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| Proud boy with evil grin! |
He was very happy. Thanks to Pop Pop for sending such a detailed explanation of my old toys.
Friday 24 January 2014
First School Certificate
He was very happy. Thanks to Pop Pop for sending such a detailed explanation of my old toys.
Thursday 23 January 2014
Friends from afar
On Thursday, Brad, Lisa and Callum arrived. We stayed with them in Brisbane last year and they are having a 6 month trip around the world. They have a 3 month house swap in Norfolk right now and then a cruise in the Med, followed by some travel in Europe, then across to USA and Canada including Hawaii ending up in Fiji before heading home. Not bad hey?
They are making the best of their time and have been all over the place - not at all phased by the fact they are stuck out in Norfolk. They arrived on a lovely Thursday afternoon and then were plagued by bad weather for the whole time we were up here. Oh well they were stoic and not nearly as whiney as most Aussies would be about the cold and rain.
Thursday was a little manic - Tom has just started dance classes at school. However they are 4.30 to 5.30. One of his friends - Finn is also doing them. He lives out in the middle of no-where so it makes more sense for him to spend the hour here and then go back to school. The Rolls arrived literally as I went to pick Tom up so it was all a little confused and poor Callum didn't get a look in whilst Finn was around. Then we went out for the dance lesson - was really good. Then back for dinner and then Matt had to go out for Governor's training so I was on hosting duties. Never mind, they are pretty easy to talk to so it wasn't a hassle AND red wine was flowing which is always good for chat.
On Friday poor Tom had to go to school whilst we had a day out (first time we've had a day out without him - felt really guilty!) Although it wasn't a great day weather wise, we decided to head into the Dales. As Callum is only 2 we had to choose somewhere paved to go for a walk so that Callum could jump into his stroller if required, so we chose Malham which has a paved track to Malham Cove which is one of the iconic views of the Dales. We headed to Settle and then up onto the Dales. The mist came down so the views weren't great. Then out of the mist came some beasts. Took me a while to realise what they were - they were Highland Cows, but cold, went, straggly, mean looking ones with huge horns that were taking up the road and not looking very happy with us for taking up space on their road. I was in a car with Brad who used to be a farmer in Australia and even he was a little concerned about how they were behaving! Finally a monster of a beast came by with a ring in his nose - the bull - he was very grumpy and snorted as he went by, but he left us alone and carried on his way.
Once past the cows the mist lifted and we arrived into a dry Malham. We parked up and walked to the Cove. Once there we had a monster game of throwing stones and sticks in the river before heading back. Callum was having a huge amount of fun jumping in puddles and walked all the way back which was pretty impressive. He did end up with sopping wet trousers and tights though as a result! We then headed to a pub boasting outrageously good coffee for lunch - The Bucks Head which was fab, a little pricey but very very good food (and Matt said the coffee was good too). We then went the scenic route to Ribblehead, where I left the Rolls and Matt and returned home to pick up Tom from school. The others went on to Dent and Barbon before returning home.
The evening saw us at The Game Cock in Austwick with Rachael and Isabella. We wanted to show The Rolls good food - it didn't disappoint. Brad tried the steak and was very happy with it - the first steak he has enjoyed in the country - so phew for that! He also really enjoyed the local beer we had at home and he had sampled in the pubs. Tom, Callum and Isabella played really nicely with each other - in fact they had a ball so that was great. Apparently Callum hasn't had much opportunity for play with peers since they got here, so he was doing really well. As seems usual after a dinner at The Game Cock, we got home late. It had been a good day.
Saturday didn't dawn particularly nice - in fact it was raining and windy! We thought if it was a bad weather day we would take them on the steamers in Windermere, but it was windy so even that was out. Instead we went to the Lakes Aquarium. We had a good time there, the otters played nicely for us and there were plenty of fish to keep us and the boys occupied. Once we were out we headed for lunch and ended up at the Motor Museum for lunch.
Once finished there, we decided to head up Windermere to Tarn Hows - so the Rolls could see something of the Lake District. The weather wasn't the best - grey, misty and spitting with rain, but they got to see something and Tarn Hows still looked impressive in the rain.
When we got to Tarn Hows, both boys were fast asleep (Callum was sick on the roadside on the way to Tarn Hows poor thing - we think due to the bendy roads). I stayed in the car park whilst Matt and Lisa and Brad went to see the view.
