Summer punting!

M is safely back from Oz, and we all had a pleasant work summer party on Saturday. R had his first try and punting, and of course wasnt too bad at it at all (too much time in boats). So we are now all set for punting with visitors without it costing an arm and a leg. Though I think R had tired legs afterwards! Kids are on school holidays now, and enjoying themselves. Both pretty tired though. They are embarked on a reading 'medal' program at the local library - if they read 6 books by the end of holidays they get a medal and certificate. J has already done 2 books by day 2! He will probably want extra medals knowing him. Little M has read her first book too. Holiday plans are afoot, big M off to Netherlands for a couple of days, then all to France before we move to our new accommodation in late August. Then our furniture will arrive - hurrah! And of course a special photo of little M skating to match the Portmans!! She goes quite fast now, preferred outfit pink skirt and shirt of course!


Skate queen. 

Whoops!

Uh oh...trip to Oxford for the weekend wasnt as much fun as we planned - we rear ended someone just before the M1 near Milton Keynes. Everyone is fine, the kids dont even seem to be a little bit traumatised, not as much as their dad for sure. But then they dont have to pay for it!

Sports Day

Today was the school sports day - and as you would expect it was about 35 degrees and bright sunshine. What else do you do on such day but make children run around in the sun for 2 hours? The kids apparently had a good time, I cant comment on what the events actually were as there is a policy in the UK of not telling parents anything...we were encouraged to come and watch, but not given any information on what the kids were doing or how the competition was set up. A bit mystifying, but fun and I took lots of photos! We are off to Oxford for the weekend to catch up with our friends there, hopefully the weather will continue fine and warm - Abingdon has a great 'water park' down by the river.

Only one more week till mummy comes home...

M is still in Australia, 1 week now till she heads back. The kids are being very relaxed about the whole thing, no complaining and they havent even kicked up a stink at the unfairness of Mum going to Australia while they stay in England. The weather continues to be pretty good, nice sunny days. We have been roller blading in to school in the mornings this week (signing the late book once or twice too!). Little M had her drama class production on Monday, she did really well being the first one up. Her costume, hand sewn by mum, was a hit - lucky she chose to be Cinderella BEFORE the ball! This morning we had to dodge the cows on the common - they were making a good attempt at completely blocking the footbridge access.

New Show Opening in West End (of Cambridge)...

J's drama class performed their end of term show today to a packed house of parents and younger sisters/brothers. The papparazzi were out in force to snap pictures of the stars. Audience reaction was wildly enthusiastic, although at times the show was scary! M&J were treated to Pizza Hut after the show (dad couldnt be stuffed cycling home and then cooking dinner). Little M's show is next week.

This week was the school trip to the beach Old Hunstanton...the weekend was spent purchasing buckets, spades etc. Both had a good time, although little M had the best weather (it wasnt actually raining) - poor J, who's class went the day after M's, had a day of rain and wind. It didnt seem to greatly affect their enjoyment of the beach though.

Big M is in Australia for the next couple of weeks, so a chance to leave the washing up till tomorrow and generally be slobs! Today I locked myself out of the flat for the nth time...only problem was the spare key was gone from its hiding place! I had to ring around the estate management people to find someone with a spare key then borrow sandals and a bike from next door to head into town and get it. It must have looked pretty funny - Alejandro is a fair bit shorter than me and it felt like a kids bike.

In case you are wondering none of us were anywhere near London, although there are plenty of people from Cambridge who work in London and wont be getting home tonight with the transport system in chaos. I know 2 people who are stuck there tonight.

Dancing Queen

M is having a lovely time exploring dress ups. This week we have made a spangly dress of beautiful purple (not too bad), paper dresses out of large sheets of tissue paper (problem in the rain and a bit breezy) and a costume for cinderella which she is doing in drama. And of course she has the whole back yard to make shows in for her loving audience. Lots of fun. This weekend has been a round of barbeques and not much else. Big M is off to Oz on Monday. Kids are tired with end of school year approaching. J is getting his front teeth back, the end of another cute stage.

Paper dress designer wear! 

Cinderella in waiting - could cash in her jewels? 

Last chance to see - gap toothed boy! 

Royal ballet next - pink raffia is all the rage.