Ben's 7th Birthday Part 1

In the days leading up to his birthday, Ben had a perma-grin on his face and kept saying things like 'I can't believe I'm going to be 7!"  Jasmine was feeling rather left out and kept wishing that her birthday was the same day or the next day, or whatever day she felt was close enough at the given moment.  The night before Ben's birthday she asked me, as I tucked her into bed, if Ben would be 7 as soon as he woke up.......yes of course, I answered.  To which she asked again, "what, straight away?!"

Anyway, the morning came and, unlike normal, Jasmine woke up first and I heard her creep into Ben's room and wake him up saying, "Ben, you're seven, wake up!"  Then they both came barrelling into our room to tell us the news too :-) 

Nick, unfortunately, had to go into work, but I had the rest of the week off, so after a lazy morning, we got out the giraffe decopatch kit we had bought for him as part of his present and we spen the morning cutting, glueing and sticking (Jasmine fgot a little wooden heart to decorate so she didn't feel left out).

The giraffe proved too big for Ben though and he decided he'd like to finish the rest off later.  so I have no picture of his finished product.  However, it is looking very good - even partially decorated - and will go very nicely in his room.  Which is the rest of his present.  We are decorating his room for him (as much as is possible in a rented property anyway) in a safari theme. 

At midday Nick came home and joined us for lunch - which for the kids was American style fluffy pancakes with syrup and some fruit.  Ben managed to eat 4 large ones!  We then went to the park and the kids played and rode their scooters until rain threatened.

I told Ben he could have whatever he wanted for dinner that night, fully expecting him to choose chips (his favourite!), but he surprised me and asked for a roast dinner (also a favourite I might add): roast chicken, stuffing, crispy roast potatoes, gravy, vegetables (though he has decided he no longer liks broccoli, he kindly said I could put some in a separate bowl in case anyone else wanted any!) and yorkshire pudding.  For dessert he asked for apple and rhubarb crumble with custard.  Pics and recipes here and here.

And what a feast it was.  We were all starving by the time I finished this cooking marathon and all ate more than our fair share - but it was delicious and went down a treat :-)

The next morning, Ben asked "am I still seven?"  It's funny that both of them ask this every birthday - it's like they think that because the actual birthday is a one day only affair, that maybe the getting ayear older thing is too.....

The Annual Summer party - 16th July 2010

Every year since moving to Witney we have attended the Audley Summer party.  Not every year have we taken the kids though, as it was a great and much welcom opportunity to have a night out together without having to worry about the kids.

This year though, because I am not drinking and wouldn't be staying as late as Nick anyway, we decided to take Ben and Jas.  And I'm really glad we did.  They had an absolute blast (with Ben boasting at the end of the night on the way back to the car that "I danced with two girls!")

I am also glad they came because I loved to see them run around freely, having fun and ultimately, snuggling with them by the campfire.  Priceless memories.

Nick dressed in a fat suit for 'It's a knockout!'

In case you're wondering, Nick was dressed up for his team of 'rugby players'

joining in with the band :-)

Definitely bedtime I think!

Parent's evening

Jasmine's Parent's Evening

Jasmine is amongst the top students in her class. She is confident, sociable and a quick learner.  She moves amongst the different skills and learning areas with ease and confidence and is happy to try new things.  Her reading, writing and spelling are coming on in leaps and bounds. She is a very happy child and is a pleasure to teach.  Wonderful to hear such things about your offspring - we must be doing something right....!

Ben's Parents evening

Ben is also doing fantastically.  He is a year ahead with maths, English and science, is very sociable (whilst also enjoying time on his own to do his own thing), contributes happily in class, behaves and helps out and is an all round pleasure to have in class.

I do love my little stars!

A day at the pool

As the weather has been absolutely scorching (29 degrees most days!), I took the kids to the local park where there is a lovely paddling pool to cool off after school.  They had a blast, I got a rest - perfect!

Sports Day

On 15th June it was the school sports day.  This year, the teams were grouped differently, with siblings being put on the same team where possible.  Benjamin and Jasmine's team won!  Proud mummy moment :-) They put in so much effort, with Jasmine winning two races and Ben winning one.....

waiting patiently for their turn.....

look at her go!

Ben waits for his sticker

Jasmine wins her race!  Look at the emotion/effort on her face :-D

The winners collect their medals

And show them off.......

Funny!

Later that day, Jasmine came into the kitchen where I was cooking dinner and told me she was wearing her joggers 'boy style'.....I turned round to have a look and saw this:

I creased with laughter...."what do you know about 'boy style'?  I asked.  "Andrew (her uncle) wears his like this!" she declared.  Well, yes he does.  And so does my brother, and my cousins and plenty other young men I know.....and for this day at least, Jasmine too! (though only in the house of course.....)