Rant!

So as you know we are planning to take Tom out of school this year to take him to Japan.  We have been speaking to the school about it for ages.  They started out in July last year saying, don't worry, there will be new legislation, but you will be an exception.  In September they said, we weren't an exception but to take him and it will go down as unauthorised absence.  In January they told us they are very sorry but it will be a fine - the only exceptional circumstances are if someone is about to die or if your parents are in the forces / work on an oil rig?!

Humph!

We decided to get in touch with our local MP (typical smug Tory type).  We didn't hear anything, but then he put out a tweet saying he was having an on-line surgery via Skype, so we booked in.

Once we got the IT working we had the conversation.  To say he was wet is an understatement.  Being a back bencher we figured that he could do nothing except tow the line.  

The upshot of the conversation was that he was very sorry for us and our situation and that as a human being he felt for us, but he believed whole heartily in the policy and wasn't going to back down.  He said that it would cause too much bureaucracy to allow exceptions even though our case was very strong.

He spent most of the conversation rifling through papers, not looking at us and blowing his nose (how rude) .  When he was looking at us, he just winced at our arguments.  Now I'm not the most argumentative person and certainly not confrontational, but I found him the easiest person to put forward arguments to and win!

+ He winced when I mentioned that Tom has not missed a single minute of school since he started in September

+ He winced when I said that we were prepared to go to the school and provide simple Japanese lessons, Japanese cookery lessons and to Skype with the school when we were over there - and that if we were to be fined the school would miss out on it.

+ He asked us what our Headmistress said and winced again when I told him that she isn't worried about him in an academic sense as 'he's a bright button' (her words)

+ He winced when we pointed out that language education in this country is awful and that there is no provision for Japanese language education in this area so the only way Tom can get exposure to it is to visit the country.

+ He winced when I said that had he been born 2 months later it wouldn't be a problem.
+ He winced when we told him that we are a very close family and have hardly ever been apart.  Splitting Tom up from his father for a month would be detrimental to our family and have an impact on his schooling - he is such a sensitive little boy.

At no point did he even try to counter argue our points.  He knew we were right - he didn't have anything to say to us and didn't even try to convince us not to take him.

He kept quoting policy at us and saying that absence from the classroom is proven to have a negative effect on academic achievement.  How, HOW at age 5 can that be the case?  Most countries don't even send their kids to school at 5, and most of those countries are higher up the academic achievement table than the UK.

He never once told us not to take him to Japan and at one stage even said what a great opportunity it was????!  How does that work?!  We can provide Tom with a great learning opportunity that The State can't provide and for that The State will fine us?????!!!!!!!  I was sooooo angry.

The upshot of the conversation was that we should take him and pay the fine.

It's OK for politicians, I'm sure most of them send their kids to private schools - guess what this legislation doesn't apply to those in private schools.  Another case of one rule for them and another for us.

He couldn't even tell us what the fine would be.  Funny that, because our Headmistress can't tell us that either.  How are we supposed to make a decision if we don't know what the fine will be?

Oh and now I hear on the radio that the government are thinking of lengthening the school day so it is more in line with work hours - ie 9-6.  Exactly how is that going to help?  Tom's tired as it is, all they will get is tired, lethargic, miserable pupils and excuse me - I would like to spend sometime with him - he's my child after all?!  What has happened to childhood?  Surely it is a right not a privilege!  It seems that The State think parents are the worse people to be in charge of their children.  I realise that there are exceptions to the rule, but must all of us be punished because of some few irresponsible parents - punish them, not us!

Both Matt and I have had sleepless nights since.    There is a sense of doom in the house.

Can't wait for the next General Election!

Train weekend

Happy Boy

So on Saturday we had a busy day in Kendal.  We had found out last week that there was a model railway show at the leisure centre there over the weekend.  We know Tom loves these, so we headed over for a look.  It was quite big - I think there were about 10 to 15 layouts including one which must have had about 50 different trains on it.  It was mesmerising - even for me as there were always a good 2 or 3 trains on the move, and they kept changing.

There were a number of other good layouts including one which was almost of Shrewsbury.

Watching closely

I must admit I did feel very female - there were only a couple of us there. As is usual at these events it was all old men and young boys with their Dads.  I was very disappointed with the lack of facial hair amongst the old men though - I thought it was compulsory to have a beard if you have a model train layout?!

Anyway, it was a good use of a very rainy morning and well thought out. They even had sturdy plastic steps to rent so that small boys could see the layouts properly and parents didn't get crippled arms and legs (which is what normally happens).

