Nursery trip to the farm

Danny's nursery went on an outing to Bockett's Farm at the end of the school year.  I was one of the lucky mums that got to go along as a parent helper.  Being responsible for 5 pre-school kids, who were running wild, in a place like that was quite shattering for the nerves.  It was loads of fun looking back now though!

Other closed chapters

With Danny about to start school we had to think about how that would affect our daily lives. We just wouldn't be able to fit all our activities in any more.  We realised that some sports would naturally be replaced by others and it became important to find activities that both boys could do at the same time.  So it was with great some disappointment that we had to stop Playball.  Danny did Playball for 2 years and learnt a phenomenal amount from it.  I think every pre-school child should have the opportunity to do Playball as it forms a basis for many different sports and inspires a love for exercise.  It was also weekly 'playdate' for us, Danny with Ernie and Eli, and me with Ellie and Libby.  It was also kind of cool hanging out at the Roehampton Club!

We also made the decision to stop the Little Gym mainly because I just couldn't make the timetable work out.  Nicholas did Little Gym for 4 years and Danny did it for 3 years and both boys loved it and it really was amazing for them.  I feel that Nicholas has probably outgrown it now but Danny can still benefit, so if I can make it work I hope to take him back again for a while longer.  Either Little Gym or some other gymnastics!

Danny showing off at his last class

Also the last class for Nicholas

(camera's battery died after this first photo)

Danny around the age of four

I stumbled across this random post that I was creating about Danny around the age of four.  It's basically a collection of photos that show some of the things that my youngest likes spending his spare time doing.  A lot of it is quite similar to a year ago.  He is still a smiley little character with a wild imagination who enjoys doing risky things and making people laugh.  He is always eager to please and will do just about anything to make his mama happy.  Danny is simply a delightful child!

He still loves mini beasts

(here he made friends with a bumble bee)

He still likes playing his violin and singing

(he doesn't have lessons yet though)

He unashamedly declares that the ipad is his favourite toy

(it is strictly limited to weekends though)

He also likes constructing stuff with Lego

(but what boy doesn't)

Dinosaurs have become a lot more popular

(I found a dinosaur 'fight' in the lounge one morning)

He loves braaiing
(there's no doubt that he is following in his Dad's footsteps)

He likes spending time in the garden
(whatever the weather)
 

He really enjoys doing sport
(as long as there is a ball involved he is happy)


His drawing has come on beautifully

(one day I found him outside on top of the table sketching away)

He is reading like a champ

(we're so pleased with his passion and ability)

Creepy Crawlies

A few weeks ago we went to another party with a difference - Jaws and Claws Animal Handling - especially since it was a girl's party.  The boys loved learning about and handling all the snakes, frogs, lizards, spiders and other creepy crawly creatures.  It made me think that it is such a pity that the Tropical Zoo we always used to go to has closed down!

Fireworks

A great aspect of autumn in the UK is fireworks and bonfires.  One of the reasons is of course Guy Fawkes and the other is Diwali.  For the last few weeks there have been fireworks on the go almost every night, from small family affairs at people's houses, to massive displays going on for ages in public spaces.  It creates quite a festive atmosphere and I love it because it feels like we are celebrating Oupa Paddy's birthday.  Here are some photos from the fireworks night put on by the boys' school.  It's a lovely get together for the whole family, the fireworks are fantastic, the bonfire is off the chart and it is great to know just about everyone at the event.  The boys had an absolute ball running around playing with their friends!