30/12/2007

Christmas arrived, and Alfie didn't explode - thank goodness. The great day started early, as I needed a wee at about 3:30 in the morning, and having seen my bedroom stocking full of presents, I just had to wake Alf & tell him. Fortunately for Mum & Dad we decided this was too early, even for us, so we went back to sleep until the more acceptable time of 7:00am. Then it was all hands to the presents, that had magically appeared around the Christmas tree in the conservatory - Santa had clearly been busy, and hungry as he'd eaten the food we left out for him. I'll have to speak to Daddy to see if he can get a really worthwhile job like that, where you only have to work hard for one night a year, rather than all the time, like he does.

We must have been really good Boys & Girls as over our 3 days of Christmas we got lots of the things on our list that went to Santa. A big, big thank you from me & Alfie for all our lovely presents, and thanks to Santa for listening to our requests.

The weather was rubbish on Christmas day so we stayed in and played in between eating our own body weight in chocolates & sweets - isn't that what its supposed to be about. Anyway, on Boxing Day we went out for a walk with Annalise & Harvey & worked off a bit of that Christmas excess. We then found out the truth behind the story that 'exercise can be fun', all you need is a Nintendo Wii. A what you ask - its a box that allows you to play games on your tv, like tennis, where you have to swing your arm, just like you are hitting the ball, and the person on the screen hits it - amazing! We also tried ten-pin bowling, golf & boxing before being too exhausted to continue.    

We then got taken shopping, which Alf doesn't normally like, but this was the Next sale, so we got to choose stuff ourselves, and look what we chose - Scary & Posh, don't you think!

Next came Christmas parts II & III with visits to Nanna & Grandad & Grandma & Grumps, with more feasts to put back all those hard lost pounds on the Nintendo. A walk on the beach proved eventful as Alfie lost a Dr Who Sonic Screwdriver present he'd only just got. Luckily Daddy was able to re-trace his steps & found it on the sand - Alfie's middle name must be lucky!

We then went to see the Jack & the Beanstalk Panto, and did our best to boo the bad witch & cheer & sing in all the right places...... oh yes we did. A big thank you to Grandma for taking us along - I hope you enjoyed it too.

After all this full-on fun, we were expecting a quiet end to the year - but no, it was the return of the Durrants. Annalise & Harvey returned for an evening of Pepsi Max fuel'd fun. Pushed on by plenty of completely artificial colourings & sweeteners, we made it all the way through to the New Year. We nearly didn't make it, not through the onset of sleep, but the near mis-hap with the firework display. Not content with the effect of a single firework, Daddy made some nice group arrangements. All was going well, until the rockets, which seemed to take on a mind of their own & decided to bounce off the wall and into the garden next door, via the roof of their conservatory - oops.

After a bit of a lie in (well earned I'm sure you'll agree), Nanna & Grandad were nearly the first visitors of 2008, beaten by Stephen & Adam, who'd made themselves at home after coming to borrow a spanner - why, I didn't ask.

So we've now got a day or so to pause for breath, think about the year ahead - the return to school, our skiing holiday (now only 4 weeks away), where we'll go in the Summer - camping somewhere we hope & of being a big grown up eight and six, by the time Christmas comes around again.

I hope that all our friends, young & old, had a lovely Christmas & we wish you all a Happy New Year.               

23/12/2007

Christmas excitement is at fever pitch. Alfie is running around everywhere is such a state, I'm sure he's going to have a heart attack!

We started our Christmas holiday early as the heating in our school broke down & we couldn't go in for our last day. Now we know it has been cold, Daddy's car tells us its been around freezing, but think of places that are really cold, like where Cousin Monty's house in France is, if there school heating broke down every time the temperature got to freezing, they'd have the whole of the Winter off school - they don't do they?

So we've been helping Mummy with getting ready for Christmas &went to the Castle with Stephen, Daniel & Adam which was the last time we'd see them, as they are going to Scotland for Christmas - could they have a white Christmas?

We then had a busy,busy Saturday. First we went to the Memorial Hall and won some stuff on the raffle, then we had practices some Circus skills, like place spinning, which were pretty good at (although our juggling definitely needs some more work). Then Santa & his Reindeer arrived (and yes, they were real - look). Afterwards a visit, not to Father Christmas, but Mother Christmas, and some nice early presents.

Then it was time for Alfie & me to go our separate ways - him to some time with Daddy, washing cars & clearing up leaves (unlucky Alfie), for me a trip to the Circus, for my friend Kira's birthday. Wow, what a show. A bit more of a spectacular than the Allos circus, with amazing jugglers, acrobats & swimmers, yes swimmers. The bit where the show is held turns into a swimming pool - its amazing.

So only a day or so to go now, I hope Alfie doesn't explode with excitement - just think of the mess! - Merry Christmas to all our readers, young & old.        

16/12/2007

At Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid.... non, no ,no I've got to get that song out of my head - too much Christmas music already!!! As we get ready to go on holiday from school, time to show off our acting skills (or make complete fools of ourselves) - yup, its school play time. Unfortunately neither of us had truly starring roles, but nor were we Sheep or Cows, so something to be thankful for!. We both had a good time playing our parts - Alfie was a page (a King's helper supposedly), and I was a dancer in the pre-nativity story - you had to be there to understand how it all worked, just trust me. The audience seemed to like it. Nanna came over & Daddy even took a day off work to watch - wow!

following the theatrical theme, we also had a full rehearsal of our drama group production, which I cannot do for real as I've got a party to go to. Mummy came along for a sneak preview and said we were really good - so I'm sure they'll get along fine without me.

Talking of talents, we went into Norwich on a freezing cold Sunday and saw ten amazing ice sculptures. They had been made in the shapes of animals (Swan, Lion, Lobster) as well as people & buildings. We had to follow a special trail to find each one, and get our card stamped (just like at the dinosaur park). We hoped that we'd win £100 in the prize draw, but the phone still hasn't rung, so I don't think we did - boo-hoo. 

Afterwards we went to Stephen's house and had some yummy crisps, cake & fizzy drink, while Adam & Daniel went bonkers and tried to beat each other up. In between the mayhem Stephen & me managed to win £1 from Daddy in a game of dominoes (not quite £100, but better than nothing).

One final talent - did you know that I do Latin at school? - bet you didn't. Well we sung a Christmas Carol on the radio, in Latin - click HERE to listen  be amazed. Is that my five minutes of fame?

 Only just over a week to go until Christmas now - and are we excited.... YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

09/12/2007

As regular readers will know, I ran round a muddy field in near freezing temperatures the other week, and whilst my body has recovered from the experience, my mind was reminded of it at school this week, but in a good way. We were all given a certificate for running the race, and while it was nice to go up & get it in front of all my friends, I did feel just a bit embarrassed.

That was really the highlight of a pretty quiet week. We haven't really felt the build up to Christmas, other than opening our advent calendar every day for a lovely chocolate.

We did however go out shopping with Dad, who went one better than the Poundland shops that we'd been in before (where surprise, surprise, everything costs £1), we went to the 99p shop, where you've got it, everything is 99p, what value!. Now we're just waiting for a 98p shop!.

We also got Grumps his birthday present (which is very, very practical) & a really funny card (which I chose & I hope he does what is says!). Its a shame that we didn't see him on his birthday, but I'm sure he's just as mad at 65, as he was at 64 - older & wiser....... Grumps - who knows!. Hopefully we'll see Grandma & Grumps soon, & hope they find themselves a new car, as Daddy told us that their old red one doesn't work anymore & was took away for scrap - poor old car.    

02/12/2007

Cousin Monty is just like a bus - no, not big & red you cheeky beasts, I meant that you never see them for ages, then you see them lots!

The Monty return was to celebrate his very 1st birthday - he's now a whole one year old, and a very speedy & dribbly crawler. We were really looking forward to his party & couldn't wait to get home from school. And what a surprise, not only Monty, Ben & Catherine, but Grandma & Grumps, who we all hoped was feeling a bit less sad.

So the fun & frolics began, game of musical statues & musical bumps (which Alfie helped Mummy with - stranger decisions on winners & losers than on the x-factor!)

We then had a lovely party tea with lovely jelly, crisps & biscuits - yummy, yummy in our tummy. Monty had been so good all this time, as his presents were still waiting to be unwrapped - we would have had to rip them open first, if they'd been ours! - what control for someone so young - must be his disciplined upbringing in the mountains - talking of which its been snowing again in Allos & it is all looking lovely & white.

Finally with a bit of help from us, Monty opening his presents & some lovely things he got. Daddy was definitely getting his own back on the noisy present Ben & Catherine got Alfie as Monty got a talking drum. But, not just any drum - no a drum that says letters & numbers, in both French & English - tres bon eh.

Mummy had a rest from hat selling, but seems to be stopped all the time by people wanting her to make them one - she'll soon have to employ some children workers from India or somewhere to keep up with demand, while keeping her costs low - see, the things they teach us at school these days - the workings of the capitalist society!

The weekend was finished off with a trip to Nanna & Grandad for some delicious lunch & tea. Alf ate some Sprouts which we said were nice, but I don't think so. We went on very windy walk down onto the beach (could it have been Alfie's Sprouts playing up!), where the waves were huge (taller than me & Alf). We collected lots of holey stones (we'd never seen so many in one place, it was really weird - lets hope we are all now really lucky! Thanks to Nanna & Grandad for our advent calendars, now the countdown to Christmas is really underway.       

25/11/2007

Last week we mentioned about it being cold in France - now its freezing over here, as I know all too well - as you'll soon find out.

The week trundled on, getting a bit colder each day, with little out of the ordinary to report. I was only reminded what the weekend held in store when some of my school friends said they'd see me tomorrow, when they left on Friday - our cross-country run.

My experience so far was a couple of fun runs around the school field on a reasonably mild afternoon a few weeks ago - not exactly the ideal preparation to what lay in wait for us!!! Saturday morning came & he house was alive with activity (including Mummy - which was a rare event, as readers of our diary will be well aware of). We went our separate ways - Mummy off to try & sell more of her hats, bags & scarves, and me off to run around the muddy field of Lingwood school. I got all wrapped up to just go out of the door, and the thought of taking off my coat, scarf & gloves to go running was not a pleasant one.

We finally found the school & there were loads of kids everywhere - well over a hundred. It took ages to find my team, and having done so, it was straight into some warm up exercises, and off with the coat & scarf - but the gloves stayed on - afterall Daddy's car had told us that it was only 3 degrees!!!!

Not time for pre-race nerves, we were herded off to the start line, took our places & we were off - I wasn't exactly sure of the course, so I just followed other people, who I assumed knew where they were going! We went round the main field & I just managed to see Daddy & Alfie as we went past where we'd started, then it was off round again, and by this time my legs were starting to get a bit tired. Fortunately, I'd kept with my friends Emily & Chloe, and we kept each other going to the end. I finished the race in 11th place, not bad for my 1st competitive race. My Brundall team mates filling 5 of the top 12 places, including Maya, who won - girl power! Afterwards I had a well deserved lolly to revive my tired legs.

After I'd recovered, and got the feeling back in my hands & feet, we went back to my school to see Mummy & Nanna at the Christmas fair. They had done much better than last week, and had sold more than 10 things - well done Mummy. I stayed & modelled a lovely pink hat, trying to encourage one last sale - but no luck. alfie went off to Sammy & Steven's birthday party & had a fab time at jump for joy. How do I know? well 1st he told me, and 2nd his face was still red & sweating when he came back from all the mad running around he'd been doing - crazy 5 year olds!

