Busy Week

So we had a busy week.

Saturday Tom had already bounced back and requested a train ride, after much research and deliberation on where to go, we settled on driving to Carnforth to get the train to Grange Over Sands. It was only 3 stops on the train, but it included crossing a viaduct across the Kent Estuary (at the top of Morecambe Bay) so it was interesting enough for him.   We settled for lunch at S Cafe, we were very pleased with our choice, really good food and very good service.  They even interrupted us so that Tom got a chance to watch the fish being fed.  Everyone ate up, although Tom was slowing down.  We were worried that maybe we had pushed him too much for the day, but he did eat most of his lunch (sausage sandwich as tends to be his 'usual' when we are out and about).  The rain clouds were gathering so we decided to have a look around some interesting looking shops to keep dry.  Quite a few 'sell everything' shops that seem to go on and on and on - great for exploring and Matt finally found me a screw on icing sugar shaker which will be well used and will stop lots of swearing in the kitchen.  As Tom was flagging we got an early train back.  Tom fell asleep straight away in the car home, not a surprise - I guess the anaesthetic was still in his system.  Today was my delayed birthday, so we spent the evening watching Eurovision, drinking red wine and eating copious amounts of cheese.  Very naughty but oh so nice!

Birthday Cake

Sunday, Tom was not himself, so we had a very easy day.  I got him to help me make a birthday cake for me, which he did well - including some mad decorating with some of my pre-made decorations.   We did a couple of chores, then headed out to Inglesport for lunch.  On our return Tom went to bed - he realised himself that he needed it and happily went to bed.  He stayed there deeply asleep for 2 hours and woke up much better.   He went back to bed again at the usual time and was asleep in no time.  I guess he needed it.

Tom and Fred swinging in the park

Monday, Tom was back to normal - hurray! Fred and Frank came over for a play in the morning, whilst Caroline sorted out some visitors to her cottage.  Tom and Fred played really nicely together and Frank was good too.  Matt came with us to the park (he was worried about me with 3 of them!).  Once again the 3 of them played really nicely together and before we knew it, it was 3.30 and time to say goodbye.

Tom and Fred with a money mushroom

In the bluebells

Tuesday, Tom and I met up with Caroline and Fred to do the waterfalls walk together.  Fred hasn't done it before and Caroline wanted to show him how lovely it is.  Once again the boys got on really nicely with each other.  There was no whinging, whining etc, the two kept each other going and were happy to learn some bits and pieces about the environment.

Throwing stones

We stopped for a picnic at Thornton Force and detoured to the stepping stones at Beezley (Tom fell in and cried.  Twice!)  It took a good four hours to do it, but the boys had fun and that's all that mattered.  When we had finished, Tom and Fred wanted to play in the park, so Caroline went to collect Frank and then met up with us in the park.  A really lovely day.

At the top

Wednesday, I was feeling rubbish - blocked ears and cold, tiredness etc etc, plus I had a cake to do.  Matt was sympathetic and said he would take Tom up Pen-y-Ghent, so the two of them left me to it.  I got Iggle Piggle finished and then vacuumed and cleaned the house (phew it really needed it!).  The two boys got back just as I had finished.  So a useful day for me and an exciting one for them.  Apparently he breezed up Pen-y-Ghent, didn't get out of breath and talked at Matt the whole way up and down!

The intrepid hiker

Matt here. Yes, as was the case when all climbed Ingleborough, he marched straight to the top with no apparent effort and then ate his lunch in no time flat. As you can see from the photos, it was a beautiful day, with hardly a breath of wind, even at the summit. The only slight hiccup was His Nibs suddenly needing the loo on the most exposed part of the walk. I was ill-prepared and ended up wiping his bottom with clumps of grass/moss that I pulled out of the moor. He didn't seem to mind. We also saw 7 trains on the walk - 3 "purple trains", 2 coal trains, 1 unidentified freight train and 1 locomotive by itself.
I must say, he was exceptionally good company on the walk, and the constant chatter was entertaining rather than annoying (as it can be sometimes). Some of his funnier utterances were "I can see my nose when I'm walking", "Daddy, was Pen-y-Ghent made in the olden days?" and, upon seeing a fell runner hurtling down the path at great speed "I think he's going to miss his bus".
A grand day out.


Thursday, I thought the weather forecast looked good, so arranged with Caroline to meet at Morecambe for a day on the beach.

Digging

Almost there

It was a very long trench

Finished!

Woke up, it was raining.  Ignored it, drove to Morecambe, it carried on raining.  Caroline got a little delayed meeting up with us, just as well as it was raining.  As soon as she arrived, it stopped raining.  The boys didn't mind,  they got to work digging in the sand.  Lots of people around here look down their nose at Morecambe, but I really don't think it is that bad, as a destination, the promenade and beach are absolutely fine.  The beach is clean, empty and full of good digging and sandcastle making sand - that's all you need.

