01/01/2006

Ah, Christmas is already feeling like a distant memory, although we've only got to have a play with our new toys to remind ourselves. Phew, what busy little bees we've been (I don't know why bees are thought to be busy, as resting on flowers, in the sunshine, hardly looks like tough work to me!), anyway where was I, oh yes.......

An unexpected sleep over at Nanna & Grandad's (due to the snowy weather)  more lovely presents for us. A fab organ for Alf who has been pounding out the tunes ever since, although clearly his 4 hour DJ sets are taking their toll. A groovy puppet theatre for me, with Goldylocks characters to put on a show with.

Skiing (twice - once on slushy snow with Dad, once with Mum who showed me a new trick... backwards skiing), a walk in the snow with our friend Amanda, and a lovely pub lunch. The day left a scar for us both though, Amanda's Mum's crazy dog called Barney, that kept trying to smell or lick us...... no chance, we were both staying well out of its way.... scary beast!

Then a tribal gathering with Helen, Jason, Sophie & Naomi (look at me holding her, aren't I all grown up), along with Nanna & Grandad descending on us on New Years Day. So on that note, the question I know you are all wanting to know, did we stay up & see the New year in?. No, after the walking we did, coupled with the near dog savaging trauma, we were out of it by 8:30. We don't feel bad as Mum & Dad didn't make it either, although some nutter had some fireworks that were so loud I thought they were going off in my bedroom...... just you wait till I find out who it was.      

Last, but by no means least Annalise & Harvey came over for some fun & games. We ran riot inside & out and had a thoroughly wild time, in fact, I'm so exhausted thinking about it I'm going to have a lie down................  

25/12/2005

We made it.... its Christmas!!!!! We didn't think we'd be able to stand the excitement of the last few days, and were really going pretty mental by Christmas Eve, and for us two, that is really bonkers!!!

 It must the only day of the year that we ask to go to bed before we have to (but only after we'd got the drink & food ready for Santa & the Reindeer), of course. Well we must have been good boys & girls as Father Christmas did come & see us (although I again slept through his visit... must try harder next year - maybe Alf & me will have to have a rota system).

Anyway, it was daytime when we got up, so it was straight into the presents at the end of our beds (with some groovy pens & crayons for us to be creative with). We then rushed downstairs to find the lounge had been filled with lots of lovely presents for me & Alf. Talk about kids in a sweet shop... we didn't know where to start, but luckily Mum & Dad just about managed to keep us under control.

We have been really lucky, with some really special things. For me, a Barbie car with a real CD player, a big dressing up doll & the Gruffalo's Child book that I really wanted (so wow, he did get my letter). For Alf, a remote control plane that makes lots of noise & a racing car set that these cars wizz around a track, and crash if you go too fast. Huge thanks from both of us for all our lovely things.

Disappointingly there was no snow, but we decided to so for a festive walk anyway, to build up an appetite for our Christmas dinner & party tea. It was nice to get some fresh air, and a chance to get our new snow boots muddy, that we'd only bought with Daddy the day before.

After a feast at both lunch & teatime, were both ready for our beds, and Christmas slipped by for another year.

On Boxing Day (does it mean that I can fight with Alf?) we went to see Grandma & Grumps, who's waited to open their presents until we got there - how were they able to resist temptation? Well it was like Christmas all over again, with Alf & me getting a pillow to match our snuggle sacs - they are so cosy & lovely, they'll get used every day. I got this mad game, where you have to dig these bits out of a persons body without hurting them - called operation. If you don't get it right his nose lights up & he screams, well, a buzzer noise goes off. Alf got a remote controlled car, but we need some more batteries before we can see how that one goes.

We were full of energy racing round the house, fuelled by an endless supply of good food - Alf particularly liked Grandma's chocolate cake & the Brandy cream (anything with alcohol in it!), that we couldn't believe that it was all too soon time to go.

Just to prove how exciting it all is, we didn't even go to sleep on the way home, but I think we lasted about another 10 minutes before we fel..................................................  

18/12/2005

Could it be a white Christmas for Alf & me, or has winter been & gone already? The growing Christmas excitement is reaching a peak - handing out all my cards (all 27 of them made & written by me), the school Christmas meal (I did try a bit of most things, but my friends helped me eat it up), Alf meeting another Father Christmas (he must have been trying to fool us, as we know his secret is out - see last weeks story)... how are we going to last another week - we want Christmas NOW!!!!!   

Even the weather is getting into the spirit of things, with some fab snow for us to play with. We had to be quick though as it was melting almost as we were playing with it. However, we working quickly & built a great snowman (with most of the snow in the close). We tried to make another one, but Stephen kept knocking it down as fast as we could make it, so we gave up.

Skiing was really fun as there was some snow on the ski slope which made it really fast (which we all loved). Annalise went a bit fast & ended up falling on her head. She must have been a bit frightened by this as she didn't want to ski anymore.... booooooo. Me & Daddy had some fun whizzing about everywhere, with even people I didn't know telling me what a good skier I was.... (must be careful to stay grounded or my head won't fit in my helmet!). 

Oh, before I forget, Alf is now really good with his wee's & poo's & uses the toilet most of the time (although sometimes he manages to soak his trousers, even when he's sitting on the toilet - very careless!

Must go, we've got to decorate the Christmas tree, which clearly will need the girly touch, although I can get Alf to do all the bits where you get prickled by the tree as I don't like that bit.

11/12/2005

You'll be pleased to know that I made sure the Christmas story was correctly told, and as inn keeper I wasn't persuaded into giving Mary & Joseph a free room upgrade (just because she was going to have a baby). All I had left was Eyore's room, so it was take it, or leave it! Maybe a future career in hospitality management awaits. Nanna came along to the show & said she enjoyed my performance, as did Alf, so I've now set the standard (1st Annie, now the Nativity.... next stop the West End.... or maybe the X Factor (the girly version of Chico?)

Alf's definitely making progress with his skiing, becoming a bit of a regular just like me. Him and Harvey still like a bit of a mess about & look forward to their sledge racing, as much as the skiing, but its all looking like good fun at Uncle Ben's in 6 weeks time.

Of course, how could we let a week slip past without a passing mention to Christmas..... is it really only 2 weeks away now... I was getting really excited at the thought of Father Christmas coming to see us.... until I found out the truth.......... he's really Alfie in disguise.... my illusion has been well & truly shattered!  What will I lean next, that there isn't really a man in the moon, and its not made of cheese!

04/12/2005

Well you've maybe heard of Chelski, but now there is Alfski, as Alf has taken up the noble art of skiing. He's started in the same class as me & Annalise & has now been joined by Harvey.

Just like me Alf does not want to go slow and from the bottom, what he wants is fast & from the top! So, with Mummy keeping the fronts of his skis together he's coming down from the top of the nursery slope already.... you show off.

Obviously feeling a bit pleased with themselves, the boys decided to have a 'fastest roll down the slope race'. The rules were simple walk up the side of the slope, fall over onto your side and roll over & over until you stopped or became hopelessly dis-orientated!

Not content with this mayhem, they decided to have a sledge race, and being amongst the 1st, and lightest (being by far the youngest children there), no-one know just how far & how fast they would go. Well, they gathered speed like a falling stone and sped off the end of the ski mat, over the green path and into the orange crash barrier! There was a moment of concern, but Alf & Harvey just got up & laughed.... typically boy behaviour.

Not to feel left out, Daddy & me (together with Annalise for a short while) went out skiing (and it didn't rain or hail for a change). I am definitely liking the new slope & the Fun-Park, although I've not yet got up enough speed to get airborne off the jump yet.

Good to see that there has been snow at Uncle Ben's, so hopefully there will be plenty for us all to whizz about on in January.

Must dash, off to practice my lines for the school Christmas play. I'm the Inn Keeper, so I need to get it right otherwise Mary & Joseph could end up in a Holiday Inn.

27/11/2005

Onward, Christmas is now getting our full attention, writing lists of things we'd like (we hope Santa doesn't read our diary, as he might think we've been bad, which we haven't really!) & helping Mummy with the cards.

Back to my drama group & straight into something new, which we learned in no time at all.... we are getting good, even if I say so myself. Alf & Daddy had fun, off down to the river to see the Ducks. Lucky they didn't go the day before as someone at school said it had all been flooded. I don't suppose it would have mattered as both Daddy & Alf can swim (might have been a bit cold though).  

Talking of cold, wasn't it great to get some snow (I know it didn't last for long, but just for enough time to have a play around on the way to school. Hope there will be lots & lots at Uncle Ben's chalet in January for skiing.

