again no shortage of babyminders! The golfers set off early Sundayand the little ‘uns got stuck into the playdough. A contented little chapHappy families!Then Sunday night the Waylors took over the cooking.Oh and another one of Alex!and a cuddle from cousin Chloeand then back in Oxford the big adventure - first time swimming with Chloe and Megan - maybe the shorts are a little big but hey they are blue not pink!all ready to swim … not sure where Chloe was, but dont the Mums look great!

It’s September, which means that Becky’s Bump Watch now begins! Place your vote in the comments section below and we’ll keep posting an updated spreadsheet here on QO. Categories you can guess: Name, date, sex, weight. Anyone is welcome to join in — even you quiet ones reading QO who have never commented before! Some information that might be relevant: Becky’s due date is the 28th September. Also, James was 10lb when born. Some people say that the father’s birth weight has nothing to do with your baby’s weight, but as Bex herself says, “Yeah right - have you SEEN my bump??” Check it out for yourself below…and you may be tempted to add in your own category, “number of babies expected.”

White van man in business again .. note the obligatory Sun on the dashboard! Backing up to the front doorLots of unpacking for Becky beginning to clear the hall but putting beds together is no easy task! Time for a break on the patio and the first meal in the dining room and finally an update on the Martinelli bump .. and yes she does have still 7 more weeks to go!Congratulations to the Martinellis …. a super house and a super family home … now bring on the family !!