18/11/2007

Our house seems a bit empty now that mad Monty has gone, although at least you don't have to worry about tripping over a rug-rat!

It finally all made sense (no, I'm afraid I haven't worked out what makes little Brothers tick, although I do know how to annoy them!) - I'm talking about Mummy's knitting, and more importantly.... why!

The answer, sell them to other people, just like she did with her hats last year, only this time its bags & scarves as well - diversifying Mummy calls it. Sounds just like an excuse to knit to me.

So how did we make this knowledge breakthrough? subtle questioning techniques... no, Undercover surveillance...no, we went along to a craft fair and there she was, with all her things laid out for sale, and there were loads of things to choose from - she has been busy.

Not only was Mummy there, but Grandma as well, and it seems that she has been employed to make hats as well. I hope that she was paid a fair wage, and not just used as cheap retired labour.

Unfortunately, despite the knitting being of the highest quality, Mummy only managed to sell 4 things. She will try again next week at my School Christmas Fair - good luck.

The only other thing to mention, is the trip to the ski slope with Annalise & Harvey. Alf got on really well and went all the way down the waves without falling over - well done. Edie was not quite so careful & landed in a heap at the bottom of the waves Alf wasn't quite so clever on the lift though and fell off a couple of times - holding up everyone in the queue.

We had a yummy dinner at the ski club, and feasted on burger, chips & beans, with of course lots of ketchup - lovely!!!!!

While its been getting cold here, its been even colder in France, with the first falls of snow on the slopes of Allos - helped along by the snow cannons. The skiing holiday is only 10 weeks away now - come on!!!

11/11/2007

As hoped, all the way from the mountains of France, Monty, Ben & Catherine came to visit. I bet they thought they'd brought the cold, crazy weather with them, as only the day before there were floods & high winds, just where they were going for their friends wedding. Fortunately, they braved their way through and arrived just in time for tea.

The question I know you all want us to answer - was he crawling? We'll keep you in suspense no more - yes he's now a full member of the rug-rat club, scuttling about all over the place. It was really funny at first as he kept crawling after Alfie, following him everywhere he went - Alf liked it, but also found it a bit strange to be stalked!

The weather was so rubbish that we really didn't do much, a trip to the ski shop was the only real highlight - wowee! So it was lots of indoor fun with the Monty beast who was really into everything - especially the kitchen drawers (even after he trapped his fingers in one, and wailed for England!).

Grandma popped over to see everyone on Sunday, but Grumps was feeling sad, so stayed at home - we missed you Grumps & hope to see you again soon.

Monty's Mummy made the most of her holiday & went skiing with Mummy for 2 whole days, learning ski racing (just go stright down & fast - how hard can it be?). Ben was left on his own with Monty - lucky boy (Monty or Ben? - you decide).

We had the nice surprise of Daddy picking us up from School, while Mummy played at the ski club, and take me to dancing & cook the tea - what a hard working boy he is!

Sadly, Monty, Ben & Catherine have now gone home (but we're seeing them again in a couple of weeks for Monty's Birthday). Floyd can now come out from under the bed during daylight hours & Lilly can walk about without fear of her tail being pulled by a speedy crawler!

06/11/2007

Getting back to school wasn't all that bad, and me & Annalise had our ballet & chart hits dancing to go to again -so that was good. What hasn't been so good is how early it now gets dark, now that they've messed about with the clocks again. We're still puzzled, why do they do it? and who said they could - isn't the time, well - just, the time! so did we enjoy this extra hour that we got in the middle of the night - no of course not, we just got up earlier that we would have normally, and were exhausted an hour earlier in the evening! It's been a week now & I think we are just about adjusted to the new time - knowing our luck they go and change it again. I think we should start a campaign - kids against clock change..... I can see the posters now.... 'You touch my clock, I smash your face'.... can you tell, Alf thought of that one - peaceful protest, I don't think so.     

On to Halloween, and our Trick or Treat adventures. As you can see out costumes were really good this year - yup, there really is an Alf in that skeleton - scary or what eh! Out and around the close we went and got a good haul of lovely sweets. We then had fun opening our door, still all dressed up, for other trick or treaters.

On Saturday we had a surprise visit from Nanna & Grandad & Mummy showed us all of the hats & bags she's been knitting, and has even managed to get Nanna to knit some for her. After tea we went back to school, no not because we had been naughty, it was the firework display. An added surprise was seeing Annalise & Harvey there. The fireworks were the best every, even though had bits of the firework fall on our heads (although fortunately not still alight or hot). As there was no wind, everything was coming straight back down! There were some more really fab Pink fireworks & the ones at the end were amazing, it seemed like they were all around you. They were really loud, but we had our hands over our ears, so it really didn't bother us. Our friend Stephen got a bit frightened by all the noise and had to watch some of it from indoors, hope he still got a good view.           

I thing we're seeing Cousin Monty next weekend, as they are back from France for a friends wedding - is he crawling / walking yet? That's the question.

28/10/2007

5 Years Old

The great day finally arrived - Alf's 5th birthday!, and what a week of celebrations its been, almost non stop.

As forecast last week, we had a party even before his birthday with a few of his friends round to play games & generally have a mad time for a couple of hours. Daddy & Adam (from over the road) seem to be having their own separate game - trying to beat each other up with balloons - wild. So with that it was cake number one.

Next, again as predicted last week (maybe I should be a fortune teller) we went to the Dinosaur Park & had a lovely day running & climbing around everywhere - even managing to squeeze in an icecream & eat it outdoors - cold, no not at all! Back home for tea & cake number two.

After a rest day, it was off to Thrigby Hall, to see the monkeys (no, I'm not talking about our Cousin's Robert & Rowan you cheeky beasts, although they were there). We had a fab time looking at at the animals, including the real monkeys who were very noisy & very, very fast at swinging around. Shame about the Crocodiles, they hardly moved, even when Daddy dropped some dead leaves on their heads they didn't even blink - maybe they were just models. We had a picnic lunch, and guess what - yup, cake number three!  

Another rest day followed - and boy did we need it, as it was then off to Grandma & Grumps, and a long walk to the park to play on the swings & play football in some real size goals, where me & Alf score some great goals with celebrations much better than those we've seen on TV!

Alf was really lucky to get so many lovely presents & he's asked me to say a big thank you to everyone who was so kind. He's had a couple of goes on his new bike but needs to get used to to things being a little bigger. His hot wheels car smash up game is really mad & so fast - Alf's been on it for hours. He's also been playing loads with his Transforrner, which starts out as a car, and twists & turns into a robot - very cool.

So has he changed? In a word no, on Monday he was four, on Tuesday he was five, but otherwise he's still the same cheeky beast he was last week - some things never change.

Daddy's back to work tomorrow for a rest & Mummy wants her house back to herself - what do we get? six hours of school! - who's got the best / worst deal? - you decide!   

20/10/2007

Well that's a relief, Harvey is still the same boy he was when he was four, so an Alf transformation following his birthday next week seems unlikely - is this good or bad? I'm still not sure.

Its been the last week of school before the half-term holiday and we've had art week, which as you can imagine I've really enjoyed - extra opportunities to paint & draw things for our pretend stately home Tattingham Towers - both these words were by the way in this weeks spelling test, which I still managed to get all right - phew, tricky though!

We finally got to see the pictures they took of me & Alf at school a few weeks back - I think we scrub up rather well, and look like pretty good friends, for a forever battling Brother & Sister!.  

Alf's Birthday preparations continue with cake and party stuff buying (which Mum did in secret - but I found out where they were). One thing that we couldn't keep secret was his big present - a new bike, as he needed to be there to choose & test-ride it. He really wanted a blue one, but I think the silver one he chose is even nicer, and as it came from the same shop as mine it must be good. Never one to miss out, I saw a lovely new bike seat that I just had to have (as half my seat has fallen off). My bike now looks better than ever, and I can't wait to ride round with Alf on his new bike.

The fun starts even before his real Birthday, as he having some friends round on Monday, and then we're going to the Dinosaur Park for a full on day of fun. As its a holiday all week, Daddy is having some time off so we can do some groovy things together - as one big happy family.... lovely!   

14/10/2007

Hurrah, after weeks of wait (it seems like forever but was actually only about 2 weeks) our bean bags arrived, and were worth the wait - they are fab. My pink one is very pink, and looks lovely in my bedroom, although its been in most rooms in the house already. Alf's is of course Blue & has been used as various weapons, as well as a thing to sit on!

So, with our seating arrangements nicely sorted, on to other matters - pets, pets, pets. Not ours, Floyd & Lilly are still in residence, doing what they've always done - not very much. We can't blame them, they are old Cats now - about 100 in human years! No, were talking about two new puppies in Greenacre Close, one belongs to Elaina, and the other to Alf's school friend Arran. They are still really tiny, but really playful and want to jump all over you and lick you - yuk! We're not used to this craziness, so at first Alf would run away, which just made the Puppies even more excited & determined to chase Alf around the close, which was really funny - for everyone else to watch.

Megan has also got some new pet Gerbils (which I'd only seen in the pet shop before). They are just like Mice - really fast and difficult to hold onto. I tried to pick them up but they kept running away - not that I really minded. They have got their own great big house, with things to run through, climb up & chew on. you need lots of things for them to nibble as they munch on anything - wood, plastic, cardboard.

So, we've got lovely but slow old Cats, the others have got fast and friendly Dogs or Gerbils - are we jealous? No, not really, the other pets are nice, but our Cats are still the best.

A full family outing to the 'kids crazy' session at the swimming pool with Mummy & Alf joining in mine & Daddy's previous fun. It was giant floats & beach balls everywhere, with great fun games of swimming football, and float racing. As it seems to be on every week, so perhaps this can be another addition to our already busy schedule - we're both hoping it is.

Another skiing session, although a bit shorter than last time as Alf made a fuss over Mummy wanting to put a plaster on his arm (although why I'm not sure). So while those two messed about me & Daddy at least got some skiing in. We did all have some skiing time together, and Alf got all the way to the top on the drag lift, for the first time - well done & big high-five's Brother. However we soon got hungry & thirsty and headed for the bar for a well earned snack & drink, with Mummy still in one of her moods!          

 We'll meet up with our friend Harvey, the newest member of the five year old gang, tomorrow so Alf can find out what it feels like - does it transform you into being well behaved all the time - somehow I doubt it.

09/10/2007

Grandma & Grumps are definitely back from France, or there are two French people that look just like them, living in their house.... mmmm, what do you think? It was lovely to see them again, and hear all about the things that they'd done. The shed, that was just a few loose bricks when were there is now finished & looking really good - although we hear there were a few 'difficulties' along the way. Making omelettes & breaking eggs springs to mind!      

Alf and Grumps had an interesting game of tennis, where Alf's rules were to hit or throw the ball at the other person, with no intention of them ever getting it back to you! A bit too one sided to catch on I think.

We saw their holiday pics and how Cousin Monty seems to have grown again in the couple of months since we saw him - he must be eating his own bodyweight in Marmots every day! Talking of Marmots, not only did Grandma & Grumps see lots of them, they heard that someone in a nearby town was selling Marmot sausages - yuk!

As predicted last week, it was a return to the ski club, with Annalise & Harvey, and what a fun time we had.

All over the mainslope, big-air on the FunPark, over the waves, down the moguls, we must have skied every inch of the hill - phew. Alf & Harvey did really well on the main lift and can now go up all by themselves (although they still need a bit of help getting started - which I can understand as they are sometimes really hard to pull down far enough to get on).