Just to show you are never too old to have fun, I snapped Nanna & Grandad going for a ride in our pretend train. We were nearly to Norwich station when we must have skidded on some leaves on the line and crashed - luckily no one was hurt. 

Alf starts his skiing soon, so I'm sure we'll have some tales to tell. He's getting a bit better with his wee's, most now on (or near) the toilet, with only the odd accident. Alf, the pants are a definite improvement - keep it going.        

20/11/2005

So, Edie, Annalise & debutante Megan took to the stage to entertain the gathered crowds, not once but twice... even for us veterans, two days running was a new one for us.

First to see the show were Nanna & Grandad, who said they really liked it, so all our practicing must have been worthwhile. The hall, and the stage were smaller that the one at Yarmouth, but still enough space for us to do our thing, both as the Christmas Clowns & orphans.

The 2nd day Mum, Dad, alf & Grandma came along. Grumps still couldn't hear too well to he stayed at home and did some ironing.... how well trained Grandma has got him! 

We all had a great time doing our show & I didn't forget what I was doing, even once. sometimes I need to slow down a bit as some of the others are not as quick at remembering as me & I get a bit ahead. As I hope there will be a next time, maybe I can have a part where I have to do some speaking all on my own..... now that would be very grown up & cool. DVD's of the performance are available at a very reasonable cost. Order now to avoid disappointment.

Thinking about, and practicing for the show has really taken over my little head in the past few weeks, so now its over, and there is spare thinking space, I'll have to turn this onto something else..... Christmas perhaps!

Alf has asked me to say sorry to Mum & Dad as they are still having to clear up his toilet accidents. He really is trying very hard to get it right, but sometimes just forgets. He has promised to try & keep his pants clean & dry for a whole day, so we can all be proud of him.      

13/11/2005

Well, we seem to have heard the last of the fireworks for another year, or have we just become so used to the noise that we don't hear them anymore..... bizarre, but true.

Anyway, so what have we been up to? I've been practicing for a show (yes, another chance to get dressed up & perform on stage in front of an audience, what great fun!). Me & Annalise will hep those nervous 1st timers, as I'd hate Megs to get stage-fright - bless! I can't tell you too much, other than I'll be both dressed in rags & as a clown, doing singing & dancing.... 'Its a hard knock life....for us, .....its a hard knock life..... for us'.. 

When I went to tennis with Stephen, Alf went to the Playbarn with Dad (lucky thing) and a party with one of his friends from Jumping Jacks (which I still remember having great fun at). He had a great time, surrounded by girls (as of course you would), and loved showing off at how fast he was at climbing, sliding, jumping (& anything else at least mildly dangerous he could find to do!).

On Sunday we went to see Grandma & Grumps (who we'd not seen for ages. We had some mad fun on the bouncy slide we made upstairs, and the indoor high-speed skipping was a giggle, if a little exhausting! I was a really good girl and ate lots of Grandma's cooking, and got some yummy cakes & biscuits as a treat Alf, as usual spent more time playing with his food, rather than eating it... typical 3 year old wasteful behaviour - doesn't he know that there are starving children in Africa who don't have food to eat - I'll have to have a word with him in private.

Must go, got to do my homework & practice my lines.... one cannot over prepare you know. Wish me luck & hope to see you there.       

06/11/2005

We'd forgotten how close Halloween & fireworks night are together, so we'd only just started tucking into our haul of trick-or-treat sweets when we heard the 1st tell-tale bang of fireworks.

At least now I know something about why we have fireworks, something about a guy called forks wanting to blow up a house!.... well, I didn't say I knew everything about it

So on the 4th November, not the real bonfire night which is on 5th, we went back to school, along with Curly Megs, after it was dark to see some fireworks. We were both liked them a bit better than last year (but the really loud ones still make us a bit frightened.... better when Mum or Dad covered our ears).

Our friends Stephen & Daniel got a bit worried by it all and had to watch from inside (don't worry, I did that a couple of years ago), I'm sure we'll all be outside together next year.

There were some spectacular explosions and a rainbow of colours that I've tried to capture in my chalks-on-paper work.

Mummy left us alone with Dad on Saturday (as usual) and we went off to the woods for a bike ride, after I had a tennis lesson. Well, I've got skiing mastered (Alf stars his skiing in a couple of weeks), so I'll give this tennis thing a go.

Sunday (again we were left with Dad) was a bit disappointing as we went all the way to Bungay to go swimming, only to be told that Daddy could not look after us both (although we'd been there last week). We were all very sad, and blamed the lady, who turned us away.

We needed some cheering up so we went for a walk in the woods (it would have been another bike ride, although Mummy had borrowed Daddy's keys, so we could not get the bikes off the car). No matter as we found some excellent sticks to bash the plants with, and finished off with a trip to the farm shop to get some sweets, so it turned out alright in the end.

School & Playgroup for us tomorrow, so we'll be off...............            

30/10/2005

We've only been back at school 5 mins & we're on holiday again... not that I'm complaining. Obviously the best job to have (if you really have to work) is a teacher, all that holiday, and such lovely kids to look after.... easy!

Suitably rested after Alf's birthday excesses, we had his party part II, with his friends at our house. As Annalise & Stephen were also on holiday, Alf kindly allowed them along for the fun. As I thought, much fun was had, and much fighting over the go-kart (I knew it would end in tears, but at least everyone wants a go!

Then a great surprise, two long lost friends, our cousins Robert & Rowan, all the way from Upton Snodsbury (wow, and I thought Brundall was a funny place name!). First fun & mayhem at the Playbarn.... hours of fun running here, there & everywhere with Alf disparately trying to keep up...... good try little man.

Just as we thought that would be the last we'd see them for another few months then we were back together, this time at Nanna & Grandad's, as Mummy went to get a haircut (looking good!). Great fun in the garden & on the swing, we were really tired at the end of that crazy caper.

Our powers of recovery have really improved as we were ready for another day of fun, and Dad didn't disappoint (taking us both swimming, while Mummy went shopping). Crazy sliding, jumping & splashing in our favourite Bungay pool.

I was not finished & went off to a Halloween party, all dressed up as a wizard/ witch thing (you decide). Alf & me did it all again on the real Halloween, and got a lovely haul of sweeties.       

23/10/2005

3 Years Old

Well it should be the end of t he terrible 2's as  I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Alf a very Happy Birthday, a big, grown up 3 years old. However, he seems to still be very choosy about what he'll be grown up about. Sometimes seeming beyond his years.... out on his bike & scooter, sometimes more like a 2 year old baby, with no sign of him getting out of his pull-up-pants.....and just wet patches in his big boy pants.

So the great day was finally here, and at first Alf hadn't remembered (I had to remind him, by wishing him Happy Birthday), then is all seemed to click, and we went on the search for presents.

It didn't take long (well big boxes covered in bright coloured paper are not easily overlooked!) & the paper-ripping began. A great wooden box  some more train track for Alf's collection, followed by Marty the Zebra from Madagascar (no, not a real Zebra, just a toy one). Then, Alf's Madagascar favourite, Alex the Lion.... and he talks.... squeeze his paw and he says things from the film like......"It's Show Time!", really cool.

Just as we were starting to wonder if Alf's guests were coming after all, Nanna & Grandad arrived with another present. This box took some help getting into, and needed Daddy to do some putting together. The result..... a pedal go-kart that already after a day has about 1000 miles of road use on it...... its been great fun, although a bit tricky to manoeuvre indoors!   

We'd not even tidied up the mess from this present opening frenzy when Grandma, Grumps, Ben & Catherine arrived, bring more goodies for Alf..... you lucky thing. Not only a wicked pirate dressing up costume, with this mad sword that makes a clanging noise, but a snuggle sac like mine (although fortunately for Alf, not a pink ballerina one (no a pirate one to match his outfit... inspired). Finally, this ace bingo game where you have to guess the animal on cards that you can only see the back of..... my head still hurts from all that concentrating!

So the rest of the day was spent high speed, indoor, go-karting, stuffing lots of lovely cake, biscuits & champagne.... how indulgent! & trying to escape the Alf-the-Terrible, the crazy pirate of Brundall.

We were absolutely exhausted come bedtime & both crawled into our snuggle sacs & were asleep straight away...phew, we've got to do it all again soon for Alf's toddler chums....that should be fun.

16/10/2005

These mid-week dancing lessons, as well as being good fun are the place to pick up the latest information.... networking is what I think grown ups call it. Well whatever is called it has been useful to help Alf & me plan our activities, knowing just how much effort / energy we can afford to put into each, saving enough for the next 'supposed surprise'.