Bring me sunshine

We had a picnic on the beach and the boys undertook a significant engineering project, digging a trench from the sea wall down to the water. Frank got tired, so Caroline took the boys back, whilst Tom and I stayed (I was looking for a ribbon shop I knew had moved - found it and stocked up.  By then the sun had come out so Tom and I stayed until our money ran out at the car park.  We then got home and as the sun was still shining, we decided to finally try and put up our new tent.  We managed it without swearing  - so not a bad result.



Friday - Tom went back to school - mainly because Grannie and Grandpa were coming to visit and wanted to pick him up from school.  Everyone was surprised to see him, Mrs Pickard even suggested we smuggled him out again to enjoy the sunshine.  He got hugs off a couple of the children, he had certainly been missed - Finn had been off sick as well, meaning that there had only been 3 boys in the class that week.  He happily went in.  I was able to get the house in order ready for Pat and Bob who arrived in good time to pick him up.


Saturday - Pat and Bob left after breakfast and Matt had a cricket match so I asked Tom what he wanted to do.

Boy, bike and Ingleborough (in far distance)

Playing in the fountains

Collecting water

He wanted to bike in Morecambe, so I loaded up the car and set off.  It was a gorgeous day, both of us were in a good mood, I parked up at Bare, and unloaded.  It took Tom 18 minutes to ride to the Stone Jetty - super quick.  Believe it or not, the Stone Jetty cafe was closed???!!!  They lost a lot of money as there were loads of people hanging around.  As a result we headed down to The Breeze Cafe for lunch.  Tom decided on a huge chocolate muffin (think he slightly regretted it though as he ended up eating quite a bit of my goats' cheese panini - he doesn't like overly sweet things - has even rejected Cadbury's Creme eggs!).

Pouring water

Collecting stones

We then noticed that the fountains were working, so Tom took his bike down and played in them.  He was very careful and didn't get wet, but still managed to play and wash his bike.  We then cycled back to the car.  It took longer this time as there were loads of people around we had to weave around.  Once back we headed to Hest Bank for a spot of train spotting and playing on the beach.  Tom was happily in his own world relocating shells and stones from one part of the beach to another - skipping along, being industrious in his one little way.  A joy to watch.

Sunday - We had a busy day.  12.00 saw him at a 5th birthday party for Evie and Freya (his two favourite girls in his class) - all the girls are hugely into Frozen (the latest Disney princess cartoon movie) so there were a lot of princesses about and all in blue which is refreshing.  Tom has been 'made' to watch Frozen at school and was very unimpressed: "it's too girlie, too many princesses, no men and it is yuck".  Still they were all nicely turned out.  They had hired a children's entertainer (we had seen him at work in Morecambe last year) who was good.  He kept them enthralled the whole time we were there - lots of silly jokes and magic tricks (also some good ones).  Also lots of audience participation - meaning lots of mummy and daddy dancing - interesting.  Matt was even dancing to One Direction at one point!!!!!  Anyway a good time was had by all.

We left the party and headed straight to Newby Bridge to meet up with Pat and Bob at the Motor Museum.  They had actually done the whole museum by the time we got there, so we had a drink and then decided to go to Hawkshead for a look around and tea / dinner / whatever you want to call it.  We all managed some shopping and then found the one pub serving food.  We all ate a good meal before saying goodbye and heading our separate ways.  A good day.

Op

So we got up ridiculously early on Friday morning.  Alarms were set for 6am and we were on our way by 6.30.  Matt and I snuck downstairs to eat some breakfast as Tom was being starved (we had to wake him up at 10pm and give him his breakfast then - can't say he was completely up for it but he did manage a piece of malt loaf.)

We got to the hospital for 7.30 as requested and then started the waiting game.  Tom took it all in his stride.  We didn't bother getting him dressed for the journey to Lancaster so he was still in his pyjamas.  He settled in to the play room immediately and started to play with everything.  There were two other girls waiting - a little older and looking quite scared, certainly not interested in playing.  Fred turned up and then the two were off playing with everything being loud and noisy whilst the girls clung to their parents and didn't say a word!  It certainly helps having a friend undergoing the same procedure!

We were booked in and Tom got his hands smothered in magic cream and covered with a plaster (numbs the skin so the cannula can be put in with them noticing) and continued to play.  At 9am Fred was summoned.  We were told on Tuesday that Tom would be after Fred, so we waited and waited and waited.  We then asked what was happening as we were getting worried for Fred.  Tom had been demoted and was last on the list.  Fred had come out of surgery.  It was 11.30 before we were summoned - that was a lot of play, we did everything on offer, cars, airplanes, jigsaws, computer games, you name it, we did it to try to keep the boy occupied.

Tom went happily into the theatres.  Only one parent is allowed in the theatres and Tom chose Matt, so I was left outside wondering what was happening (a very lonely moment).  Matt came out after about 5 minutes, looking quite grey and very upset.  We had been warned that they go to sleep very very quickly, but Matt was upset at the suddenness of it and also Tom's last words were, "It hurts Daddy" not what you want to hear.  Apparently the anaesthetic delivers a 'cold front' through the body so that was probably what he was referring to.