As I was waiting the occupants of the car next to us turned up - it was only
Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers fame. I was too star struck to say anything to him and he was obviously having a family day out which I didn't want to disturb. Was funny though as Matt and co walked straight past him and didn't recognise / notice him - ha ha - Matt was annoyed with himself for that. Also strange is that Jude bumped into him in Booths only a week or so ago and managed to converse with him - he started the conversation!
Tom woke up just as the gang returned, poor Callum slept all the way home - he was out for the count for 3 hours! Another good day, especially as we returned to lamb henry roasting away slowly in the oven. Yes we cooked lamb for Lisa (originally from New Zealand) and got complemented on it - not bad hey?!
Sunday, Callum wasn't feeling at all well. He was very white and shaky and sick again (although that might be something to do with eating 8 chocolates from the box of chocolates in the lounge on Saturday night - naughty boy!)
He managed some bread and butter and milk and perked up - zooming around with Tom being silly which was good.
We were going to show the Rolls around Ingleton in the morning, but because of Callum being ill they just wanted to leave and get him home. However, the boys were playing really nicely with each other, that it was hard to break them up. It was strange for us to see Tom being a leader rather than a follower, and he had to learn some lessons about what not to do as Callum copied him all the time.
As you can see Callum is very tall for his age - we gave him some clothing that Tom is just growing out of and it fitted him immediately - you would never know that there is 2 years difference between them to look at them, although of course Tom speaks better and understands more.
Anyway we were sad to see them go, it was lovely to have them and we all enjoyed entertaining them. It's now our turn to see them in Brisbane - hummmm, I wonder when that will be....
They are making the best of their time and have been all over the place - not at all phased by the fact they are stuck out in Norfolk. They arrived on a lovely Thursday afternoon and then were plagued by bad weather for the whole time we were up here. Oh well they were stoic and not nearly as whiney as most Aussies would be about the cold and rain.
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| Meeting with the locals |
Thursday was a little manic - Tom has just started dance classes at school. However they are 4.30 to 5.30. One of his friends - Finn is also doing them. He lives out in the middle of no-where so it makes more sense for him to spend the hour here and then go back to school. The Rolls arrived literally as I went to pick Tom up so it was all a little confused and poor Callum didn't get a look in whilst Finn was around. Then we went out for the dance lesson - was really good. Then back for dinner and then Matt had to go out for Governor's training so I was on hosting duties. Never mind, they are pretty easy to talk to so it wasn't a hassle AND red wine was flowing which is always good for chat.
On Friday poor Tom had to go to school whilst we had a day out (first time we've had a day out without him - felt really guilty!) Although it wasn't a great day weather wise, we decided to head into the Dales. As Callum is only 2 we had to choose somewhere paved to go for a walk so that Callum could jump into his stroller if required, so we chose Malham which has a paved track to Malham Cove which is one of the iconic views of the Dales. We headed to Settle and then up onto the Dales. The mist came down so the views weren't great. Then out of the mist came some beasts. Took me a while to realise what they were - they were Highland Cows, but cold, went, straggly, mean looking ones with huge horns that were taking up the road and not looking very happy with us for taking up space on their road. I was in a car with Brad who used to be a farmer in Australia and even he was a little concerned about how they were behaving! Finally a monster of a beast came by with a ring in his nose - the bull - he was very grumpy and snorted as he went by, but he left us alone and carried on his way.
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| Brad, Callum & Lisa |
Once past the cows the mist lifted and we arrived into a dry Malham. We parked up and walked to the Cove. Once there we had a monster game of throwing stones and sticks in the river before heading back. Callum was having a huge amount of fun jumping in puddles and walked all the way back which was pretty impressive. He did end up with sopping wet trousers and tights though as a result! We then headed to a pub boasting outrageously good coffee for lunch - The Bucks Head which was fab, a little pricey but very very good food (and Matt said the coffee was good too). We then went the scenic route to Ribblehead, where I left the Rolls and Matt and returned home to pick up Tom from school. The others went on to Dent and Barbon before returning home.
The evening saw us at The Game Cock in Austwick with Rachael and Isabella. We wanted to show The Rolls good food - it didn't disappoint. Brad tried the steak and was very happy with it - the first steak he has enjoyed in the country - so phew for that! He also really enjoyed the local beer we had at home and he had sampled in the pubs. Tom, Callum and Isabella played really nicely with each other - in fact they had a ball so that was great. Apparently Callum hasn't had much opportunity for play with peers since they got here, so he was doing really well. As seems usual after a dinner at The Game Cock, we got home late. It had been a good day.
