I must be getting old!

There was a time many moons ago when I was a lad, that I was a fantastic gamer. I am part of the Tomb Raider generation, and we were very skilled indeed. Now I am into my forties, my crown seems to have been usurped by a young lady called Wiggle as she well and truly whipped my backside at 'Star Wars Battle Front'  on the Xbox this weekend. Now I could use every excuse under the sun such as I grew up with a PlayStation and the controllers are different, I was in pain as I thought I had broken my toe doing the cleaning in the morning OR I have never played a split screen game and my eyes could not get used to it. The truth is I am getting old and a ten year old well and truly did for me on this game, she even beat me with an ice cream in her hand whilst using a controller! I accepted defeat graciously and then silently sloped off to heal my wounded pride. A new generation of Hammonds has taken top spot in gaming in our house, it may be a crown I will never recover....

The cat that got the cream!

If ever there was a smile that said a great deal, it's this one that Lucy is sporting to the left. Those eyes tell you a million things!  This was the last day this term wearing school uniform and she is away this week on a school trip. This is not ordinary school trip, it's one she has been excited about and preparing for in her head for some time now. Lucy sets down markers in her journey as school, they are almost rights of passage that she feels she must undertake in order to gain the experience. This week she is doing some amazing things and I have to say I am extremely jealous! Harry Potter world, Legoland, a west end show and even more besides. She is going to be shattered by Thursday when she comes home. Not much communication from her, just the odd non committal almost teenager text. Worries the hell out of me, her being away like this and I really miss her. Most of all the level of sarcasm in my life has significantly reduced! Looking forward to hearing about her adventures with her 'chummies' as she calls her friends.  

Progress in learning for life...

My kids are a pain in the arse, they are argumentative and at times really frustrating, but this is always only centred at their parents. An argumentative culture seems to be part of our household now and I am sure that most parents will say this about their kids too, if they are honest with themselves. I am sure this is learned from me and something I always need to try and temper and set them a good role model. I am, however, so very proud of the grounding we have given them and their attitude to school, hard work and their behaviour in this context. Yesterday,  Lucy received an award at school for progress in 'learning for life', now I am truly not sure what this subject entails but I am a hundred percent sure that she is applying herself very well at school having read her school report and beamed with pride. Her attitude to learning is exceptional and her behaviour exemplary. She works hard, sets herself targets for progression and is really motivated. If only I could motivate her to clean her room! Really proud of you Looby Chick, as I always am for your kindness and care for your friends too. We eagerly await Anna's school report, which I am certain will be equally as positive. In the mean time, gratuitous birthday football shirt shot! Proud of my girls as ever xx

A ten for Wiggle!

I think Amy and I need about three days to recover from Anna's birthday weekend. It was hot and very busy indeed. I find it hard to believe that my baby girl was ten yesterday. She is growing up. I wrote a Facebook post stating that Anna was one of the most bonkers, kind, tenacious, stubborn, complicated and loving people I have in my life. It is a privilege to be her dad and sometimes a bit hard work! I wouldn't change it for anything in the world though. She has been at her emotional and excitable best for the whole weekend, most epitomised by her showboating yesterday with her cousins scoring goals in her new goal in the garden  (great gift Libby). She is full of life and then at times very thoughtful indeed. We celebrated in style watching Harry Potter at the lunar cinema under the stars into the early hours of Saturday. A great fried breakfast in the morning and much time on her new Xbox playing the much demonised 'fortnight', When Anna proudly declared she had three kills, I wasn't quite so sure what to think as a parent at that point! The game is harmless, despite what they say in the press. The difficulty will come with Anna, in trying to reinforce the rules and the limited time she is allowed on the console! Day one and in usual Wiggle style, she already tried to push the boundaries! Best moment of the birthday weekend, was the unveiling of the cake. Amy had deliberately decorated it with pink and all girly, must to Anna's digust! When you cut it open though, it revealed its true colours in Yellow and Green. I would have loved a picture of Anna's face as her mum got her good and proper! Happy birthday Wiggle! Keep being yourself as you are much loved xx