Lauren FitzGerald's Blog

Pirate Gnocchi

2008-06-07T05:00:00.003+01:00

For those of you on the other side of the world - yesterday it was 27degrees - in the middle of winter, no less. Ah, yes, but I can hear you say "just wait until summer, then we'll see who's laughing!"

For Alexander's mates in England, he has written a little note below with a special recipe for his "Pirate Gnocchi". Double click on the image for a larger one.

We miss you all very much !!!!!

More birthday celebrations

2008-05-22T04:24:00.002+01:00

We celebrated Alexander's 8th birthday - such a happy day for all of us.

Alexander enjoyed the day by taking some of his mates to putt putt and we had birthday cake afterwards.

For his birthday he received a new bike which he has been tearing around on (he just reminded me to write that it has gears!). We will all start doing some long bike rides soon. We were doing this in the Lee Valley Park and had a ball, but haven't done much riding since returning to Aus. Perfect weather for it now, so we'll get into it.

Prodigal Patrick returns & Margaux turns 3

2008-03-17T00:56:00.008Z

Patrick returned home again last Friday, and after a couple of days in bed fighting what he calls the Hong Kong flu, he is up and about again, but still a bit under the weather.

We didn't have a fattened calf to cook, so we baked instead. We do so love our baked goodies in this house. Maybe it's even a little Bree-esque at times. Whisking, muttering "How am I going to bake my way out of this one!"

Luckily it was Margie's official birthday on the weekend, so this bake-fest could be put to a constructive use. We allowed the unofficial birthday to pass a few weeks ago. I'm pretty sure that's the way the Queen does it, so if it's good enough for her ...

Little Margie enjoyed her day with her brother and sister, some friends and cousins. She trottted off in her green dress today in honour of St Patrick, with some cakes for her friends to enjoy at kindy. She's such a cute little mite.

A busy week ahead, then, aren't they all.

Corinna, Ella, Evie thanks, see below!

Girls and princesses

2008-03-10T02:47:00.002Z

Bella and Margie love dressing as princesses. A pic of them taken this weekend in their gowns (but minus the tiaras).

Margie starts Kindy

2008-02-10T01:39:00.001Z

Margie loves her new kindy as she calls it. Here is a pic of her on her first day, ready and excited to be joining the big kids in having her own little space in the world outside home.

School at last !!

2008-02-01T05:17:00.001Z

After their second 7 week long holiday in a year, the kids finally headed back to school. Woo hoo!!!

The day before they were due to head back Xander fractured his left arm in a scooter accident, so he bravely trundled off to school with his arm in a sling. Hopefully, it will heal quickly. Thankfully he is right handed.

It was Eleanor's first day of school in Australia. She soon discovered that it was a different uniform and school, but the same old routine. She loved it.

Their return to school also coincided with our 10 year wedding anniversary. Surely that has to be a good omen.

Our first Australia Day

2008-01-28T22:01:00.003Z

In true Aussie style, we celebrate our first Australia Day with a trip to the beach for the weekend. This time we stayed at Noosa with some friends.

Mornings on the beach and afternoons by the pool - perfect! Then the babysitters arrived and we got out for a few hours of freedom.

On Sunday we hired a boat on the Noosa river. The kids thought it was great to be able to jump out in the middle of the river and swim on the sandbars. We pulled into a little island in the middle of the river for a barbeque lunch and some more swimming and fishing.

As we were leaving, Bella howled in the back of the car "this is the most beautiful place I have ever been to and I never want to leave". Repeat over at least 1000 times. At last she made us promise to take her back there, which wasn't a difficult promise to make!

Something for the kids

2008-01-15T11:44:00.000Z

For those of you in BrisVegas - something for kids over the holidays.

Take them to see the Kid's Warhol exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.

Some of the kids artwork from our day there:

5 years on

2008-01-09T21:52:00.001Z

On a beautiful snowy day, 5 years ago, our little Bella joined our family. What a happy day it was!

This year we celebrated the occasion with a little cousins party. For the second year running she chose a fairy cake, adorned with her favourite sweeties and little fairy figures.

A couple of days before her birthday we visited the hairdresser to tame the tresses. She came out looking like a princess, complete with glitter hairspray!

Oh my giddy aunt!!