So it was through my 'networking' that we found out about Harvey's 3rd birthday party, and lucky we did as had we not paced ourselves, then something of what turned out to be a busy weekend, would not have gotten our full & undivided attention.

As it was I was able to go to drama (and do enough to get a sticker for being on of the best at remembering their words / dances). Store up my energy before the party (for a bit longer than expected as we had to dash home just before it started as Alf had a nose bleed all over his clothes..... yuk!), and then hit the Margaret Harker Hall (and Harvey's party with everything we had left!). Fun, fun, fun.... and all thanks to an inflatable slide that we slid, bounced & rolled down, stopping for just enough time to scoff some food & sing Happy Birthday, before doing some more bouncing & sliding.

These networks are however not perfect as they did not detect a visit (and sleep over) at Nanna & Grandads. Mummy went out to see her friends, Dad stayed at home (as he didn't know we were going either), and we all had a disturbed night.... Alf sends his apologies.

One final flourish, with a trip to the ski club and a rare ski with Dad, on the new slope. This is really fun as it is made of different (and faster) stuff than the main slope & feels more like snow. We had some really fun runs down the hill, as I did when Mummy came on for a ski as well. Alf was sleeping in the car, obviously a bit tired after keeping everyone else up all night!... alright for some. 

09/10/2005

We are both now well into our activity routines, with almost every day having something that one or other of us is doing.... its a busy time in our little world. If its not school, ballet, drama or swimming for me, its Playgroup, Little Stars or Jumping Jacks for Alf. No wonder by the weekend we just want to play, play play... cos that's what our week has been like & why upset a good routine?

Curly Megs is like a proverbial Bus (yes, us 5 year olds know all about proverbs.... 'Wise Edie She Say...."), I don't see her for ages, now see her most days at school and now most weekends.

This one was a bit different as we went out with Meg's Mum & Dad to have lunch. Yawn, you might be thinking, just going somewhere to eat. But my chums you'd be wrong, as we have found something like Brewsters, that isn't Brewsters, but just as good.

Lots to climb on outside (and what a lovely day it was for climbing), some yummy smiley faces & fish fingers...all washed down with Coke & Fruit-Shoots.... refreshed & re-fuelled we were ready to tackle the indoor play area!.     

What a mad time we had chasing here, there & everywhere. Mum's & Dad's outside, talking about whatever they talk about, and us inside going bonkers...... superb!

We got back and with the Coke still giving us lots of energy we stayed outside in the Close with the girls... all in about 6 hours of full on playtime.   

Wow, were we both exhausted. I fell asleep on the sofa  & Alf says he didn't last much longer.... lovely sleep we had..... right, bring on another week!

02/10/2005

As we said last week, you just cannot tell what sort of a week it is going to be, and so it has proved yet again.

Annalise & me have once again settled in to our ballet class, and our previous experience has certainly shone through, as we are pretty good... even though we say it ourselves.

The drama is fun, with Curly Megs & Stephen joining in the fun. We've got to learn all the words from a song in the next 2 weeks, so I'll have to get practicing...."Its a hard knock life... for us. Its a hard knock life".....

I'd forgotten all about it until Friday afternoon when Mummy reminded me that we were going to a Disco. Wow, what a good time we had, lots of lights, and my favourite music from Pop Jnr...."Show me the way to Amarillo.....". All this, my face painted as a butterfly & a fab glow-in-the-dark bracelet.  

After this, whatever else could the week have hiding up its sleeve (I know weeks do not have sleeves, its just a way of describing something).... us 5 year olds know everything.

The answer came with a long overdue visit from Grandma & Grumps. We had great fun playing around (Edie doing some colouring with Grandma, and me & Grumps reading books in our pretend tent. All rounded off with a trip to Blofield Park (the 2nd in 2 days) and some climbing & clambering.

Phew, we are both exhausted & in need of a good rest.....later everyone.     

25/09/2005

Last week it was curly Megs starting school, this week it was her birthday. So she's finally caught me up and is now as old as me... a whole 5 years old - welcome to the club.

It was lucky it was her birthday, as if not we don't know if we'd have had much to talk about.... it had been one of those weeks.........boring.

Well, that is not quite true, I did get to test out my ski legs (1st time in a while), and the reason..... I had an audience. Nanna & Grandad were coming over for tea, and they stopped at the ski club to watch. I was not at my best, but at least I proved to them, and myself that I could still do it.

On Sunday it was off to the party, and a rare treat these days, a party that both me & Alf could go to together. However, after the fuss that Alf made, I cannot see anyone asking him back to another party in a hurry..... wailing & crying, throwing himself on the floor, hanging onto Mum like a Limpet..... baby!!!!! 

I took a bit of time to get into things,  but glad I did as there was this lady who we had to copy, as she was doing all these cool dances to some of my favourite songs.... from my Pop Junior CD, I'll now be practicing & practicing over & over, I can see Mum & Dad getting really bored of the same songs..

After this mayhem, it was nice to get back home, stuff our faces with cake & play outside with the girls.

So we wonder, what will the next week bring, another dull routine, or something special to brighten things up.... who knows. Whatever happens, as you know chums, you'll hear all about it here 1st.          

18/09/2005

So curly Megs finally goes to school, although only for the morning until next week. I was glad to hear that she was having a good time, and couldn't wait to spend all day playing & learning.

Talking of starting new things, Alf was back at his playgroup, and had his friend Sam over to play in the garden, which he didn't stop talking about. For me it was a new dance class with Annalise, and best of all our leotard is pink, not blue like before.....excellent. We did some of the same moves that Mark had taught us before so we could make it look easy... much to the surprise of our teacher.

As well as dancing, I now do drama (believe me its no as grand as it sounds), just a chance to do some singing and stuff, although I think there will be another performance, but I'm guessing a bit less grand than the other ones Annalise & me we 'stars' in.

Sorry to get sidetracked, I haven't mentioned the big tele. We all went to the cinema to watch a film, and it was on the biggest screen we had ever seen. It was as tall as a house & the music very loud. We saw Charlie & the Chocolate Factory which was really good (both the film & the sweets that Alf & me shared). There looked to be some other good films coming on, so hopefully we will go again.

Although me & Alf were not that hungry after eating all those sweets, there is always room for a popadom or 2, so it was an extra special treat to visit our favourite Indian restaurant, for some lovely beer & food.

We both need to catch up on our sleep so until next time...........        

11/09/2005

School again, and honestly it was great to be back... seeing all my friends again. I know I'd seen them over the Summer, but now we have all day together.... great!

My new teacher, Mrs Howlett seems nice, although I'm still a bit sad that I'm not with Miss Carter anymore. Never mind, perhaps curly Megs will have her as teacher. She starts school this week &  I bet she's so excited she can hardly sleep.... I know I was when I started. Hopefully I'll see her at playtime, so we can have a big hug and a mess about.

Something different every week at the ski club at the moment. Last week the flying racers, this week the flying (literally) snowboarders. This new bit was open, which has a big jump and a steep hill the other side. These people were doing some huge jumps and then going up this cliff.... sometimes on their bum!

I'm going to have to have a go with Mummy the next time I go skiing. Alf was really getting into it as well, and couldn't stop himself laughing at the people that fell over.... just you wait until you start to learn.... then you'll not be laughing so much! We spend as much time at the Ski Club as we do at home, or it seems that way, if you want to find out what our home-from-home is like, you can www.norfolkskiclub.com. 

It seems that Summer has gone, as the weather seems much cooler already, although we hardly feel it when we're outside playing with the girls, as we are never still, or in Daddy's car.

Better recharge, ready for some more school dayz fun............. bye    

04/09/2005

So the end is near, hasn't the holiday just flown by, I think it is only Mummy that can believe its only been 6 weeks!

Well, I promised last week that it would end on a high, and it did for both of us. but not as we could have guessed. I slept over at Nanna & Grandad's house, without Mummy or Daddy being there.... how grown up, a real sleep-over. We had some fun on the beach & the back garden, and by bed-time I was whacked, so everyone got a good nights sleep (including Mum & Dad, at home with Alf).

Next day, a special treat, a ride on a real steam train. Alf loves trains & he was so excited... the sounds and the smells. Even after the train, the fun continued. We went on a bus with an upstairs (we'd never been on one like that before), walked around a few shops.... yawn, but  then got to to do the bus & train all over again... excellent.

