An epic battle to savour!

Those in the know in footballing circles tend to air on the side that the magic of the cup has dwindled and in the modern age of the millionaires paradise of the premier league, a cup match does simply not hold the level of excitement as it used to. Or so they thought? Perhaps they might change their minds having witnessed the titanic cup battle that was Fakenham under 9's against Sutton Bridge today. Picture the scene - mud, rain and wind, expectant parents and a slightly cold but excited group of players. This is the magic of the cup! It was a pure joy to watch, end to end stuff and just the rough and tumble kind of game that Anna loves. Her and her defensive partner slid, hassled and tackled their hearts out. In the end a 2-2 draw was just about the right result. After further months of loosing (some heavy losses too), grafting out this draw was a significant result and one that was celebrated by all, parents and children, as if a momentous victory. So excited was everybody and shocked at this amazing result, that extra time was forgotten! So we will have to wait for the replay or see what the Norfolk FA's decision is. Best bit - when Anna ran over excited and exhilarated to jump up and give me a hug at the final whistle. Good dad memory and instantly banked! She knows what to do at the right time and I am not complaining. A very memorable morning...

The one with the excited donkey!

I feel very weary tonight. I have been grafting all week on work projects and managed to conspire to only spend one day with Amy and the girls this half term. We spent it in the brilliant and unexpectedly warm Norfolk sunshine finally introducing ourselves to our adopted 'Wiggins' and 'Wacko' at the Redwings sanctuary. I have to say neither donkey was that impressed or hospitable to their new 'part' owners, seeking to walk as fast and as far away from us as possible.  Hilarity coming as Wiggins only attempt at interaction with us was to rise his genitalia towards us, prompting a barrage of 'willy' jokes from the girls. If you look at the picture very carefully you can just make out Anna in her blue coat, speedily running away from the camera. Not sure if this was simple embarrassment or it was all simply too much! I have not known my youngest daughter to be camera shy before, usually striking a cool pose with attitude and her signature arms folded. You know the one! I really enjoyed this brief catch up with my family, before the grind starts again in the morning. We finished off with an impromptu trip to Cromer and some arcade therapy. Lucy is now the family air hockey champion and certainly was not a gracious winner, completing her triumph shouting and gesturing 'Boom' at the top of her voice for all to hear! I think she was just a tad pleased with herself. I enjoyed my 'one' day half term with my family. Perhaps next time we can spend at least a couple of days with each other or even the whole week. Until next time.....

Introducing...

The thirty-eight fastest year four girl at cross country in Norfolk. Now that may not sound like much, but if you add up the amount of schools in the county and the potential of how may children that could have taken part, that is quite an achievement indeed. Bloody well done Anna. I have to say that perhaps she could learn a bit of humility and slightly less smugness, but it is that level of confidence that aids her success. Imagine where she would come if she actually did some training! As a friend of mine stated - 'I would ask for a drug test for the other thirty seven!' With the talent this girl has, and she has bags of it. With a bit more application she could clearly go places. I know, I know, biased dad statement, but you have always got to believe in your kids and what they could achieve...

Sporting prowess just like their dad!

Anna has made it to the Norfolk schools cross country finals today, sadly I cannot make it as I am stuck at home with the carpet fitters and waiting for deliveries. She left this morning full of both excitement and nerves. She is a live wire and full of boundless energy and I am sure she will do well. Granny and grandpa have gone to watch, so we expectedly anticipate a full report of her sporting excellence! Lucy, not known for her sporting achievements (except her beautiful and elegant swimming style) has joined a Monday night fitness club in an attempt to change her culture a bit and she is doing so well. I was lucky enough to watch her on Monday night play basket ball and I was both proud and impressed. Her pass and movement skills were exceptional and her hard work to find the space on the court was very intuitive. I know it is my job to praise and big up my kids and I am always realistic in what they achieve. I try to understand what a small victory means to them. Lucy came off that court energised, full of self esteem and a feeling of real success. Sport and the skills associated with it does not always come naturally. For Anna it does, Lucy has to work hard and graft. Proud of you both for every small or big thing you achieve. For me, it is always the effort that counts...

