First Day at School (and Preschool)!

Our day started a little earlier than anticipated - Beth was up and dressed in her new uniform, complete with shiny new shoes by 6:30am. She just couldn't understand why the school wasn't open and ready to go at that time too! Toby wasn't quite so keen but was still pretty proud of his new preschool t-shirt.

Daddy went into work late so that he could walk to school with us. It was a bit of a circus since every other daddy had the same idea along with a few grannies too. I think we could probably have sent Beth off on her own straight from the house since she was more than happy to abandon us once she met up with her friends.

Toby was a slightly different story. He happily found his name apple to put on the board and found his peg but wasn't happy when he realised we weren't staying with him. I guess I talked to him lots about going but forgot to mention it would be on his own. Never mind, once we had gone it only took an hour for him to settle down! When I collected him at 11:30am he was fine and said he'd had a good time.

We're not long in from picking Beth up but I'm still in the dark as to what she did all day. From what I can gather it involved some playing outside and lunch (which she ate all of). I think she had fun - suppose that will continue until she realises that she has to go every day . . .

Lots of Fun With Lots of Friends (& Family)

Well, I meant to do a post for every day out we have been on but time kind of got away and since I'm rather far behind I thought I'd just do one big post of fun! Apologies to all the friends who we've had fab days with but will now only get a few lines mention . . . (you'll all have to start your own blogs to finish what I start!).

Two of our days out were with Sarah (friend from school) and her daughter, Abigail (who's the same age as Toby with the same birthday as Beth). Last week they came to visit us and we had a trip to Clumber (Aug 20) and this week (Aug 31) we met them at Belton House. It's been a long, long time since we saw them last, October of 2008, (see post) and Abi had changed almost beyond recognition.

Clumber was lovely as usual and we had lunch before heading to the walled garden. We didn't quite get there as on the way, the tractor and trailer was parked ready to take people for rides around the park. I've seen it before but never had an inclination to go on it. We wandered over so Toby could examine the tractor and the driver, Paul, said it was fine for them to climb into the cab. Abigail wasn't so sure - she doesn't like tractors much (can't voice that opinion around Toby!) but had a look from a distance. I got chatting to Paul and he said he was doing a detour on the next 'round' and going to look at the long-horned cows they keep on the other side of the estate. Well, how could we resist a ride and going to feed them?

After an initial voicing of her displeasure at the prospect of having to ride in a trailer pulled by a tractor, Abigail settled into reluctant acceptance. Our two were perfectly happy though were not impressed that they weren't allowed to ride in or, for that matter, drive the tractor! The cows were pretty impressive and we did get out and have a (very careful) stroke of them before heading back.

I didn't have my camera with me on our visit to Belton though I did take an odd pic on my phone. Probably better that way as it meant I could join in without worrying about wrecking the camera or missing that perfect shot. The majority of the day was spent in the massive play area though after a picnic lunch we did venture into the gardens for an ice cream and lots of hill rolling. Hopefully I'll nick some pics from Sarah of both days out to post since I was so crap with that aspect.

On August 24 the kids and I made an early start and drove down to Ely to visit one of my running pals, Theo, who I've known since I was 11 along with his wife Zoe and son Sebastian who is just a few months older than Toby. It was definitely a day of parks - we started with a wander to their local and had a long play there. Both kids loved the zip wire thing and had fun with their new friend (only new as they couldn't remember meeting him before here).

After lunch we walked into Ely, had a peek into the cathedral (it's very beautiful) before calling by two more parks! The picture is from the second one down by the river. I'm sure Sebastian thought Toby was a little odd (I can see his point . . . ) but he loved Beth and happily followed her around for most of the day. Beth seemed to like this as Toby does not hang on her every word or take any notice of her usually so I think it made a change! The drive home was fine, Beth fell straight asleep and Toby made good use of his time by dismantling his yellow Herbie.

Our next 'reunion' on August 26 was with my school friend Bell (Eleanor) and her two children, Abigail and Matthew, and her godson Jordon. Despite living pretty close to them since moving back, we've been really crap at keeping in touch so it was ace to catch up. The weather wasn't great so we spent the morning mooching round the house. Beth and Abigail had great fun playing, and Jordon was brill and kept them entertained so Bell and I could get caught up.

Toby showed a whole new side with an obsession with baby Matthew who's five months old. He was desperate to hold him and cuddle, kiss him and generally just use him as a doll. It was cute for about 30 seconds then it just got awkward since we had to watch he didn't cause harm! I would have loved some pics of this but unfortunately I spent most of it wrestling with him to prevent him picking Matthew up. Thankfully after an hour or so he did loose interest and went to join Beth and Abigail. In the afternoon we headed to the park for some puddle paddling, flower picking (notice Beth's colour coordination!), and bonfire building involving dried grass and apples. It was fun even though it was a bit damp.

The last few pics are from the bank holiday weekend when Auntie Jane came to stay and then we headed to grandma and grandpa's for our annual Summer Christmas (family gathering like Christmas but minus the presents, tree, total over-eating . . . ). We went to Beacon Hill to the rhododendron labyrinth. I'm sure I've blogged about it before but I can't find the post to reference at the moment. We had coffee/juice and snacks half way round (though we did go round and round and round quite a few times) then went back to g+g's for some raspberry picking and play. Grandpa had outdone himself and acquired two scooters for entertainment. Beth zoomed around on hers but Toby didn't quite get the idea but still had fun.