There was just enough time to recover from that excitement overdose, when it was party time again, for one of my school friends. This party was a bit special as they wanted us to dress up (not your normal best frock dress up, no as a bug or insect). Well there was only going to be one thing I was going to be... can you guess......... that's right a butterfly. Thanks to Dad for the wings.... amazing what you can do with an old coat hanger.... clever boy!)       

Lastly, just to show what a crazy week its been, Stephen & Daniel came back from their holiday, so we had plenty to catch up on.

In between, we nipped to the ski club to see some ski racing. Wow, how fast they go, nearly straight down all the way, smashing these bendy poles out of the way with their arms, legs or head... it seemed whatever hit it first. We found our own entertainment, as you'd expect and constructed a challenging obstacle course, which we soon had other children joining us on.

It has been warm, and with all that running around we are both very tired, so before I fall asleep writ...........    

28/08/2005

Ah, the feeling of warm sun on your face & an ice-cream in your hand, it can only mean one thing.... its still the school holidays.... hooray. Me & Alf are still going strong, looking for things to do, mayhem to make, but I get the feeling that Mummy is getting just a little bit tired.........only another week to survive!    

What made the nice weather an even bigger surprise was that it was a holiday from work day (and it normally always rains on those days). So off we went to the gardens where Nanna had her birthday last year, but this time with Grandma & Grumps. Me & Alf had a great time running around the paths & playing hide & seek with Grumps, who hid in some very tricky places.

Mum, Dad & Grumps had some funny dinner, they ate big claws that they had to break with these things Grumps had brought along. It must have been nice, to go to all that trouble, but I'll stick to my ham sandwich thanks.

All was going so well until unexpectedly (even to me) I threw Grumps drink bottle into the middle of the river. I don't know why, it just happened. I'm afraid we could not get it back, even the longest sticks we could find couldn't reach it...... sorry Grumps.

So to the rocket reference, could Alf be the next Brundall skiing sensation? Well, he's now got his own ski boots, and my old skis, so all he needs is a bit of snow or a few of Mummy's ski lessons and he'll be away with us in France come January.      

So we come to the last week of the holiday, as its back to school next week. We'll have to make sure we finish on a high...........tune in next time chums    

21/08/2005

Bonjour, back again with more tales of our French adventure. We went back to the lovely lake that we saw last year, but this time no snow to be seen anywhere, so no snowball fights... boo-hoo. Even so it was still lovely, and the cafe was open this time so we had a lovely bottle of drink (our highest one on land... ever).

Then to something new, the swimming lake in Allos, and not just the lake but a playground as well - we had so much fun the 1st time with Grandma, that we just had to go again, this time dragging Daddy along..... well you need someone to peddle the boat up & down the lake, while you take it easy! As you can imagine the water was a bit on the chilly side, but it didn't stop me going down this big tall curly slide into the water.....great fun, if a bit of a shock to the system on landing!      

Following the watery theme, Alf & me got some great water pistols and had some great water fights in the garden... until Alf threw / dropped his down the stairs & it broke!

Next came a 1st for Alf, a trip on the chairlift. How weird to go up when there is no snow, but beats walking every time. We walked down my favourite ski run through the trees, and it is not until you try and walk that you realise how steep it is.... much easier on skis. We met up with Ben & Catherine who had walked up... mad fools, and watched some crazy people on bikes come really fast down the hill, through the woods, jumping in the air. When we are a bit bigger we are definitely going to have a go.

Even on holiday Daddy just has to be doing something, this time it was tidying up the front of the chalet by laying lots & lots of stones down, rather like on our flower beds at home. Well, we couldn't allow him to struggle all on his own so we gave him a helping hand and I think did rather well. It certainly looks much better, over the Ben & Catherine now to finish the job.  

All too soon it was over, and we were packing our cases and getting ready to come home. The journey back down the mountain is usually a bit boring, but this time it was livened up by us having to stop quickly on the side of the road so Mummy could be sick!.... too much wine the night before... when will she learn to drink in moderation, just like us.

So we're back, and while our friends were very pleased to see us, I'm sure they are now rather bored with the amount of times we've told them all about our adventures, and shown them as many pictures as they could take. Next time in France there will hopefully be lots of snow.... only 5 months & counting.....Au revoir my chums.      

14/08/2005

We can't believe we are back already, it only seems like yesterday that we left, but its nearly 2 weeks ago. We're definitely still on French time, don't let anyone tell you that you can't get jetlag on a 2hr flight from Nice! 

So Grumps didn't scream on the plane, nor did he look too terrified (in fact I think he found it all rather fun.... on the way out anyway. The ride home was a bit more bumpy & I think he thought we were going to crash.... really!)

Everything was as we remembered from last Summer, Shoppi was still there, same lovely bread, nice sweets & groovy little trolly's for Alf & me to push around. The real difference was that there were other people there this time.... almost as many as during the winter time (but of course there wasn't any snow).

We got out and about most of the time, seeing some of the same things, the castles of Colmar & the waterfall, but new things too, a French Circus for one. No animals, except for this small horse that ran around in circles and knelt down when this man hit its leg with a stick, well you would, wouldn't you!.

The juggling and acrobats were pretty good, but how someone can have someone handing off their neck like that I don't know.... that has got to hurt.... payback time for the horse?

The clowns weren't too funny (partly cos we couldn't understand what they were saying, as it was all in French), but as the clown was also the horse-man & the juggler / acrobat, the clown thing obviously wasn't his best thing!...did he really think that he'd fool a tent full of clever kids!   

We had a lovely walk in some woods where there were loads of tiny little strawberries growing everywhere. I thought you had to go to a P.Y.O farm for that (whatever P.Y.O is!) anyway these were free, so with Daddy & Grumps picking as many as they could find, Alf ate his bodyweight in strawberries, and I had some (shock horror, trying something new... hey when in France....) and they were quite nice I have to admit.

Sorry but the jetlag has made my eyelids feel like lead weights, and Alf went long ago, so I'll have to finish off our French Tale next time..... Au revoir my chums.      

31/07/2005

Sorry, can't stop.... I've just enough time to pack my case (making sure I've got teddy & some sweets) as we're off to France.

I wonder how Grumps is feeling now as its nearly time for his 1st trip on a plane. I wonder if he'll like the take-off as much as I do.

So we've said our goodbye's... Annalise & Stephen are both on holiday as well so I'm sure we'll all have stories to tell when we get back.

Got to go, one final check of my packing list & I must grab some sleep...... Happy holidays to all my chums..

24/07/2005

Who would have believed it.... I've been at school a whole year (well, alright, not a real year, but a school year). no longer am I in year 'R', I'm in year '1'. All that, just to go from a letter to a number.... wow!.

At least the last week was more play than learn, which is good as my little head needs a rest from all that learning. It started promisingly with Alf & me seeing our newest Cousin, Nay-omi, for the 1st time - were we really that small once (we can't believe it). We had a great time feeding the animals (until Alf nearly got savaged by some wild Goats, I'm sure they would have eaten both Alf's food, and then Alf..... lucky escape there my friend!

Back to Nanna & Grandad's for some fun in the garden with a new set of outdoor ball games... excellent.

Then something strange... off to Grandma & Grumps house (no, you are right, nothing too funny about that), but we got out our tent & slept in it, in Grandma's back garden...... groovy! We must have been very tired as we were the last ones to get up.... everyone else had already had breakfast (thanks for waiting).

Spent the rest of the day playing in the garden or the tent, with so much running, chasing & kicking we thought our legs were going to fall off! Lovely to see Ben & Catherine again - not long now until we go to France.... looking forward to the big orange plane, and the chance to hold Grumps hand as we speed off down the runway!

So, we struggled through our hectic week of activities, only to be woken up on Saturday at 7:30 in the morning by Annalise knocking on the door!!!!! Had she run away from home? Seeking shelter in a friends house?. No, Mummy had forgotten to set her alarm for a shopping trip with Debbie, and we were all still asleep. Amazingly, Mummy can actually get ready quickly and was out of the door, even before she'd had her mug of coffee..... poor Debbie, no-coffee Mummy, did she know what she was letting herself in for? 

17/07/2005

I'm glad to say that someone was listening to me last week, as the weather did stay nice, just as I asked. A good job too as it was a busy week for Alf & me.

First to the zoo, with all my school chums. We were very well behaved & not at all crazy like the monkeys we saw. They were mad, leaping about and screeching at each other..... I think the heat had got to them as well!

The penguins had the best place on what was a hot day, their very own swimming pool, although the water looked a bit on the green side for my liking... so I didn't join them for a swim!.