Actively going about our business...

I often say it, but life can be quite uneventful and a routine can sometimes kick in. School, work, clubs, mealtimes, walk the dog and go again. This is our family cycle at the moment. Then you take step back and think about things that have happened in recent weeks and actually some stuff has happened that deserves a bit of a round of applause. Achievements,  that truly demonstrates the Hammonds going above and beyond the confines of our routine. Mrs Hammond started the last year of her masters, both girls had cracking parents evenings (still we get feedback about them being slightly distracted and over enthusiast though!), Anna represented her school at the Norfolk schools swimming gala, Lucy got moved up to the 'elite' group at her swimming on Wednesday and I am mastering regular visits to London and back in a day! Maybe these achievements  are  not eye popping or jaw dropping in the grand scheme of things, but set in amongst everything that we have to get through in any given day as a family, to me are pretty special. Well done my girls and great to see the fruits of your hard work coming of fruition. We may not ever invent anything ground breaking or cure an illness, but we get through much. In describing us, you would probably not use the words 'trendy, cool or a model family' for example, but I would definitely go as far as saying we are an 'active' 'hard working' and 'busy' family. Amy and I, both have busy and demanding jobs that help others and that makes me really proud too. I would be quite happy for my girls to go under the radar a bit, achieve much in an understated way in what ever they choose to do in their working lives. No need to strive for fame girls (unless you fancy scoring the winning goal at Wembley Anna!), it is a world and life without morals or backbone. I would much rather see you contribute to society and quietly go about your business in both a remarkable and unremarkable way. P.S - not many pictures of Anna recently as she has become extremely camera shy unless it is a slightly vain selfie on her mothers IPad. Don't worry Wiggle I will catch you unaware soon! You do not escape me....

What can we say to dissaude her..

We love Mrs Hammond. Period. We love her for her strengths, her kindness, her generosity,  her weaknesses, and despite her flaws and fragility.  She's an amazing mum, a slightly high maintenance wife and a fabulous teacher. I love her for different reasons to the children, but these cannot be published or elaborated on a family website! Occasionally, Amy suffers from a lack of confidence, I might think she is being silly but for her it is real and gives her a heavy heart. Even if we talk, I can often struggle to dissuade her in thinking anything other than she has failed or not achieved something. I have pondered for a couple of days what I could say to change this. So here goes; Amy you are fantastic, you are greatly loved, you are my best friend, you are an intelligent and articulate couch potato, a messy slob and the love of my life. You need to look no further than our beautiful children to see your infinite success, no legacy can compare. I hope my words cheer you up, never think you have failed, never think anything other than positive things about yourself. Keep smiling your beautiful (and slightly annoyingly photogenic) smile xx

Our ranks are swelling...

After many years in the footballing wilderness Lucy finally agreed to accompany Anna and myself to a competitive football match at Carrow Road and experience the magic of the FA cup. I can confidently say that she loved every minute of it and at times got quite vocal and competitive! I am pleased to welcome her into the official and exclusive club of 'Hammond canary' fans. Based on her chanting, levels of enthusiasm and excitement, high fiving a complete stranger when the equalising goal went in minutes from the end and her passion throughout the afternoon, she is in the club and welcomed with open arms. Lucy was full of questions about the players the game and football in general. I was really quite flattered, as although I am far from an expert, she seemed to view me as one, which I quietly revelled in. You never know my regular trips to the footy may even become a family affair?!? Anna, was her usual bullish self at the game. As we sat in the Jarrold stand, which is not known for its noise levels, she made it her mission to raise the roof and get the atmosphere going. Allied to another young lady sitting behind her, they could account for fifty percent of the chants in the ground! Another proud father moment. What I really enjoyed was that I shared it with both the girls and would love to repeat the experience again...