NO!

Today was a defining day in the life of Tom...today he mastered the word we have been dreading. Today he said 'No' and not just 'No', but 'NO!'...'NOOOOOO!!!!!!!' not good.

Oh hum, we still managed a good day. In fact, our weekend started yesterday, not today. Matt had found out about a fun day at Himley Hall in Dudley for the under 5s, where they have a beach, donkey rides, arts and crafts etc etc. As it dawned bright and sunny we thought we would give it a go. Rachel M and Mae joined us. We really didn't know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised, it was a very well organised and attended event. The beach was huge, we took bucket and spade and it was put to good use. There was also mini golf, which Matt and Tom enjoyed (Tom actually concentrated - so he can do it!)

Mae and Tom then did some arts and crafts before lunch, after which they decided to play football with Matt, they played really nicely with each other - Rachel and I sat back and enjoyed watching them. We were going to have a go at the face painting, but the queue was huge, so we went to the bouncy castles, after which Tom showed signs of tiredness, so we made our way home. It was a really good day out though, we would definitely go back if we are still here next year.

Friday evening I spent out with some of the BEST girls as it was Sammie's 40th birthday. I managed 2 gin and tonics and a glass of wine and didn't get tipsy - a record for me! As I had predicted we were the last ones in the restaurant (none of us get out much), a good time was had by all.

Saturday morning we did our usual Wellington trip - I was running low on ribbons, so visited the market to stock up, followed by sharing a combo platter at The Beacon. Then home for nap and then we cycled to The Shropshire for their Family Fun Day. We think it was in its first year as there wasn't that much to do and attendance was quite low. As is usual in these events the music was blasting out, which ruined any pleasure (wow - do I sound middle aged?!). Tom didn't like the music either I hasten to add. There was another mini golf course there for him and Matt to try out - quite a bit of cheating went on, but but they had fun. We then had dinner and then cycled home. As I said earlier the big news was that Tom said 'No' - we were at the Golf Club, I went to hold his hand, it got hastily withdrawn and a big fat 'NO' came out, followed by another and another. Matt and I looked at each other with trepidation!

Other new words: juice, please, Dadu (yet another name for Matt), truck, star and others I'm sure.