Then to the school sports day, and what a warm day that was, all that dashing about in the sun, I nearly melted. I had a good time as you can see (check out the big-air on my sack race jump!). I don't think that my future lies as a girly footballer, sorry Grandma I don't think you'll be going to watch me play when I'm older.

Alf had a lovely time, chillin' out and topping up his tan (well getting his hands & feet brown anyway). Alf then goes to his swimming lesson & has to go swimming with his pyjamas on!!!! what is all that about then? I thought you took your clothes off before you went in. Perhaps someone can explain.   

After all that athletic excursion, I'm ready for a nice lie down......... night all.      

10/07/2005

So Summer is not quite over yet...hurray. Although as you will soon hear, hot weather is not always a good thing.

Thanks to Mr A giving me his lurg, I was starting to suffer and although I struggled to school at the start of the week, I was absolutely roasting hot by Wednesday & I had to stay at home. Now if any of my chums are thinking that this gives them an idea for pretending to be ill, don't bother. Believe me school is far more interesting than being at home (there is only so much Cbeebies you can take, and Mum  Dad's daytime programs are no better!).

Sadly, I had to suffer a further 2 days of this mindless stuff, before feeling well enough to do much of anything. Fortunately both my health, and things of interest were about to take a turn for the better. Saturday, Annalise & me went to see Windham Jo, who is now 5 as well. Alf & Daddy has some boy time together, probably involving tools, tractors or something like DIY (although I do like going to the DIY shop, and standing in all the shower things & trying out the beds..... great fun (and not just for boys).

Then we all went out for tea, to an Indian place. Mum & Dad had curry, Alf & me just ate the giant crisp things - pop-a-dom, or something & drank Daddy's beer.... lovely.

Next day was hot, hot, hot so we went for a bike ride & picnic to see the little trains (like Thomas). I was really grown up and went on my new bike, which was much easier, no stabilisers to be caught like last time.

It was so warm when we got back, the only thing to do was to get out the water slide again & cool down... lovely.

Hope the Summer is here to stay.... for at least a  few days at least.          

03/07/2005

So flaming June turns into flaming awful July!, I've seen so much water these past few days I think I'll get feet like a duck.

First it rains & rains while we are at school, and part of the main hall gets flooded, then we all go swimming. Then school is closed so they can mend the floor.... great an extra day off school, but I miss PE... boo.

We spend all day outside with the girls as Daddy cuts the grass & cleans the cars.... while Mummy skis.

Next we get out the water slide I got for my birthday and all the girls & me slide up & down  making lots of bubbles (as Daddy put some washing up liquid on it..... makes it really fast).

Catherine has some water bombs (small balloons that you fill with water..... I had to ask as well). A few turn into 50 and after playing some gentle games of catch, we then end up having a huge water fight in the close..... a bit cold, but great fun.

We have nearly run out of balloons when Daddy gets in the way of one & gets wet. One things leads to another.... indoor plant sprayers being squirted inside Daddy's hire car, big bowls full of water over Stephen, then he is trapped and soaked from head to foot..... he won't mess with us again!.

Next day, more water, this time an endless sea of rain falling from the sky, all day! Have we had our Summer already?..... I've not even been on holiday yet!         

26/06/2005

5Years Old

I made it, little old me is all grown up and a whole 5 years old. Older, yes, wiser... definitely not (I'm still too young to be sensible).

I'm only just recovering from 2 days of fun filled mayhem, which I hope everyone else enjoyed as much as I did.

Firstly my birthday itself (quite nice to go to school if I'm honest so everyone could make a fuss of me (really only cos I had a bag of sweets I exect). Nanna & Grandad picked me up & I showed them how I can ride my lovely new bikes.... which has gears. I'm not sure what they do, but I'm sure that just like the brakes, I'll find out when I need to.

We had a lovely birthday tea in the garden and opened some more presents, a great water slide and leg skipper from Nanna & Grandad - thanks very much they are great.

So to my party (well mine & Stephen's party actually, as we had it together at the village hall). I biked there with Daddy & got there just as fast as Mum & Alf in the car, so I must be quick!.

It didn't take long before everyone had arrived, and burst most of the balloons (sorry to mine & Stephen's Daddy's who'd just blown them up). We had some great games... pass the parcel, musical statues, musical bumps & musical chairs. I was a bit gutted that I didn't win (as I thought that birthday girls were supposed to be allowed to win everything..... Daddy, please read these rules next time!

Just enough time to shovel a few handfuls of crisps, cakes and other goodies down my neck before returning to the games & dancing. All too soon it was time for my chums to start leaving, and for all our mess to be tidied up.

Never mind, I'd had a lovely time & there was now a huge pile of presents waiting for me at home. It took ages to open them all, and what a lucky girl I am. A scooter, a pink sleeping bag, nail varnish, colouring things, hair things..... the list goes on & on.

I've already started to write my thank you letters, but it could take a few days. So in advance, thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who got me a present, I love them all.

So you are probably thinking that it will be all late nights for a big 5 year old. Not a bit of it, I'm tired... night all.             

19/06/2005

What is this all about then.... back to school, and then Summer.... how is a girl supposed to get a suntan during a double painting & sticking lesson?

Its so hot, Alf & me can't be bothered to fight, its just too tiring, so we've taken to just screaming at each other instead.... less physically demanding, how adaptable we are!

At least there was some relief from the heat, and a trip to the beach, but my oh my is the sea cold or what. Me & Alf got ourselves a bit wet through running in and then out again, but swimming in that..... we'd freeze in an instant.

Daddy is definitely the biggest sandcastle builder on the beach with walls so high we had a job to climb over them, and ditches so deep we could hardly get out...... good work Dad, we had great fun (even if you never got to finish any bit before we smashed it down!)

I nearly didn't make the beach as I went skiing, (yes skiing that winter pastime that you normally get all dressed up in warm clothes to do) and was nearly cooked alive. I had to go inside as I thought I was going to collapse. Thankfully I was revived with a combination of lemonade and sweets!, the cure for all ills me & Alf find.

Finally, don't forget its nearly my birthday, so I hope to see all my chums soon to help me celebrate being 5 years old.... who would have thought it, halfway to 10 already.... scary stuff!             

12/06/2005

All those Saturday mornings of dance practice were about to be put in front of the most demanding of audiences, our Mum's & Dad's.

So it was off to Sunny Yarmouth, to be locked inside all afternoon when Alf & Harvey went for a play on the beach... ate chips & ice-cream...... how us prima ballerina's have to make sacrifices for our art!

So Annalise and I practiced & waited, practiced & waited...........then SHOWTIME!

Out we went onto the stage, all those lights.... all those people....gulp! would I remember all my steps... deep breath.... and GO.

So far so good, I even got to stand up on Chelsea's back without falling down.... great. One dance down, two to go.

Next......Mickey Mouse, my favourite outfits but when it came to the singing, I got a bit star struck & had to feel protected behind my crossed arms.... never mind.

Lastly, white angels... most technical routine, and until halfway it ws all going well, then... someone somewhere went wrong, and we all got confused, Annalise's hair thing fell out and we all sort of wandered around the stage a bit until it was time to get off..... never mind.

I was very keen to hear what Alf thought of my starring performance, only for him to tell me that he'd falled asleep after seeing me the 1st time...... typical.

Anyway off to school to tell them all about it.I                 

05/06/2005

It seems amazing to think that only a few days ago I was taking my 1st wobbly pedals on my stabiliser-free bike. Now I can't remember having them - its just so easy. I've done so well that I'm getting a new bike for my birthday!

Have you developed fortune-telling powers I hear you think. No, I just went to the bike shop with Mum & Dad to choose it. I've not been able to ride it properly yet, but only a couple of weeks away now.

At last, Dad got round to getting rid of that dark blue boy bedroom, and transformed it into a nice bright pink girly palace.... fit for a princess.  

All this and on holiday from school as well, out and about me & Alf having fun.... doesn't get much better.

Must dash, off to perfect my biking skills & chase Alf around the close on my old pink scooter (that I hardly get a chance to use anymore).               

29/05/2005

These foolish adults, they really should know better than to challenge me.... don't they realise, the tougher the challenge the harder I try!

In recent days I've been tested not once, but twice and both times I showed them.....

First, ski round these poles from the top of the slope, whilst people were watching. No problem, even if Mummy's instructions were a bit unclear the 1st time & I went round the poles the wrong way.... silly Mummy. It seems that my next few times were better & they liked me so much that so long as I can show I can put my own skis on (which I can, then I get to ski with the big boys & girls (including my friend Izzy)... cool.