2008-01-02T21:28:00.000Z

The last couple of months have been a bit of a blur to put it mildly.

We have settled into our new abode and seem to be returning to a somewhat normal household (whatever that is). We even have the internet connected, so now I can get on with catching up on all my long overdue chores.

Xander has settled into his new school and is enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, which has been hampered slightly by the wet summer but it hasn't really made any difference to us.

Bella has been a star, helping me out while she waits to start school, again!

And little Margie has started at her new Kindy which she is loving. She can't wait to get away in the mornings - I should be pleased about this, right?

At the end of the school year, in early Dec, we took the kids up to Caloundra for a couple of weeks with their cousins to surf, play and enjoy the sunshine. They had a ball.

In all it has been a great move for us although it really took a couple of months to settle in and get the hang of things again. Everything here seems strangely foreign and probably will for some time yet I expect.

Back in Brisbane

2007-10-30T12:11:00.000Z

Well, the big move happened and Lauren, Alexander, Eleanor and Margie are now back in Australia. Lauren braved the flight all by herself with the kids.
They are all well and are adjusting to life in a brighter, hotter country.

The day before the departure, we had a wonderful day together catching a boat from Docklands to the Tower of London for a last day out in London. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day. The kids will miss the big days out in London, but there will be plenty of different things to do in Australia.

Patrick has moved closer to his business in Reading, which is doing very well, having made the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 this year (no. 40). Bit by bit the business is building nicely. He is joining the family for Christmas.

More news when we settle more.

Eleanor's first day of school

2007-09-11T12:00:00.000+01:00

She has been ready for ages, talking about the day she would become a big girl and start school. She couldn't wait to wear that little red gingham dress join in the ritual she sees Xander go through each day with his homework, luchbox and tales of playground adventures.

When the day came, she was bursting with excitement got dressed with laughter and squeals of delight, and kept asking when we were going to leave the house for school.

A pic of her in her uniform on her first day. I can't quite believe it myself.

Getting prettier every day

2007-09-10T14:41:00.000+01:00

No, not me, unfortunately. Our girls get prettier every day. Some recent pics of them.

Birthday treat for Patrick

2007-09-09T15:23:00.000+01:00

As a last minute birthday treat we took a quick trip across to Paris to watch the opening game of the Rugby World Cup 2007. I can never say no to a trip to Paris.

We didn't have the kids with us so we used the opportunity to just take in the wonderful feel of the place and relax. Luckily, we also managed to catch up with some friends and I found the LBD I had been promising myself for some time.

The game was great fun too. A bit of an upset with Argentina beating Les Bleus, but the atmosphere in that amazing stadium was electric.

Probably our last visit there for some time given that it is so far away from Aus. Bye bye, Paris.

Castles for our princesses

2007-09-01T15:07:00.000+01:00

Only months to go before before the move so it's time to concentrate on some outings we want to make with the kids before we go.

The kids wanted to see a few more castles so we took them to Colchester Castle and Hampton Court Palace over the last few weekends.

Colchester Castle has always been one of their favourites and they are now getting old enough to appreciate it better. They particularly enjoyed trying on the chain mail and getting into the costumes of the time.

Hampton Court Palace is a particular favourite of mine, so we visited on the August bank holiday weekend. We were blessed with fine weather that weekend, so we were able to spend a bit of time in the beautiful gardens and let the kids explore the maze.

Our princesses felt right at home here!

Evening Soirees

2007-08-14T16:18:00.000+01:00

Xander and Bella are becoming old enough to take them out into town in the evening now, which makes life just that little bit easier. We are starting to get a taste of how things will be once we have them all out of baby phase. Margie is almost there.

Last Sat evening we took Xander and Bella out on the Southbank. We had a stroll, a quick look at the Tate Modern and had dinner at a little restaurant overlooking the river with views towards St Pauls. After dinner a little stroll/run across the "wobbly bridge" which dissappointed Bella because it is not wobbly enough any more.

Enjoying summer

2007-08-14T16:00:00.000+01:00

At last, over the last couple of weeks, summer finally arrived. We have been making the most of it as it seems that summer may only last a few weeks this year.

So, a few trips to Frinton on Sea lately ...

