The next phase.....

Things move quickly in my house, sometimes at a pace that I can't keep up with or fathom. Every week brings a frightening parental realisation that one of my children growing up faster than I can cope with. This weekend bore the advent of Lucy getting her ears pierced. She chose an understated and plain, yet slightly sparkly stud, which I have to say appeals to me, as I was not sure I am quite ready for the arrival of dangly earing bling just yet! She looked lovely and is very chuffed indeed. This was followed by shopping and spending of her SATS pennies(all over a hundred); this is where my level of parental concern goes up to critical levels as my eldest daughter now enjoys window shopping and this could cost me some serious money in the coming years! They look great Lucy and as much as I whinge and moan, I  love watching you grow up and the person you are becoming. I nearly fell off my chair this week when she asked me 'if there was anything she could do to help with the housework!' I have taught her well and am finally reaping the rewards of all my nagging. Her first week of the academy has gone brilliantly and she is loving every minute of it, with no fear or hiccups so far....

Make me a scone Kitty Cobblers!

Lights down, curtains up and the spectacle that was the year six play did not disappoint this evening. 'Oh what a knight' - an Arthurian musical with lots of barrel laughs. Lucy played her part with confidence, skill and a healthy dose of talent in delivering a comical line. She was so calm and assured and without bias I can easily say she was one of the stars of the show. Some of the gags were hilarious and a little close to the adult mark. She made a fine ' Kitty Cobblers' and I would have definitely eaten her scones! Cleary all the children and teachers had worked incredibly hard and it obviously meant so much to them all. The nerves were quickly replaced by excitement and sheer enjoyment and no child epitomised this more than Lucy. Well done sweetheart, you have created a school memory that you will treasure forever and you were truly brilliant. Anna scored her an 11/10! Perhaps she might choose drama when she gets to the academy next year? I am slightly nervously awaiting the outcome of Lucy SATS exams tomorrow and the deal I made with Lucy that could cost me some serious cash. I may be the only one not celebrating her success for a change! 

The whole nine yards and a life partner for Dobby!

It's hard to believe my baby girl is nine today, but the passage of time roles on and she continues to grow up. On reflection, I think she has had a cracking day. So much swag, so much cash and thoroughly spoilt. The birthday weekend started with a feral gathering of her friends yesterday and an event that sadly (I say sarcastically) I was stuck in the car on the M25 and missed! I did have the privilege of clearing up the mess when I got home though. Last to rise this morning in typical Anna fashion, the three of us, frustrated, waited for her to wake up for the giving of presents! All things Anna in Merlin DVD's, football kits, a Star Wars chess board, stationary and lots more. After a family bistro bacon roll and coffee, off we trotted to the big city to spend her cash! I loved helping her shop today and choosing her new footy boots. It has been a calm  shared family experience in celebrating Anna's birthday. We topped this off with muscles, French bread and a fabulous birthday cake in the garden. A quick kick about and tested the new astros and that was that! Anna is now in bed and sleeping off the excitement of the day, hopefully cuddling her latest crocheted toy in a female house elf. Company and love on the horizon for Dobby. One lucky guy! Happy birthday Wiggle. We love you more than words can say x

No hat Sunday!

And breathe! Well, saying that was a manic week would be an understatement! Work wise I have been in Norfolk, Birmingham, Nottingham and Dundee! My feet have barley touched the ground. Amy and the girls have had the same type of week although despite the mayhem, both girls crowned it and ended in glory in getting a good work badge on the same day! This represented the last chance they could ever do this, as Lucy winds down from Junior school. The wording on both their certificates was exceptional. Lucy's teacher commented that her application to her learning and work was outstanding and Anna was complimented for taking on the challenge of improving one of her weak areas in her spelling head on and with hard work. A fine effort girls. Not much else to report really as we played catch up this weekend, although really impressed with Lucy's assistance and helpful nature in helping me clean the whole house yesterday, a first! (for cash though, so she could go shopping with her friends) Anna,  pictured (no hat) describing and exaggerating the size of the beasties sadly found in her hair last night. Amy the 'nit nurse' duly stepped in and treated the critters. After tears and several more checks this weekend, the all clear has finally been given. Neither girls, especially Lucy like this state of affairs and worry hugely about catching nits. It is strange that having nits has no bearing on your levels of personal hygiene at all or anything you do, but yet carries so much stigma and worry amongst their peers. Never mind, they have all come out in the wash, metaphorically speaking! Thank heavens they decided not to pay me a visit! Happy to share many things with my girls but not these. Has made me itch all weekend!