After a hour of all-action skiing, not only were we gasping for a drink, but we were really hungry. Luckily for once the grown ups had actually organised something - a lovely hot dinner upstairs at the ski club. We all tucked in to some delicious fish & chips, with choc chip cookies for afters - yum, yum, yum.

Just enough time afterwards for some more computer game fun (we are getting really good at some of the games now - especially the Alien blasting one), that is if we can get Daddy off it!

Gotta go as we need to make Harvey a birthday card as he'll be five years old next week. Gosh, that means Alf's is not far away now - old boy.       

30/09/2007

Bonjour Grandma et Grumps bienvenue de nouveau à l'Angleterre. We hope they liked their nice neat garden, and are remembering to speak English, rather than French, as I'm sure they'd get some funny looks in the shops otherwise. Dad says they could probably get away with speaking Polish or Portuguese, but I didn't really understand what he meant!

After seeing curly Megs only last week for tea, I saw her again, this time for her birthday party - a whole 7 years old now, just like me. It was off to Jump for Joy for some great running & climbing fun, as well as some yummy jam sandwiches & scrummy cake.

Not to feel left out, Alf had a birthday party to go to as well - two girls from his class (I wonder which one is his girlfriend. It'll have to be a guess as he's not telling). Alf had a magician at his party who did lots of groovy tricks, and played some real fun games. Alf even got his own wand to bring home, but he's not managed to do any magic with it yet.

Daddy's been promising to get us these bean bags for our bedrooms - pink & blue ones of course, and we finally went out to order them. I thought it would be just a day or so, but it'll be 10 days - I'm expecting hand made for that sort of a wait, or maybe not for £12 each!

Finally, what do you do on the last day of September, when the weather is not Summery, but far from cold? - go skiing of course. With thoughts already turning to the last week in January, and the high-speed runs down snow covered mountains, a bit of early practice was in order. The verdict - not bad, our rusty ski-legs came back pretty quickly, and we all had a good time zooming around. Alf had one tasty crash and ended up wailing his head off half way down the main slope, although I have to admit he was brave to get up to the top again and come down again - this time without falling over. I think we're going to go again next week, and I think Annalise & Harvey are coming - I'll have to mention it at Ballet tomorrow. Ou revior.      

23/09/2007

Bet you didn't guess our crab haul right first time - next stop the British Crabbing championships, which I'm sure exist, as I've just found out that there is a British Crazy Golf Championship (although they call it mini-golf), its still crazy, and its golf!

The pace of life has definitely slowed down a bit this last week, although we're not complaining. We both need to get into our School routines, which are at the moment leaving us a little drained at the end of each day. Still enough energy to get back into ballet & a new class of 'Chart-Hits' which means that me & Annalise get learn some groovy moves to some of our favourite songs.

Alf's really enjoying his School class and is already getting some good behaviour stickers from his teacher, well done little man! He's also got me into having a hot dinner one day a week, which makes a nice change from our packed lunches. I think I'll have mine on a Friday as its sometimes Pizza.

Our friend Megan, and her Mum & Dad (Dee & Steve) came over for tea, with some playtime beforehand, which was great fun. Our backyard fun soon expanded to a garden full, as the Youngs boys descended on us. They must have heard us playing - how do they do that - have they bugged our garden?   

As Grandma & Grumps come back from France next week, we went round again to water their plants & cut the grass, which fortunately wasn't as long as last time, so Daddy got round really quickly, while we helped Mummy pick some Tomatoes & Corgettes.

We had our pocket money to spend & just had to show Mummy the Pound shop. Well, we were in & out in no time - me with some great stickers & some orange flavour chocolate, and Alf with a new red racing car. Mummy on the other hand took ages - she was just like a kid in a sweet shop & bought lots & lots (including an electric tooth brush for me & Alf, which feels really weird, but gets your teeth soooo clean). As we know that there are pound shops in Norwich, as Daddy has taken us there, I can see her becoming another Pound shop fan, just like we are.    

Finally, although we keep going on about how we a re growing up, going to school, blah, blah, blah - we are still kids, who want to have fun - so once in a while its fun to turn the clock back & be a baby once again, if only for a little while - remember you are only really young once (however much you adults try and fool yourselves).   

16/09/2007

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside..... another week, another aquatic adventure. Regular readers will remember our crabbing expedition a few weeks ago, and our catch of 26 creatures. This time it was Blakeney, rather than Wells & a double strength team with Annalise & Harvey joining the fun.

So with four nets and two hours of fishing time, how many Crabs do you think we caught?

How about that! We were all amazed & very impressed with our efforts, so rightly we treated ourselves to an icecream & a bike ride across to the mud flats, where Alf & Harvey got just a little bit too close to the muddy bits and got some very messy shoes - yuk.

Alf had his first full week at school, and was there the whole day as well, just like me. We've been biking to school with Mum which is really fun. Mum's been enjoying having all day to herself & has done a great job of tidying up my bedroom - thanks Mum.

Our Cousins Sophie & Naomi came over to see us on Sunday, and we loved showing them round our house as they'd not seen it since it had the extra rooms added on. Even better, we took our teddies to Blofield church and watched them go for a parachute ride, from almost the top of the church tower. Luckily they were all very brave, and came down in one piece - Buster liked it so much he had two goes!

Other than that it was lots of playing out in the close, as September seems to be warmer than August was, great, as we spend most of the time in our classrooms - typical.  Alf got a postcard from Grandma & Grumps in France who are having a good time. Hope they've remembered to send one to me - I'll keep a lookout for the Postman (who's name isn't Pat) tomorrow.       

09/09/2007

So his days of endless play are over, and like me Alf is now officially a school boy - only at least another 12 years of education to go!

In truth, he's really been looking forward to going, and was really excited when his 1st day arrived. His only disappointment was that it wasn't straight in to a full day, and that he didn't get to eat his dinner at school, like his big Sister.

Nonetheless, he was amongst his friends, as as you can see looked pretty groovy in his School uniform. It was back to School for me too, and a new teacher, Mrs Smedley (who's really nice). I'm still with many of my old class mates, so it was quickly back to the old routine - with our first new topic being the Egyptians. They were very clever people that lived a long, long time ago and used pictures instead of letters in their language, and had Kings with real weird names, like Tut-un-kar-moon, or something, oh, yes & they really liked Cats as well. They weren't all clever though, as they wrapped people up after they died & called them Mummies - even when some of these people were obviously Daddies - strange! 

We left Mummy in bed on Saturday (even after I'd been to Drama), with a Wine headache! and went to Lowestoft to water Grandma & Grumps plants & cut the grass, as they're still in France. The plants didn't take too long, but the grass did - I'm sure Daddy went up & down the garden with the mower a hundred times. Then we found that the fridge had been switched off with some stuff left in it, which had gone all furry - yuk!, which Daddy cleaned up.

Just time for a quick trip to the beach, and a chance to play on some rocks, and get splashed by the waves, before some lovely chips for tea & the long ride home.                  

02/09/2007

Ahoy there me hearties - we've had so much sea air this week that we're starting to talk like salty old sea dogs (ooops, there we go again).

Out first dose of the coast were from a couple of days spent with Nanna & Grandad (without a Mum or Dad in sight) - lovely for us & we know lovely for them as they went out for a meal on their own (but we got our own back - as you'll see later).

We were, as predicted, on our best behaviour, and had a great time - even if we did both suffer some nasty grazes at the indoor play place, which we had a real mad time in. We know that Nanna & Grandad have now gone off to Bungay for some peace & quiet in their caravan - we hope its not cos we were too crazy for them.

After we got back we started to get all exited as we'd planned to go camping ourselves in Wells next the sea - we know its by the sea, so why do they have to tell us?. Dad had already got a few things ready when we found out that our camping site was still a bit flooded, and the others were full, so we couldn't go. This was a real downer, but seizing on the opportunity of a bit of negotiation, we managed to agree on a day trip to Wells with a meal out, in compensation for the disappointment of no camping, and that Mum & Dad had treated themselves to a meal, without us - outrageous!

So we headed off to Wells early on Saturday morning & it took ages - we'd forgotten just how far it was (over 50 miles) and how rubbish the roads were (only just wide enough for two cars). Finally we got there, unloaded the car and biked (yup, the bikes came too) down to the harbour for a spot of crab catching. No amateur gear for us - no Grumps would have been proud, Dad had made two crab nets out of one that Grumps had given him.  Armed with some bait from the fish stall, we got to work & to our amazement were quickly catching crabs. It was fantastic fun, we kept going & going - hardly stopping for our lunch (a big plate of lovely chips) & when all our bait had been used, we'd caught 26 crabs & about 20 shrimps - incredible. People kept coming up and looking to see what we'd caught, and were amazed. We really must do this again soon!!!!

26/08/2007

So it took a bit longer for our Sun dances to work, leaving us to suffer almost another whole week, waiting for the Sun to shine - global warming, I don't believe it - Alf bring me another aerosol spray!

At least when the Sun finally made an appearance it was on the right day - Uncle Jason & Auntie Helen's wedding day - congratulations. This was the 1st Wedding that me & Alf had been to, so we didn't really know what to expect. Would it be long & boring with lots of getting up & sitting down in a cold & uncomfortable church? Fortunately not, it was quick & comfortable, with all of us sitting in these bright yellow chairs - groovy.

It was great to see all of our cousins there (except Monty of course - he's in France - doh!), and we all looked really smart in our groovy clothes. Sophie & Naomi had these extra special dresses on - probably cos it was their Mum & Dad getting married, but we scrubbed up rather well, if we say so ourselves.

After lots of posing about in this back garden it was time for dinner, and a good job too, as we'd had to get up early and we were pretty hungry by this time. Luckily it was yummy sausage & chips (with lots of Tomato sauce), which didn't last long. What also helped were the really lovely party bags we'd each got at our own special places at the table, with our names on.

So after dinner, the only thing to do - run up & down the garden at the back of the pub to burn off all those calories - we've got to stay looking our best you know! At tea time it was back to Sophie & Naomi's house for some more food, and fun, fun, fun in the back garden with all our Cousins. We all let off some of the Wedding balloons that soared up & up into the sky - I wonder where they will land - France maybe (Monty, keep a look out will you!).

Then a long drive home, and the end to a long but lovely day. Next loads of sorting out of stuff in our roof as Dad was doing a car boot sale. We'd been to one before (to buy things), which was probably what he was now going to try and sell again - recycling isn't it!. We were not going to get up at the same time as Dad, so we went later in the morning to see how he was getting on, and guess who we saw - Grandma & Grumps (who was also trying to sell some weird old stuff - not very successfully I'm afraid - boo-hoo). Dad managed to sell most of his stuff and after waiting ages to get out of the carpark we went back to Grandma & Grumps house for some yummy lunch & more garden gymnastics - phew.

We'd forgotten (as we've been on holiday for a good few weeks now) that it was a holiday Monday for Daddy, and we all went to the beach (although it was a bit chilly as there was a strong wind blowing). We still had a god time, especially watching these people in the sea on these little surfboards with a kites, which made them go really fast, and even up in the air - looks like something we'll have to try when we're older.

And the fun doesn't end there, we're off to stay with Nanna & Grandad for a couple of days - to give Mum a rest - ah!, so we'll of course be on our best behaviour, and then go bonkers when we get home again!        

19/08/2007

What a difference a week makes, from seeing the sun most of the time, most days, to hardly seeing it all week - what a rubbish England Summer. Never mind, we just had to work harder at making our own entertainment - in spite of the weather. So it was off to our friends Saffron & Sammy for some fun and games at their house. Then a trip to one of our favourite places - the Playbarn, with our Cousins Sophie & Naomi, who we had a great time playing with. We were so worn out when we got back, we hardly had the energy to tell Dad what we'd been up to, when he came back from work - phew.

