Simply Premier League....

Sporting her 'Vinnie Jones' hard man grin and snarl, Anna just can't get enough of her new football kit, in fact she loves it so much she has gone to bed in it tonight! She has worked so hard at football club that this was her reward to proudly wear the greatest club colours in the land. There is nothing like living your dreams vicariously through your children! We had a great kick about in the park today whilst she was wearing her outfit, she looked the part and scored a cracking couple of goals against her inept father. On the ball city sweetheart - next stop, let's make sure we get to that game together, it would make my day...

Rest in peace Newty....

After fifteen years as a very important part of our family, Newt one of our cats, was put down on Wednesday having been poorly for some time. She was a gentle, chatty and lovely soul and we will all miss her. The girls adored her and she was very patient and tolerant of them when they picked her up, if sometimes quite rightly reluctant! Not the most tactile of cats, but she only really had eyes for Amy. A timid, and at times frightened little cat, it is remarkable how much she did indeed trust Amy and spent much time on her lap. We rescued her many years ago and she was in a bad way then having had a very difficult start to life, so she has done exceptionally well. I am very proud we gave her a good home and she was much loved, not that she really cared for me! Secretly, although I do not much care for cats, I will always have a soft spot for Newt. Rest in peace and thank you for being a lovely part of our family....

Surely not a hormonal surge already!

Despite the fact she is only eight years old Amy and I firmly believe that at present Lucy is suffering (as are we!) from a hormonal surge. We have spots, her body is clearly changing and developing, mood swings, tears and not understanding why. All this combined means that we are constantly treading on egg shells and trying to gauge her reaction which sadly is not good at the moment. Lucy clearly feels the world is against her and what is going on around her like school contradicts this. She is doing so well and loves it for example.She is not that positive and very sensitive indeed. She only wants to talk to her Mummy and that is fine with me, but sadly it does not give me many options as we do have to converse to just get through a day! All this seems a bit too early to me, but I am sure it could be possible. Parentally, I do feel out of my depth with these kind of things. Great school report Lucy this week showing hard work and commitment - well done darling!

Nothing better than a walk in the crisp winter air....

Yesterday we observed the traditional walk around the Abbey grounds in Walsingham for the annual snowdrop walk and it was a lovely day spent with our friends 'Dr Kate', Raz and their ever expanding clan. She has to be known as 'Dr Kate' as opposed to 'Auntie Kate' (in Amy's sister) so as to avoid confusion and after years of trying Anna still mixes them up! I have always loved this walk as a family and with friends and I look forward to it every year. Just a simple thing...

Continuing to shine....

Great to see Anna continue to build her confidence in situations with lots of people. Yesterday we went to a swimming birthday party and it was wonderful to see her mix with all the children and adults without one hiccup or wavering. Going to football club is now a done deal with no fuss and she loves it! My baby girl may just be growing up. Lucy wins the award for the best half term's work as she has managed to make a whole years progress in just half a term! She is flying, working hard and I am so proud of her. Both girls are exhausted and a well earned rest is needed as the grumpiness and levels of rudeness have escalated in the past few days and behaviour has needed 'checking'. Lucy has, however continued her hard work and spent the day writing a story about 'Emily and her magic clarinet' and I have to say, give or take the odd spelling mistake, it is worth a read...

A date with Looby Chick and history...

With Anna sadly out of action with a sickness bug today, Lucy and I headed out today for a bit of father and daughter time and a date at the cinema to watch 'Mr Peabody and Shermon.' Whilst a family animation about a time travelling dog, it was really exciting to see Lucy's interest in the 'history' element of the film. Her eyes light up when she asks questions about the Trojan war, famous artists, the French revolution and the Egyptians. She simply loves learning and the stories behind the past. I am really excited to be taking her to the Castle Museum soon for the Roman exhibition. Lucy and I shared some great time together today, snuck in some sweets, held hands on the walk and chatted and caught a good movie. The common interest in history and film that we share makes me feel very close to her. Lucy loved the film and excitedly declared as we left the cinema 'that's a keeper!' I knew what she meant in that we would definitely buy the DVD and add to our enormous family collection of films...

Last day before back to the grind...

Tomorrow heralds the start of my new job and time away from my family again. I have really enjoyed being at home and doing ordinary things with the girls for the last couple of weeks. Reading stories, a cuddle by the fire watching a film, picking them up from school and hearing about their day, watching them at swimming and their clubs, going to Anna's reading café and playing board games. I must say it is time to go back to work as well though as I am beginning to get under everybody's feet, get cross with their messy lifestyle and at times tempers have frayed as we move towards half term and a much needed break for the girls. 'Weekend dad' or 'hairy Dave', as Anna calls him, moves back in tomorrow and Lucy is looking forward to not being nagged! (this man is fictitious by the way!) We finished my time off today with a lovely walk on Wells beach and through the woods, the peak of which was finding the old swing I used to use as a boy. Take care my lovelies and don't let Dave get too comfortable - I will be back before you know it..