Well done Tom

The nurse took us back down to the ward and told us to grab some lunch and then wait for her on the ward.  This we did.  I was surprised that Matt could eat as he was still visibly upset.  We returned to the ward and found Fred coming too.  Apparently he was a bit teary when he first woke up, but he slept for an hour and was quite cheerful.  Caroline was also good company, so the hour's wait was actually quite bearable.  The nurse came to get us once it was all over.  This time I went into the theatre rooms to pick him up.  He was just coming round and was wide eyed and confused.  The nurse there said that he had been a superstar and told her all about Totoro (Totoro stayed with him for the whole operation).  He was wheeled back downstairs and put into bed.  He was wide eyed, looking around and looking quite sleepy so we tried to get him to go back to sleep, we should know better, there were too many distractions: it was light, it was noisy, there were people moving around, lunch was being served to the other patients etc etc.  I tried to gently convince him that he would feel better if he went to sleep, but then started to cry.  He cried and cried and cried.  It didn't matter what we did, he wouldn't stop.  In the end I thought to try him with the television.  We put it on and infront of him - he stopped instantly and was glued to the set.  What a godsend.  He then watched television for a good hour or so until he felt normal again.  Fred came to visit which also helped.

Suddenly Tom got the hunger.  He had missed lunch, having had his op so late, and the only food on offer was toast.  He was starving and went through 4 rounds of toast and jam.  He then brightened up and headed into the playroom to find Fred.  He was playing outside, so Tom went back, changed into his jeans etc and headed outside with him.  Before long he was playing football and messing around with some cars etc.  He had recovered!

Matching bandages

The rest of the day was waiting, waiting, waiting.  Recovery for adenoids is 4 hours.  Fred of course got to go home earlier at 2.30, it was 4.30 before we were released.  Tom suddenly had a loss of energy so went back to telly in bed before finally we were allowed to go.  We were armed with a huge amount of paracetamol and ibuprofen and headed back home.  Tom fell asleep in no time.  Got home and Matt made a curry (as requested by Tom) whilst I stayed in the car with sleeping Tom.  We then sat down to tea (perfect - just what we all wanted), Tom had ice cream for dessert (very unusual for him, but the adenoid removal can lead to a sore throat).  Then straight to bed for a very tired and brave little boy.  We were both very proud of him.

PS - yes it was my birthday today, but I really didn't feel like celebrating.  In fact if Matt hadn't wished me 'Happy Birthday' in the morning I would have forgotten completely.  Caroline bless her had remembered and brought a present and card to the hospital with her!  I put it all on hold till tomorrow.

Op time

So last Friday we got a call from the hospital that there was a vacancy on May 9th for Tom to go in for his operation.  Typical, and yes it is bad timing but also perfect timing as his classmate Fred is also going in on the same day for his grommet operation, how lucky is that?

On Tuesday morning both he and Fred went to the Children's ward for a look around.  They were able to play with the beds, play in the play room and a very good Children's Play Specialist took them (and us) what would happen during the day.  Get this, they have magic cream which they put on their hands where the cannula will go (obviously numbs the hand so they don't feel it go in).  The cannula was introduced as an airplane, lots of little touches which made them comfortable.  Tom thought the idea of sleeping in a bed there boring, but liked the idea of breakfast in bed.

They do the operations in age order, and there are 3 of them going in that day.  Fred will be first, then Tom then the other person.  Fred and Tom saw it as a big adventure.

We have to be there at 7.30 on Friday morning, they get weighed, temperature taken, blood pressure taken, then hands numbed and away they go.  Recovery time for Fred is 2 hours (he's just having grommets) and 4 hours for Tom as he's having his adenoids out as well, so we should be done by early afternoon.  The paperwork says we need to book a week off school - but we don't know if it is compulsory or dependent on recovery, I guess we will find out - the lady we saw wasn't medical at all so couldn't answer any technical questions.

So Tom had a huge dinner tonight, we have to give him breakfast when we go to bed tonight and then he has to have a cup of water at 6.30 tomorrow morning and then nothing until after the op.

There is one complication, Tom has a cold!  Typical that the boy who is never ill gets ill now!  We asked the question about this on Tuesday and they said that if it is the back end of a cold it should be alright.  Basically if he has a temperature or bad blood pressure they won't operate on him so we will have to cross our fingers and hope he is ok.  We have fed him full of fruit and veg this week in an attempt to make sure he is as well as possible.  He says he doesn't feel unwell - but he has a cough which doesn't sound very good.

Visit from Chananja and Raimo

On Friday I found myself driving to Manchester airport to pick up Chananja and Raimo.  We have been talking about meeting up for quite a while, but things always got in the way.  Chananja got divorced last year, and I think was needing some time away from home, but somewhere safe and friendly and thought we would be a good idea.  Also Raimo and Tom haven't yet met (last time I saw her, Raimo was 4 months old and I was 6 months pregnant.)

I was actually quite nervous when waiting for her - 5.5 years is a long time and obviously both our lives have changed significantly.  I didn't know what sort of character Raimo is and was worried about him and Tom getting on - both character wise and language wise.  Also they were coming for 10 days which is a long time to entertain anyone.