Andalucian adventures

2007-07-21T12:53:00.000+01:00

Our trip to Spain was a wonderful chance to get together with the cousins from Aus and to spend some time in the sun.

We spent 2 weeks in a beautiful house in in Andalucian countryside. The house was quite remote and the local village was small, so we got a chance to see the authentic Spain. Not much English was spoken around the area, so Zoe certainly had ample opportunity to practise her Spanish.

Each night we were treated to the most beautiful sunsets which we enjoyed with a glass of wine on the terrace.

The kids were certainly well catered for with our very own kids club called the "Dragons". They had their very own "Dragon's Den" where they practised their plays and just chewed the fat.

They treated us to a wonderful play about Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Wilbur the pig and others which was actually very good! A witty script, fabulous actors and hours of practise made it a real hit.

On the terrace on afternoon we were also treated to a wonderful art show, with the kids presenting their work and describing it to us. It was quite a show - a wealth of talent there.

The unofficial highlight of the holiday though, was the Coke and Mentos experiment. For the uninitiated, some details here. It hasd been planned for weeks and then finally towards the end of the second week, we set up the experiment and let it go. It was the most excited I saw the kids all week. Simple things.

During the days we toured Andalucia and visited many places. The Alhambra (in Granada), the Mezquita (in Cordoba) and Ronda's Bullring were especially fabulous places to visit.

More photos soon.

Weekends at the seaside

2007-06-18T09:54:00.000+01:00

This has not been a great summer so far (wet and cool), but that doesn't stop us from visiting the seaside when we can. The kids love their treasure hunts and Patrick is enjoying teaching them how to skim stones.

Much to Xander's dissappointment, the Mersea beach (the one we visit most often) is too stoney for cricket.

Some pics also of these beached boats which interested us. It looks like they have been grounded, the grass has grown up around them and people have made their homes on them.

Birthday Boy

2007-05-21T09:45:00.000+01:00

Alexander turned 7 yesterday, and what a proud day it was for us all.

We had a party here in the garden. It has been pouring rain here for weeks. We have been praying for a fine day and, thankfully, we got one yesterday. We put up a marquee and had an fantastic entertainer to busy the kids so we could have a drink and a chinwag.

After the party some people hung around a bit for a drink while the kids played. I was telling some friends that Alexander received a classical guitar for his birthday. They asked if Patrick also played. I told him that he did and that when he was young he used to play in a band to impress the young ladies. At that moment, Alexander emerged from the house with his guitar and said to a mixed group of kids "hey girls, want to see my play my new guitar". Like father, like son.

Bella and Margie enjoyed the party yesterday and were real little party divas. E is thriving at nursery school, and Margie has just started preschool for a few hours a week. They're all making their mark on the world in their own way.

Names of the week

2007-05-02T22:34:00.000+01:00

Eleanor has some new names for herself this week. When she's not Nibella, she is Nigella Loadsbetter.

Otherwise, she is Lucy. Lucy has 5 invisible husbands named Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (catholic school) & Jeremy (no idea) all of whom are policemen.

Such an imagination.

Nibella bites

2007-04-19T11:09:00.000+01:00

Our Bella loves to watch Nigella Lawson performing her magic in the kitchen. Often, when we are alone, Bella will ask me to look for Nigella on the TV so we can watch her together.

When in cooking mode, she now calls herself "Nibella". We are often treated to cookery demonstrations by Nibella herself in the living room. She takes us right through the ingredients and method, then whips up something delicious and tells us "now for my favourite part, the eating".

I can think of far worse roll models for a young girl.

Cool stuff

2007-04-19T11:03:00.000+01:00

After their bath each night the kids love to goof around, bounce on the beds and practise their gymnastics. I was chasing Margie around trying to dress her, when she turn, pointed to me and said "no Mum, I want do cool stuff". I let her go and she started dancing, bouncing and tumbling again, which I am guessing was her "cool stuff". I was amazed - she is growing up way to fast!

Easter on the Emerald Isle

2007-04-16T13:08:00.000+01:00

Just back from a wonderful Easter break in Ireland. Amazingly, we were treated to some really beautiful spring weather - about 18-24 deg and sunny most days. Easter in Ireland is usually quite cold and wet.

We tried to teach the kids some nice Irish songs, but their favourite remained "Dirty Old Town", which they sang everywhere we went. A tad embarrassing at times.

