Another female to torment me arrives!

I am now very much outnumbered in the house. Who am I kidding, I have always been! This week we welcomed another member of the opposite sex into the Hammond house, although this one seems mild mannered in her temperament and I do not think she will turn out to be my tormentor in chief. Welcome to 'Patch' a rescue cat, along with our other cat 'Newt' that makes men (one) and women (five). We decided that it was time that the girls stepped up to the plate and learnt a bit more responsibility so we invited Patch to come and stay! They have been very enthusiastic in caring for her so far, sometimes too much! At the moment she is living in the study as we integrate her and she and Newt have yet to cross swords, so it could be interesting in the coming days.

On another note Lucy fired me at the weekend from my parental responsibilities - charming! She told me I was useless and needed to learn a trick or two! (this was in jest) On reflection I may well take her up on this - this could mean peace and quiet, a lie in once in a while, DVD days on the sofa and a bit of rest. Worth a thought.....

When you have a talent find somewhere to showcase it!

After a very hearty lunch yesterday at the White Horse in Blakeney with Granny and Grandpa, Anna found the prefect place on our walk out to the sea to test out her new 'talent' - falling over on purpose in comedy fashion. This was made so much more fun by the mud and lots of it! We had a great walk in the beautiful winter sunshine and Anna slipped and slid her way down the banks for well over an hour, whilst showing off to her new friend Oscar. She is such a boy! Filthy, she had to be stripped down before she got into the car. Lucy preferred more relaxed and lady like pursuits such as collecting flowers for Mummy. Another lovely day out with my girls...

Traditions that warm the soul...

Each year we head off for a walk in the Abbey grounds with our neighbours for the annual tradition that is the snow drop walk and it quite simply warms my soul. I look forward to it every year. It is a lovely place that has special meaning for me in Walsingham, made more beautiful by the flowers and the company! I am afraid poo sticks was out this year due to excessive floating debris in the water. Anna practised the art of comedy falling over, Ben and I searched for trees to discreetly have a pee behind with hundreds of people about and Lucy took notes on the history of the Abbey with her newly purchased note book and pen. Amy found a stranger (who happened to be another teacher) to chat with leaving Libby and I gracefully bringing up the rear metaphorically spending money in our heads as we chatted. As a creature of habit this was just what I needed for the first day of my holidays...

I salute the bravery of my eldest daughter!

Lucy has been very brave. Before I tell you how, I must point out that Lucy is not renowned for tackling new things with gusto but in this case she has excelled herself and I am so proud of her. Within her swimming lessons she is being pushed hard every week and has overcome the eternal challenge that every child faces - the dangers of the deep end and not being able to put your feet on the floor. On the first occasion there were tears and since then she has gone from strength to strength. Athleticism is not one of her things (preferring to watch television, read and draw) but she is a beautiful swimmer and puts so much effort into it. So Looby chick, I salute you for your bravery. On another note I am also very proud to announce that she is also now by far the best burper in the house after weeks of perfecting this talent! Practice makes perfect...



Just popped to Narnia for a few things!

We have had a cracking day today - we battled the Romans as Boudicca, swung our swords a scary vikings, been to a mad hatters tea party, pooped to Narnia, made potions and cast spells as Harry Potter, seen countless bits of priceless treasure, been in a dungeon, stood tall next to a polar bear and had a delicious burger. Not bad for a Saturday afternoon! I have not been to the castle museum since I was a child and I loved it as did the girls. There was plenty to learn and loads of opportunities for the girls to dress up and use their imagination. It's been a long time since we had a day out together as a family and it was just what the doctor ordered! Typical of my family the highest level of excitement was reserved for the gift shop and the spending of money. Lucy gaining a fantastic magnifying glass and Anna a crown fit for a king..