I needn't have worried.   Raimo seemed to accept me and Chananja and I slipped back into our easy friendship in seconds.  It felt like it was only last year when we last saw each other.  I got slightly lost getting home (so many motorways around Manchester Airport) meaning it was a longer trip than it should have been - gave us a chance to catch up and meant that we came home to a very excited Tom who didn't show any shyness at all which is quite unusual.

Turns out that Raimo is similar in character to Tom - not boisterous at all - very sweet natured, very protective of his mother (I got told off by him on many occasions for 'mistreating her'), he eats well and was always prepared to try something new and he slept well too  - going to bed at 7pm without any nonsense.  In fact he was our best child guest to date - it really wasn't a problem having him to stay at all.  Phew!  In fact Tom was the more boisterous child (that is a first!).  Raimo found the language barrier difficult at first, he doesn't understand why it is always them that have to change their language where ever they go. As he got used to us and Tom he felt better.  I made a huge effort to speak as much Dutch as possible - not easy when I haven't heard a word of it for 5.5 years, and I never really knew much to start with anyway.  Tom also tried and was saying a couple of words by the time C & R left.  His Wow Wednesday this week was learning to speak Dutch and teaching his class a couple of words (bet they've never had that before!)

Saturday

Boys in orange

Saturday in true British style it rained.  We weighed up a couple of options and ended up deciding on going to Leeds on the train.  Chananja wanted to do some clothes shopping for Raimo and I had mentioned the presence of the Lego store which interested both of them (they don't have one in Holland - 3rd world country don't you know!).  Today is King's Day in Holland, so C & R were dressed in Orange, Tom did too.  We got there, it was crowded big time.  First job was lunch, I decided to take the lead from Raimo - new country, new people, new food - it was only fair.  He decided on MacDonalds, so Tom had his first experience of MacDonalds.  Don't think he was overly impressed by it (phew) but was very happy with a bug hunting cup thing he got as a freebie.  I wonder if he will remember it next time he sees one.  Next stop was the lego store, where we got another tub of bits from the pick and mix (this time there were windscreens so we went a bit mad on those, we've been desperately needing them for the wonderful car creations he makes).  Then a bit of a walk around.  I was hoping to find a park for R & T to run around in, but we don't know Leeds at all - this was only my second visit.  After studying city centre maps etc, we gave up and ended up in a pub.  Raimo got engrossed with his lego, Tom did some dot to dot and we sat and drank.  Then back home to Ribblehead.

Searching for sticks and stones

Phew - finished

Sunday

Sunday Matt went out to collect the eggs from the long Easter egg hunt trail.  I took him up to the Hill Inn to do so and saw some horrible weather coming in so C, R, T & I headed away from Ingleborough and to Austwick to repeat the walk we did on Monday up through the wood to see bluebells, primroses and orchids etc.  I don't think they were particularly overjoyed with the prospect, but it is only a small walk and would give me an idea of what they are capable of for the rest of the week.  Raimo found it difficult and was very very tired at the end.  I was hoping Tom and Raimo would run the whole way round like Tom did with Charlie and Harry but it wasn't to be.  Chananja had to encourage Raimo quite a bit at the end.  However, he is a city boy from a flat country and he did climb a significant hill - so not at all within his comfort zone.  I know for sure we won't be climbing any mountains this week - will have to re-think the walks I had in mind, I think some maybe too long.

Scrambling under the army net

We returned home, had lunch and then headed out to Fred and Franks for their birthday party - an army themed party (of course) with Paul from Enjoy-a-Ball in charge of the entertainment and a big authentic mess tent with camouflage net etc.  Tom joined in straight away.  Raimo hung back (not surprising as he didn't speak the language and didn't know any of the children), but he found himself some jobs to do during the first half and fully participated in the second half - good on him!






Monday

Me and Raimo

Today it wasn't raining but it was grey, so I decided to take C&R on a boat ride on Windermere as we still get 50% off tickets - and luckily the lovely lady in the ticket booth passed on that discount to C & R as well.  Surprisingly they had the big boats out (not been on a big one yet) and the lake was as flat as a pancake meaning that it was a very smooth ride (although a little cold).  We had a little look around Bowness and then had a picnic on the green.  A easy day, but nice enough.  Luckily in the afternoon the greyness cleared a bit so C&R got  a little view of the Lake District mountains - I don't think they were overly impressed - I guess the weather has got something to answer for.

Tuesday  

Bolton Abbey

Working on a money tree

Wow a beautiful day.

We all went to school to drop off Tom this morning - both C & R were curious to see his classroom.  Unfortunately his teacher wasn't there, but we showed them around.  Chananja is still in shock that school are already teaching them and expecting them to read and write.  That doesn't happen in Holland until they are 6.  Raimo hasn't done anything at school regarding reading and writing.  In fact Chananja could hardly speak when she found out and then with Wow Wednesday on top, she was in total shock.  Her Dad was a Primary school head teacher - she couldn't wait to tell him and get his reaction.