Hopefully we'll get another few weeks of vague sunshine before Autumn hits so we can have some more fun days out without wellies being mandatory. Lots of firsts coming in the next week or so. Beth's first swimming lesson is on Saturday morning (4th) and on Tuesday Beth starts 'big school' and Toby is starting preschool two mornings a week - what on earth will I do with my five 'child-free' hours a week???

Blackpool Baby!

Last night we got back from a three-day visit with one of my friends from university, Holly (her son Rafferty and his sister Naomi - known as 'Omi'), over near Blackpool. We went early on Monday so we would have the whole day to enjoy. The weather was pretty good so after exploring their house we headed to the beach in Cleveleys for a picnic and paddle.

You will be amazed to know that Toby did not fall in though given the chance he would have happily wandered in up to his neck. There are no photos of him in the sea as I was taking the photos and I had tight hold of his hand anytime he was in/close to the water. Naomi, was fantastic with the kids and had them entertained with drawing in the sand, paddling and all sorts of games. Beth just loved her and I think has ideas of getting an older sister . . .

Back at the house lots of fun was had by Beth dressing up in Omi's bridesmaid dress along with Holly's sparkly shoes and anything else that took her fancy (I'll really have to reinforce my teachings about not rooting through other people's cupboards!). Toby and Raf had a great time climbing/jumping/falling in and out of the travel cot. I thought it was the best place for Toby to sleep not realising how easy it would be for him to get in and out. Oh well, worth a try.

On Wednesday we took the plunge and headed into Blackpool, via the tram (photo is us waiting at the tram stop), and go to the tower. It was pretty busy but once we negotiated the queue the kids loved exploring. First stop was the aquarium where the big attraction was the enormous fish (I can't remember what they were). After lunch we went to watch the circus (no animals) and sat right up at the back. It was pretty impressive and although the kids enjoyed it, they didn't find it hugely amazing as many of the tricks were ones involving height (four acrobats on each other shoulders, etc.) and as we were high up, they didn't look towering.

To finish off our visit we decided to take the lift up to the top of the tower. The views were pretty good as it was quite clear. On the way up we had our pic taken by the 'photo lady,' it then had a background added. Quite cheesy but we thought it was quite a nice one and a good memory of the day. At the top you can walk up another couple of staircases to go a bit higher. I took Beth but it was rather windy and you couldn't see so well. I didn't take Toby - he's just started with the new trick of running away at every and any opportunity and is rather hard work. He escaped while at the top and after racing after him, we found him in the lift ready to go back to the bottom!

Wednesday was our last day; we headed home at bedtime but before then we had another lovely day. In the morning we met Raf's grandparents at a coffee morning in aid of his playgroup. I'm still not entirely sure if the OAPs were looking in amusement or horror at the three kids charging round causing chaos. I'll go with amusement. :) The afternoon was spent in Lytham, a 'traditional coastal village' just south of Blackpool. We had lunch in the cafe in Lowther Gardens, a really cool park with beautiful flowers, a playarea and trees perfect for climbing and hiding around. After lunch and a play we wandered down the beach towards the centre of Lytham and the windmill.

We had a fab few days catching up and enjoying good company and even without the constant badgering of Beth wanting to see Omi, now that we know it's only a couple of hours drive, we'll be heading back there soon. :)

Pickering Traction Engine Rally 2010

Just a short posting about going to the Pickering Traction Engine Rally last Friday as I suspect the photos and entry will be rather similar to last years and to the one about the rally at Clumber!

We were really lucky with the weather as heavy rain was forecast but we didn't get any until driving home.

Beth's main aim for her day was to go on as many rides as possible with the bumper cars being the main attraction! Thankfully there were lots of things to distract. Toby was even more obsessed than last year with the tractor pulling and was most upset to be pulled away - Beth wasn't so interested, not really her sort of thing!

After a mooch around the classic vehicles we did find ourselves at the rides. Bumper cars are serious business (as you can see from the pics), grandad was co-piloting for Beth and daddy for Toby. I was official photographer and bag holder - bumper cars isn't really my thing.

A quick flight followed shortly after and a ride in the cars too. Toby loved his car and caused quite a scene when the ride finished; he hid down in the foot well and would not get out. Everyone found it most amusing, me not so much - hauling a distraught, kicking and howling two-year-old out from the depth of a fairground ride is not top of my enjoyable pastime activities, especially when I know it will be reoccurring episode on the next ride!

It was a fun day and already on the calendar for next year if anyone fancies joining us. :)

Thoresby Park

The summer holidays seem to be dragging a little; I think I really need to plan multiple activities for each day - the psychological impact of knowing we have weeks and weeks with no school or nursery sessions is kicking in!

Thankfully today we had a trip planned to Thoresby Park (http://www.thoresby.com/) with three other families. It's our first visit to Thoresby, I hadn't realised it was there - only ten minutes drive from our house though I suspect we will be frequent visitors now we know. It's a stately home (mainly used for weddings and as a hotel) along with lots of parkland and a courtyard of shops (sweets, toys, crafts and gifts).

The bigger kids, Beth included, took bikes but I managed to avoid taking Toby's trike - too heavy to carry if/when he decided he'd had enough. We started with a walk around the park stopping off to look at the huge fish in the river (carp I think) and got lots of comments on the number of children we had. We only had eight but I think they were moving so fast it seemed like many more - one couple even asked if we were on a trip from a nursery!

After that we plonked down under some trees for a picnic and game of football - very pleasant though it would have been even nicer if I'd remembered to bring a flask of tea. :) We finished off with very sloppy ice creams. A very enjoyable day.

Thought I'd just stick this picture it's so nice - flowers chosen by Beth from grandma's garden.

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.