Tom was very well behaved and as a reward Matt got him a new truck for his layout (he couldn't help himself!).  We then headed into Kendal and had lunch at Pumpkin Bistro (run by our old neighbours in Lupton) where Tom tucked into a huge plate of sausage, beans and chips.

We then did a little shopping before heading to SpecSavers where Matt and I had appointments.  I have known for a while that I need glasses - my eyesight has deteriorated quite a bit (especially in the morning when I find it hard to focus).  I took Tom into the appointment with me (armed with Matt's ipad which has lots of games on it).  He was an absolute gem - hardly knew he was there at all.

I was in there for quite a while while she tried to fathom me out.  I am short sighted and long sighted.  Have very very different sight in both my eyes.  One eye has a substantially weaker muscle than the other which is why it keeps going out of focus all the time.  Luckily my eyes did keep losing focus whilst I was there so she could see my problem.  She seemed a little perplexed and talked about prisms, but said she wasn't going to give them to me because then it is a slippery slope.  Not sure what she meant by that and stupidly didn't ask.  Anyhow, the upshot was that I now have glasses.  She said that I won't notice much of a difference but my bad eye will be made
to work harder.

Babyccino

I then had to go through the business of finding a pair of glasses that suit me - not an easy task as I don't like wearing them and don't like to be 'noticed' and feel like I'm standing out when I wear them.  Oh hum, something I have to get over I guess.  It didn't help that the sales assistant tried to sell me a blingy pair with bright pink flowers and gold and didn't understand when I told her no chance!  Anyhow, it was buy one get one free - so I now have a pair of sunglasses too!  Matt is going to be on nagging duty to make sure I wear them as I know what I am like.  I used to 'wear' glasses as a child, but refused - the school didn't make me wear them, I didn't want to wear them so I didn't - although of course I told Mum and Dad that I did!

I met up with Matt and Tom in Costa.  Tom had downed a Hot Chocolate Babyccino in one and Matt was drinking a hot apple.  I gave it a go and liked it, so ordered one for myself.  Matt was shocked and stunned that I was being seen drinking a hot drink in public and put it all over Facebook!

Came home and then Eli came round.  Yes, at last I have found another 'foreign' family in the area (ie one with no grandparents / Aunts / Uncles nearby) meaning they have no-one to babysit for them.  In fact they have only been out once since Adam (4) was born.  I suggested a baby sitting swap and they said they were up for it.  By the time Eli came round Tom was already in bed and asleep, so she didn't have to do anything, just put her feet up and enjoy some me time.  We went to The Sun Inn in Kirkby Lonsdale and had a wonderful 3 course dinner.  Didn't get home until after 11pm (go us!).

PENDOLINO!

On Sunday the weather was still dreadful, so we headed to Settle and had a day on the Settle to Carlisle railway.  Being a Sunday, our usual cafe was closed so we looked for something else.  We found a Pizza Express, went inside but were told there wasn't room (even though it was empty) so we left in a huff.  Good job, because on the other side of the road we noticed a place called 'Eaten by Monsters' - we had to have a look.  It was an American diner type of place with lots of pulled pork, ribs etc.  We had to go in mainly because the name was so good.  We weren't disappointed.  It was a very funky place, good music, good service and interesting food and presentation.  We felt 'cool' for the first time in a while.  Once we had finished lunch the rain had ended, so we did a loop of Carlisle before heading back to the station for a little bit of train-spotting and our train home.

We got home, and then I headed out to Eli's to babysit Adam.  He was still up and very excited to see me.  He was also an absolute angel, went to bed really well, did everything I asked, lay still in bed when I read him a story (something Tom is incapable of) and then happily went to sleep.  Couldn't ask for more, so I had a lovely relaxing evening.  This was much easier than babysitting Mae and Lucy.

Anyway, considering it was a revolting weekend weather wise, we did well, and boy - we ate very very well.

First School Certificate

Proud boy with evil grin!

Oh, almost forgot to report that last Friday Tom got his first Certificate of Merit for 'Talking confidently about the toys that used to belong to Mum and Dad"

He was very happy.  Thanks to Pop Pop for sending such a detailed explanation of my old toys.

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.

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.

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.

A crocodile and a Marmoset at the Aquarium

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.

All of us braving the cold

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?!

'HI BOYS AND GIRLS'

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.

The two boys - best of friends

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....