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| A crocodile and a Marmoset at the Aquarium |
Once finished there, we decided to head up Windermere to Tarn Hows - so the Rolls could see something of the Lake District. The weather wasn't the best - grey, misty and spitting with rain, but they got to see something and Tarn Hows still looked impressive in the rain.
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| All of us braving the cold |
As I was waiting the occupants of the car next to us turned up - it was only
Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers fame. I was too star struck to say anything to him and he was obviously having a family day out which I didn't want to disturb. Was funny though as Matt and co walked straight past him and didn't recognise / notice him - ha ha - Matt was annoyed with himself for that. Also strange is that Jude bumped into him in Booths only a week or so ago and managed to converse with him - he started the conversation!
Tom woke up just as the gang returned, poor Callum slept all the way home - he was out for the count for 3 hours! Another good day, especially as we returned to lamb henry roasting away slowly in the oven. Yes we cooked lamb for Lisa (originally from New Zealand) and got complemented on it - not bad hey?!
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| 'HI BOYS AND GIRLS' |
He managed some bread and butter and milk and perked up - zooming around with Tom being silly which was good.
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| The two boys - best of friends |
As you can see Callum is very tall for his age - we gave him some clothing that Tom is just growing out of and it fitted him immediately - you would never know that there is 2 years difference between them to look at them, although of course Tom speaks better and understands more.
Anyway we were sad to see them go, it was lovely to have them and we all enjoyed entertaining them. It's now our turn to see them in Brisbane - hummmm, I wonder when that will be....
Stunt biking
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| Biking |
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| Fennec fox |
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| Golden pheasant |
We got there and were very impressed with Finn's ability. Tom followed suit and to be fair to him tried really hard and got a bit braver. Unfortunately, he had a spill going over a ramp and landed with a bump on his head. He was wearing his helmet, but he hit his forehead - right in the middle. He cried and complained about his leg - didn't mention his head! It blew up significantly - he got a great bruise. After a packet of chocolate raisins, he got back on his bike and continued. We were really proud of him as his spill must have hurt.
Fred and Frank came along as well for a while. Frank (only 2) is completely fearless and threw himself down various ramps and hills. Tom was the least brave, but to be fair to him he had had a major spill and he did eventually do all the ramps - just took him longer to get the courage together. Anyway after a couple of aborted attempts we had a really good afternoon.
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| Sumatran tiger |
We spent a good 4 hours there (time just seems to fly there) before returning. Tom had a good sleep in the car, ready for school tomorrow. A really good day out.
Monday 13 January 2014
The rest of the holiday
Friday
Friday dawned horrible. Grey, raining and miserable. I asked Tom what he wanted to do and he suggested swimming. It seemed a good idea - so we went off to Hornby Swimming Pool. Tom was a bit of a wuss to start with - clinging to me. So we had to slowly get his confidence back and lo and behold - he took his first strokes without any swimming aids!!!!!!
The first time he cried afterwards as I think he realised the gravity of what he had done - i.e. swim without any aids (he could have drowned after all!) Anyhow, we managed to calm him and then he did it again. He would jump in, swim 2 or 3 strokes to the steps, climb out and do it all again. He did it for Matt, we wouldn't do it for me - he just started clinging again. Anyway it was a big improvement and we were really proud of him.
On Saturday we returned the favour with the Atkinsons - meaning we ordered them to us so they could eat our leftovers. They came in the afternoon. I'm sure we did something in the morning, but for the life of me I can't remember what. Not to worry. We went for a little walk around the village and Storrs Common with them to build up an appetite. I made a huge vat of beef stew with rice and dumplings which we almost finished. I then got the cheese board out and to their credit they ate quite a bit of it. They left lateish as well.
Sunday dawned a nice, clear and rain-free day, so we headed to Arnside for a walk and lunch (we have found a really good cafe there which we can't resist). This time we parked at the National Trust Arnside Knott car park and walked down through some woodland to Morecambe Bay and then followed the Bay round to Arnside and indulged ourselves. Then back along the Bay to the car. It was a very pleasant walk and we managed to see I think 3 trains going over the viaduct towards Grange which was a bonus. We were able to throw stones into the water, find walking sticks in the park, write in the sand, all those things you have to do by the seaside in the Winter. Because the days are sooooo short, we didn't have time to walk up to the Knott as well - maybe next time. We did manage a good 4 miles though and lots of play so it was a good day.
