Another Christmas

The tree looks smaller than ever compared to the children this year. There were many willing and able hands to help put it up though, something that has changed over time.

Angel!

For his part, Oscar quite enjoys playing with the baubles on the tree, as well as with Daniel's Lego advent calendar that he bought himself.
We have been trying to take some photos of the children to hand out as gifts. Not all were successful, but some were....

It has been quite a good year on the Lego front for Daniel......

 
Zoe is growing up fast. She got a laptop for her birthday, and is really pleased as it is purple!

New laptop!

Hannah has decided that she would like to have a Gecko as a pet. So instead of just saying "no" outright. I suggested that she find out how she would look after it, what it would eat, what care it needs, what would she do when we are on holiday, what would Oscar think? etc etc
The aim was that she works out for herself that she doesn't really have room in her life for a Gecko at the moment.
Instead, we now have an 11 year old with an encyclopedic knowledge of Gecko care!

Decoration

We (actually mostly Lynda) have been decorating Hannah's bedroom. We started about six weeks ago, but as ever, it took longer than we had expected.
Hannah wanted a "red" colour scheme, but agreed to neutral walls and just red for the accessories and curtains.
So in six weeks it has gone from blown plaster walls with a Pooh Bear border, to a much more suitable looking room for an 11 year old.

Even Oscar seems ok with the new look. This is a relief, as he hasn't been well for the last week. He had picked up some sort of virus it seems. After several trips to the vet for check-ups and blood tests he is a lot better, and back out roaming the neighbourhood.

Fourteen!

Fourteen!
Zoe had some friends round on Saturday to help celebrate her birthday. As it was also Bonfire Night we threw caution to the wind, and let them wave sparklers around and cook marshmallows over the firepit! A good time seemed to be had by all.

Time to sparkle!

"Take your shoes off before you go upstairs"

Hannah was 11 as well......

It was obviously Hannah's birthday too. She had some friends round to do some arts and crafts themed activities, which included each girl colouring a pair of white plimsolls. It was really nice that they all sat in the dining room chatting away to each other about all sorts of things. You have to observe in stark contrast to the boys at Daniel's party, who couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes!

Go Karts with Daniel

For Daniel's 11th (how have those years gone so fast?!) birthday party this year he took some friends go-karting.  A great time was had by all.  I did the "responsible adult" thing, and kept an eye from the side-lines.  It was most people's first time ina petrol kart, and I was quite relieved when they all exited the pits and made it round the first lap!
Daniel is keen to have another go.  Mariokarts will never be the same again......!

 Daniel exiting the pits

They seem so grown up!

World of Adventures

Went to Chessington a couple of weeks back with Zoe. As it was an inset day, the queues were very small, so we went on pretty much every ride. I have to say that I didn't realise that the rides all span round and round quite as much as they do. A queasy day for me, but a good one.

50 feels like a big number

We had some friends over to celebrate my 50th a few weeks back.  It was great to catch up with a few faces that we had't seen for a while.
Zoe had made some birthday cup-cakes at Elayne's which were very tasty, and looked fab.....

In my defence - it was quite late :-)

I was quite tired by the end!......