Then the preparations for Nanna's birthday, yup 66 years old - who would have believed it? Not us, especially now she's lost so much weight on her diet with Grandad (who's also looking much more trim), we keep expecting to see her on one of those looking younger programs on the telly!

So the cards were made, all six of them (well I just came over all creative) and the presents wrapped & it was off to Lowestoft for a lovely party tea - chicken & chips (with crisps, jelly & cake) - yum, yum. Hope Nanna likes her new wellies, with flowers on them, I think they're really groovy.

Just time for a quick play with Stephen & Daniel who'd just got back from their holiday, and a trip to the tile shop, as it seems we are now going to have tiles on the floor in the kitchen, sort of like in the Chalet I suppose. The other floor has only been down 5 minutes, can't these grown ups ever make up their minds?

Only a week to go before the wedding now, and a chance to meet up & go crazy with all our Cousins. We've tried on our posh clothes, and look pretty funky, if we say so ourselves, so all we need now is some good weather - what is the chance of that?         

12/08/2007

Bonjour chums - we're back from sunny France. We kid you not, phew, some days it was roasting - lucky we had the big pool in Allos & all our inflatable toys at the ready, otherwise we'd have been fried. Sadly we failed in our challenge - Monty was still not crawling by the time we left, despite our best efforts (and some intensive sessions with Dad) he was close, but not there yet. We understand Grumps is going to take up the challenge when him & Grandma go over next month - good luck.

Cousin Monty is a really happy chap, even though he spends most of the time rolling around the floor making funny noises - there is definitely something to be said for the simple things in life.

So, what did we do? More a case of where to begin. Swimming, as we mentioned, in the big lake pool, and lots of goes down the twisty slide. The water was soooo cold at 1st that you could hardly breathe, but you soon got used to it, and it was lovely.

We've got some new favourite things. Crazy golf for one. What a mad game it us, having to hit the ball through, over, round..... crazy indeed. Alf even got a hole-in-one, smarty-pants!

The other thing is playing in trees. Not just any trees though, trees with climbing stuff in them, just like the one in Thetford, only this time for littler people like us. What a fab time we had climbing around, knowing all the time we were hooked on & couldn't fall off - brilliant fun.

We did the usual things, visit rivers & waterfalls, make bridges & dams, buy quality items at markets, that we don't really need (just like more wool that Mum bought).

It was lovely to have our own home from home and we got into the chalet lifestyle by putting out the breakfast things (as we were often 1st up - even on holiday Mum sometimes didn't get up until after 9:00!)

Sadly it was all too soon time to come home again, and we said goodbye to Ben, Catherine & Monty, sped across the skies in our orange chariot, and home again to sunny Brundall (which made a change from the previous day in France where we'd been rained on and woke up to a dusting of snow on the mountain tops - mental weather. 

Three weeks of holiday left. Enough time to see all our Cousins, Grandparents, and friends for full-on playtime before we both, yes both, go to school.  

29/07/2007

We were glad to here that Robert got home safely, but couldn't believe he couldn't travel back until Sunday! - even if we had made it, we wouldn't have seen him. Never mind, only a few weeks now until we see him & Rowan at Uncle Jason's wedding - full on party time!

We were right, Mummy did pay for her gym work at Grandma & Grumps, she was walking around like Daddy, moaning about her back - what are they like eh!

It was the Air Show at Lowestoft again this week, and while it was not as hot as it has been before, it was still a great two day adventure. First, a day with Harvey & Annalise, who really enjoyed themselves, then a sleep over at Nanna & Grandad's, which is always exciting, then the Red Arrows again, and another day of fun, fun, fun on the beach - half of which we brought back again in our shoes & bags.

A whole day of shopping with Daddy, getting things for our holiday, leaving Mummy a whole day of peace & quiet. We went everywhere, buying lots of funky things, mostly to do with swimming, so the weather had better be warm in France all we'll all be sad.

The planes had given us a great idea, which we just had to try out - parachutes. now we didn't see anyone have to parachute from their broken plane (luckily), but it got us thinking. All we needed were the materials & the jump site. Then everything fell into place - carrier bags & my bed - obvious really. I think you'll agree the results are pretty spectacular - I think this is technically base jumping, rather than parachuting, but whatever - great fun.

We've just finished getting our stuff together for the trip to France & have been set a challenge - if Monty is now crawling when we get there, he will be by the time we leave. So no news next week, we'll hopefully be relaxing & swimming in the mountains - miss you loads chums.

22/07/2007

So there we go, another school year over - I can't believe that's 3 of them already - where does the time go. We (sorry, that should be Mummy) had an emotional time at Alf's last Jumpin' Jacks. Alf just did his crazy thing, as usual, I sat and watched, and Mummy cried - what a softie!

Also, each of our classes will be different next year, so its nice that we've got some pictures to remind us of Edie's Crew & Alfie's Posse. As usual, Alf is pulling a funny face, although he says in this one its cos the sun is in his eyes - whatever!

We were looking forward to seeing our Cousin's Robert & Rowan this weekend, but we didn't go - boo hoo. Why didn't we go, well in the middle of Summer what should happen - it rained. A bit of rain kept you away from your Cousin's - shame on you, I hear you cry. But wait, this was not just rain, this was M&S rain..... noooooo, sorry too much television.... oh this advertising it really messes up your head! What I meant to say was that it rained, and it rained & it rained. so much that people had to be rescued by helicopter, had to sleep all night in their car, or like Cousin Robert, couldn't even get home from his Pops' house just a few miles away from where he lived.

It was a real shame not to see them but as we now know, we were unlikely to have been able to get there, even if we'd tried, so I think we did the right thing. Weird thing was that we had some mad rain at home but it didn't last and would even get Sunny again in between the downpours. 

We were then able to go to our last swimming lessons before Summer & had great fun as it was playtime, on giant floats - Alf's was in the shape of a green frog, which he loved. We then went shopping for some new trainers for Alf, as his other ones smelt so bad that Dad chucked them away. Well how can you possibly take a girl shopping & expect her to stand & watch other people buying things, so I just had to have a pair as well.

Finally, we went to see Grandma & Grumps, as it would be the last time before our holiday to France. Again, just to show how crazy our weather is we had some really warm sun & no rain. We spent the whole afternoon in the garden playing games & practicing our cartwheels, arab springs & walkovers. Mummy thought she was a little girl again & was showing us her gym tricks - she'll pay for that tomorrow. Daddy surprised us with some cool cartwheels & handstands - again with his back, tomorrow could be interesting!      

Grumps gave us the great honour of allowing us to open his newly decorated outdoor toilet - we had to make a speech & cut a ribbon (with both a human & large teddy audience looking on it was nerve wracking stuff). Alf was the 1st one to use the new facilities - with mixed success. I will spare his blushes & your stomachs the full details.   

Alf has just fallen asleep with his eyes half open - scary, so I think its about time I went toooooooooooooo.  

15/07/2007

Things are definitely winding down for the Summer (the only thing that still hasn't realised is the weather!). We had the last drama class until September, I had my last Friday at school until Alf goes with me... how crazy is that!, and Alf went to almost his last ever Jumpin' Jacks. Next week I'm going with him (just to watch, when he'll be the oldest one, for the very last time). I wonder whether Dawn (the nice lady that does Jumpin' Jacks) will be happy or sad after Alf has left........it'll be quieter, and slower.... that's guaranteed!

Alf has also now finished one of his playgroups, Raschools (a name that is pretty appropriate for him really - don't you agree). So just a few days left now, for me at school & Alf at playgroup, and then its holiday time!!!!

08/07/2007

Phew, what a busy week we've had, lucky we're all fighting fit again (not literally though), as it been non-stop.

I went to the Zoo (in the rain - surprise, surprise) but had a good time with my friends looking at the animals. I really liked the Limas this time, they were crazy, running around everywhere - they reminded me of Alf.

School Sports Day next, and the chance for me to show off my skipping & basketball skills. Even my tennis is improving, but then I was only walking about with the ball on a racket! All this effort, and as you can see, the boys we're not exactly impressed - typical.

Off to swimming as usual, and I learn that I'm going up to the next group after the Summer, so I'll then be in level 6, just like cousin Robert I think. Alf is getting a bit better, his crazy spray front-crawl especially, but he'll be staying in level 2. Looks like it'll still be early Saturday mornings, but maybe 8:30, rather than 8:00, so perhaps we'll get a lie in - hurrah!.

On Saturday night we went back to school (no I hadn't been naughty & had to do lines or something), it was a BBQ & disco. We met our friends Saffron & Sammy on the way and had a great time running around, eating, drinking & doing some really groovy dancing at the disco. Alf & Sammy were right at the front, movin' & groovin'. We were having so much fun we didn't notice the time, only realising how late it was when we got home again at 11:00!!!!! I bet Grumps had been asleep for hours by this time - lazy beast!

We've both been a bit tired & grumps today, as we didn't get up much later than normal. Mummy was, as usual at the weekend, the last one to get up, beating the previous days appearance at 10:00, with a 10:30 arrival.

Good news though, rather than waste the rest of the day, lovely picnic food was quickly prepared (by Dad), bikes loaded, and we were off to Thetford forest. It was hard work, but good fun as it was a bit muddy it places, so we got splattered legs. We went all the way round the Red route again which has some really great bits in the trees that were really twisty.

We'd had such a busy time that we even went to sleep on the way home, had a quick bath & bed...........             

01/07/2007

What a difference a week makes, from stroppy to syco (what do you mean I'm like that every day - honestly, you know who your friends are!).

With my body back to normal it was time to get my birthday celebrations back on track. Unfortunately we couldn't go to Jump for Joy now, so everyone came to my house and we had a completely crazy time. I did get a bit upset at one stage when everyone wanted to be outside & I didn't so sorry to all my friends for yelling at you - hope you forgive me.

We had some great games of pass the parcel, one of which turned into a new game - parcel wrestling where the last one holding the parcel, get to have whatever bit of mashed up stuff is still inside - not sure that one is going to catch on!  

Games of musical Bumps & musical statues followed with some really competitive game-play that often needed 2 or more observers to work out who'd won & lost.

Things then moved outside for some wild swingball action, with some of my friends being really fab at hitting the ball, and others more worried that they might get hit by it. Despite a few tantrums (tut, tut,Stephen & Cameron) we all took it in turns and the only loser was the poor old grass that got a bit worn out in patches.

I was really lucky to get some more lovely presents, so thanks to all my chums for the lovely things. I've already done some sewing, painted a money Pony, and made some bracelets, and there is still more to do - wow.

Time to try out my new roller skates, am I'm pleased to report not only are they great, I've still got all the skin on my arms & legs, and Alf was getting into skating on my old pair - skater-tastic!!!.

We finally got to go swimming in the Bungay pool again, and what a fab time we had. not only did we have our own football to play with, but there were all these giant surf board things for us to play on. Alf had his new goggles and we both showed Mummy some of our real swimming, which we think really impressed her.

I'm off to the Zoo tomorrow, so must get some rest...................

24/07/2007

7 Years Old

What should have been an exciting week, leading up to the event of the year - yup, my birthday, has in fact been a nightmare!.

After the excitement of the stage last week, Alf & me were all set for a restful week, ready to party hard at the weekend, when I reached the ripe old age of SEVEN! - but best laid plans & all that........