Overlooking the Abbey

She said Tom's classroom wasn't that different from Raimo's except, obviously, all the reading and writing stuff.  She was surprised that the children didn't have allocated desks, she also thought it was strange that the teachers didn't wear a uniform of type considering the children have to.  And she was amazed at the size of the grounds, that they cook hot meals on-site for lunch and that there were two teaching staff for 23 pupils - that is very different to Holland.  I guess we are lucky to have TAs here.   Raimo is in a school of over 500, so I guess he has a very different experience.

I had suggested a trip to Bolton Abbey today - it didn't disappoint, the place looked absolutely beautiful and C & R had a good time enjoying good weather, beautiful scenery, stone throwing and hill walking.

Don't think any of us could believe the weather, at one point Raimo was stripped down to his vest.   I introduced R&C to money trees (everywhere around here), we had a picnic on the beach by the river and played lots of football.  Oh and there was ice-cream too.  What's not to like.

Wednesday

Making pavlova

Today it dawned grey and miserable again.  C&R were wanting a quiet day so I took them to 'my club' for swimming.  We got the pool to ourselves which was great - Raimo was happy, jumping in, swimming, using the Jacuzzi etc.  Chananja and I even managed to use the sauna as he was so content (I almost fainted as I stayed in too long).  In the afternoon we did some baking.  C had a great memory of a pavlova in Australia which she wanted to revisit.  She thought I would make her one as I run a cake business.  I bought the ingredients and then made her make it - ha ha.  She did a good job.  Not often we have pudding!









Thursday

Enjoying Cheese

Thursday wasn't a great day either weather wise.  As C & R both like cheese, I decided to take them up to Hawes and the Wensleydale Creamery.  First stop though was Ribblehead - it was a little windy but we walked to the viaduct and back for photos.  Next stop was Hawes, we did the museum and then watched the factory at work.  Raimo was mesmerised watching the process (which was great as I was too).  We then went to the tasting room - Raimo couldn't believe his eyes and did his best to eat as much as he could.  He certainly wasn't shy and at one point had hamster cheeks full of cheese (worse than me!!!!).  We then went into the village, had lunch, visited the Herdy shop etc etc.  Then we went home in the now emerging sunshine via Dent to give them a better idea of the Dales.









Friday

Thornton Force

Bluebell Woods

Professional Hiker

Waterfall

Friday the sun was back - yahoo.  C & R said they were up for doing the Waterfalls walk so after dropping Tom off at school we packed a picnic and set on our way.  Now Raimo had never walked so far ever and it had been a while since Chananaja had done so too, both were a little nervous but up for the challenge.  As I said it was sunny and the walk is very interesting - changing with every turn.  We did it very slowly, and Raimo had a sheet to collect rubbings of metal plaques which kept him interested.  There was some huffing and puffing, but on the whole they did really well, although both collapsed in the village when we got back, whilst I ran around doing some fruit and veg shopping for the weekend.

It took about 4.5 hours in all - a record for me, but everyone enjoyed themselves and we may even have got a tan!
















Saturday

What's up there?

Raimo helping Mummy down the steps

After hike food

After food madness

Saturday - we gave Chananja the choice of Malham or Tarn Howes, she plumped for Malham, so off we went.  Once again we had sunshine and the walk was much easier than yesterday.  They even decided to walk up the steps to the top of the cove and did really well.  It's taken a week, but I think I got them acclimatised to hills and walking.  We enjoyed the view and then returned to Malham the back way.  Chananja then treated us to lunch in a pub on the village green before we returned home.  A lovely day.











Sunday

Spiky hair

Sunday we treated C & R to Blackpool - it would be rude not to make them endure a proper English Seaside town don't you think?

First of all Chananja spiked up Tom's hair - she does Raimo's hair everyday and was wanting to do Tom's.  He wasn't having it, but decided Blackpool would be an OK location for him to have funny hair and so went with a mohican.  He said it felt funny and didn't want it like this everyday, but he happily showed it off for the whole day.  Chananja left the styling gel behind so I can style it myself in the future.

Carousel Boys

I had managed to get vouchers to the Blackpool Tower Circus, so we got there early to exchange them (I wasn't 100% sure how they worked, how many seats there were etc etc, but we needn't have worried.  We then headed to a pier for a couple of rides on the fun fair for Raimo and Tom, fish and chips on the prom and then the circus.

Spining thingy

The circus was on the whole pretty good.  The first half was much better than the second, ending up with some acrobats riding on the edge of a big spinning top thingy (there were quite a few wobbles) and hushed voices.  The second half ended with the circus platform being flooded with water - unexpected, but not really sure why they did it.  Anyway, a good time was had by all and both Tom and Raimo fell asleep on the way home.




Monday

Boys in a basket 

Monday we had a quiet morning - heading to the play area in the morning for a play (met up with Frank and Fred).  Oh, we showed the boys some pictures of us in Australia, dreading what they would say about us as we were obviously fitter, younger and slimmer in those days.  Both Tom and Raimo reacted in the same way.  First difference was our hair (mine was long and Chananja's almost white) and the second difference was how brown we were.  No mention was made of our weight - phew!  On getting back from the playground we had a picnic on the wall and off to Manchester airport.  Being a bank holiday we weren't sure what the traffic would be like, but it wasn't too bad.  So we got there early.  We had a quick drink before saying goodbye.