Monday
New Year's Day was a horrible day. Grey, dark, rainy and windy. We slept quite well considering we had been drinking loads, and woke up feeling OK. However, we were all in need of a greasy spoon and found out that a very good one we know in Hawes was open so we headed up there for a good feed of carbohydrates to sort ourselves out. When we got back Matt looked like he was dying, so he collapsed on the sofa. I got a call from Eli asking if we wanted to come over to play with Adam, so we popped over and spent a very pleasant afternoon with her and Phil eating homemade scones with homemade jam - super yummy. Then back home to the invalid. I made a vat of macaroni cheese in an attempt to cheer him up.
We didn't have any plans for Friday and once again it was horrible and rainy. Matt suggested we go to Morecambe again to order the furniture - we had measured up and decided on the table, but we unsure on which chairs would go with the table so needed to go in person. Tom and I went, whilst Matt stayed behind to catch up on his work. I must say Tom was just brilliant company today. When we arrived at the furniture place, he decided to play with the children's toys and happily sat by himself and did so. I told him where I was and he came and got me when he was finished. This meant that I was able to drag chairs around the store to check they went with the table and try them out for comfort etc. It made shopping very easy.
Once done there we went to Dunelm Mill for lunch. Once again he was on his best behaviour and very pleasant company. He ate his lunch without any trouble and chatted away really nicely. It was one of those days when I really appreciated his company. In return I then dragged him around Dunelm Mill and then Matalan to get a couple of things and once again he was really really good. I wish I could bottle these days - it would really help on bad days.
Once I had got bored (it doesn't take long!) we returned home in the rain.
Today it was Panto. Hurray, it's been years since I've been to a Panto. Tom next door was the headline character as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at Blackpool. He had arranged through his church a trip to the panto with coach travel etc. It was a steal - £8 per person for ticket (should have been £20 where we were in the Stalls), popcorn and return coach travel. Someone somewhere was making a loss - I don't know who - but we were very very grateful. Caroline and crew also had tickets and were meeting us there.
We were very very lucky - somehow Caroline etc had tickets for the seats next to us which was brill. The panto was ace - especially Captain Hook and his side kick Mr Smee. Forget Peter Pan and Wendy (especially Peter Pan who was as wooden as anything) - the whole show should have been just those 2 - they were so funny. We really had a laugh. Of course Captain Hook found us with the water pistols and we had a mention at the beginning which is always good. Matt to my surprise really got into it all with all the boos and hisses and 'he's behind you' etc, I didn't think he would as he has mentioned in the past that he doesn't enjoy panto (you would never know - but I guess it's easier when you have a 4 year old in tow)
Tom really enjoyed himself, he began to get all the boos and hissing etc, but his absolute favourite was the acrobats - he was literally squealing with delight at them tumbling through the air. I guess we need to find him a circus. Tom did concentrate during the show, but he did get a severe attack of the fidgets - I guess somethings can't change overnight.
On Sunday morning, Tom and Matt went to the Atkinson's yard for some bike practise: Rob has a low loader with ramps that the boys could cycle up and down. Matt took some video - it looked like they had a good time. I stayed behind for a wedding cake consultation (first of the year) for a wedding in Austwick, which I think went well.
Video from the yard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UgMxPrcAN0
Then Debbie, Adam and Luke came for a visit for lunch. They were having a mini break in Carnforth, so it wasn't too far for them to come over for a nose around. Luke is 6. The moment he walked through the door, he and Tom made friends and they were gone upstairs into Tom's bedroom. They remained good chums for the whole visit which was just fantastic - there is nothing better than watching Tom having fun with other children. It was great to see Debbie and Adam too, and we realised that really we have been naughty: we are only about an hour's drive away from each other (they live in Wigan) so we really should have met up before now - although I did try last year, and she admitted that she had been rubbish about this in the past year.
Anyhow we had a good time and it was getting dark when they left. Apparently Luke had a good time and has been pestering Debbie about when he'll next see us - so that's good. Oh and we got him to eat a pepper today which apparently was a big achievement - we did Mexican wave eating of it round the table - which made it fun. It also meant that Adam had to eat some which I think Debbie enjoyed as he isn't a fan of veggies either!