Didn't feel too great on Monday, but put it down to the non-stop weekend, then from Tuesday onwards I went downhill fast. My poor tummy, it was hurting more & more every hour. I felt that I needed to go to the toilet, but I just couldn't, and every time I tried it just got more painful. So no school, no swimming, no nothing really but lying around in agony, being a pretty pathetic patient, if I'm honest.

So, really without me really realising it, it was my birthday & I was now officially seven - wow. I didn't really feel like doing anything. I quickly opened my presents from Mum & Dad (thanks) & then went a laid down again.

It was lovely to see Nanna, Grandad, Grandma & Grumps, but as I was having to nip off to the toilet every five minutes & was in sooooo much pain, I couldn't really enjoy myself - sorry everyone. Happy birthday again Grandma (as you know if you've been paying attention over the years, Grandma's birthday is the day before mine). Grandma was talking to Mummy that I must be feeling pains like having a baby, well if that is the case I won't be doing that then!

Thanks very much for my lovely presents, just as soon as the rain stops I'll have a go on my roller skates. At least we haven't had as much rain as Sheffield or Worcester (so hope our friends Jason & Louise & Cousins Robert & Rowan are not having to swim out of their houses).       

Finally a breakthrough, at last, my body seems to be working much better now (I'll spare you the details, as I'd hate to put you off your food) - all you need to know if that I must have lost about a stone in weight - instantly!

So hopefully the next time you see me I'll be a smiling seven year old.   

17/07/2007

The new & improved Alf is back, with two working arms once again. They took his plaster off his arm, which he says didn't hurt, and let him keep a bit of the blue stuff, which is very hard - no wonder it hurt when he hit me with it! His arm is not quite as straight as the other one, but they've said it will straighten as it grows (could be some time then - shorty).

Having readied myself for the hideous shrunken arm, it all looked pretty normal. It was a bit thinner, and there was this stuff over it which Mummy said was dead skin - gross! He was supposed to be careful with it for a little while, but I think the doctors had more than 5 minutes in mind when they said it. So while we are not having full-on fighting (just yet) its back to most other forms of brother / sister combat!

So what else, quite a bit actually. Saturday, Alf came swimming again, and did pretty well given that he'd not been in the water for nearly two months - its got to be those goggles making the difference. Then we had a quick visit to the school fete, where we had some lovely candy floss, and won some prizes (guns mainly) on the stalls. Me & Annalise then had to go to practice our dancing & singing as our show was the next day (we couldn't believe it had come around so soon - we'd not had time to get nervous.

On Sunday I had to do our show twice, first Mum, Dad & Alf watched. Thanks for falling asleep in the 2nd half Alf, was it really that boring! It went really well (if I say so myself, but you can get a taste for yourselves). Alf had to go to his friend's birthday party (who is also called Alfie - how confusing, and common), so Nanna & Grandad looked after me at dinner time. Thanks for the lovely picnic, just the fuel I needed for the 2nd show of the day, which I hope Nanna & Grandad enjoyed.

All back home for a BBQ tea & then a deep, deep sleep - well deserved for us both.    

10/06/2007

Another week, another Cousin, this time a bigger, noisier & more wriggly Monty... all the way from France.

Did he come all this way, all by himself, just to see us? Well no, as important as me & Alf clearly are, and as clever as I'm sure Monty is (with undoubtedly the ability to navigate from Winchester to Lowestoft), he was on a grand visiting tour, before departing once again for the warmer weather of the South of France.

As you'll remember, the last, and indeed only, time we saw him was in France, in the snowy depths of winter, when all we could see most of the time was his little face peeping out of his many layers of warm clothing. This time we were treated to his full range of wriggles (almost able to turn all the way over by himself - with just a pesky arm getting in the way), and a full range of gurgling noises which range from the cat-like to gargling - very impressive. Monty seemed to like me, although was it me, or just my hair, which he liked to pull!

He certainly seemed pleased to see us and was going bonkers on that fab musical play mat that I think we both had, that plays animal noises when you roll on the pictures. He was then very good, going to bed for a sleep to let us eat a yummy dinner. Me and Alf again ate our body weight in Salami...delicious.

Just enough time then for some fun in the garden with lots of football, and Grumps riding his weird bike around the garden hitting the ball with a curly stick, shouting 'Polo'. I thought 'Polo's' were mint sweets, so what that had to do with bikes, balls & sticks, only Grumps can tell us.... another day perhaps. This mayhem was   followed by a girls v boys game of Rounders, with so many complicated rules that Uncle Ben seemed to keep making up, I'm sure to try and win.

We had great fun whacking the football with the bat and running round the posts, which started out as a bit of fun, but quickly became seriously competitive, with Uncle Ben bashing the ball right over the hedge & out of Nanna & Grandad's garden - show-off!    

We just had enough time afterwards to force down some of Nanna's lovely cakes, before it was back in the car, and off to bed (starting our sleep in the car).

Alf should be having the plaster taken off his arm this week, so beware the mutant arm next time you see him.    

03/06/2007

How lucky we were, from last weeks monsoon rains, to lovely weather to go camping in.... ah Britain's wonderful weather.

So the rains stopped eventually, and we loaded up the car (on top, in the back & every possible space by our feet & sides) and set off for Shropshire ,near Wales apparently. All was going well. We had our new toy, a little DVD player so we could watch our favourite films in the car (how groovy is that) & we were making good progress. All however was not as it seemed, Mummy was unable to tell Daddy where we were (despite her having a big map book in her hand) and we were worried that we'd drive forever, and never get to see our Cousins. Finally, they worked out they were going the wrong way and turned around - finally getting us there after nearly 6 hours - nightmare!

3 days of camping fun and frolics followed, with Robert, Rowan, Shelly, Tom & Nanna & Grandad. We 1st visited a really groovy castle and were able to climb up lots of really windy stairs to the top, and find lots of real fun places to run about and explore. After, I got some more lovely crystals (I'm getting quite a collection) and Alf got this gun that was supposed to be for shooting flies (which it did, as Tom proved), but was more interested in finding other, more human targets.

Auntie Shelly celebrated her 40th Birthday & we went out for a lovely birthday tea - yum, yum. We recognised the metal mushrooms we bought her from when they stayed with us for Grandad's Birthday - they are really funky - Mum & Dad should get some for our garden.

 We had some fab games of football, Robert is pretty good at running with the ball, and Alf is a good tackler, taking down both the player & the ball! Daddy made a really good goalie, as he was diving all over the place - his back will definitely give him some grief for that.  

We then went on two really fun walks, both by really great streams. The 1st one also needed for us to do some really great scrambling / climbing over rocks, which was super fun. It was a really warm day, but even so Mummy chose an odd way to cool down, she slipped off a stile and fell into the stream and got soaked.... oh, how we laughed!

The second day's walk was memorable for two things, a great new bridge across the river that we all helped Daddy make, and Alf hitting me in the side of the head with a stone that he was trying to throw in the river, which made me bleed everywhere. I had to have a special plaster on the wound to keep in together, and have a lovely purple colour over my eye...... thanks Brother! At least at the highest part of t he walk there was something special to see, gliders coming in to land, just over our heads. All you could hear was a wooshing noise of the wind passing over them, and it seemed really odd there not being any engine noise.

All too soon it was time to pack everything back in the car (although we had a bit more space as we'd eaten most of the food, and head home (this time following the correct route & being home in under 5 hours.   

So, we both had a really ace time, lovely to see Robert & Rowan again, and have half a camping field as out own outdoor playground.... we really must do it again very soon.                

27/05/2007

We needn't have worried about the grass getting enough water, it has rained so much recently that it shouldn't need another drink for weeks! Great weather for grass, rubbish weather to be on holiday from school.

After swimming, which on reflection became the start of the aquatic theme, I have drama, and one of our last chances to practice our songs, before our show in a few weeks. It seems we need to sing a bit louder, as our teacher kept telling us to 'sing to the back of the hall', and this is only a little one....gosh, perhaps only the front couple of rows will be able to hear us in the real theatre.

Dad then got to work building the shed, and quickly got the walls up, while we played in the sand pit, and watched him struggle. Lucky for him, he was able to get the roof on before the rain came, just before Grandma & Grumps came to visit. Grumps was telling us that they were having problems with their car, so we went to pick them up from the train.... luckily as it was really raining hard by then.

We had some fun games of Scrabble, but couldn't go out anywhere as it was still raining. All this time we were thinking of our friends across the road (Steven, Daniel & Adam) who had gone on their 1st camping trip. Unfortunately, we saw them come back late on Sunday, earlier than expected, as we later learned they had run out of dry clothes! Undaunted, they are still wanting to go again (good for you), and hopefully at some point we'll have a weekend away with them.  

Monday was a repeat of Sunday, with rain, rain, rain. Luckily we hadn't planned to go to the Strumpshaw steam rally as it would have been grim. So instead we started clearing up, as we were going camping later in the week. I think you'll agree from this evidence that being confined to the house has not done Alf's mental state any good.... hoovering your bedroom in your pants, whatever next.

21/05/2007

The grass is still green, thanks to a bit of help from Mother Nature, and a lot of watering from the hose - so far, so good. We've also been very busy, helping to choose plants & help choose where they are going to go. Our reward, a new sandpit, which is handily next to our playhouse, so we've got our own little corner of the garden - you'll have to come over and see it, its really fab.

The final pieces of the garden & house jigsaw are finally coming together. The shed has arrived. Daddy's just got to put it together now as its in pieces at the moment. We remember how he did our playhouse, so how hard can this be?

At long last we have a conservatory (or Mummy's quiet room as she thinks its going to be). We can't believe how long it has taken, as when they finally came round to do it, it only took a few days to complete - builders eh! It has now been plastered, and just now needs a coat of paint, and something on the floor & its all done.

Me and Alf we thinking, as we sat in OUR conservatory, the builders started digging up the garden last September, and they finished in May - that's a very long time (Autumn, Winter & Spring) - crazy, but worth it in the end.

Alf seems to have forgotten that he's broken his arm & is back to throwing himself all over the place again (if he really ever stopped). Now only 3 weeks until he gets to take the cast off & we get to see his mutant arm! 

14/05/2007

The one-armed wonder (that's broken arm Alf obviously) continues to adapt to his new one-armed world, making good use of his rock-hard cast as a weapon of war - so beware, you now have to take on both Alf & his bionic arm!

It was a bit sad that Alf couldn't go swimming, but what were the chances of keeping that dry, in a swimming pool!. Never mind, I've got my school chum in my group now, and Alf & Daddy could both watch me - lucky them. It continued to be a bit one-sided as I then went to Drama Club, and again Alf had Daddy for company.

Mummy finally got fed up with the garden being in the messy state that it was & decided to take action - in this case, buy some grass. Not just a little bit of grass, oh no, a whole lorry full of it.

Now here is where, like a good movie plot, the stories merge. We mentioned to Annalise that we were helping lay some grass, and did she want to come round a help / play. Harvey & Annalise really wanted to come over, and I'm sure her Daddy did as well. So, after dinner there was Daddy, the chief grass carrier, Kerry, the chief grass layer, Mummy, the gangmaster - ordering everyone about, but doing little herself, and us. We helped a bit, but to be honest once you've helped lay one piece of grass, you've helped lay 100 (which was probably how many they did).

Anyway, they all did a great job, we had a real fun time (made even better as they stayed over for tea, and had a bath with us, as we were a bit mucky.

Sunday was much the same, with more finishing touches to the grass, and the laying of some groovy stepping stones around the back, which me & Alf really love jumping along.

We think that all the hard work was worth it, and when we get the shed in, it will start to be a real garden again.          