Stunt biking

Biking

Saturday was a strange sort of a day.  In the morning a Mum came round to cut all of our hair: Tom first, Matt second and me last - way cheaper than going to a salon and more civilised - none of that stupid salon banter which I hate.

Fennec fox

We then popped along to Seasons for a sausage bap each and then headed up to Ribblehead (a bike ride for Tom and a fast walk for us).  However, it was windy and Tom started to cry and wanted to go home.  So home we went.   Our next idea was to do part of the waterfalls walk, but as we were on our way over, I got a call from Kate saying that she was going to take Finn over to Storrs Common for some mountain biking.  We thought this would be the better option.  Kate and Josh (Finn's Mum and Dad) are both keen mountain bikers and take Finn mountain biking quite a lot.  This means that he is good and we thought it would do Tom well to see him in action - might give him some more confidence.  So we went back home, got Tom and Matt their bikes whilst I walked.

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.

Sumatran tiger

Sunday, we finally got to the zoo.  It was cold, but dry and we got there around 10.30 which meant that we had the place more or less to ourselves.  We did a full circuit: tigers, jaguars, lions, snow leopard, hippos, rhinos and giraffes.  By then we were freezing so we headed to the restaurant for a hot lunch, where we happened to bump into Janine and family from the village (small world - hey?!).  We then did the big bird house (Tom wasn't afraid of the free-range emus this time which was a huge improvement) and then back to the big cats to watch the tigers and jaguars get fed.  It is quite a spectacle here as they hang the meat on nails on top of trees so the cats have to climb the trees to get it.  It was over in a second, but worth seeing.

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.

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!!!!!!

Working hard at the pub

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.

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

Loonies

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

Above Arnside

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

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.

New Years Day

The morning after...

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.

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.

Video at Storrs Common: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9dHSJTiPOc

Friday

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.

Saturday

Ready for Panto

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.

Sunday

Tom & Fred

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!

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.

Boxing Day

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.

Ingleborough from Ribblehead

Once we were done, we headed to The Old Hill Inn for lunch - another pub we've been wanting to try out for a while.  We weren't disappointed - we were welcomed by a hot fire, had sandwiches and chips and then got talking to the landlady.  Turns out here hubby is a pasty chef and likes to dabble in sugarcraft - mainly pulled sugar.  She took me into their home to inspect some show pieces he's done.  They were amazing.  She also said that if I can get 10 people together, he'll do a free demonstration for us - so that's something I need to work on for 2014.

Bundle of Boy!

Nice pic of Tom

We headed home after that and pottered around, tidying up the house etc.  I also made a huge pot of Christmas soup which I was quite proud of.  Even Tom liked it and polished his portion off in no time at all.  The first time ever that Tom has eaten soup in our company!

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

Stocking mess on our bed

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!

Eddie!

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.

What a fine beast?

 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!

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!

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

Grannie, Tom and Grandpa

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.

Cave Party

Saturday didn't dawn particularly nice, but it didn't matter.  Today was Finn's birthday party and his parents had come up with an inspired choice of a party activity.  They decided to hold his party in a cave.  It is one which is on a very minor road, that anyone can access. It had been raining all night, but it didn't matter, everyone donned their welly boots and in we went.  

Sparkler

Sparkler

The Intrepid Cavers

A couple of Dads had been to the cave earlier so there were lots of tea lights scattered about and even better than that lots of treasure and plastic bugs to find (Finn loves bugs).  So we took our torches in and went hunting.  The bottom of the cave was a river with the rain, but it was fine, we didn't get too wet and it was really exciting trying to find the bugs and coins in the dark.  Tom was a little unsure to start with but soon got in to the swing and had fun searching for them all.





There were great little touches such as glowing bracelets for everyone, sparklers when everyone had finished and then hot chocolate and rocky road back outside the cave.  What a fantastic idea, we will definitely go back and do that again with some of our 'city friends'.  We didn't even know the cave existed.

Sausage, chips & beans x 9

After we got back to the cars we all headed into Ingleton and went to Inglesport cafe where all the children had sausage, beans and chips.  It was complete mayhem in the cafe, but with a couple of teachers present (who have that 'voice' that children respond to) we managed to get them all sat down and eating (we managed to clear the cafe though!)

After a play in the park to run off excess energy we came home, made some pizzas and then spent the afternoon making lego models before bed.