Friday dawned horrible. Grey, raining and miserable. I asked Tom what he wanted to do and he suggested swimming. It seemed a good idea - so we went off to Hornby Swimming Pool. Tom was a bit of a wuss to start with - clinging to me. So we had to slowly get his confidence back and lo and behold - he took his first strokes without any swimming aids!!!!!!
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| Working hard at the pub |
We then headed towards Hest Bank for lunch. Our first choice was Archer's Cafe - closed. Our second - Shore Cafe - closed. Our third - Hest Bank Inn - open with fantastic food which we all very much enjoyed. We then headed on to Morecambe where we went to a big furniture store to find a new dining table (we realised that the one we currently have really is too small for celebration dinners - it was a bit of a squeeze on Christmas day. We found a couple that extend out which seemed perfect: remain small when just the 3 of us and grow when we have guests. We took lots of measurements to check everything would fit.
We then headed back to the Atkinsons - they were at a loose end and were wondering if Tom wanted a play. We popped in and ended up staying for dinner (Christmas dinner left overs covered in pastry) which was really tasty. We had a really good evening (lots of wine for me which was great) and rolled home quite late. One of those great afternoons, where we had nothing much planned which turned into a very sociable day which flew very quickly.
Saturday
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| Loonies |
Sunday
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| Above Arnside |
Monday
Monday I took Tom to the Drs as recommended by the school. It was a shock to the system as the appointment was for 10.20 which I thought was late, but we've been getting lazier and lazier during the holidays and it was quite a rush to get there on time. I told the Dr what the school had said. She asked my opinion (more to do with lack of concentration than lack of hearing). But because his speech was late, and because he can't say 'th' and 'sh' properly and because the school have requested a test, she has referred him to specialists on both the physical side and the technical side of the hearing spectrum so it can all be ruled out. If so, we will have to concentrate on concentrating. We have worked on this during the holidays, making him watch telly, films and computer games (everything people say you shouldn't do with kids!) He hasn't done too badly, but he is such a sensitive flower that he cries at pretty much anything. Toy Story we had 4 episodes of crying and he was inconsolable at the end of The Snowman and The Snowman and Snow Dog. It almost feels like we are torturing him!
New Year's Eve
This morning we were invited round to Caroline's for a play and lunch, which was lucky as we were going to get the bus to Settle to go to the market - we went later in the day and found the market wasn't on so it would have been a long 2 hours hanging around Settle between buses! All the usual suspects were at Caroline's: Fred, Frank, Finn, Sierra, Mack and Jack with their mums. Sierra is a friend from baby groups etc that Caroline and Kate know - she lives in Stainforth near Settle and goes to Horton-in-Ribblesdale school. We know them from swimming lessons in Settle (Sierra was in the same class as Tom, but went up a couple of weeks ago) Tom showed his true colours and spent most of his time playing with Sierra (he always plays with girls given a chance).
Once we left there, we went to Settle to go to the market as originally planned, but ended up in Booths when we discovered it wasn't on. Although we still had lots of left overs, we were running low on milk and veggies.
We had tea (notice I'm changing my diction - evening meal round here is definitely tea not dinner. Dinner is at lunchtime. I'm constantly getting confused as is Tom - because I don't use the words in-line with school and his friends at school. I end up overcomplicating things in my head when I invite people round for dinner (tea) - lets call it a hot meal to be clear after school!) and then went round to Janine and Craig's for drinks. She's got 2 boys: Jack (6) and Seth (3) and was one of my first friends in the village. She asked us round for a 'couple of drinks' so that we could feel we were celebrating New Year along with some other friends also with little ones - the plan being that when the children started wilting we would return home. It didn't happen. All the children played together really nicely (the adults too), meaning that time flew and before we knew it we were all celebrating the new year together. Wow! I didn't expect that at all. Janine and Craig were the absolute perfect hosts as well - plenty of food and drink and great chatter. They even had homemade Elderberry Gin and Sloe Gin which Matt downed to help sort out his cold (it worked for the evening - but the cold returned in fury the next day). We came home feeling very blessed to have found such lovely friends so quickly in the village.