Good news about Alf's arm. He went back to hospital & they are happy that it is healing up nicely, so he will not have to be put to sleep & his arm pulled about - which sounded really gross! So, his bionic arm has to stay for another 4 weeks, when it will be cut off to reveal...... pathetic, skinny arm - yuk!

07/05/2007

Before I get to the lead story, with a real 'truth is stranger than fiction' edge, a quick recap, as much has happened in a short period of time. We went to Grandma & Grumps & had a great time out in their garden, playing games, climbing trees & eating (lots & lots of yummy salami) - hopefully Mummy will get some soon.

A week of school & playgroup followed, with little to indicate the topsy-turvy weekend that was to lie ahead. All started normally enough, with the usual early morning swim on Saturday, with Alf looking cool in his new swimming goggles. Daddy said he did some of his best ever swimming, and Alf had a great time as he didn't have to keep worrying about getting water in his eyes - a right result.

We then played the roles of child slave labourers, or chain-gang convicts as we were set to work breaking up the rock-hard earth in the back garden, after Daddy had hacked it into big lumps with this huge pick-axe.

Phew, this was really hard work. Our arms really ached, as we were doing this for hours & hours. We had a welcome break as I went to Church Fen (behind Brundall Church - the clue is in the name!), with Stephen, Daniel & Adam. Alf went to his friend Ned's party with Mummy (who was keen to take him as she could have a crafty swim while he played). We all went to bed early, as we were sooooo tired.

Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, more smashing up of earth with hammers & sieving the stones out of the soil  - was this to be a life sentence?. Mum & Dad moved our playhouse to the other side of the garden after we'd both helped clear all the things out that were being kept in it - lookin' good.  

So to the headline story, just as we were getting ready to go out for a well deserved curry, Alf slipped on the stairs, and fell on his arm. Now we are all used to him falling over, and so the wailing & tears were not unexpected. However, he was still saying he couldn't move his arm after 10 minutes, and couldn't squeeze Daddy's finger in his, so there was only one thing to do - off to hospital.  While Mummy went to see what was wrong, Daddy & me went and got our curry tea (feeling a bit bad not knowing how Alf was). We did however bring them some tea home, thinking they'd be home soon - how wrong could we be!

Mummy called after we got back home to say that Alf had broken his arm & he'd be staying in hospital overnight, with Mummy staying as well. So to the extra weird bit, our Cousin Robert, who came to stay with us only 3 weeks ago broke his arm last week, after falling off his bike! What were the chances of that?

We went to hospital to see Alf who has this funky blue cast on his arm. We thought he might have to have an operation to put the bone back properly, but he hasn't so far - lets hope he gets better by himself. So we are all back home again now, after a very eventful couple of days - clumsy old boys eh! Oh, yea & just so you know, Mummy did get her curry (even if it was re-heated, at lunchtime on Monday).   

29/04/2007

Last week it was Grandad's special day, this week it was Daddy's turn to have his - although it was a lot less spectacular (we do hope he doesn't mind us saying that!!)

We both needed a few days to recover from the crazy weekend before with our Cousins, I still felt that I was swinging about on Tuesday! - and no wonder.

The week drifted by, with little worth mentioning (although it has been lovely to get outside both before & after tea - it really feels like Summer is already here).

An unexpected treat on Friday when Daddy came to pick me up from school, with Alf for company, so we had a bit of an extra play on the playground, before I went off to a party at Brewsters, and Daddy & Alf went to play at the park. We both had a good time and were ready for bed - excited that it was Daddy's Birthday the next day.

So, did Daddy have a different, extra special day....maybe. We still went swimming (I've got a school friend in my swim class now - great) & Alf got some new goggles, as he takes some time to get used to the water in his lessons, so hopefully they'll help. I then went to drama and we practiced our show - its really coming on a treat.

We had saved some of Daddy's presents, although some we made him open before swimming, and we think he did alright for an oldie. We got him the fab Pingu Penguin toy that we'd seen given to Naomi, which he really wanted, and he got this really groovy nodding dog for his car.... it nods its head as the car goes along......mad!

He also got this sparkly lamp for his car, which is going to be so full of crazy ornaments at this rate, there will be nowhere for people to sit, or see out!

The weather was so nice, that for tea, we had it outside, after Dad had cooked it (not even a day off from the chores on his Birthday... boo-hoo).

Mummy then went off to the ski club as someone who'd been there ages was leaving (one of her fancy-men we think!). Daddy had obviously had a busy day as he went to bed when we did. We all need a good battery re-charge as we're off to Grandma & Grumps tomorrow, and that Grumple-stilkskin, he's a mad one!          

22/04/2007

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...... Grandad had a very special birthday the other day (no, he's not 100, you cheeky chums), he's 70 years, but thanks to his new diet, we think he looks much younger.

The build up to the birthday was a big tidy up, both inside & out. Even though we've got no grass, we have at least got a garden we can go in now, as most of the rubbish has been cleared away - including the skip on the front garden. Inside, we had a big clear out of our toys & have sent lots of our old ones to people not as lucky as us, so hopefully they'll be used again.

We then waited & waited for Robert & Rowan to come, but we fell asleep waiting.... so they must have been late. The surprise of the week was to wake up & see Robert asleep under my bed........play-time, and only 6:30 in the morning!

As we'd had an early start, we had time to go the camping shop & had great fun running around the tent field (until I tripped over one of the tent ropes and nearly broke my leg). We round this huge hammock that we all got on & tried to swing each other off of..... mad fun!.

A quick change later & it was off to meet up with Nanna, Grandad, & our Cousin's Sophie & Naomi. Thanks to Grandad's wise choice, not only did we get to eat some yummy food & drink some lovely drink, but there was a play area in there to with some great slides and ball pools.... we were roasting hot & red-faced by the time we'd finished.

Then off to Nanna & Grandad's for some wild tree swinging (made even more crazy with 2 people on at once). After all this exercise, we were ready for some party food, and lots of lovely party food there was, and Grandad's birthday cake..... yummy!

We had a really lovely time & hope that Grandad enjoyed his birthday, and his new plant for his garden (we'll be looking out for it the next time we come over, so please look after it!).         

On Sunday we went for a walk with Robert & Rowan at Blikling Hall, and were told we were going to a park. Now what we all forgot was there are 2 sorts of park, a big green one (lots of trees, no slides) and a small one lots of slides - guess which one ours was. Yup, no slides. Never mind, we had fun anyway, dragging around the biggest slicks we could find & pretending to be coconuts in a human coconut shy, where Daddy & Tom tried to know us off a tree stump by kicking the football at us...... but they missed, again & again & again... rubbish!

We finished off with a well deserved drink in the pub, a quick bit of lunch & it was time for our Cousin's to go... boo, hoo. However, we learned that we're going camping with them in about 6 weeks, so we are already planning the crazy stuff we can do..... bring it on.    

15/04/2007

That old Edie & Alf sixth sense of predicting the future came right again, we were indeed doing a changing rooms, although unlike the TV programme that we've seen Mummy watch, we actually did like what had been done in our new rooms, and it didn't involve any pieces of painted junk, that seems to always appear on the TV show.

We had a big clear out before we moved, and its amazing the things that we've collected in our short lives, how lucky we are. The only thing that is now unclear is how long it will take to make our new rooms as scruffy as our old.

We're really happy with our new rooms, although I still haven't quite got used to having my own bathroom, and have still be going to the usual one..... I'm sure I'll work it out eventually.

With the Easter holiday nearing an end it was a lovely surprise to go and stay with Nanna & Grandad for a couple of days, meaning that in the past 3 weeks we've slept in 3 different places - Grandma & Grumps, Robert & Rowan's & Nanna & Grandad. Anyone would think that Mummy & Daddy prefer to be without us.... not true..... is it?    

The holiday finale (groovy word or what) was a trip to Pettits (our first of many we hope), and the chance to run around, go on the fun rides (rollercoaster, teacups & flying Elephants) and see some of the groovy animals, like the Peacocks & little monkeys.

So back to school & playgroup soon, but at least we've had a really great Easter holiday, and still have some chocolate to eat up..... yummy.

08/04/2007

One day we were recovering from a full-om play fest at Grandma & Grumps, the next we were re-packing our bags and heading off to see our cousins Robert & Rowan in Upton-Snodsberry.

Boring.... it took ages to get there, the roads just went on forever & ever. But finally we were there and the playtime could begin. It's great when we meet up as we seem to get straight back into the playtime madness as if we'd seen each other only the other week, when it is usually months between visits.

We were expecting to sleep in the caravan but were honoured with indoor beds, with Rowan very kindly giving up her bed for Alf (what a lovely girl). We then had a couple of days of full-on park-tastic fun, with so much running, climbing & chasing we thought our legs would be worn down to our knees. Fortunately, our legs held out, which is more than Alf's trainers did, they fell to pieces, and he now needs another new pair!

Then we had to do the whole long, boring car journey all over again (made even worse as we didn't even want to be coming home in the 1st place (we happy to stay as long as possible). Daddy had just finished putting in a new kitchen floor, which Mummy took one look at, and didn't like.... oops.

Some of his other jobs were more successful, I've now got a new wardrobe in my bedroom, and plenty of space in my room, and our tummies, for all the Easter eggs we hope the Easter Bunny will bring us.         

And she did..... eventually. Without a garden (enough said about our outdoor building site), we had an indoor Easter egg hunt, with some really good clues, which eventually led us to some lovely chocolate, as well as a groovy word game called scrabble, which we've been playing lots & lots. I'm sure that Mummy cheats sometimes as she puts down long words that i don't understand, but then says I cannot have some of my long words, that she doesn't understand - how does that work then? - confused! 

Another Easter treat was a visit from Nanna & Grandad, and some more yummy chocolate. We then went for a lovely walk to Sal-house Broad, and had to look out for letters on Easter egg shapes, that we think make up a word, or words, we're not sure. We left Mummy & Nanna to sort that out while we went off to play hide-and-seek, which was great as there were some fab hiding places. On the way back we just had to impress everyone with our tree climbing skills, and impressed they were.... so high we were looking down on the tops of their heads.

We think that tonight will be the last night in our old bedrooms, as we're going to swap over.....exciting stuff.

01/04/2007

Daddy's new car is as fast as his old one, although it doesn't seem like it as it is less bumpy & quieter. The only way we know is that we keep overtaking cars that seem like they are not going very fast. Mummy was relieved to get a lie in on Saturday & we had a great time as they put all these big floaty things in the pool & we got to play about, and we got a sweet at the end - yum, yum, must be nearly Easter.

We'd not been back long when Grandma & Grumps arrived to take us over to stay at their house - all on our own. So we went off on holiday...... Mummy & Daddy went to Ikea (near London) - seems like an awful long way just for some shopping!

We quickly forgot all about Mum & Dad & had a fab time on our sleep over, with lots of fun & games - shame we couldn't stay longer, although I think poor Grumps had worn himself out. He was probably in bed before us after we went home. Thanks for letting us stay - we had a lovely time & hope you'll have us over to stay again. 

At least Mummy & Daddy had bought a few things from Ikea, which you'd be mad not to if you are going to travel all that way. Anyway some things for me, some for Alf (a few more I think - boo, hoo) & just a few bits & pieces for Mum & Dad, so the balance nearly right.     

Fortunately the balance was restored as the man came round to fit my new bedroom carpet. Day by day it starts to look like a bedroom - not long now until we move.

I mentioned last time about looking a bit strange with my funny teeth, but just look at this.......the beast of Brundall was captured on a special bath-cam.....what's that comin' over the hill, is it a monster?????  