We had a good time together, felt just like the old days, except being older and fatter!

Return to School

So Tom is back at school and Matt and I are back at work - boo!

Tom showed us how grown up he is on Tuesday morning.  I went to get him up for school and he emerges from his bed in different pyjama bottoms to those he went to bed in.  I asked him why and he said that he woke up a little wet - his pyjama bottoms were wet but his bed wasn't.  So he went to the toilet, put his pyjama bottoms in the laundry basked and put a fresh pair on and went back to bed.  

My work is done.  I was shocked and stunned but in a good way - couldn't believe how mature he was.

Tom came back from school on Tuesday without incident.  He wasn't happy about going back and on his return he said that school is rubbish because there isn't much to do.  I'm secretly pleased, means that we must be doing something right during the holidays and anyway holidays should be more fun than school!

Oh and on Wednesday he went for his first proper swimming lesson.  Prior to today he has been going to splash club where the objective is to get the children to enjoy being in the water.  Once they look confident enough they get promoted to proper swimming lessons.  After a year of being in splash club, Tom finally got promoted to proper lessons which started today.  He was a little nervous to start with and insisted that both me and Matt accompanied him, but once he got in and realised it was the same part of the pool that he would swim in (ie where he can stand up) he was in his element and enjoyed himself.  Also there was a girl from his class at school there as well which was good.  Anyway, he even did some proper swimming and did everything the teacher asked of him and got plenty of thumbs up from the teacher and us.  He came back in a very cocky mood and ended up going to bed without a play on the model railway through bad attitude, but apart from that he was great.  Oh and talking to the Mum of Lily (the girl from his class) apparently they get certificates in this class which is great - at last we might get one for his Wow Wednesday.

Only one more day at work and I have another 10 days off as Chananja (my Dutch friend) and her little one, Raimo (7 months older than Tom) are coming over to stay for their Easter holidays.  In the meantime I have 3 cakes to finish off - 2 x Jessie J ones and one of a darlek surfboarding off a tropical island (if nothing else my job is varied!).

An Active Easter Holiday

So, we have had a very very active Easter holiday.  We didn't have anything planned, but somehow managed to fill all our days.  The weather in the second week of the holiday was fantastic making it even better.  It really was a great time, so sorry it has come to an end.

It all started what seems like a good year ago with a trip to the Community Centre on Friday evening to watch the 'Ingleton Variety Show'.  For a small village, it was very well done, we had a lovely evening and Tom once again really enjoyed the dancing and singing.  One of the classes at school were there doing their assembly which was so good, that I found myself crying - and I didn't even know the children in it!  The upshot of this was that Tom didn't get to bed until 10pm - a good start to the holiday!!!!

Saturday
Saturday, we decided to have an easy day as Tom was lacking sleep.  As it wasn't due to rain, we decided to drive to Hebden Bridge for a look around.  We had heard that it was a nice little town worth a stroll - it was.  It has a bohemian feel, lots of independent shops to grab your interest, lots of cafes etc etc.  We walked round slowly, stopping regularly for breaks so we could keep Tom going.  I managed to buy a new top (very rare these days) and we explored many interesting shops.  Certainly a good strolling place.

Sunday
Sunday was a dull, grey day which looked like rain, so we decided to head into Lancaster to take Tom to the Lego movie.  We were 'cinema smugglers' (£7.49 for fizzy drink and a snack - I think not!!!!!) and stopped by at M and S to get ourselves a picnic lunch. .  There were only about 10 people in the cinema so we felt like we had the place to ourselves.  The movie itself was very very fast paced - I was worried that Tom wouldn't understand any of it, but he came away with the main message as he said that when he got home he was going to break up all his lego figures and make something new.  Anyway, Tom managed to keep still for most of it so a success and we came out to a damp Lancaster so it was definitely the right thing to do.

Monday
Monday Tom and I went over to the Atkinsons for the day.  We were going to go to the skate park in Kirkby Lonsdale, but it rained for most of the day, so we stayed put - although we managed to get out in the yard on the bikes for a little while.

Tuesday

Arnside from the Knott

Another grey day, but it wasn't raining so we decided to head over to Arnside and walked up Arnside Knott which was very pleasant.  We did have to finish the walk by stomping through a field of Highland Cows - something that always makes me nervous since my 'incident' with one after Matt photographed a calf a number of years ago.  There were calves in the field too.   We managed it without incident - phew!  We then headed to The Ramblers cafe, our favourite cafe in Arnside for lunch.








Wednesday
Wednesday morning Caroline dropped Fred off for a morning play.  I am always a little nervous having other people's children - not being the most confident Mum in the world, but it went fine, with only a couple of squabbles.  I took them down to the park where we bumped in to 'Big Jake' from school which was a bonus, so the kids played with him, whilst I chatted with Jake's mum - turns out he's an only child and she has a big map on the wall with pins in too!!!!!