Alf had persuaded Annalise to stop skiing & play with him. I didn't mind though as he'd managed to talk her into letting us come round for tea at their house. We had a lovely BBQ, although I didn't eat much as they had a real bouncy castle which was fab fun to play on..... thanks for a great time Annalise, thanks to from Alf to Harvey, although next time can you not wee all over the place!.... the potty's the place.

Next it was off on our bikes to see the trains (just like Thomas) we biked along and the trains came right past us, all 7 of them. We are going to look in our books to see who we saw ( I know we saw Henry, Annie & Clarabell).  Alf had a great time on the back of Dad's bike, but I was getting fed up with getting my stabilisers stuck on the sides of the path. 

So, after we got home Mum got Dad to take the stabilisers off my bike (well can you really see Mum working a spanner!). On went my ski gear, I have to assume as padding against any spectacular falls, as it was certainly not cold. On with the cycle helmet & onto the grass.... the stage was set!

One... two... three...... push, and away, and hey I'm peddling & not falling over. Was that once just beginners luck, or could I do it again? You bet, 2nd time, 3rd time... turning corners... on the road... down the close & back... starting off on my own............ I've learned to ride my bike in 15 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My friend Stephen was also playing and was desperate to have a try, and he did really well, although corners were proving a bit tricky. I just had to show off my new found skills, so took my bike to Grandma & Grandad Grumps & amazed them with my riding. Uncle Ben was back from France & he couldn't believe it either.

So it look like I'll be spending my holiday on my bike (round & round the close)......                   

22/05/2005

I know, football is supposed to be Alf's game (and you can hardly see him out & about without his football these days), but just to show a bit of girl power, I am also a player. In truth it was just showing you could kick a ball (and with all that practice kicking Alf when he annoyed me, proved very useful!).

Mum and me had some great girly time, going shopping for some new clothes (great new flip-flops & trainers), which I chose myself, as I can't be seen out in any old rags (one has standards to keep up you know).

Dad disappeared for ages (I know it was just a few days for his work), but did we miss him? No, not really!, cos Nanna came round to look after us when Mummy went skiing. We all had a lovely time, and I hope we didn't make Nanna too tired to look after Grandad when she got back.

Talking of skiing, I've got to be on top form next week as I've got to show people what I can do, so I can go up to the next class, and ski with the big boys & girls.

Well, as Dad has come back to see us, I suppose I'd better show some interest.....                   

15/05/2005

At last I can reveal the date and time of the next artistic extravaganza, starring amongst other talented individuals.... Me!.  Don't wait too long before placing your order as I'm sure with such a star studded line up, tickets will be selling fast.

Hopefully the weeks of practice will be worth it, and whatever I am dressed up as (no, I'm not telling, you'll have to wait & see), I remember what I'm supposed to.

Me and Alf went to my school on Saturday (no it wasn't for extra lessons because I'm behind), it was the school fete. We had great fun on the bouncy castle (with a difference as it had a roof on it). I showed Alf all my cool moves on the adventure playground.... I'm sure he was impressed!

My friends has been talking about this candy floss, and how yummy it was, so I had to try some. Well it was lovely but very sticky and strange stuff as it looks live pink cotton wool.

Another day, another party, this time my old friend Victoria who I'd not seen for a while. Showing that I'm an old hand at these party games I won a Badminton set which we can play with outside. In fact, I think I'll do that now as the sun is still shining..... come on Alf, lets go........bye                         

09/05/2005

The kitchen is finished. The transformation was completed with the overnight appearance of a shiny new oven, to replace that really horrible (I can say that now its gone) old one. So we have a lovely shiny & tidy kitchen, but for how long with Tasmanian Alf causing havoc wherever he goes!

Back to the familiar routine of school & playgroup for us two, and back to the safety of work for Dad... normal service is resumed. The only one not adjusting so well is Mum.... she looks more tired than usual & I'm not sure why. Are we just too much for her? have Alfie's Lion King style roars become too loud, too often, has our constant nagging & whinging finally taken its toll? or is it that she just spend too much time watching rubbish on the TV, when she should be asleep?

.It's a shame I didn't remember to mention it to Nanna or Grandad when they came to see us the other day, as maybe Mummy listens to them... as she certainly doesn't listen to Alf or me, let alone to Daddy!

Anyway, I'm glad that there are people, like our lovely Grandparents, who are looking to make sure us youngsters get a fair deal, even at our tender age. So it was great to learn that we were not going to miss out when Mum & Dad were going to our friends Olie & Georgie's, Mummy's wedding. Alright so we couldn't go to the wedding (we must have been on the banned list or something), but we had a party of our own, right here in our house. Special food - lovely jelly, cheese & pineapple & of course crisps, followed by party games such as pass the parcel...we had a lovely time.

Before I go, I need to say it again... these grown ups are really strange. The other day there was all this stuff on the TV about voting, which seemed to involve lots of people putting marks on bits of paper.... odd in my school we just put up our hands. Anyway if that wasn't odd enough, there was someone who has come from a Monster Raving Looney Party to vote, now either this party was not a very good one (if so come to one of ours next time), or this voting thing is better than a party (which I doubt)..... confused chums, we are.                        

02/05/2005

Dad has finally put a new metal thing in the hole in the kitchen, it has bright lights and makes a noise when you push some buttons, but otherwise it seems rather useless!..... I'm sure one day I'll understand & appreciate it.

Just when he's finished clearing up one mess, he goes and makes another..... this time cutting holes in the kitchen ceiling for some little lights to go in. Looks good now, but the dust..... it was everywhere!

For a change, I've been out and about to yet more parties (including one at Pettits, as you know, one of my favourite places). I was surprised I was awake as I was, as only the day before I'd been dancing, been to the Fun Factory, been skiing & then played around in the garden with Grandma & Grumps... phew, just remembering it all is exhausting enough.

Alf, has been a bit of a sick boy, with ton-sil-itus, which just seemed like a tickly cough (which is a funny thing to say as Daddy tickles me, but I can never remember my coughs making me laugh?? Luckily he made enough of a recovery to come on our walk at Fel-Brig Hall, with Annalise & Harvey.

We walked for miles, about 3 I think, through woods (where we picked loads of lovely flowers-but did leave some for other people), running down steep hills, past smelly cows, & through loads of mud by the lake.... all the way back to the ice-cream shop..... yum, yum.

While we were eating our well deserved treats, these people put these bells around their legs, tucked their trousers into their socks & started dancing about with sticks to this funny sounding music...... called Morris Dancing. Now, call me odd if you want (I won't be offended), but this was pretty mad stuff. So mad in fact that Annalise & me had to have a go, and started to do our own moves to the music. The boys on the other hand were happy to to play at dragging each other to the ground.... so childish!!!

It must be tiring stuff as Morris and his dancers soon finished and had a sit down.... lazy lot! Well I can't talk, the 1 day holiday is over, school again tomorrow..... night all.                     

24/04/2005

Wow, how fast we are growing up, some of my close friends are now 5 years old. Older & wiser, so they say (well, as I've said, definitely the older bit, but the wiser.....not so sure).

So I've begun a long list of parties....with two on the same day, fortunately next door to each other. The entertainment gets better every time, this time Charlie Cheesecake (great music to dance to, games to play, and balloon shapes)..... now what am I going to do for my party.... I'd better start planning now.

Between parties a visit to a giant playground, well it wasn't really a playground, but a place where lots of tents had been put up in a field, that you could go in and explore. Alf & me had great fun running around & hiding.... as well as relaxing in the camping chairs.   

Then a return visit to see Isobel's horse, and this time I got to climb on and be walked around the field.... I was horse riding. It was much better than the Donkey rides of the past, the horse, called Pippin, actually seemed to be enjoying himself.

Alf has really got himself a fan club, the girls in the close, they can't seem to spend enough time with him. Playing football (Alf has got a pretty mean left foot), being chased around, playing in the playhouse...... 8 hours of playtime the other day.

So back to school, another day, another book to read (but these books are getting much more interesting.... room on the broom is my current favourite).............night all.             

17/04/2005

Well done Dad, good job on the kitchen, new colour, new cooking thing that the saucepans go onto & get hot, and a big hole above it where something else is going in.... I hope.

Now he's nearly finished, I'll have to start really pestering him to do my bedroom, it really needs to be a more girlie colour, or at least pink bits and pieces.

I'm not sure why we have to be out of the way when he paints, hasn't he seem all our good art...how hard can painting a wall really be?......we'd love to help (3 pairs of hands has got to be better than one).. perhaps next time.

Alf is having a fantastic time at his new playgroup, and he says he can't wait to go back again & again, and what he wants is to go more than just once a week... I'll have a word for him, see what I can do.          