The house was in quite a central location, so we managed to pile the kids into the car most days and see some interesting things. It lay in the middle of some beautiful farmland, but Bella complained that the smelly smells of the farm (as she described them) made her twitch and kept her awake at night.

We also stayed at a couple of B&Bs when we wanted to travel further afield and spend a couple of days in one place. In Galway, we spent a couple of days meandering through the streets and enjoying walks along the bay. There we treated Alexander to his first ever night out at a pub to see some live music. He was thrilled and told us that "this was the best night out I have ever had, in Ireland". Always very careful to qualify his statements.

For me, Killarney in Co. Kerry was firm favourite. It was a beautiful town in the middle of the National Park. This is real FitzGerald country. We took the kids on a horse and carriage ride through the National Park, around the beautiful lake and up to a Castle. In the middle of the lake sat a little island called Innisfallen. It looks much the same as it did in the days when Francis Frith photographed it. It was after this island that Thomas Henry FitzGerald, Patrick's great-great-grandfather, named his house in far North Queensland. The sugarcane farming town that THF founded later became knows as Geraldton, and then as Innisfail as we know it today.

We enjoyed the place so much that we went back to Muckross House and gardens the following day and spent the entire day there. The kids went swimming in the lake too.

During our drives we saw such diversity in the landscape and the towns we visited. We saw a few beaches, but Ballybunion was by far our favourite. A beautiful wide, sandy beach. We're pretty fussy when it comes to beaches but this one got the thumbs up. The kids were so excited that they went swimming there (fully clothed). They told us that it was freezing but kept going back in for more.

Xander's favourite place was Bunratty Castle. We spent a full day there, exploring the castle and the folk park and the kids enjoyed playing in the play area. We all climbed right to the top of the castle's tower - even Margie!

On the way back home via Dublin, we spent a night at a B&B at Killkenny and all went for a night out in town. Our night started by sampling the Guinness at a beautiful riverside pub with a garden overlooking the river where the kids played and made new friends. Then out for a meal and back to bed so the Easter bunny would find us.

A unanimous vote - one of our best Easter holidays yet!

Some pics

Spring (almost)

2007-03-20T12:59:00.000Z

The daffodils are out, the days are getting longer and the temps were gradually rising - until yesterday. Just when we thought Spring was finally here, it snowed again!

Daylight saving starts next week, just in time for our Easter trip to Ireland.

Samuel Pepys' cheese

2007-03-05T17:22:00.000Z

Although it's not warm yet, we have made a couple of trips to the Essex seaside over the last month or so. Last weekend we had one cracking day - about 12deg and sunny. Excitedly, we got a picnic together and headed to the Mersea beach straight after Bella's ballet lesson.

The girls had a wonderful time, finding shells to make necklaces and bracelets out of. Xander and Bella then embarked upon a treasure hunt for Samuel Pepys' buried cheese. A bit puzzled by the seemingly strange treasure, I asked Xander what he was on about. He went on to give me great chapter and verse about the Great Fire of London in 1666, and how Samuel Pepys had buried his favourite cheese in his garden to protect it from the fire.

All this interest in the Great Fire promted us to take the kids into the Museum of London the following day. We couldn't have picked a better day to do it, as there were new exhibits about the fire and a story teller recounting a tale.

And a picture from the latest lunar eclipse on Saturday night taken from the garden. We got Xander out of bed to have a look at it - he didn't really think it was that exciting. Oh well...

Margaux turns 2

2007-03-03T17:10:00.000Z

The littlest member of our family turned 2 this week. She is such a delight to us and to her brother and sister (when she is not chasing them around telling them off). Her speech is really coming along - she talks a lot now and we can understand a good deal of what she says.

For her birthday, we had a little tea party for her with a couple of her little friends - and a Peppa Pig cake, no less. That evening, Patrick got home at 6pm (a miracle!) all went out to dinner to celebrate.

I will post up some more pics of her when the light improves - very gloomy here at the minute.

Snow in London

2007-02-08T16:50:00.000Z

Thousands of schools across the country were closed today due to very heavy snow. It is the most snow I have ever seen fall here - at least 6 inches fell overnight. The kids' school was open but they were very late arriving, partly due to the treacherous roads, and partly because we didn't leave until quite late as they were having so much fun. We knew there wouldn't be much light left after school, so we made snow-balls while the sun was shining but before the snow melted.