Inter Course Hug

Sunday - we had a useful morning cleaning and tidying the house and then headed out to Hawes for the Matt Young Translations Ltd Christmas Do (don't think I've mentioned it before but Matt has incorporated his company - we are both Company Directors).  We had booked ourselves a table at the restaurant at the Wensleydale Creamery (always nice food) and enjoyed a posh 3 course dinner.  Tom ate off our plates - he did really well - eating sprouts (unlike his Dad!) and everything we gave him - including the biggest portion of Christmas pudding.  We then headed into Hawes for a little walk round before returning to the creamery for a once round the tasting room (at Tom's request - apparently 3 courses wasn't enough for him!).  We then headed back via the scenic route (ie via Sedburgh).  Tom fell asleep (which was the plan) for about 40 minutes in order to get him ready for Grannie and Grandpa's visit tomorrow.  We then came home and as the weather was miserable decided to watch 'The Pirates!' - a DVD which the Watsons sent us as a thank you for having them a couple of weeks ago.  It's an Aardman production so full of their usual wit.  This was also part of our plan to get Tom to concentrate (can he sit through a whole film - well not quite, but he didn't do too badly).  He burst into tears towards the end as he was worried for the main characters.  Bless him he is such a sensitive soul.  

Then a light tea and early to bed.  A big week starting tomorrow!

Listening vs Concentration?

So Matt went into the school on Wednesday as part of his Governor role to do a Health & Safety check of the Early Years and KS1 areas.  He was able to sneak a peek at Tom in his class without him noticing.  Apparently the whole class was sat listening and looking at the teacher, apart from one. Guess who?!  He had to be told to stop looking behind and to concentrate!

The next morning, Matt managed to speak to Mrs Pickard and asked her what she thought of Tom's ability to concentrate.  Seems she thinks it is a bit of a problem.  Apparently she always makes him sit at the front of the class when they are on the carpet - if he is at the back he takes nothing away from the lesson!  Mrs Tennant (the Teaching Assistant) is going to do some intensive sessions with a small group of the worse offenders when it comes to listening and concentrating next term - setting them tasks that take a lot of concentration to complete to see if that helps.  Mrs Pickard also asked us to arrange a hearing test for him as she says that quite often he doesn't seem to hear anything.  I personally think it is down to lack of concentration than lack of hearing. The problem is (I think) that he is fine 1:1 but as soon as there is a group he seems to have trouble concentrating / focusing and gets completely lost when trying to work out what's going on.  Not sure what we can do about that, because when he is with us it is always 1:1.

Oh hum.  Anyhow, Matt went on to have Christmas dinner after his inspection and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Tom was sent out to get him as he was sitting on Tom's table.  Apparently every one was very excited to have an adult on their table and he had a great time chatting with the children - came home buzzing, said it was the best £2.76 dinner he's ever had!

Tom's First Nativity

Our star

So we had a lovely day yesterday as we got to see two performances of 'A Little Bird Told Me' - Tom's nativity play (as nonreligious as you could get it which was good).

All of Tom's class were stars.  Thankfully the school provides the costume - we just had to provide the underclothes (white) which meant I wasn't stressed  - phew!  (I've been dreading the whole dressing up / costume thing)

The story centred around a robin who was cold and wanted to go somewhere warmer.  A flock of birds told him to go to Bethlehem where it is warmer and where a special baby had just been born.  (Not sure of the accuracy of this - Bethlehem is colder than here at this time of year!).

There was a part in the play where the birds were flying in the star light and it was at this point that Tom's class got on stage and did a little dance number.  Twinkling with hands, turn around, shuffle to the left, shuffle to the right etc etc.  It was really lovely to watch.  Unfortunately Tom was at the back and is one of the shortest so we couldn't see him do his dance.  Not to worry though, for the rest of the play he was sat right at the front and he stood up to 'sing' along to all the songs.  'Sing' is in inverted commas because I can't put my hand on my heart and say he sang his heart out.  More, he stood up, looked behind him, to his side, behind again, looked at the boy next to him, but not really forward and I couldn't hear his voice in any of the songs even though I was about a meter away from him!  In fact he clearly hadn't picked up the words to quite a few of the songs.  I guess singing isn't his thing (don't think any of his genes are particularly musical). Two of his class mates made up for him though and belted out the numbers.  None of the songs were ones that I recognised, and to be fair to him there were a lot of songs and most of his class mates were distracted and not word perfect either.

Mary, Joseph and Jesus made an appearance right at the end, but they didn't even have a speaking part.  It really was lovely.  I must admit I welled up when they first filed in in their costumes - Tom looked so so so small and super cute (not helped by the fact he was next to the biggest child in the class who is head and shoulders above him). The play was performed by what I would call the Infant School and is now called Key Stage 1.  All the children in the top class had a speaking role - I guess that wouldn't happen in a big school, one girl performed a solo and was brilliant - I'm not sure I would have been able to cope if I was her mother!