25/03/2007

Boo, hoo Daddy's black car will not be taking us swimming any more. He obviously decided that for being so badly behaved last week that he'd send it to the car naughty-step, forever!!!!  So what does this mean?, well firstly Daddy biked all the way to work & back most days last week. Poor old boy, that must have been really cold in the snow & rain, but hey, he needs the exercise - no pain, no gain.

All of these fun  games didn't affect us as we were still using our mobile dustbin, that is Mummy's car to get us about. Even we're now getting to the point where we think it's dirty inside, and we made the mess (it must be bad!).

Anyway, one afternoon after school we went to look at some cars, and Daddy took us for a drive in this sort of Goldie coloured one he liked. When it started it didn't sound like our old car, a bit more rattly, like Grandma & Grumps - ah, yes I remember now, its a Diesel car, whatever that means. Well, its definitely bigger than the old one with plenty of room for us in the back, and it goes just as fast as Daddy's old car, so hopefully our next race with the train on the way to swimming will see us take a lead in this close contest.  

So, reduced to being a one car family, Mummy had to come with us to swimming on Saturday. Now as you will know by now, Mummy & early mornings are not a good combination, so out of the house at 7:30 was a bit of a challenge - but we made our lesson, with about 1 minute to spare.

A Sunday treat with Annalise & Harvey, with a walk to Salhouse Broad, to play about & feed the Ducks. We had a bit of trouble with our shoes, which for both Alf & Annalise meant pulling them out of some thick squelchie mud - yuk!.

Daddy got his new car, and it looks really smart - just wait until we get our hands, and feet, on it.

Finally, I mentioned my tooth fell out, just to prove it, here is what I look like at the moment - weird eh!    

18/03/2007

Well, we just can't believe how unreliable these adults are. They say they'll do something & then never do. We're not going to go on about the kitchen this week, we're bored of it now...... and its still not finished! The only bit of progress is that Dad fixed the gas bit, so we can have our noodles cooked in a saucepan again......yum, yum.

Our Saturday morning swim had loads of added drama this week, as not only did we have another race with the train, which just beat us on this occasion, but on the way back the car was making some funny noises, and finally stopped. Unfortunately, we were not at home when it stopped, so we had to walk for miles (well just over a mile I reckon) back home - we were exhausted.

But what about the car? well, we got to play with in Stephen's house, while Daddy met a man in a yellow van, who would try & fix the car. Daddy must have really broken the car as the man couldn't fix it, and had to take it to the garage in Blofield. I'm not sure if it will ever go again, and will have to go to car heaven. Does that mean another car for us to put our dirty feet all over - excellent. Keep reading chums as I think this story could run & run - unlike our poor old car! 

Was that the end of the excitement - no, we then zoomed off in Mummy's car, all the way to Flit-ick to see our Cousin's Naomi & Sophie, in there new house (which was much tidier that our messy place). We had a lovely time playing, and a nice walk in the woods. We only just had time to finish our tea, and it was time to go home again, which we were not happy about (it felt like we'd only just arrived).

Daddy had been busy putting some tiles in the bathroom, which look really nice - remember, it will all be worth it in the end! - keep saying that Daddy  finally you'll believe it!

The wiggly tooth finally came out and I was again a lucky girl, as the Tooth Fairy left me some money, although she must have been busy as she didn't come the 1st night I left the tooth under my pillow.  So at the moment I look a bit strange with this big gap in my teeth, which I hope will fill up with new teeth soon.    

11/03/2007

Another week, another small step forward in the now long-running kitchen story. We now have sinks & taps that work, and the dishwasher is also working - hurrah. This meant that we were actually able to go in the new bath wasn't also being used to wash up the dishes, which is not really what you want from a soothing soak in the tub.

So, sounds like everything is done, well no, we still have no thing to heat the saucepans up on, as they broke this pipe thing off which seems important, and cannot come round to fix it for another week - so Dad's going to sort it out. Otherwise, its just a couple of handles, a new floor and a coat of paint on the walls and its done - how difficult can it be?

With the attention being on the kitchen, and the bathroom (which just needs some tiles now), my new bedroom is still a mess, as Dad is using it as his workshop, so the few weeks til I move in, could be a few more weeks yet.

My front tooth is now so wobbly, I can almost twist it right round, but it still isn't coming out - however, Tooth Fairy, if you are reading this, get ready to visit cos it'll be any day now.

A quick visit to Nanna & Grandad was the only other highlight of a pretty ordinary week. We were thinking that Spring must be nearly here as its been much warmer, and it was still light enough so we were able to play out on our bikes after Daddy came home from work & cleaned his car. Good news for us, not such good news for Grumps who was hoping to go skiing in France at Easter.

Fingers crossed that the kitchen will actually get finished soon, and all of the rubbish in the back garden taken to the dump. At least the skip full of rubbish has been taken off the front garden, but it has left a big brown patch where the grass is all dead - oops.      

04/03/2007

So much for the kitchen transformation being complete..... even after 7 full days, we still have no sink, no dishwasher, and only an oven, no hob.

My, my, my...... what a sorry state.... Mum & Dad having to do the washing up in the bath (no, not while we're still in it), although had we been any longer without a washing machine, I think our services as a human bath washing machine could have been called upon.... as we could hardly get past the pile of dirty laundry!

All this after such a promising start - the 1st couple of days and there were bits of cupboards on the walls, and by Thursday, it started to look a bit like a kitchen, and then problems with sinks & plumbing slowed it all down.

It should all be finished soon, as they are coming back to finish things off, so Daddy can finish the bathroom (its only got the washing up bath in it at the moment (the new toilet & basin are in his car - well, why wouldn't they be..... obvious place really!! 

We even did our bit to help in this time of chaos - happily agree to go and stay with Grandma & Grumps, so they could supposedly get things finishedl. Well, as they didn't, we'll just have to go and stay again (if they'll have us back again).

Alf went to a groovy party at Jump for Joy - very jealous as that's where I want my party, and he went to Daniel & Adam's party as well, which was another boys only affair - its just not fair.

We're still very thankful for our break from the mess at school & playgroup as Mummy has definitely had enough of it all now..... but remember what you've been telling us for the past 6 months.... it'll be worth it in the end. If you stop believing how can we be expected to go along with it?

Hopefully my new bedroom will be done soon - just needs a carpet now, so the big bedroom swap should only be a few weeks away.   

25/02/2007

I know that one of the grown ups funny sayings is that you can't make an ommolet, without breaking eggs. Now we're assuming that this means that sometimes things have to get smashed up, before they can be made into something better.....see, we're catching on! Anyway our extension stuff seems to be taking this to a whole new level. Just when you think that most of the mess has been made then Dad spends 2 days ripping the kitchen to bits.... just look at it now! And if you are wondering how we are getting on without a kitchen.... the answer is, its all in the Dining Room now.... look! It feels like we've gone camping in our own house.

So you can see were were finding it hard to see any evidence of the putting back together bit, until a nice chap called Ashley turned up with a van load of boxes, and began to put a whole new kitchen together.... but it is going to take him 5-7 days, until our ommolet, or kitchen in our case, emerges from the ruins of our old kitchen. Hopefully in our next instalement, the transformation will have been completed.

This really has been about it, I don't think our little brains could have taken much more, so amongst the desperate searches for everyday necessities like crisps & biscuits, we have withdrawn to our school & playgroup sanctuaries, which have been an oasis of calm in comparison.

Oh, yes before we forget, Grandma, hope you had a lovely time in France, we're sure Monty is even bigger than when we was him, and that was only a month ago.  Alf just wanted everyone to know that his skiing is coming on, and last week he again went from the top of the main slope in Norwich, putting in some excellent turns on the way down. I got some really big-air in the funpark (that means I did a massive jump)... maybe I'll try something with a twist next time! 

18/02/2007

Holiday time again, but we had to settle for skiing in Norwich this time, rather than Allos. Me & Alf went with Mummy and had a great time. Alf went on the big slope (with a bit of help from Mum on the lift) and did really well. That left me free to do what I wanted, some big-air in the Fun-Park, a wizz down the bumps, finished off with a twist and a turn down the moguls.

Then we learned we were in for a treat, we were going to stay over at Nanna & Grandad's, for 2 whole nights! So we packed up our suitcases, to make it feel like a real holiday, and we were off, next stop lovely Lowestoft. Mummy hung around for a bit, although we were keen for her to go, and then it was straight into some serious Bingo playing (don't knock it if you haven't played, its really addictive stuff).

We walked down to the beach, but didn't stay for long as the wind made it just a bit too chilly - certainly no chance of us doing a Christmas Day swim anytime soon if it could be anything like that.! We had our usual bout of craziness in a playground, with Alf desperate to copy me on the monkey bars, but his little arms are just not quite long enough...... patience, patience.  

All too soon it was back to Brundall, and our house, that still looks like a building site, except all the rubbish is now in a big metal bucket like thing in the front garden - very attractive.

No swimming on Saturday, but Dad still dragged us round the DIY shops - boring!, at least we bought something, tiles for my bathroom this time, so I'll expect to see the transformation from empty room to bathroom very soon. .

Finally a visit from Grandma & Grumps which was nice. We're really jealous as Grandma is going out to France next week, but only for 3 days - you can't do much skiing in that time! - perhaps she's just going to see Monty - well, if you can, why not.

Unexpectedly, the people that used to live in my house came round, and while I don't remember them much, we had a good time playing hide & seek with Harrison, who's 8, or 9 I think, Darcey, who's a bit older than me, and had clothes on just like mine, and Gracie, who was nearly Alf's age. Thanks, and well done to Grumps for being the chief entertainer, I bet you went home for an early night!         

11/02/2007

How nice to be missed, we went back to school & playgroup & our friends were so pleased to see us again...lovely!

We saw Annalise for Ballet & she had a good time on her skiing holiday, but I'm glad we can ski straight from the chalet, whereas poor Annalise had to go on a bus to the snow every day. Harvey got on well, even starting to use the button lift all on his own - Alf the challenge has been set. 

The days then came & went, and it wasn't until the end of the week that we realised that we were going to be on holiday again next week.... easy life!

Normal Saturday service was resumed, with us getting up before the Sun, to go swimming. Dad then dragged us all over the place to what seemed like hundreds of DIY shops, just to buy one pot of paint..... boring! Now we can see why Mummy doesn't like going in them very much..... you've seen one, you've seen them all! 

At least we were rewarded with drinks & chocolates from Daddy's work, before we headed home for a bit of painting. And as it turned out, not our normal arts & crafts painting..... no, this was big grown up painting with giant brushes & rollers.

Dad was brave enough to let us have a go in the new kitchen, and as you can see we effortlessly went from little picture, to big picture......... 'can you guess what it is yet?'. Having got nearly as much paint on the floor as the walls, it was time for Daddy to finish the job.

To give Dad a well deserved whole day of painting (isn't he a lucky boy!), we went with Mummy and our friend Amanda to the Time & Time museum in Yarmouth again, and had a great time, returning just in time to see that Daddy had been a busy boy & painted all the ceilings.... well done.

So, what are we going to do with ourselves, another week of holiday to fill. Shame the snow didn't come our way last week as we could have done some skiing, so maybe the Cat in the Hat will come round on that 'Cold, Cold, Wet Day'. If he does, as long as he clears up he can make as much mess as he likes!     

04/02/2007

Two missed swimming lessons, a sad but acceptable price to pay for a week on holiday, skiing.