Water Rats

2007-01-29T22:37:00.000Z

Well it's not really beach weather here, but the kids do still enjoy a good splash in the bath.

Margie climbs the stairs to the bath mumbling "stinky rat, stinky rat". As you can tell, she has been called that once or twice.

A beautiful new niece !!!

2007-01-28T21:18:00.000Z

Darren and Kelly are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl, Malu. She was born on 21 Jan weighing in at 8lb 4.5 oz. A pretty little thing - she gets her good looks from her Mum.

In years to come she will have quite a tale to recount about her arrival into the world. As we understand it, Darren was on the boat off NZ when the news came that the baby would have to be delivered that day. 007 managed to get the boat to sail close to land where a speedboat was waiting to take him to shore. There a helicopter was waiting to take him to Auckland airport where an airplane was waiting for him. He was rushed through the Brisbane airport, then Mum sped up to the north coast hospital - arriving 20 mins before the big event.

We welcome our beautiful new niece and cousin to the world - and well done Darren (for making it to the birth in time) and Kelly (well, for doing all the work!).

Happy Birthday Eleanor - Queenus of the Minus

2007-01-12T21:28:00.000Z

Our lovely Eleanor has just had her 4th birthday. The self titled "Queenus of the Minus" knew that it was her special day and that we would do (almost) anything for her. And boy, did she milk it!

This year, she had a birthday party with some of her little friends from nursery school. Dressed as the princess that she is, she had a wonderful day with all her little princess and superhero friends.

The next day she was quite tired. She told me that the Queenus of the Minus was so tired that she had to retire to her castle for a rest.

For a birthday treat, we are also going to take her to high tea soon. She asked if we would take her to the Ritz for tea - but we said no! We'll take her somewhere a little more modest I think.

Tinkerbell and Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia! (Happy Christmas!)

2006-12-22T19:45:00.000Z

The busy week finished with a trip to the Kings Head Theatre for Peter Pan (the theatre is out the back of an old pub on Upper Street in Islington). You walk out of the tiny theatre into a world of cigarette smoke and old dogs at the bar putting the world to rights.

Kids had a great time and we finished the week off with a film (Happy Feet: it was nowhere near as bad as I was dreading).

Marta is off to Poland for Christmas, so we have done a Christmas recording for her. An excerpt from it is below (Patrick will get off the video kick pretty quickly. We hope).

It is about a little cat that will not go to sleep. Our little cat was busy with her lollipop.

So, that's all from us this year. We are at home now getting ready for Christmas. Last minute baking and preparations are underway. We wish you all a Christmas filled with love, laughter and happiness and a wonderful New Year.

Here is our CHRISTMAS WISH SLIDESHOW, showing some recent pics of the kids.

The Nutcracker

2006-12-21T09:26:00.000Z

Another leg in our very London Christmas - a trip to the Colisuem theatre to see the Nutcracker Ballet.

This has long been something Lauren has wanted to do and what better way to do it than taking along our little Ballerina for her first ballet. Needless to say that she loved it to bits and was dancing all the way out of the theatre.

The National Ballet is made up of a number of excellent dancers from all over the world and it truly was a magical experience, the theatre, the sets, the music and the standard of the dancing really showed why London is the home to the stage.

A film clip from it below.

Adding to the magic at this time of year is the FOG. London is covered in a thick fog in the mornings and evenings. There will be no snow this year - it is too warm across Europe for that. The fog is the thickest I have ever seen.

The Ballerina

2006-12-19T22:03:00.000Z

Xander is not the only one who has been busy performing for us.

It has been a busy few weeks for our Eleanor too. We went to her nursery Christmas Concert which was very cute, although we didn't see any leopards in the nativity. We were amazed by how much the teachers managed to teach them (and how much they actually remembered!).

Belle also had her open day at her ballet school. She really loves going, partly because it is fun, but mostly, I think is because it is a pink girly world, filled with tulle, glitter and sparkles. What little girl wouldn't love it.

We do have some group photos of these events but I rather not post them. Here, however, are a few of Bella and one with one of her best little friends, Ella. They're so lovely!

