Saturdays

I've mentioned before that Nicholas is obsessed with football at the moment. The Fulham Football Club runs a football program for kids of all ages. It's a lovely setup - friendly and easy - and pay as you go. We decided that if it's not raining and if Nicholas is keen then we should seize the moment. So Saturday morning footy has become part of our weekend routine. We used to take Nicholas to the same classes during the World Cup last year when he was only 3.5 years old. Looking back makes me realise how he has grown and developed over the past year. We'll have to get him a new shirt soon!

Now that Nick's at school, and the sun sets soon after we pick him up, weekends are our only chance to go to the playground. So afterwards we always hang out in the awesome playground. It's got all sorts of different apparatus, not at all co-ordinated, and quite haphazard. The boys always want to try out each and every part. I must say, I like it that they are quite risky at times, but sensible. That's when I realise how much they're benefitting from going to the little gym!

Alice in Wonderland

I don't usually do posts about other children's birthdays but Phillipa is like family to us and Claire put on a fantastic Alice in Wonderland Party for her. What a great idea for a party theme. Claire's attention to all the detail was admirable and the entertainer was one of the best I've seen. The children had a really fantastic time. Well done Claire! Happy Birthday Princess P!

Habit

Mess is becoming a habit with Danny. This morning his friend, Ernie, came to visit. Ellie and I were in the kitchen for probably half an hour and when we went back to the lounge this is what we found. At least toys that we haven't seen for a while were rediscovered. I wish we had a separate playroom!

ChEEEEse

Daniel (excitedly): 'Mom, come quick, see what I made!'
Me: 'Oh, goodness me, what's that?'
Daniel (proudly): 'It's a huge mess!'
Me: 'I can see that!'
Daniel (urgently): 'Quick! Fetch your camera!'
Me: 'Great idea!'
Daniel (enthusiastically): 'ChEEEEse!'

I bumped my head today!

Daniel is an extremely independent little fellow. I guess I should be happy about that. But sometimes he tips the scale just too far. The other day we were leaving the leisure center after swimming and as usual he refused to hold my hand because he wanted to do it 'all by myself'. I'm not sure how it happened but he tripped and fell down the stairs. There was a lot of blood and a lot of screaming so I rushed to A&E. The poor little guy ripped his frenulem (that little skin between your top lip and your top gums) and had a huge lip (which was back to normal the next morning). The nurse assured me his teeth are fine. I hope she is right!

Nicholas used to be quite cautious but he has become much more physical and toughened up a lot since starting school. As if trying to compete with his little brother, he came home wearing a similar sticker accompanied by an accident report, a few days later. Apparently he and another little boy had a massive collision on the playground and they both had to pay a visit to the school nurse. He was fine though so I think they were just being cautious!

Fireworks

Donhead had their annual fireworks night last week. It was a great outing for the whole family. It makes a difference when everyone at an event like this has something in common. Nicholas really enjoyed bumping into and playing with his classmates. The glow swords and guns were a big hit with the kids and made the whole atmosphere jovial. The bonfire was huge and the fireworks were spectacular. So all in all I think it was a great success!

Oysters

Today we went to see Crash Bang Wallop at Cadogen Hall. It included a great selection of music and had a lot of audience participation so we really enjoyed it. Afterwards we stopped for an oyster feast while listening to a jazz band at the Sloane Square farmers' market. The boys almost demolished the first dozen all on their own so we had to get another half dozen for ourselves but they climbed into them as well. I love the fact that they love oysters, but so do we!

They passed out instantaneously in the car on the way home. Not surprising because they were up at 6am to play on the ipad and then we went to Fulham's football for kids which Nicholas is crazy about at the moment. All that before the concert!

Expensive Toy

Anton generously gave us an ipad for a present when he came to visit us in the summer. The boys (x3) love it. We've managed to keep expectations to weekends only for the little ones but it's hard to enforce rules like that for the big one. We've found loads of educational apps so I don't mind the obsession that much. I just don't want it to be the only thing they do. It's also great for skype!

The babysitter when I got home late from a girls' night out

(see the glass of whiskey on the bedside table!)