Newby Hall

The first day of the holidays was a trip to Newby Hall with Granny Pat - we somehow managed to not go here at all last year so it was a real novelty. The boys had fun playing in a ditch while we ate a picnic - they both had muddy bottoms before we even got into the park.
We enjoyed the ride on the train - Ben didnt enjoy waiting and very loudly made sure everyone knew this - he was fine once we were on and enjoyed waving to Granny pat who stayed behind to look after Megan who was a star all day.

Sophie really enjoyed the new fountains - we were sad to see the old paddling pool gone but the fountains were fun too - Ben enjoyed them Tom was less sure.

Thomas devoured his enormous icecream and then ate Ben's leftovers too.
Bit of arm swinging in the long border.
Sophie smelling the flowers but she refused to pose near the beautiful roses as she once fell in our rosebed and has never forgotten being grabbed by so many thorns.

Last day of school

Aaaarrrggggh the summer holidays are here - we are one week in and I am already tearing my hair out although I was sure I wouldnt. Tom and Sophie are not particularly well so that does not help.
Tom was quite happy on the last day of school but Sophie was shattered and moody as the picture shows.

Tom was determined to get his uniform as dirty as possible - and succeeded! Sophie brightened up after tea and was a different child thank goodness.

funfunfun!!!

Cant believe it has been so long since I last blogged - sorry Grandma :) Life is pretty chaotic here at the moment so really looking forward to the school holidays. Many parents dread the weeks of having the children at home but despite the inevitable bickering I am looking forward to spending some more relaxed time with them rather than rushing out of the door to school everyday - ask again a week in and see if I still feel the same way :)

Ben is loving spending time with Megan - he sings to her and loves to do 'This little piggy' she really squeals with delight and he loves the fact that she responds now.
Took all the children to Toysrus yesterday to buy 'good school report toys' . And Megan got a 'being a dream baby toy' !! Ben chose a Kungfu panda - he hasnt seen the film and doesnt really know anything about the character but was adamant it was the toy he wanted - i was dubious especially when I saw the price but all 3 children have had a lot of fun and laughter with him already so I suppose it was ok - it certainly made Ben smile. And was better than Tom's toy - the poor boy had a fantastic report - despite his recent stresses he is doing 'above expectaions' or 'significantly above expectations' in all areas except his handwriting which is inline with expectations (better than both parents though :)) - he and John chose a remote controlled airplane - took it to the field in the village to fly it and came back after 20 minutes having lost it over a hedge - will have to buy him something else.

Sophie knew she wanted a scooter she had seen advertised - it has pink lights which flash up the sides - she plans to ride it from the car into school each day - so I get the pleasure of struggling back to the car with it and the pram - she deserves it though as her report was also great although it did describe her as being a quiet child which I felt a little unlikely :)

We spent a lot of today in the garden making the most of the good weather. John is very hungover after the schhol 'summer bash' last night - he insists it was something he ate but as he missed the food because he and a few other dads slipped off to the pub I think that is unlikely. It was the first time I had left Megan for an evening- with Granny Pat so i could relax knowing all would be fine but even so I kept checking the mobile incase she had called as I knew she would need at least one feed while I was gone and I wasnt sure how well she would take the bottle even though it was my milk. Needless to say all was fine and we got back around 1230 to her sleeping soundly - dancing was a little uncomfortable towards the end of the night but apart from that I was able to totally relax knowing all 4 children were being looked after and had a great night - thanks Mum :):).

Tom was fascinated by a beetle he found. Sophie helped me with some gardening - finally getting some veg in way too late but better than nothing - I am amazed how grown up she looks in this photo - not my little girl any more although she still managed a major paddy today :(

It wasnt that warm but the slightest sign of sunshine and they ask for the hose - they had great fun soaking each other but also cleaned the patio for me in preparation for the Pearsons visiting this week.

Tom had a lovley gentle chat with Megan.
Then Sophie decided to pour water down the slide to see if she would go faster - she did!! and shot off the end so fast it was hard to get a decent photo - Ben tried to copy her but let go off the bucket insteand of pouring the water - the bucket hit Sophie and that was the end of the fun!