Thursday
Thursday we had a 9am hospital appointment for Tom to check his hearing.  He went through all the tests again and he scored exactly the same again.  The consultant said that if we didn't do anything he would be 'handicapped' by it so I have signed on the dotted line for grommets and adenoids out.  the grommets sound very routine and easy (back to school the next day) but the adenoids complicate everything meaning he will be in discomfort after the op and may need a week off school.  (Apparently adenoids are needed in the first 3 years of life to help fight off infection, but Tom's are so big that just putting in grommets probably won't help as they get in the way of fluid draining away).  Anyway, it won't happen until once we are back from Japan - may even be during the summer holidays.  We were in and out within an hour and as the sun was out and we had Tom's bike with us we decided to head to Morecambe and rather than do the usual prom, decided to head towards Heysham.  Was a very pleasant walk.  We then headed up to Hest Bank and finally had lunch at the Shore Cafe (only ever had tea and bun there before) watching trains.

Friday

Friday was a beautiful day - bright sunshine and no wind.  We decided to try out Gisburn Forest mountain biking trails.  Kate had assured us that Tom would be fine on the blue route there.  We grappled (as usual) with the bike carrier for the car and then headed out.  It was much closer than we thought (ie no where near Gisburn) - down a road we haven't been down before - very beautiful too.  We unloaded and set on our way to the blue run.  We were faced with a series of steep switch backs going down a big hill.  I was pretty scared, Tom started crying.  We were a little confused as we were expecting something gentler.  I ended up having to carry my and Tom's bike down the hill all the while cajoling Tom to walk behind.  At the bottom of the hill the track became easy and for the rest of the ride we were only faced with gentle uphill or downhill slopes - all of which Tom could manage, so we ended on a high.  Tom did really really well, his little legs are very very strong and he was able to get up hills with no gears with little effort.  He has said that next time he will try to do the switch backs.  We bumped into Kate and Finn on the way back - they were heading over there for the afternoon.  Shame we didn't coincide - I could have done with some tips on those initial switch backs!

Video Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbv3_NVORaQ

Saturday
Matt spent Saturday out in the Dales helping to set up the extreme Egg Hunt.  It wasn't a good day for it: rain, howling wind, but he battled through and climbed up Ingleborough in 100 mile winds to get it finished.  He did over 15 miles in all.  Tom and I had a lazy morning and then headed over to Hawes for lunch and cheese shopping - always good fun.

The only other Japanese translator in the Dales

Sunday
Sunday we met up with one of Matt's translator friends: Mayumi and her 6 year old son, Ryuichi (Roo).  They live in Ilkley, so not that far away in the grand scheme of things.  We met at Ribblehead and did our usual walk around the viaduct.  Tom and Roo got on immediately.  Roo was completely mad, but it is always good for Tom to spend time with a boisterous boy - helps bring him out of himself.  We got back home quite late, so headed over to Inglesport for a greasy spoon lunch and then returned home.  Tom and Roo played whilst we chatted.

Cycling along the canal

Monday

Monday we loaded the bikes on the car again and headed to Halton Station where we parked up and then cycled along the Lancaster Canal to Hest Bank and a very good pub we know there for lunch and then back again.  When we got back to the car, Tom wanted to go further, so we cycled to Crook o'Lune and back again.  In total we cycled 12 miles.  I don't think Tom felt it at all - he didn't fall asleep on the way home and then kept going until past 9pm in the evening, playing lots of silly games at Seasons with Sophie, Macey and Jessica whilst Matt and I helped sort the eggs out for the Ingleton Easter Egg hunt.

Video Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppO3UE8ZNlU






Tuesday

Tom conquers Ingleborough

We thought Tom would be tired and grumpy after the bike ride and late night on Monday, but no.  As it was a clear, beautiful day with little wind we decided that today was the day to attempt to climb Ingleborough.  We packed a picnic and headed up to The Hill Inn parked up and walked over the fields through limestone pavement, eerie looking trees and wife holes to the main path up the mountain.  This is the shortest path and therefore the steepest one.  This doesn't matter to Tom though, he doesn't even notice when he is going uphill - it is very rare to hear him out of breath.  We walked along the gently ascending path, past lots of pools full of frogspawn and some with tadpoles.  Made friends with a Swaledale and generally enjoyed ourselves.

Helping each other up the mountain

We then hit the steep part, Tom went up holding his Daddy's hand and basically didn't miss a footing.  In fact I think he helped his Dad more than the other way.  When we got to the top he wasn't even vaguely tired, so we carried on to the summit.  It was a little windy but nothing too bad so we headed to the shelter and had our picnic.  We then walked around (Ingleborough has a very flat and large top - they used to hold horse races up there).  We took some photos and then headed back down.  This took longer as it is more difficult climbing down than up, but Tom remained in good humour all the way home.  He did, however, admit that he was tired when we got to the car and happily took himself off to his bed for a lie down when we got home, very timely for me as it meant I could get some decorations done for a cake at the weekend.  We then headed down to Seasons to collect our eggs and strung them up around our section of the village ready for the Egg Hunt starting tomorrow.