One funny thing though - there was no mistaking where in the country we were.  I guess little children sing with their speaking voices as every song was sung in a very strong northern accent.  There were also lots of jokes put in for the adults - but I don't think the children realised they were being funny as it was done in such a dead pan manner.

Normally the school allow videos to be taken, but I think there are some children in care in one of the classes so I'm afraid no videos, and we aren't officially allowed to put up any photos on a website - but this isn't read by anyone other than close family and friends and this photo doesn't show any other children so I can't see what harm it can do.  More pics are available to see when you next visit us.

I can't wait for next year!

Visiting Father Christmas

We have been pretty busy with visits recently.  Next in line was Auntie Jude who came on Wednesday to deliver Christmas presents and see Tom.  Unfortunately we didn't take any photos - sorry.

Tom the Caver

We had a quiet Saturday this weekend.  Matt went to Leeds to meet up with some translators, Tom and I had a useful morning and then Caroline called to see if we wanted to go round for the afternoon as Fred had asked if Tom was free for a play.  We did so.  The original plan was for me to drop Tom off, but Fred has a dog and Tom was initially scared of her (she's the loveliest doggy - completely soft).  By the time Tom was friends with the dog, it didn't really seem right to leave him there, so I stayed and played with them.  Fred and his younger brother Frank are very sweet children, so it really wasn't a chore to stay there with them.  All I would have done at home was tidy, wrap presents etc - nothing very interesting anyway.

Listening? to the elves

In the end Tom stayed there for tea and then we went to collect Daddy from the train station.  He had actually gone shopping after his meet up, and bought some great goodies for Tom (wonders will never cease!)



Sunday was a different matter - a very exciting day.  We had been invited to go and visit Santa at his grotto in Ingleborough Cave.  It was an early start, meeting up in Clapham at 9.15, but it was a good call.  The cave is a mile's walk through a nature trail and as we were a group of 20 plus, it wasn't going to be a short stroll.

The loony at the back

The early start worked and we got to the cave first.  It was only a short wait until the cave opened and we were let through.  They had done a good job on it, it was decorated with lots of Christmas decorations, candles etc.  Elves met us and told us stories of naughty goblins, and how Father Christmas has forgotten to turn the shower off (hence the waterfalls) etc etc.  All well done.

At the end we found Father Christmas in his throne.  He took his time to talk to each child.  Unfortunately Tom fluffed his important line.  When asked what he wanted for Christmas, he held up his hand and said '5'.  Not sure what that was about and Father Christmas wasn't either?!  Oh well, he then went to a toy stall and got to choose his present (he chose the biggest one - a bright red tractor).  There was enough time for a photo with Father Christmas - he got a chance to say again what he wanted and got it right this time 'An Eddie' (as in Eddie Stobart - he has been going on and on about having an Eddie Stobart Truck for quite a while)

Tom & Father Christmas

We walked back past the crowds of people behind us and outside and strolled down the nature trail back to the cars.  We then all headed to Caroline's for sausage sandwiches and a play.  Tom having been there the day before was immediately at home and played quite nicely with everyone - even the dog didn't seem to bother him which was fab.

We came home tired so once again we all had a nap and then an evening of Christmas card writing - slightly excruciating getting Tom to write 22 Christmas cards to his classmates but we got there in the end!

Then to bed - a big day tomorrow...

Grandpa and The Watsons Come to Stay

On Tuesday Grandpa came up to visit us.  The main reason is that we have bought Tom a model railway for Christmas and Matt wanted help putting it together.  Bob didn't have to be asked twice!  We kept his visit a secret from Tom and were expecting surprise when Bob turned up at the school gates to collect him.  Not so.  Tom barely acknowledged him!  I guess we should have told him after all!

A good team

On their way home from the station, Matt and Bob bought a Christmas tree, so I put Tom and Grandpa to work on it.  They worked quite well as a team and before long we had a nicely decorated tree in the lounge.

We then headed to the Wensleydale Creamery as they were having a special Christmas shopping evening:  free mulled wine and mince pies, 20% off everything in the shop and the restaurant open.  What's not to like?   The mulled wine had the desired effect - we went a bit mad in the shop and then enjoyed a cheesy meal in the restaurant.  Bob and Tom then had a mad 20 minutes in the car on the way home - not sure who was sillier!