Once we left there, we went to Settle to go to the market as originally planned, but ended up in Booths when we discovered it wasn't on. Although we still had lots of left overs, we were running low on milk and veggies.
We had tea (notice I'm changing my diction - evening meal round here is definitely tea not dinner. Dinner is at lunchtime. I'm constantly getting confused as is Tom - because I don't use the words in-line with school and his friends at school. I end up overcomplicating things in my head when I invite people round for dinner (tea) - lets call it a hot meal to be clear after school!) and then went round to Janine and Craig's for drinks. She's got 2 boys: Jack (6) and Seth (3) and was one of my first friends in the village. She asked us round for a 'couple of drinks' so that we could feel we were celebrating New Year along with some other friends also with little ones - the plan being that when the children started wilting we would return home. It didn't happen. All the children played together really nicely (the adults too), meaning that time flew and before we knew it we were all celebrating the new year together. Wow! I didn't expect that at all. Janine and Craig were the absolute perfect hosts as well - plenty of food and drink and great chatter. They even had homemade Elderberry Gin and Sloe Gin which Matt downed to help sort out his cold (it worked for the evening - but the cold returned in fury the next day). We came home feeling very blessed to have found such lovely friends so quickly in the village.
New Years Day
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| The morning after... |
Thursday
For once today it wasn't raining. Tom had been itching for a bike ride and Kate and Caroline had told us that the old quarry in Storr's Common in Ingleton is a great place to start mountain biking - with lots of ramps etc, so the three of us headed out. Matt still full of cold, but needing some fresh air.
Tom was a complete wuss to start with, not able to do any ramps, not cycling up hill etc, but as we took our bike with us, he was able to watch us do some bits (yep, even I was doing ramps etc) and gradually he got the message and gave it a go. By the time we left, he was cycling up hill and doing a ramp one way really well. His biggest problem is that he sometimes thinks he can't do something. If he thinks that, then of course he can't do it. It's encouraging him to think that he can do it, once he thinks he can do it, then we are almost there. He put him mind to doing the ramp and there was a real glint in his eye as he cycled towards it - he did it every time no problem!
Anyway, he improved considerably and we were quite proud of him. He managed not to have too many spills as well which I guess helped. When we got back to the village, he requested lunch at Inglesport cafe, we couldn't refuse as he had done so well. Matt went back home to have lunch and do some work whilst we settled down at the cafe. When we came out, we bumped into Alice, Pete, Charlie and Harry who had just arrived for a play in the playground. As we didn't have anything planned, we joined them and they had a good play together.
Don't think we got home until about 3pm, by which time it was getting dark.
Tom was a complete wuss to start with, not able to do any ramps, not cycling up hill etc, but as we took our bike with us, he was able to watch us do some bits (yep, even I was doing ramps etc) and gradually he got the message and gave it a go. By the time we left, he was cycling up hill and doing a ramp one way really well. His biggest problem is that he sometimes thinks he can't do something. If he thinks that, then of course he can't do it. It's encouraging him to think that he can do it, once he thinks he can do it, then we are almost there. He put him mind to doing the ramp and there was a real glint in his eye as he cycled towards it - he did it every time no problem!
Anyway, he improved considerably and we were quite proud of him. He managed not to have too many spills as well which I guess helped. When we got back to the village, he requested lunch at Inglesport cafe, we couldn't refuse as he had done so well. Matt went back home to have lunch and do some work whilst we settled down at the cafe. When we came out, we bumped into Alice, Pete, Charlie and Harry who had just arrived for a play in the playground. As we didn't have anything planned, we joined them and they had a good play together.
Don't think we got home until about 3pm, by which time it was getting dark.
Video at Storrs Common: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9dHSJTiPOc
Friday
Once done there we went to Dunelm Mill for lunch. Once again he was on his best behaviour and very pleasant company. He ate his lunch without any trouble and chatted away really nicely. It was one of those days when I really appreciated his company. In return I then dragged him around Dunelm Mill and then Matalan to get a couple of things and once again he was really really good. I wish I could bottle these days - it would really help on bad days.
Once I had got bored (it doesn't take long!) we returned home in the rain.