10/04/2005

Alf has reached a milestone... his last day at nursery. No, you do not need to rush to your calendars to check where the last 2 years has gone, he's not starting school, just moving on to playgroup.

He has been a bit low these past few days, perhaps he is missing the place already, almost before he's left. So no more quiet Thursday afternoon's with the beast firmly in his nursery cage, no he'll be invading mine & Mummy's girlie swimming time.... he'd better behave.

So Alf moves on, leaving behind him exhausted staff, and terrorised toddlers......but Elaine, Brenda & Margaret did ask that we come back again in the future, so he couldn't have been too bad (unless they say it to everyone!).

Alf tells me that he's going to a different playgroup than I did, at least to start with, so he'll have to tell me all about it. I'm sure he'll have plenty of chance to practice his painting skills, and add to his already extensive collection of artwork.

Just time to mention our trip out to the 'Spring Fling' with Annalise, Harvey, Jo & Louis. We saw lots of animals like sheep, cows, goats & chickens. I even got some Llama fur. It fell out honest, do you think I'm going to argue with a beast like that!  Shame about the weather that meant we had to stay indoors a lot, and could not go too wild.

Very lastly, Daddy's up to his painting tricks again, this time in the kitchen. We've had to be careful of the mess he makes, trying hard not to put our hands / feet in the wet paint (so far, so good). At least it is a nicer colour than that bright red it was before, I just hope he'll get on & finish it.

03/04/2005

Groan.... our poor stomach's, the flow of Easter chocolate continues, and it would be greedy not to eat what had been so kindly given.

We're having a great time being on holiday (although Mummy doesn't seem to be enjoying herself as much). Been out & about seeing friends & playing outside.

Went to see Grandma & Grumps & had a great time in their garden. Alf was playing tennis, and got rather upset at a rather questionable decision from the umpire.....'you CANNOT be serious!'. judged on this performance he's lacking both tennis skill & anger control, so I doubt we seen the next tennis champion, unless standards really slip!

We went on a feather treasure hunt, and found lots of little, very tickly feathers, which I'll be using in my sticking & gluing. On the way back we walked through this cemetery which was a strange place with all these little stones sticking out of the ground with writing on them. Supposedly this is where people go after they die, but I couldn't see anyone, apart from us... perhaps they were sleeping or hiding!

Another week of holiday to look forward to, so more fun, frolics & fights.           

27/03/2005

Good news, and more good news, 1st Alfie has been declared fit and healthy (must have been just physical as mentally I'm sure he's a bit suspect). After he was a sick boy last time they thought he might have a heart murmour. Now I thought that hearts beat, boom, boom... boom, boom, so I'm not sure how a heart can murmour (does it just boom quietly?) Anyway, he says he was stripped down to his pants and tested like some lab rat, but was told that his heart was fine....phew!.

I'm glad in many ways, for Alf obviously, but also selfishly as I'd not exactly toned down the punishment these past weeks, so if there was anything I might have felt just a twinge of guilt....maybe.  

The other good news was obviously Easter & the bounty of chocolate goodies. This is a particularly good time for me as Alf is not a great choc fan, he gets the wine gums, I get the chocolate eggs.... fine by me.

We had already started to gather a good collection before we went to Nanna & Grandad's and had an egg hunt in the garden. By the time we got home I think we'd eaten our own body weight in sweets!

Something strange has also happened, it is not dark when Dad gets home from work. Now it could be him getting home earlier, just to see us..... unlikely, or they've been playing with the clocks again. Whatever the reason, we'd all been having a great time outside on our bikes, right up until teatime.

On that note, and as I've been out on my bike with Stephen, I'm very tired..... night all.          

20/03/2005

Its official, I am nice. Now, regular readers will know I've long held this view myself, but may have not always believed this for themselves. Well any doubters out there, prepare to doubt no more.... because my teacher says I'm nice, and I have a certificate to prove it.

I thought I'd wait until I'd got it in my hand, before sharing this with you all, although I had been tipped off by one of my well paid sources, that I was in line for something. I had to invite Mummy & Alf to see me collect it, both for independent witnesses & someone to share in the glorious occasion! All this in front of all my school friends. fortunately I was the only one getting certificates, so while it must be important, I'm not the only girlie swot around!

It certainly seemed to have an effect as I've now got some brand new, bright red skis, which I'll try out next week, so being good certainly has its advantages.

At last the weather was warm enough to play outside without 10 layers of clothes on, I even ran around the garden with no top on, although I did get a bit chilly, if I'm honest.

Alf made some lovely cakes at nursery, which have really got us in the mood for Easter, and much feasting on the nice things that I hope we will get.

Must go, Alf's jumping off the window sill and then doing forward rolls on the bed, and I'm sure I can do it faster & better.... bye.          

13/03/2005

We're back to full fitness, and up to our usual tricks........Mum & Dad are soooooooo pleased!

I know us kids are strange, but its really not our fault when you see the things that the grown ups get you to do. A perfect example was getting us to dress up in red, for some thing called Red Nose day.

Now I thought that you only got a red nose when you had a cold & blew your nose too much, but now I know that people wear red noses (with funny faces and straggly hair on). Not only this, but some of my friends painted their faces red as well, although not all of it came off very easily (as I saw at ballet the day after).

Alf & me had a nice time when our friend Amanda came round (we hardly ever see her now as she lives in this big place called London..... wasn't that where Ben & Catherine used to live).

Alf took another growing up step & went to playgroup all on his own. I know he had a great time as he didn't stop talking about it for 2 days afterwards. As he'll soon be going there a couple of times a week, I wonder what Mummy is going to do with all that time to herself.........she'll be bored without us to look (chase) after.

Anyway, we got other things to occupy our not so tiny minds... Easter. Yum, yum, my tummy is rumbling already at the thought of all those lovely chocolate eggs (especially as Alf doesn't really like chocolate, all the more for me).

I must go now, Alf is dancing around like some crazy man, and I can't concentrate... bye.        

06/03/2005

You'll be pleased to learn that my stab wounds have healed nicely, and the assault just a fading memory (albeit a bad one).

There must have been something about as Alf was not well soon after (perhaps he became sympathetically ill). Anyway he didn't seem to mind too much, as long as the medicine kept on flowing (I'm sure he'd drink a whole bottle of the stuff if he could.... luckily though it is carefully rationed, as even small doses seem to make him run around like the Energiser Bunny!.

We've had a steady stream of visitors. They must be attracted to our mad, manic run-around play.... even the oldies (can I say that?). Friends from school, Catherine from down the road,  and Nanna & Grandad (who also played some excellent hide-and-seek).

Grandma & Grumps will be pleased to know that we are taking good care of the indoor plants, making sure they get a drink whenever they need it. I still can't see anything poking out of the soil, but hopefully something soon.

The awards just keep rolling in, last week skiing, this week swimming. Stage 1 swimming (can't be much more than didn't sink!) but I'll see when I get my certificate.

I'll have to go, I can see Alf has managed to help himself to a biscuit, so I want one..... I don't think he's very unwell anymore.    

27/02/2005

What a mad few days in Edie & Alfie world. The return of school, hooray, and the chance to see my friends again (including my horsey chum Isobel, and older friend Catherine from 2 doors down) who came over to play. We really go crazy when Catherine comes over, as she is older (nearly 10) she is really fast & catches Alfie up pretty quickly, but I'm still a bit of a speed merchant, and she has to go flat out to keep up.

Then there was my friend Stephen's new baby brother, Adam, who I saw when he was just 3 days old - awake & quiet... amazing. Stephen hasn't said much about him yet, but I'm sure he will.... even if it is to say how tired he is cos Adam keep waking him up at night!

Quickly followed by my first formal recognition of my skiing progress, I am now a one-star skier. I'd like to thank teacher Mummy, who I hope doesn't feel too bad that I'm skiing with another instructor next week, as they specifically asked to ski with me.... well how could I turn him down.

Then a visit from Grandma & Grumps, and some indoor gardening!  We've planted some little seeds in pots that Grumps reckons are going to grow into plants with peas on them. Well, last year nothing grew at all, so it can't be any worse.

Finally, I was the subject of a surprise double stabbing, in the tops of both arms, all in the name of being free of nasty bugs. The first was more of a sting, but the second, when you know what is coming... that really hurt. At least I got some stickers & some sweets, so it wasn't all bad.

Alf has now extended his jumping portfolio to the sides of the chairs, which he can now land perfectly. The assault courses are becoming ever more challenging, and often stretch the length of the lounge. 