The Tree

2006-12-18T20:37:00.000Z

We put our Christmas tree up.

This year, we decided to let the kids do it all and see what came of it.

Tinsel chaos - but they all had fun.

First Orchestra

2006-12-12T22:58:00.000Z

One of the important events in our advent calendar was Alexander's music school concert.

Patrick and I went to the Redbridge Music School last week to see Alexander play in an orchestra for the first time. He was so excited about his first big performance.

He has been playing the recorder for a term but has been able to read some music since last year. The teachers and students worked very hard to put on a wonderful show for us. His fav. tunes were "Silent Night", "Once in Royal David's City" and "Jingle Bells".

WARNING! CONTAINS MUSIC FROM RECORDERS BEING PLAYED BY BEGINNER MUSICIANS

SILENT NIGHT

JINGLE BELLS

Rugby in Cambridge

2006-12-12T21:47:00.000Z

Alexander had a game of Rugby in Cambridge this weekend, so we all went up to watch. The Woodford u7's did a sterling job considering the conditions (about 2deg with a v chilly wind), winning 2 of their 3 games.

After the game we went into Cambridge for a hearty lunch to warm us up. There were lovely Christmas markets and carol singers to enjoy too. Xander requested that they sing his favourite carol "Once in Royal David's City" and they obliged. He was
thrilled.

That evening we took Alexander and Eleanor into the West End. Belle was so excited to be getting out into the big smoke. After a delicious Thai meal and a quick look at the ice skaters in Sommerset House, we took the kids to see the Snowman. It is something we have wanted to take them to for years now, but they haven't really been old enough to sit through it until now. A real Christmas treat!!

Pretty painted toes

2006-12-05T23:23:00.000Z

Like her cousin Emma, Bella likes to dive into Mum's make-up when the opportunity arises.

She said to Patrick the other day "I know what I'm going to get Mummy for Christmas - some make-up. I ruined all of hers, but I didn't mean to."

A pic of some of her artwork, being admired by her brother during the summer (just found these during a clear-up).

Sleep walking

2006-12-01T22:56:00.000Z

When the weather has allowed us over the last couple of months, we have enjoyed walking in the forest. The colours were short lived this year, because the weather has been hideous for the most part - we have had torrents of rain and howling winds (even tornados in some parts of London).

Margie likes her walks so relaxing that she falls asleep on the way. Such a funny little mouse.

Halloween

2006-11-15T20:51:00.000Z

Halloween is always a bit of an event in our house. The kids went to a H party on the weekend before, then on the evening dressed up to go out trick or treating.

This year, Alexander was a vampire, Bella was a black cat and Margie was the cutest little pumpkin I've ever seen.

They had an absolute ball. Margaux was so keen to get out and hit the streets with the kids. She had the "trick or treat" routine down pat in just a few houses.

Some pics of our scary things

The little school girl

2006-11-15T20:33:00.000Z

Eleanor is really coming along at the minute. I can't believe that she is due to start big school next September - growing up too fast!

She is making great progress learning all her letters and can't wait to be able to read like her brother. She loves drawing and is trying to write. I find "E"s written everywhere and she now has life sized people drawn on her bedroom walls to keep her company at night (drawn without permission obviously!)

She has the most amazing little imagination, some of which is rubbing off on her brother and sister.

Her christmas list is as long as my arm, but she has been made aware that if you ask Santa for too much, he just brings a big bag of coal instead of toys. That got her thinking.

Her nursery Christmas nativity play is coming up. I asked her what parts her and her friends would be playing. She told me "Albert and Francis are leopards, you know Mummy, the ones that come to visit baby Jesus". I think she meant shepherds!

A picture of her in her cute little school girl plaits - she looks so cute in them.

Bonfire night

2006-11-15T19:51:00.000Z

I can't believe it is that time of year again! How this year has flown.

This year for Guy Fawkes night, we took the kids to the Chigwell Police Club, where they have the biggest fireworks display around these parts.

Fireworks started at 8, and there was a fun fair to enjoy before the display. Eleanor wanted a go on the Meteorite (pictured in the link below) but we thought the roundabout was a safer option. She has no fear, which is quite worrying.