Wednesday

Mae, Tom and Lucy

Looking for sticks

On Wednesday we had a quiet day as he had packed it in over the last couple of days.  Also Rachel, Mae and Lucy from Shropshire were on their way over for a visit.  Tom was very excited and even washed the patio door in their honour.  The MacConnachies were late in arriving (what's new) but settled in straight away when they got here and happily played in the garden and field behind.  It was lovely to watch, they really enjoyed themselves and Tom and Mae were the bestest of friends all over again.  Rachel observed that they really do play beautifully together, there was no squabbling at all - which is rare - there are always squabbles with all of his other friends.  Lucy also settled in well and made herself at home.  In fact it was so relaxing that Rachel and I were able to catch up and chat without too much interruption.  All 3 ate well - Tom astounded Rachel with his eating - she couldn't believe how much he puts away, and then they all had a bath together.  Mae and Tom then slept together in the same room.  It took quite some persuasion to get Mae to settle down, but eventually they went quiet and were fast asleep.

Thursday

Spaceman gathering big sticks

Shouting Mae

We had two very excited children meaning that Tom and Mae were up at 5.45!  5.45am on a holiday day - that's not funny, but there was nothing we could do so up we got.  We had planned to do the Easter Egg hunt together but unfortunately the weather wasn't great so it wasn't a huge success.  Lucy didn't enjoy the wind, meaning that she and Rachel headed into the Coffee Pot whilst I took Tom and Mae round the main part of the village, the park, the swimming pool etc. We found about half of the letters but then had to go back to the Coffee Pot to rescue Rachel.  We then came home as Lucy was showing signs of tiredness so I made beans on toast for everyone, then sent them on their way to The Wirral (where Rachel's parents live - they decided to drop in on them on the way home)  then Tom once again admitted tiredness and when to bed for a nap, so I finished off the cake and woke him up after 2 hours and took him swimming, where once again he did very well.

Friday

Playing with sticks

Cycle break

On Friday we loaded the bikes onto the car and headed to Grizedale Forest in the Lake District for a cycle.  This place was different again, we chose what we thought was the easiest route, but it was mainly uphill.  Poor Tom doesn't have any gears and small wheels, so he feels it the most (although he is the fittest of all of us).  He did really well, even overtaking me at one point, but he lost it right at the top of the hill.  He recovered after a rest and some snacks and then we zoomed all the way back down - always the fun bit, although Tom doesn't like to free wheel - preferring to skid as much as he can on the way down (or as he calls it 'tail whips').  We had an ice-cream each on our arrival back to the hub and then Tom had a play in the playground.  We then decided to head to Coniston for dinner.  Literally 30 seconds out of the car park Tom fell asleep.  We thought he was pretending at the start, but no he was asleep.  I guess he was still tired from the events of the week.  We parked up by a beach and gave him an hour before throwing stones and then heading to Coniston and The Sun Inn for tea.  The pub was in a wonderful position overlooking the mountains, but the food was disappointing - think it is more of a drinkers pub than a foodie pub.  Oh hum, never mind.  We then headed home.

Video Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbv3_NVORaQ

Saturday
Saturday we decided to have a quiet day.  Matt and Tom went into the village to finish off the egg hunt whilst I went to the i-centre to do some face painting.  Luckily not many people turned up as I'm not the greatest face painter in the world (mind you it was free so people couldn't complain).  I stayed until 1pm and then met up with Tom and Matt in Inglesport for lunch.  We then had a quiet afternoon.

Tom and a big engine

Sunday - Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Sunday we went to Keighley to spend the day on the Keighly and Worth Valley Railway - made famous through the Railway Children.  It is only very short at just under 5 miles, so we got a day rover ticket and rode up and down it.  The railway starts off at Keighley and then goes  through Haworth and Oakworth ending up at Oxenhope.  At Haworth we got off and after a very cheap lunch in a tiny cafe got a double decker vintage bus back to Oxenhope and a steam train to Ingrow where there were 2 very good little museums to browse.  Then a couple more rides before heading home.  Tom fell asleep on the way home again, so we drove back to Ingleton and had dinner at The Masons Arms.




Monday

Young hikers

Monday, the last day of the holidays - how did that happen?  We met up with Alice, Pete, Charlie and Harry in Austwick in the morning for a lovely walk through the woods which were just about to bloom with bluebells and primroses and around the hill back to Austwick, a really lovely walk which only took about an hour.  The kids really enjoyed themselves and pretty much ran the whole way round.  We then headed into Settle for lunch and some shopping ready for a BBQ in the evening.  Yes a BBQ!!!!!!!  Luckily it was good weather and the wind was warm and of course we are in the North now surrounded by people who don't feel the cold!  We invited the Bickerstaffs and the Shults round and we had a good evening.  The kids played mostly in the field, the BBQ stuggled a bit so I finished things off in the kitchen, but everyone was in good humour and no-one complained they were cold.  It was a lovely ending to a lovely holiday.