Finally, in the midst of all this Mummy has finally gotten rid of that awful car & got something acceptable, a nice little blue one.... with a CD player, so we can listen to our nursery rhymes & songs. It is so much more comfortable that that old bone shaker, it's nearly better than Dad's.

Phew, I think that is the lot.................time to lie down and rest my stab wounds.... night all.    

20/02/2005

Well, the holiday is now just a distant dream, although I'm making every effort to keep it alive, with regular trips to the ski club, this time on a Thursday afternoon. School was on holiday, so I was allowed, before you report me for truant! I can now ski from the top of the big hill, over the wavey bumps, and for the 1st time I went down this really lumpy bit (only for expert skiers!, and didn't fall over once). Mummy was very impressed, as I think were some of the other children skiing.

Alf was back at nursery and had a lovely time with Megan (who I must arrange to see again soon, its been too long). Me and Alf are really getting along well at the moment, we still have our off times, and fight like only brother & sister can, but overall we are having a great time together.

Uncle Jason, Helen (looking large with baby number2) & Sophie came to see us. Sophie is a real button fiddler, washing machine, dishwasher, stereo everything was pressed, prodded & poked to see what it did (including the cat - poor old Lilly). She's getting about better every time we see her, not as fast as Alf & me, but we did have fun chasing about.

A rare treat, a sleep over at Nanna & Grandads, after Mummy had her hair done (I can't say it looks any different, but I already know that I have to say it look lovely.... if she asks). Mum & dad went out for a drink, and I bet Nanna & Grandad thought they'd have us to bed in no time..... no chance. The excitement, and the fact that we'd had a nap in the car, we lasted out nearly another hour before our eyes just couldn't resist any longer...... sorry if we messed up your evening.

Back to school tomorrow so I'd better not be up too late.    

13/02/2005

Bonjour (French for hello).... how European am I... So what do the big boys & girls do when they go skiing? Well, they can't even be bothered to be dragged up the hill on their feet, they sit down on little (and not very comfortable) chairs & get taken up the mountain, high off the ground.

After this aerial adventure I found myself half way up the hill with the only way down being on a ski run through the trees. Well after a shaky (much falling down start), I started to get the idea. You don't have to worry about avoiding other people, let them worry about getting out of your way! This minor problem solved, and whoosh..... no stopping me now.... turn left, turn right..... straight down......wow what speed, Mum was struggling to keep up.

This was fantastic sweeping turns, steep bits, flat bits, and I was skiing down it all. Once at the bottom, a brief pause to catch my breath & I was off to the lift again for another go, and another, and another.....Here is a collection of holiday images (including proof of Edie the skier)

This went on for the last few day of the holiday, skiing with Mum, Skiing with Dad, Skiing with Ben & Catherine, it just got better & better (and I'd like to think that I did too). Not surprisingly I was shattered every afternoon (it was all I could do to keep half an eye on Nemo. Although I did perk up to watch the video film of me skiing alongside Mummy as she took my picture (very flashy skiing Mummy!)

Despite my best efforts to persuade him, Alf was not really that interested in a skiing lesson (and decided to stick with the tubes & save his ski legs for next year).

Sadly it was all too soon time to board the big white bus & wind our way back down the mountain, wait forever at Nice airport (3hours delay - Ben had picked next weeks guests up & was back in the chalet before we had even taken off!).

Somehow we got home (well done taxi driver Dad), We can't remember anything after getting in our car at the carpark. A rare treat the next day, Dad took me to school & picked me up. It was great to see my friends again & start to bore them silly with my holiday stories.

Au revoir (French for goodbye), well I have to show it was a cultural experience as well as blasting down snow covered hills!

06/02/2005

Skiing progress was immediately more rapid once I'd become tired of walking up the hill, and got to grips with the ski lift. Funny things they are too, they pull you along, but you must not sit down...(no rest for the young skier) otherwise you fall over, as I found out. This was soon mastered, with a little help from a man who kindly came out of his hut to help me. This made things so much more fun. Bigger, longer, steeper  hills to slide down, and the opportunity for much faster speeds (which worried ski teacher Mummy) who just kept saying slow down, slow down..... where is the fun in going slow?.

Apart from this constrain a nice routine was born:

• Mornings - Private ski tuition for me, snowman building & shopping for Alf
• Lunch - Bread & cheese
• Afternoon - Watch Finding Nemo, followed by cake & biscuits
• Early Evening - Tubes or Cable Car rides
• Evening - Tea & Bed

What more could a couple of toddlers on tour want?

This was fine for a few days, as we got some peace & quiet from Mum & dad when they went skiing in the afternoon. Very soon however I decided  it was time to head for the big mountains, and ski with the big boys & girls.... then the fun really started.... more about that next time.

I'm finally getting round to sorting out some of the pictures I had taken & hope to give you a 1st taste next time.        

31/01/2005

Wow, what a week of sub-zero fun we've just had, every kid should ski. Not only do you get the chance to speed around these snow covered hills, but you get a week off school to do it... how cool its that.  Well that last bit is not completely true as I did miss my school & my friends, but Ben & Catherine were there (and Mum, Dad & Alf of course).

After being dragged out of our beds very early (we had breakfast in the car) it was the now familiar routine of the trip to the airport (so I won't bore you will the detail, or in Grumps case, spoil the surprise, for when he comes with us next time). Alf stayed aware just long enough to squeal all the way down the runway, and then fell asleep until the wheels touched the ground in France... perfect timing.   

Everything was coming back to me, the funny language, the funny people (the ladies all carrying little dogs under their arms... weird), and Ben's white van... ahhh the comfort in the crazy!.

Again not a hint of the white stuff as we left Nice, and drove up.... and up..... and up, until.......snow....everywhere!

Alf & me lasted about enough time to grunt our hello's to Catherine and eat a bit of pizza before falling into a deep coma, each with our respective teddies that had made the long trip in the comfort of our suitcases.

The 1st full day presented the chance to renew our friendship with the ringo's (that took ages & loads of puff to blow up), and for my first efforts, on my own skis, on snow.

The ringo's were predictably good fun, well how can it fail when all you have to do is scream with delight as you slide down, and wait for someone to pull you back to the top of the hill again.... even Alf liked it this tile & I didn't have this constant whining noise in my ear!.

My skiing efforts, on this 1st occasion, were a little less spectacular & more tiring, I preferred to go straight, rather than turn, and we never seem to go very far each time, so room for improvement all round.

We settled in for our daily afternoon viewing of Finding Nemo, nibbled at some tea and fell into another coma.... much, much more to follow soon.       

16/01/2005

Sorry you've been neglected chums, its taken me ages to work out what Alf had done in my absence last week, although despite the lousy spelling, he did a good job for a 2 year old boy... well done Alf mate.

Preparations continue for our trip to France, without Annalise this time, boo-hoo. As consolation we've now got our very own suitcases, mine with a picture of groovy girl on it... just like me. Alf has got one as well, with Scooby Doo (he's a dog, as I'm sure you know, so I'm not so clear of the connection there!).

We had more fun at the ski club, the sledges are really fast & fun. Alf really likes to have a go at the end of the lesson, and I'm sue he tries to run me down as I often have to jump out of the way!

It's not all just crazy fun, the serious business of ski practice does go on so hopefully I'll spend more time on the snow than in it in France.

Alf & Harv have a great time at the ski club chasing around everywhere, what will they be like when they try to ski.... completely bonkers I reckon. Lucky that we all like it so much as its fast becoming a 2nd home on Saturday afternoons..   

09/01/2005

Edie's fast asleap so, having bin waching her all this time, daring Alf thawt it can't be too hard. Sory for the speling, but I'm only 2. Why me, why now? Well I now get Mummy to myself for most of the day, not just after brekfast, so I get attention and some peece & kwiet. Edie is now really tired after scool, so she is in bed & I'm not.'         

It was grate to be bak at nusry, talking to Daniel & my other frends about there Chrismas. No one got a hammer & drill kit like mine, but they now all want one.

Good to return to Jumping Jacks and try out my newly learnd diving moves.... the looks one there faces, I could tell they were impressed.

Shopping with Dad, riding in my specal seat on his back was fun. Some toys shops next time please, it was al clothes, clothes, clothes (not buying, just looking).

Mad fun with Harv & Louis at the ski club, I can't wait to have a go (Edie is already rather good). Maybe in France (hope its not too cold).

Life is fun, always something going on....chasing, hitting, screaming, crying..... normal brother/sister stuff really       (my toddler friends tell me its just the same for them).