Penalites and pink shirts...

Now that Euro 2012 is virtually over and England have made their obligatory exit from the tournament via the usual penalty shoot out, I thought I would share my desperate attempts to get the girls interested and enjoy the footy with me. I am afraid I failed and gave up, but I thought I would share some of the comments made along the way:

• Lucy - 'Daddy, when they dive do they need a rest afterwards?'
• Anna - in talking about the referee 'Why does the man in black not do anything, he is very lazy!'
• Anna - 'I think they should have 22 goalkeepers'
• Lucy - 'It would be great if they all wore pink'
• Anna - cheering 'Yea!' to every kick of the game in sarcastic excitement.

Good to see my children share my passions and are willing to go that extra mile for their dad and make an effort. That's the last time I tokenistically state say I like Moshi Monsters. How do you like them apples, girls?

Wiggle art!

Anna tells me this is a picture of me - I am not sure about this! What I do know is her drawing is coming on and she is now moving nicely beyond unrecognisable blobs and scribbles where I just have to say 'that's great Anna' because I have not got the heart to tell her I have no idea what her picture is!  I never knew that I looked like Mr Tickle, now I know. Amazing how much a three year old and a felt tip pen can change your perception of what you think you look like. I am delighted that I seem to have lost my big tummy though...

Loved, oppressed and very lucky...

Another father's day has rolled by and my girls have really spoilt me. It started quite early in scary fashion with Anna waking me with her face inches from mine and then eating my cheek off with a smothering kiss and giving me a hug that stopped my ability to breathe. Downstairs, I was greeted with cards, gifts and home made bunting (great job Lucy) along with coffee and pancakes. The day was getting better! Out for more coffee at the Bistro followed by a fantastic trip to see grandpa and the opportunity for me and the girls to go offroading in the mud in assorted 4 x 4s. Then off to Pizza Express for huge amounts of food.  The only real blip being two extremely over excited girls who could not control their noise levels or tongues in the back of the car! Home, and then robot making and water sliding in the garden with a cuppa. I am loved and very lucky. A great day, but I confess to being worn out and in need of grown up time. Just completed story and bed and the silence is golden....

How do you keep safe the completely fearless?

This is a question that is constantly asked when Amy and I discuss the girls. At times Anna thinks she is invincible and it is necessary to watch her like a hawk. We learn every day that the two girls are both so different. We never had this concern with Lucy as she always needs guiding gently into new situations and is curious about concepts and people rather than objects. With Anna we are seriously considering locking away everything in the house that could pose a risk. Whatever is in front of her she will explore or just get on with using it. Sharp knives, getting onto the work surface to get a glass from the cupboard, jumping in a swimming pool, using all the electrical items in the house - take your pick and be very worried about it. Think fast and always be alert is the moto of parenting Anna, sometimes I have to say we are not ahead of the game though and she springs you a surprise like walking into the dining room this evening with a knife that she decided to get for her mummy from the kitchen. Anybody remember the incident with the matches about a year ago? I am not sure we are on top of this yet.....

Bananas in pyjamas!

Sleep over time in the Hammond house as the girls have been hanging out with their cousins. A great time was had by all with a fisher finger tea followed by nibbles in front of the telly and a game of rude Simon says, musical statues and much farting! The girls have giggled so much they peed themselves - literally! General girlie silliness has been the order of the day. It was lovely to see them all get on so well. Anna adored being with the big girls, especially at tea when she played the clown and her eyes were magical as she looked for a reaction from her willing audience after her latest silly comment or action...

Washed out weekend..

Typical - I take a few days off and the heavens open. Having had an outdoor weekend of picnics and sunshine planned to celebrate the Jubilee, we have been mostly restricted to indoor activities (lovely make shift picnic next door on Sunday though with sandwiches, coronation chicken and little flags!). With my girls this means such anti-social activities as thumb sucking curled up in a blanket watching DVDs or playing on a DS, Moshi monsters on the laptop and generally not wanting to spend time with their parents. Cabin fever sets in as do the arguments. Bring back the sunshine so that I can enjoy the rest of my time off with my sociable family!