Is there a better way to start the day than with cuddles from Button the cat? He’s getting more soppy as he gets older (but his breath’s getting worse, so it’s swings and roundabouts really).
The daily battle to tame Genevieve’s hair ended with her requesting a Princess Leia do. Two side-buns later and she was good to go. She was very happy with the result (even though her right bun was already threatening to unravel). Hair success!
We were out of the house early as the kids were off to Grandma Lindsey and Grandad Lawrie’s for a play date, and Stephen and I had to get the car to the garage for a (long overdue) service. Despite some minor messing about from the children (standard), we were miraculously on time for both appointments – incredible!
This part is written by Grandad Lawrie.
As the weather was not good, and with a cold wind blowing, it was decided to spend time around the kitchen table. With so many activities to choose from it was very interesting that both Genevieve and James decided to play with the many Sainsbury’s Disney cards on offer. They spent a long time looking at each card, sharing them with each other and discussing the various characters with Grandma Lindsey.
This then moved seamlessly onto them looking at Grandad Lawrie’s Lego Star Wars mini-figure collection and a discussion about the merits of light sabres vs. laser guns! Watching DVDs of Star Wars films with their mum and dad has certainly created two more George Lucas fans.
Having had little physical exercise so far, it was decided unanimously that time in the garden was now called for. But, sadly, the heavens opened as soon as we went outdoors and we had to rush inside again.
However, Genevieve was not too disappointed as she then played very happily for ages with her sticker books, while James played snakes and ladders with Grandma Lindsey. He was absolutely delighted when he landed several times on the longest ladder in the world, but less pleased when a snake was involved.
After lunch, and following much insistence, the ‘heavier than air’ dragon incense burner was lit, with both Genevieve and James fascinated by the smoke curling down through the mountain.
We had a less exciting time at home. Stephen put up some hangers in the larder for the ironing board and myriad vacuum attachments, and then slept a lot.
In the meantime, I ploughed through a seemingly unending pile of work and planning for school. I felt like I made a bit of a dent though.
In the afternoon we had a call from the garage to say the car was ready. Thankfully there were no scary surprises or expensive things that needed fixing. Phew!
Having picked up the car we headed over to collect the children. It was immediately obvious that they’d had a great day, but also evident that they were absolutely knackered. We had our fingers crossed that they’d sleep well!
There were almost tears on the way home as the kids were sad that they’d missed the friendly neighbourhood monkey. He’d had to go inside as it was raining so much. Somehow we managed to calm them down though, and both dinner and bedtime went without major incident (or a massive meltdown as we’d otherwise feared).
As Stephen put the kids to bed, I decided to brave Tesco to get some bits, including storage boxes for crisps in the larder, and new plates and cups for the children. My life is very rock and roll sometimes.
Midway through dinner, I suddenly realised I was meant to be on a call with some friends. I wolfed down the rest of the meal and then quickly dialled in to the ongoing conversation. Stephen headed off to bed while I had an exceedingly nice evening catching up with my friends. A great end to the day.
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