Biking Beth and Sports Day

I think I mentioned in a previous post that Steve had taken Beth's stabilizers and pedals off her bike so she could practice her balance. Well, she reluctantly did practice until she got pretty good so the pedals went back on. I resisted my urges to race to the shop and buy her full body armour (well knee and elbow pads at least) as she still insists on wearing a dress and refuses to wear trousers.

Over the weekend Beth rode a bit with Steve running behind holding onto her seat but it was looking all a bit unlikely. However, last night we went out to try again and something just clicked - off she went without a problem. She worked out how to turn and stop and can just about get started by herself as long as she isn't on an uphill. She was very pleased with herself and couldn't stop smirking. I would post a video of the event but it's a little large and I haven't quite worked out how to make it smaller. Beth's desperate to get back on the saddle but unfortunately we have torrential rain along with thunder and lightening today. Toby would very much like to be on a proper bike but he's a bit small yet though it won't be long.

Last Friday (July 16th) was sports day at nursery. The kids had all been practicing for weeks and some of them were very competitive. Beth, thankfully, wasn't too fussed at the prospect of winning (wow, aren't we great parents to have raised a child who knows taking part is what matters . . . ;)). I had Toby strapped into the pushchair for most of it as on his once chance out he ran amuck!

All the children had a go at all the races. It was quite amusing - I love watching the younger ones standing looking totally confused while all the others sprint off! Beth did great and seemed to enjoy herself, she even won one of the races (obstacle course) but since they got a sticker for taking part, she didn't really notice as she was headed to collect it. At the end there was a race for any younger brothers and sisters so Toby got to take part too. He and Beth ran holding hands and won that. One of the more competitive children ran with her little sister but when the sister fell over, she just carried on, dragging her to the end, poor thing though quite funny!

Relaxing with Friends and School News

We spent much of Saturday hanging out with our new friends. We were meant to be helping get their garden ready for the preschool fund raising bbq (yes, I've already been roped into being on the committee!) next weekend but we all got rather sidetracked.

Steve did manage to help by mowing their lawn (with the help of Toby, then Beth) but that was because he wanted to test-drive their tractor. :) After a lovely bbq lunch we broke out the slip and slide (sorry, no pictures) and finished the afternoon by feeding their pigs with left over scraps. It was a great day and the kids loved being able to 'run free' chasing the chickens and being chased by the geese. Hopefully the rain will stay away this weekend for the proper bbq.

Today (Tuesday) Beth had lunch and spent the afternoon at the big school in preparation for September. After, all the parents got a tour of the school along with tea and cakes, very civilised. It's quite a relief that she's all sorted out with school - it's taken rather a lot of effort and stress to get here. When we initially applied for a place she got refused as the school was full and we were late applying since we had only just moved into the village. We had to go to an appeal panel for them to decide if she could go. Thankfully they went our way and gave her a place so now she'll be at school with all her friends. :)

Toby also had a morning at preschool today ready for September. He will be going two mornings a week - I think he is definitely ready for it as he ran straight in today and happily got on with playing.