What's the best job in the world?

This has long been a debated topic throughout mankind as to what the most amazing job has ever been - astronaut, inventor, prime minister, professional footballer. Today I can end this debate and categorically cast my vote and enthusiastically sing from the roof tops that being a dad is the best thing I have ever experienced. It has been Fathers day today and I have spent the day with my girls in the glorious sunshine (perhaps too hot today) and enjoyed them in all their imperfect, sarcastic, comedic and affectionate glory. We hung out at the Dinosaur park with the rest of Norfolk and splashed, giggled, argued, ate so much ice cream, collected our medals and then spent out in the gift shop. Anna kicked off the weekend of 'pride' when she lifted the 'managers player of the season' for the Fakenham Ghosts Under 9's yesterday. Described by the coach as fearless, organising the last line of defence, a great defender, the way she brings the ball forward is outstanding and 'captain' material. If I am honest I was holding back the tears with a big lump in my throat. I even got to present her with the trophy as the sponsor and got the biggest hug! Lucy got herself up very early and without assistance made me some cup cakes as a present and they are delicious and do not disappoint! Also a day of firsts as Anna just asked me to lift her hair up and do up the chain on her necklace. Not sure I would ever do this for Wiggle! Thank you girls for being you, giving me a great day to put into my memory bank and giving me the privilege of being your dad xx

Lessons being learnt all the time...

I am not sure Anna really enjoyed being away this weekend, I think the homesickness kicked in and she struggled to understand and deal with the dynamics of a large group. Calling us over the weekend upset that another girl who had showed her kindness was 'not her friend anymore and was spending time with other people'. Anna had failed to understand that people do not belong to us and are free to do as they choose. Through this act of kindness when not feeling confident and worried, she assumed this girl would be there for her for the whole weekend. Anna simply applied how she supports her friends at school. She sees it as her responsibility to care for any of her class who struggle or get upset, sometimes this causes her much conflict. She is very caring in her nature and gives all of her heart and soul into friendships. It is just the flip side and a great life lesson for her to think about and chew over. I think she did enjoy quite a bit about her trip away but we are still talking through the emotional dramas first! I am glad we went through with it and held our ground (well done Mrs Hammond). This will build her confidence and slowly cut the apron strings as each trip away goes by over the coming years. As much as we all missed Anna, and we did terribly, a surprising side effect emerged. It was a real pleasure to spend time with Lucy. We engaged with her more as an adult, she was involved in conversation in more detail and clearly relaxed without the sibling rivalry hanging over her. I think at times we should make more of an effort to spend time with the girls as individuals. It is lovely - they have such differing interests. After all they will be defined as individuals in their futures, not just being a sister. It is definitely some food for thought. I would not do anything to jeopardise their close relationship and they do have one, despite their constant rows and protests about each other, but I did enjoy hanging out with my eldest girl. I can feel a date night coming on, we have not had one in ages Looby Chick?

Off on her first big adventure...

Anna is a home bird, she loves the security and familiarity of our family home and mainly hanging out with her mum. Often, as I have said, she struggles with new things. This morning she set off for her first ever couple of nights away without her parents to the academy residential trip. She was naturally worried and scared. Last night there were tears and upset, as she did not want to go. We persevered, Amy was brilliant with her and gave her many cuddles and talked her through it. I am afraid I would not say it was my finest parenting hour, when I could not help loosing patience. I am really proud of Anna for taking that leap and doing something she was very frightened of. She must have packed half the house last night and has every eventuality or emergency covered! God knows what was in that case. We gave her the spare mobile phone and popped into Norwich to shop for all her birthday presents. Clearly by the time she got on the bus, she had settled and was sitting with her friend. She must have called us six or seven times this morning to give us an update as to where she thought she was and how far away she was too. At one point, declaring that she thought she was in London! Then after lunch, the calls stopped, which meant she had arrived and was busy doing fun things and having a great time. The wonders of modern technology have allowed us via twitter to see pictures of her and the girls all having fun, which is just the reassurance we needed. This is a big thing for us as well. Our baby girl is growing up. Have a great time Wiggle and see you on the other side (Sunday!) A big well done, I could see her biting her lip this morning and taking a deep breath as she was about to board the bus..