Saturday
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| Ready for Panto |
We were very very lucky - somehow Caroline etc had tickets for the seats next to us which was brill. The panto was ace - especially Captain Hook and his side kick Mr Smee. Forget Peter Pan and Wendy (especially Peter Pan who was as wooden as anything) - the whole show should have been just those 2 - they were so funny. We really had a laugh. Of course Captain Hook found us with the water pistols and we had a mention at the beginning which is always good. Matt to my surprise really got into it all with all the boos and hisses and 'he's behind you' etc, I didn't think he would as he has mentioned in the past that he doesn't enjoy panto (you would never know - but I guess it's easier when you have a 4 year old in tow)
Tom really enjoyed himself, he began to get all the boos and hissing etc, but his absolute favourite was the acrobats - he was literally squealing with delight at them tumbling through the air. I guess we need to find him a circus. Tom did concentrate during the show, but he did get a severe attack of the fidgets - I guess somethings can't change overnight.
Sunday
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| Tom & Fred |
Video from the yard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UgMxPrcAN0
Then Debbie, Adam and Luke came for a visit for lunch. They were having a mini break in Carnforth, so it wasn't too far for them to come over for a nose around. Luke is 6. The moment he walked through the door, he and Tom made friends and they were gone upstairs into Tom's bedroom. They remained good chums for the whole visit which was just fantastic - there is nothing better than watching Tom having fun with other children. It was great to see Debbie and Adam too, and we realised that really we have been naughty: we are only about an hour's drive away from each other (they live in Wigan) so we really should have met up before now - although I did try last year, and she admitted that she had been rubbish about this in the past year.
Anyhow we had a good time and it was getting dark when they left. Apparently Luke had a good time and has been pestering Debbie about when he'll next see us - so that's good. Oh and we got him to eat a pepper today which apparently was a big achievement - we did Mexican wave eating of it round the table - which made it fun. It also meant that Adam had to eat some which I think Debbie enjoyed as he isn't a fan of veggies either!
Monday
Today Tom and I were going to go to Dalton Zoo as Cumbrian and Lancaster schools had gone back, but the weather was atrocious and the road there was flooded so we decided not to go (I think I was more disappointed than him!) However, Lynne came to the rescue and invited me and Tom round for a play / catch up (they were just returned from a week in Lapland) So off we went. She had had a wonderful time - certainly looked magical.
We returned home for lunch and then in the afternoon Tom had his first swimming lesson of the term which went well. I told the teacher that he is now trying to swim by himself and when she asked him to do it, he did which was ace. Hopefully soon he will advance to the next stage. Just need to keep his confidence up.
We returned home for lunch and then in the afternoon Tom had his first swimming lesson of the term which went well. I told the teacher that he is now trying to swim by himself and when she asked him to do it, he did which was ace. Hopefully soon he will advance to the next stage. Just need to keep his confidence up.
Sunday 12 January 2014
Boxing Day
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| Baa! |
As Pat wasn't herself, she and Bob returned home on Boxing Day - earlier than planned. This left us with a free day and LOTS of food.
As it wasn't raining we decided to go for a walk and headed off to Ribblehead to do our usual circle. This went well, it was nice to be outside and we all relaxed and enjoyed ourselves, the landscape and fresh air, although the weather wasn't as nice as we hoped.
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| Ingleborough from Ribblehead |
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| Bundle of Boy! |
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| Nice pic of Tom |
Christmas Day
Wow! We've been busy, busy, busy! After one term of school we now know enough people to keep us occupied during holidays. So much so that blogging hasn't been an option - especially as there has been a lot of alcohol consumption as part of it all.
So I guess this will have to be a quick round up of our Christmas time activities:
Christmas Day
This is the first year that Tom has 'got' Christmas. So we did the whole leaving out a carrot, mince pie and whisky for Santa etc and Tom went to bed (a little fearful - but you would wouldn't you, knowing that a stranger will come in your bedroom in the middle of the night!
He went to sleep surprisingly well and for the first time ever on Christmas day came into our room to say that Father Christmas had been - I think it was about 8am so fair game really. He went back to his room and collected his stocking and brought it in with us to see what he had got. He was very excited because there was an Eddie Stobart truck in it and that is what he had asked Father Christmas for. In fact Christmas could have stopped there as he was more than happy with his lot.
We eventually got up and had breakfast. Then I did what had to be done for dinner. We had gone for the beef option again - this time from our local butcher's. A huge 3 rib of beef.
By then the Youngs were tamping at the bit for present opening - they normally do theirs first thing, so waiting for me to prepare dinner was almost too much!
