Annual pilgrimage to see the snowdrops...

Yesterday we timed our yearly trip to Walsingham to see the snowdrops to perfection within the strange and erratic Norfolk weather. At one point glorious winter blue skies and an hour or so later, hail and snow - by this point we were in the warm grateful consuming roast chicken cooked by Libby! I say it every year, but it is a lovely family tradition of going on the walk and this year enjoyed all the more with the welcome addition of Inky. She and her sniffing snuffle nose enjoyed every inch of the abbey grounds! Been bowling today and have discovered that Anna is the world's worst looser with a mighty sulk as her sister and I wiped the floor with her. Need to learn to be a gracious looser Wiggle - it is a good quality in a human being.

Victory at last!!

After months of trying, many heavy defeats and shipping in countless goals Anna and her team 'the Fakenham Under 8's' second team finally secured a very well earned victory. A sneaky 2-1 win against Shouldham. I celebrated it like Norwich had just won the cup at Wembley! The best bit was as the whistle went she rang the length of the pitch, jumped in my arms and with a beaming smile said 'I cant believe we won Dad, I really can't, this is the coolest thing ever!' I am delighted for all the boys (and girl!) in the team who have worked so hard. Let's hope it breeds some confidence and they can go on an get that second win. We know how to live us Hammonds - afterwards we celebrated by walking the dog by the river in Fakenham. Anna's prize for this victory is tonsillitis and a dose of antibiotics as she is quietly feeling sorry for herself on the couch watching a film as we speak. Get well soon Wiggle - you have given your Dad a great memory..

Sporting challenges....

Both my girls differ in sporting aspirations, skills and drive. Anna is a blessed with a fairly sporty nature that is all round and allows her to have a go at most things. She is loving her football, the intensity of real matches, gets fearlessly stuck in and is ever improving. If I am honest though she does not work that hard at it and things just come naturally. In contrast, Lucy, on the other hand is not one of life's natural sports persons. She works so very hard at it, tackles challenges with enthusiasm and loves the social aspect. She soaks up the theory and has a keen eye for the skill in others. There is just one problem - she is just not progressing at Gymnastics after several years of hard work and commitment. At the weekend, Amy and I broached the very difficult and sensitive conversation about whether it was time to stop and try something new? There were tears and upset and if I am honest, I did not feel very good about myself bringing it up. I can see that in the future, as all the other girls who are much younger progress beyond her and her ability, it could prove a very difficult social situation she finds herself in and I would not want that. We just want to protect her. I am not being critical of her in any way, she can find her own path and if sport is not it, then so be it. I am worried about her and sometimes love involves being honest and having that difficult conversation. She spoke about it again this morning and seems to be reflecting on it quite a bit. I feel so cruel and never meant to be. I love Lucy with all my heart and am so proud of her and everything she does. Quite a parental quandary this one....

Ready for battle!

Armed and dangerous, ready for the titanic battle ahead, a fearless Anna embarked on a footballing journey this afternoon she probably wont ever see the likes of again. What a game! With city loosing in the dying seconds 5-4! She chanted, sung her heart out and lived every minute of the roller coaster ride. There were even some tears as well. I loved every minute I spent with her today in an exciting, exhilarating and emotional shared experience. On the way home we analysed, discussed and consoled each other after our loss. Anna - 'maybe its time to bin your lucky pants dad'. Anna, you may be right darling. Anyway, thanks for a great day out., the result does not matter when I share the day with you...

Walking with the dog whisperer...

Mrs Hammond seems to have quite a talent with the pouches, they all simple love her especially Marley and Inky! As a family we have harnessed this talent recently and head for the countryside as much as possible and a long family walk. With the dog whisperer on hand to help with any canine disasters we cannot fail to have a lovely bit of time together. Although not even Amy's sublime talents prevented Marley diving in the river into the freezing water! Today was no different, although we only ventured just outside our doorstep and into the 'wilds' for a long walk along the riverside in Fakenham and it was stunning, all be it muddy and cold. Anna and I gracefully brought up the rear today smashing ice in the puddles and talking football. We walked back on the old railway embankment, talking and discussion Victorian social and industrial history along the way - we know how to live us Hammonds! Back in time for a dose of Hotel Transylvania in the warm and Libby's roast beef and trifle. I am one full and content man! Back to the grind in the morning, however a lovely weekend..

Fine reward for her hard work..

Anna has been really grafting of late - she is desperate to win the approval of her teacher and the coveted prize of a first 'Good work' badge at Junior School. This has been hard going and after many extra projects, extra reading and diligence she finally got her reward! I don't see what goes on at school on a daily basis, but I am confident she works hard, it seems her teacher is a hard task master and she has finally cracked a winning formula. She was beaming with pride when she phoned me at work the other day to bring the good news (as was I). So chuffed for her - it has been a long time coming. Well done Wiggle!

'Walking and talking'

The arrival of Inky into our lives is definitely starting to slowly change our family lifestyle, for me especially this is needed! We have had several walks in the Norfolk countryside this week. Yesterday the new year was celebrated with a walk in Sheringham park and then West Runton beach searching for fossils. Some of the family, mainly Lucy and I, are not at times that most enthusiastic of protagonists about any exercise at all, but is has been great just to 'walk and talk' the holidays away and spend simple time together. I have had some good chats with Lucy bringing up the rear of the Hammond procession. Although the fact that our main view has been Amy and Anna's bottoms for most of these walks, may mean we need to speed up a bit! Happy New year to my girls and I welcome many more family walks in 2016....