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....

Remembering the dream on her backside!

Whilst having a bracing and beautiful walk on Brancaster beach today (have to confess after all these years of living in Norfolk I have never been and discovered its beauty) Anna and I relived our visit to Wembley earlier in the year. All we needed was our imagination and a stone. We scored some cracking goals with Nathan Redmond delivering to his potential with a hat trick. Anna did hit the mud on her back side at one point with a fabulous air shot! A great game that allowed me to channel my inner child and relive such a wonderful footballing day out. Anna, on the other hand used the opportunity to gush and sigh as she swooned about her hero and girlie crush Redmond!

The force is strong in the Hammond house this year!

The picture to the right is the only way to illustrate my reaction to my surprise present from Amy and the girls - 'a Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon.' WOW!! I am just a big kid at heart and when we get a moment to breath in a very busy Christmas schedule I look forward to building it with my Star Wars buddy Anna. It was a very special Christmas day with Amy cooking a wonderful, delicious and very large lunch and great company with Granny, Grandpa, Libby, Ben and Big Lucy. I had ditched the work phone for the first time ever and enjoyed the freedom to be with family and friends and just relax. A bracing walk on Wells beach today, with Inky experiencing her first trip to the seaside and I am now ready for a long sleep on the couch. The girls have barely had a chance to play with their new toys yet, although the grown up girl who is Lucy, has not been separated from her I-Pod! Just helped Anna put her Darth Vader duvet cover on her bed and all is well with the world. Panto tomorrow and then footy on Monday - if this is what experiencing holidays at this time of the year is then bring it on! Merry Christmas to all my girls, including the dog! xx

All inclusive baby...

I am very content, if slightly tired. The fire is lit, Mrs Hammond is making wonderful smelling things in the kitchen, the girls are having an early bath and I am typing away waiting to watch a Christmas Eve film. Bliss. We have just got back from a beautiful Christingle service and I say it every time we go. What a joy it was to see all those children's faces lit up by the candle light and full of hope and excitement. Lucy pulled a blinder when in the service it was stated 'God's all inclusive love' She sat back, sighed and said 'all inclusive baby. All you can eat  - now that's what I am talking about!' Another example of my eldest daughters extraordinary and mature quick wit. Anna's (still a believer) excitement is rising and getting more and more hyperactive as we speak. They are now pealing vegetables and I better go and help. One more sleep to go until the big guy comes down the chimney!