Tom completely got into it. Paper was being ripped off left, right and centre - no help required at all. In fact he even got a little naughty at the end and asked where the rest of the presents were as he wanted to open more! He got told off for that!
This all got done in a Police Uniform Onsie that was in his Christmas stocking and he took an instant like to. He looks so cute in it, also a little baby like - it takes at least a year off him.
Matt and I managed to give each other exactly the same Christmas present of a mini Highland Cow each (our new craze!) not a problem, just makes our bedroom even more busy! We all did quite well so thanks everyone.
Tom didn't seem to realise that there was a present missing from his Mummy and Daddy. He was so busy ripping off paper, he really didn't care what was from who!
He was very keen to make his lego helicopter so I took him into his bedroom to help make it with him, whilst Matt and Bob took the 'hidden' model railway downstairs and set it up in the lounge. When they were ready, I took Tom downstairs, put a mask on him, marched him into the lounge took the mask off and... well unfortunately he was completely underwhelmed by it and said that he knew he was getting it! Not so, it was a very well hidden secret. We took a video of the 'big' moment - see below
Christmas Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggWe62UYxL4
I think because he didn't get to unwrap it he didn't really see it as a present. For quite a few days afterwards when he was asked about what he got for Christmas he would list bits and bobs but miss off the railway. To be honest, Matt and I were a little disappointed at his reaction - however, he has played with it a lot and is careful of it so we are pretty sure he likes it.
Once the railway was up and running I finished off dinner. I was pretty pleased with it even if I do say so myself and the beef was amazing. Unfortunately Pat wasn't feeling too well during her visit so didn't really eat much - so there was loads left over. Not a problem, none of that was going to waste.
After the first course all of us except Pat went for a quick walk around Storrs Common to help digest the meal and to enjoy the day (for once it was bright sunshine - typical for Christmas Day when raining really doesn't matter) Funny incident was that Tom needed a wee half way round. However, he was still wearing his onsie, meaning he had to strip almost naked to be able to do it. Luckily there wasn't anyone around to be shocked by his pale & skinny body (except us) what a sight!
On our return home we had Christmas pudding. I can't really remember what we did the rest of the night. Probably play with the model railway, Tom went to bed at some stage and we finished off the wonderful pork pie we also bought from the butchers and tried to put a dent in the huge cheese selection Bob had bought with him.
So I guess this will have to be a quick round up of our Christmas time activities:
Christmas Day
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| Stocking mess on our bed |
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| Eddie! |
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| What a fine beast? |
By then the Youngs were tamping at the bit for present opening - they normally do theirs first thing, so waiting for me to prepare dinner was almost too much!
Tom completely got into it. Paper was being ripped off left, right and centre - no help required at all. In fact he even got a little naughty at the end and asked where the rest of the presents were as he wanted to open more! He got told off for that!
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| Police Officer Tom ripping off paper |
This all got done in a Police Uniform Onsie that was in his Christmas stocking and he took an instant like to. He looks so cute in it, also a little baby like - it takes at least a year off him.
Matt and I managed to give each other exactly the same Christmas present of a mini Highland Cow each (our new craze!) not a problem, just makes our bedroom even more busy! We all did quite well so thanks everyone.
Tom didn't seem to realise that there was a present missing from his Mummy and Daddy. He was so busy ripping off paper, he really didn't care what was from who!
Christmas Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggWe62UYxL4
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| Grannie, Tom and Grandpa |
Once the railway was up and running I finished off dinner. I was pretty pleased with it even if I do say so myself and the beef was amazing. Unfortunately Pat wasn't feeling too well during her visit so didn't really eat much - so there was loads left over. Not a problem, none of that was going to waste.
After the first course all of us except Pat went for a quick walk around Storrs Common to help digest the meal and to enjoy the day (for once it was bright sunshine - typical for Christmas Day when raining really doesn't matter) Funny incident was that Tom needed a wee half way round. However, he was still wearing his onsie, meaning he had to strip almost naked to be able to do it. Luckily there wasn't anyone around to be shocked by his pale & skinny body (except us) what a sight!
On our return home we had Christmas pudding. I can't really remember what we did the rest of the night. Probably play with the model railway, Tom went to bed at some stage and we finished off the wonderful pork pie we also bought from the butchers and tried to put a dent in the huge cheese selection Bob had bought with him.
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