Patrick was shown up by Alexander's throwing expertise. There was a stall where you get 5 balls and have to knock down cans. P threw 4 and missed, so thought he would give the lad a go. Of course, he knocked down a can on the top row with just that one ball. So they gave him another go and he knocked it down again. He's got quite a good arm - it's all those spin bowling genes in the family!

Some photos here

Summer on the Riviera

2006-11-10T20:27:00.000Z

It is a sunny day in London today after weeks of rain (which we desperately need). The kids were excited to see the sun and it made me think about our summer holiday. Patrick was going to write this entry, but no time ...

The south of France - a place we love so much. About 3.5 years ago, we went there for an early summer holiday with my sister, Sharyn. As we were driving around soaking in the beauty of the place, we commented that Mum would love it if she ever had the chance to visit. It seems like ages ago now, because I can remember Patrick sitting at the dining table of our villa in Antibes furiously tapping away on the laptop keyboard to produce some sort of specification for the original version of the Dynamic Planner product. Bella was a baby - she took her first ever swim, in the Med no less!

So, this trip to the region was made even more special by the arrival of Grandma from Australia to join us. It was Marta's first trip to the area too.

We were blessed with perfect weather and good health which is no mean feat to co-ordinate on holiday!

The first week we spent in a villa called Les Agathes in Salon de Provence. Being roughly equidistant between Avignon, Marseilles and Arles, it was a great place for touring.

We also took the opportunity to make a trip to the nearby Languedoc region to visit friends. We had a leisurely lunch then the kids spent the afternoon playing in their lovely and very French garden while we enjoy tea and French cakes! A wonderful day, and so nice to see them especially in such a delightful environment.

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Arles, Nimes, Avignon, Marseilles, Monte Carlo, St Paul de Vence, Villefranche sur Mer and many other little villages in between. Bella dances on the Pont d'Avignon, and nearly fell off! Xander loved the Romas ampitheatres and got to practise his French and Margie adored the beach.

The rest of the time in and around antibes and juan Les Pins, lazing on sunloungers on the beach drinking Rose with Karla, Pascal and their kids. Then just a few steps into the restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Bliss!

Photos to follow when I get a minute (whenever that might be)!

And a few of the Lloyds building

2006-10-11T14:32:00.000+01:00

Also taken a few weeks ago.

The city kids

2006-10-11T14:03:00.000+01:00

Taken a few weeks ago when we went into the city open day.

Eleanor's big day

2006-09-28T20:16:00.000+01:00

There was great excitement in the house this morning, because Eleanor finally started St Antony's Nursery School.

Although she started a few weeks after her classmates, she settled in quickly and seemed at home instantly.

Such a big girl now and still such a delight to us. She is never short of a joke or silly story. Her first phrase to us just before age 2 was "I funny". She is, and she knows it.

She loves all thinks to do with being a lady and really looks up to those women in her life. She sends flying kisses to Grandma Lyn every day and talks of her Grandma Judy constantly.

Weekend escapades

2006-09-26T20:33:00.001+01:00

Although we don't see Patrick during the week much any more, we more than make up for it on the weekends.

Since returning from France, our weekends have been jam packed - just the way we like and have come to expect them!

Patrick and I had a great night out in the docklands a few weeks ago, so we took the kids back there the following day for a look around. They loved the tall buildings, the fountains, boats and canals. Alexander is still nagging us to take him to New York again to see all the skyscrapers. For now, those in London will have to do.

We took a Catamaran ride from the docklands up to St Katherine's dock, near Tower Bridge and had a look around there for a few hours. Alexander was very excited to be able to touch the Tower Bridge. Time to take him into the Tower of London again soon. The girls loved the fast boat ride and playing on the cobbled streets. Such a fantastic day.

Patrick and I have also been managing to get out into the big smoke on a few dates! It's just like old times, being footloose and almost fancy free for nights out in Soho, Brick Lane and our favourite Champagne Bar in the city.

We also spend quite a bit of time in the forest - it's great for letting the kids run. A few pics from the forest attached including one on how to make a cubby out of tree branches - something they love to do.

And lots more going on besides ... All good fun.

The tooth fairy returns

2006-09-20T19:31:00.000+01:00

The next wobbly tooth finally fell out and the tooth fairy paid a return visit to the Loughton FitzGeralds.

Alexander left the TF a note in case she forgot what she was meant to do.