Bob stayed with us until Friday - a little longer than expected thanks to a storm on Thursday stopping all train services.  Tom didn't mind one bit - Bob didn't either.  He got to pick up and drop Tom off at school enough that he was doing it solo by the time he left.  Oh and the model railway got done as well.

Last weekend the Watsons came to stay.  They didn't come for long - arriving 4pm on Saturday afternoon and leaving again at lunchtime on Sunday.

Digger Tom

We took advantage of them not coming up for a while by heading into Kirkby Lonsdale for a look around as it was their Christmas Markets weekend.  I went really to see if it was worth my while having a Lily Pad Bakery stall there next year.  It isn't!  The town was festive enough, but there weren't many people around.  The market area was half fun fair and half food.  So Tom had a go on a roundabout and we tucked into a hog roast bap and a chicken curry.  We then headed home.

The Watsons landed just as it was getting dark. They have three girls who remembered we have a train set.  I set them the challenge to use every bit in a layout - they took this up and worked industriously for quite a while.  They then tucked into lasagna and garlic bread and went to bed and we tucked into gyoza and shabu shabu (Lisa and Cameron used to live in Japan so appreciate and enjoy Japanese food)

Sunday we were going to take the Watsons for a walk in the country, but it was horrible weather - wet, foggy, cold, windy.  It wasn't going to happen, so we took them to the Wensleydale Creamery instead.  After eating a mountain of cheese, buying a further mountain (them, not us) we left.  Came home, had tea and a bun and then said goodbye to them all.

We were all shattered, so suggested to Tom that maybe he would want a nap.  He did, so did we, so we all had one.  Matt and I had a an hour each and Tom 2.5 hours - it was deliciously decadent and wonderful.

A night out!

Last weekend Matt and I had a night out!!!!  Whoo hooo!  Can't remember when that last happened.  Matt got a Lancashire Hot Pots CD for his birthday this year - they are a comedy Northern folk band - a bit naughty with their lyrics, but easy listening and good fun to sing along to in the car (although Tom has started picking up some of their lyrics which can be a bit disturbing - from time to time he comes out with 'did you did you spill my pint' or 'oy you car park now!' which is quite funny as long as he doesn't do it at school.

Anyway they were playing in Manchester and our friends there had told us to get in touch anytime we want a night out as they were happy to baby sit Tom.  A couple of phone calls and Tom was booked in with them and we had tickets to a night out.

We did our usual for our trip down - stopping at Wing Yip to buy Asian ingredients for the store cupboard, followed by lunch at The Glamorous restaurant - which is always fun - in that you are never that sure what you are going to get when you order something.  This was followed by a trip to Go Outdoors a MASSIVE outdoor shop with lots of tents pitched which you can explore.  Tom always goes hyper here and today wasn't any different.  Matt and I also weakened and bought some Mammut clothes - it's not that often that we buy clothes, let alone both of us at the same time.

We then landed at the Komorovski's house.  Unfortunately Karen wasn't there, now we had been led to believe that Adam isn't all that capable so were expecting the worse, but we were pleasantly surprised just how in control Adam was - the two girls were looking more than happy at being left with their Daddy, Rosa especially - although she was a little clingy with Adam, not letting him out of her sight.

We walked down to the park for a play and then had a pizza and garlic bread dinner before leaving Tom behind (he hardly said goodbye he was having such a good time) and getting the bus to the other side of town.  

We joined a rather rowdy queue to what we thought was the venue.  We were both quite shocked as we were a lot older than everyone else, and also the people joining the line were pretty much all tanked up and spoiling for a fight.  Both of us were a little concerned, and very happy to be told that the entrance to our gig was round the corner.  We entered and found people of all ages in flat caps and waistcoats - this was our place.  It was in a student union, so I reverted back to pints - thankfully the pizza tea did me good and I was able to drink without getting rosy cheeked!

At our Hairdressing Salon!

The first band came on - they were dressed as badgers and were very loud!  Then the Hot Pots came on, they were everything we expected them to be and we had a good night singing along and enjoying the atmosphere.

We didn't get back to Adam's until after 11pm - very late for us.

After a bad night's sleep we got up.  I was on entertainment duties with the kids while Adam and Matt went out to get a Christmas tree.  After Rosa got over the fact Daddy had gone, we had a good time - mainly playing hairdressers - a game that of course comes naturally to me! Karen got back around 12.00, we had about an hour's catch up and then we were on our way home.  A good weekend, but early to bed for all of us.