So once again, our bags were packed, with great things to colour & play with, the suitcases bulging with clothes & skis, and we were off. In fact we actually got a bit longer in bed as we left for the airport just as we'd normally be getting out of the pool.

It was a now familiar journey, first by car to the airport, the bus ride from the carpark, the fab underground train, without a driver, the big orange plane, and the twisty ride in Ben's van. This time t here was no need to follow the snow plough, as there had not been anything like the snow of last year, but still by the time we got to Allos there was clearly enough of the white gold for me & Alf to have some serious fun on.

After a lovely tea of yummy pizza, we all crashed out in our beds, with me & Alf having these great bunkbeds in our room.

The next morning we were starting to think that our newest Cousin was just make-believe, and didn't really exist. We'd not heard him (most unusual for a baby, as I remember with Alf), nor had we seen him (were we too common to share a breakfast table with the Right Honourable Montgomery Leonard-Wright esq?). Soon enough the record was set straight, and Lord Monty of Allos made his grand entrance, just about visible under a pile of blankets in his car seat, so we can confirm he is fact, not fiction.

So it was onward to the real business of the week, the skiing. Fortunately the snow earlier in the week had turned fields into ski slopes and it was time to explore.

The first day was spent finding our ski & sledge legs, and having acclimatised (after all we are almost 1 mile above sea level) we made our first runs down Le Champion, which was to become our 2nd home.

Alf was a bit nervous at first (I remember those first sliding turns), but seemed to quickly find his ski legs, and his speed, once Daddy let him do what he wanted. sometimes he'd turn, sometimes he'd go straight down.

The familiar routine of skiing, rest (watching DVD's) & then some more skiing was working a treat - something for everyone. A trip up the road to La Foux, and we were able to show what hard-core skiers we were. Apart from a short break to refuel on chips, we were skiing all day, and it was fab fun.

Our last day of skiing was another all day ski-a-thon, with me setting a new land speed record for the under 7's as I shot past Daddy in my now locally famous tv-arial tuck position. Alf was also doing some great skiing, and was really putting in some good turns on both the more gentle & steeper sections.

This was defiantly one holiday we were not ready to come home from, but having spent the last of our pennies in Shoppi, it was back on Ben's magic bus, the big orange sky bus, the driverless train, the bus & the car.... all to get us back to Brundall in time for tea (albeit a late one).              

So we're back & already wanting to go again. I hope we get to see Cousin Monty again soon, and we must ask Annalise & Harvey how they got on on their skiing holiday. Must go, we've got our respective boyfriends to see!   

21/01/2007

Phew, at last a week to catch our breath. After our non-stop fun & frolics the previous week, it was nice to have things settle down a bit........ what a couple of old fogies we are!

Don't worry there were still some highlights (how could a week in the krazy world of Edie & Alf possibly pass by without at least one).

Before getting to that, what a windy couple of days we had, on one of them we really thought the house might get blown down, but luckily it didn't (nor did the new bit)..... so the builders obviously did a good job - well done Rob & Glen the builders. 

So, having again been dragged from our beds early on Saturday morning (before the sun was even up), it was off to the swimming pool, for our 8:00 o'clock dip. The 1st splash definitely woke us both up - especially when Alf's was after a gentle push from his teacher - get in there!!!!!! We both did some impressive swimming, me with more widths of the big pool, & Alf with some cool hoop diving & number collecting in his little pool.

The good news was, no repeat trauma with the food machine, although the choice was pretty poor & after my sweets got stuck (and Daddy was unable to free them, despite banging & kicking the machine) the lady had to open the machine & get them out.

The highlight (sorry for being cruel in calling it this) happened on the way home. We were going slowly through some road works when we saw someone trying to turn round in the road as they'd gone the wrong way. Unfortunately, they went back a bit too far & the back of their car fell into the hole that the workmen had dug up... oops. We are sorry to say that we all laughed, although the person was definitely stuck. I'm sure another time we would have helped, but I know we're really strong, but I think car lifting had better wait until we are a bit older.     

 Lastly, the suitcases are down from the loft, which can mean only one thing..... holiday time. Yes, only a week to go now, and they are still in desperate need of some more snow. Its been getting colder here the last couple of days, so hopefully it'll be even colder in the mountains, cold enough for snow!

14/01/2007

Now even we know that a normal room has 4 walls, well not our kitchen, not now the builders have knocked one of them down. This is what it used to look like, but now there is just a plastic sheet there, to keep the dust out.

Mummy didn't want to be in the middle of all this mess, so she & Alf escaped to Nanna & Grandad's. So, what about me, well, I went to school as normal, but that is where normal finished, for that day. Daddy picked me up from School (unusual, but not unheard of), and we drove to Lowestoft, to meet Mummy & Alf at Nanna & Grandad's. Just time for a quick tea, lots of games of Bingo, before it was bed time. We got up at normal school getting up time, but me & Daddy then drove all the way back to Brundall, to get me to school. All this was worth it though, not only did I get to see my friends at school, but I got to take my Friday spelling test, and you've guessed it, got 10/10/

Was that the highlight of the week?, well not of course, there were two of them, the other Mummy's birthday, and no of course we'd not say how old she is.... we are too polite!.

Mum's birthday came after a really busy day when we went swimming on a Saturday for the first time. We can't remember if we've already said, but we now go swimming at 8 o'clock in the morning!, that's right a breakfast time swim. Daddy had to wake me up, and rather than have time to get up slowly, it was only with our swimming stuff, a quick drink and off in the car. One thing we can say is that an early morning swim certainly wakes you up, especially as we are both in new groups and had to work extra hard, but we both had a good time.....even if we got a bit moody as we pushed the wrong buttons on the chocolate machine and got the wrong thing out.... disaster! Next stop for me Drama club and preparations for our next show. For Alf, a trip to the ski shop to buy some new goggles, and very groovy black goggles they are too. Just time for a bit of lunch then I was off to a party, and Alf went to see a dinosaur and play on the park, so we both had fun, fun, fun.

As we all know, when its Mummy's birthday, we have to try extra hard to be nice, and all started so well. Helping bring her breakfast in bed, along with her cards & presents.....which she really liked (as you know by now, Mummy lies to lie in bed as long as possible). We got her a nice new bag, to go with her other 50 bags, and some Vodka & Mars bars, which was more Daddy's idea, as he said she'd had some at Uncle Ben's and it had been really nice. There were other nice things from other people, but by that time it was a bit of a wrapping paper blur.

We then went off to the beach, but a visit with a difference, we saw some real Seal's on the beach, and baby ones as well as big Mummy & Daddy Seals. I'm sure the Sea must have been cold, but they didn't seem to feel it, as they were having a good time playing in it. Me & Alf had a great time running about on the sand dunes, and luckily Alf did no lasting damage as he fell down about 8 foot, off the dunes & onto the beach.... stuntman!

Having build up such an appetite, luckily we stopped at a pub for some lunch, and of course some beer, before heading off home to generally laze around before collapsing into bed.

07/01/2007

What a nightmare..... a quick look at the webcam near Ben's chalet, and there is hardly any snow!. We're supposed to be going skiing in 3 weeks, and although it is white, there is no-where as much as last year. Poor old Allos hasn't got any in the village, so where is Alf going to learn.... looks like a daily trip to Foux. So look to the skies everyone, and pray for snow, cos we need it.

We're sure it'll be alright when we go & we'll come back with tales of fab skiing.

So the builders are back, and they wasted no time in getting stuck in. Now we've got a new window in the old bathroom, and the old one is now filled up with bricks. We can now get into my new bedroom, as its now got a floor, a ceiling & now an extra wall that will have my bathroom behind it..... exciting stuff! 

As the room was looking a little bare, we felt that it needed a bit cheering up, so we drew some pretty pictures & hung them on the walls..... I hope Glen & Rob (our builders) liked our art gallery.

We got out and about on Saturday, and ran through the rain showers to have a look at some bathrooms, that could go in my bathroom. There are just so many to choose from... at least colour isn't a problem.... its White, White or White!  We also had a look at some carpets, but even I couldn't have some of the Pink ones I saw, as they were just too Pink, so something a bit more like the one I've got.      

01/01/2007

I'm afraid sleep was the winner, try as we did to stay awake, neither of us managed to get a glimpse of Father Christmas, but never mind, we'll try again next year.

No matter, as he had manage to creep in, eat our mince pies, drink our wine & nibble our Carrots, and leave us some lovely presents. We've been so lucky (it must be reward for all our good behaviour during the year!). We got a huge load of craft stuff, so we'll be cutting and sticking lots of great things for everyone (if there is anything left after the 1st few days, as we've really got to work with it already).

After a fun-filled Christmas day, it was off to see Nanna, Grandad, Robert, Rowan, Shelly & Tom, and more fun with our Cousins, and more great presents. Some great noisy car toys for Alf, and some lovely sparklie & dressing up things for me.

As we'd all eaten far too much, a bit of exercise was needed, so we all went skiing and while Mummy helped Alf, who had some very good goes down the nursery slope, me & Daddy went on the big slope, and I tried my new ski boots on for the 1st time. Now, given that me & Daddy haven't skied for nearly a year (and the slope was very slooooooow, we didn't do too bad), but with our holiday only 4 weeks away we could do with a bit more practice.

Next it was curly Megs turn to come over for tea (a huge plate of pizza, cooked by Daddy) which we all ate lots of. Megs had got this really groovy thing from Santa, a little computer with a game on where you have to look after a pet dog.... now, I wonder, how good do I have to be to get one?

After a rest (from visitors), but not from our own home-made fun, we were invaded by Sophie, Naomi, Jason, Helen, Nanna & Grandad. We all feasted on a lovely roast chicken dinner cooked by Mummy - well done, and then made some groovy things with our craft stuff. A jungle picture with real sticking up trees & animals (we'll have to show you next time). Naomi was a little sweetie, and liked having me pick her up and carry her about.

So came the last day of 2006, and what better way to finish things off, than a trip to our oldest chums - Annalise & Harvey. We had a really mad time. Daddy brought some fireworks & Kerry & Daddy let them off in the garden.... 2 or 3 at a time, very impressive (especially the one that blew up!). Alf & Harvey had some wild wrestling games (both dressed up as super heroes). Definitely not all one-way traffic now - Harvey now bounces off Alf some times. They'll soon be on the Extreme Sports channel. We didn't quite manage to stay awake until midnight, but didn't get home until nearly 11:00, no not far off.

Finally, 2007 arrived, and now we can say.... Alf will be going to school this year. I'll be 7, Alf will be 5, and the building work on our house will be finished (hopefully). So, go through the list of people we'd seen, who's missing....... you're right, Grandma & Grumps (who'd been to see our newest cousin, Monty... Montgomery James Leonard-Wright, to give him his full and rather spectacular name.... makes Edie & Alfie Wright sound right common..... Mum & Dad, couldn't you have been a bit more creative?

So it turned out to be Christmas part 3, with more presents to open (some more fantastic craft stuff for me, which I just had to try, and made some lovely necklaces), and some brilliant trains for Alf for the track, these ones don't even have to be pushed.....excellent. We also played a game of Krokey (no, I can't spell it properly, but its a game with balls and hammers that you play on your grass. Katherine & Ben were right in their note that we'll have to wait for our garden to stop being a building site before we could play there, but by the Summer, of course it'll be all sorted out again.

Well we are exhausted just thinking about all the things we've been up to.... so how we had the energy to do them all... at 100 miles an hour, who knows (our own body weight in chocolates everyday perhaps). I hope everyone else had a lovely Christmas & New Year....... now let the skiing countdown begin.... 3 weeks, 6 days, 16 hours.................................