Open house in the city

2006-09-18T21:02:00.000+01:00

This weekend was the annual Open House London weekend. One weekend each year, more than 600 great buildings in the city open their doors to the public as part of this annual festival of architecture. This year, we decided to go and look at the Lloyds building, probably the most important insurance building in the world. We got to stand on the floor of the underwriting room and admire the famous Lutine Bell, which
traditionally was rung when news of an overdue ship arrived - once for the loss of a ship, and twice for her return. The bell was sounded to ensure that all brokers and underwriters were made aware of the news simultaneously. Now, I believe that it only rung on cermonial or commemorative occasions, lately for example, on the anniversary of various terrorist attacks.

The highlight of the tour had to be the lift ride up to the top. Architecturally, the building is famous for carrying all of its services on the outside. The lifts are big glass boxes that zoom up the outside of the building. The views were spectactular and the ride better than any you'll find at a theme park.

And to top it all off, to Alexander's delight he learned about the concept of insurance which interested him greatly.

Next year we'll try the Swiss Re building

New School year

2006-09-07T20:30:00.000+01:00

Alexander started back at school this week after a 6 week holiday. He is in Year 2 now - "top infants" no less.

Here is a pic of our young man getting back into the swing of the school year. He is very keen to get back into things and to see his friends again.

His latest joke:
Q: "What did the fish say when it crashed into the wall?"
A: "Dam"

He thinks it is hilarious.

School summer holidays

2006-08-14T20:05:00.000+01:00

Week 4 of the summer holidays and we're all still alive and well.

I have managed to keep them very busy, so there's not been much room for moaning about boredom. There is so much here to entertain them with over the holidays - concerts, plays, sports/ballet camps, activity days and catching up with friends. A long list.

We also spent a few days out in Oxfordshire, so Patrick could get back to the hotel early enough to see the kids before they slept we could meet him for lunch. It made a nice change.

This Saturday, we meet Grandma at Gatwick airport and jet off the the south of France for a couple of weeks. A well deserved and much needed break. Can't wait!!

I often take them to into the forest for a picnic dinner while the weather is nice. Eleanor was hunting for the Gruffalo.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

I entered the photos below in a competition for my UK professional photographic association. I didn't win with it, but won an award for a photo I entered in another category of that competition. That makes 3 competition wins for me in the last 2 months!

Where were we

2006-07-31T22:53:00.000+01:00

It's been a long time since I have had time to post an update.

Things have been moving very quickly lately. There's a lot going on. Work, kids, school holidays - all great fun, but very busy.

The kids are now on 6 weeks' school holidays. So far, so good. I have plenty planned to keep them amused. It is the only way to save our sanity.

We had the usual mayhem before they broke up - we had the usual sports days, concerts, parties, discos ... this list goes on.

One of the highlights for Alexander was that this year, he was awarded the "Excellent Pupil Award" for his class. He received a certificate and got to miss a whole afternoon's work to go the headmistress's room for treats with the children from the other classes who also received the award (one per class is awarded). We were very proud of him - and he was immensely proud of himself!

Eleanor has just finished preschool and will now start at the school nursery in September. She is very excited about the fact that she will now be going to big school with Xander. Next Sept 2007 she will start in the reception class.

She had her end of school year ballet recital a few weeks ago. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. She looked so angelic fluttering around in her little pink tutu. Unfortunately no pics, because we (the parents) didn't know it was on until the day, so didn't have cameras with us. She tells me that she fancies doing gymnastics next.

And Margaux, well she's still as cute as a button but as bold as they come. I guess she's had the best teachers in the business. She has started counting and is trying to sing a few songs. She can sing the first line of "Baa, baa black sheep" but then blah blah's the rest. Also tries to sing a bit of "Twinkle, twinkle". She just wants to be one of the kids now.

Pics are from Alexander's sports day

An evening with Oscar Peterson

2006-06-30T14:18:00.000+01:00

Lauren got some last minute front row seats at the Albert Hall for us to see the famous pianist Oscar Peterson.

He is 80 and walked on to stage very slowly with a walking stick. However, backed by a veteran three piece band, he showed that there was little missing in his fingers.

Peterson was at his peak in the 1950s to the early 1970s and would be the only jazz giant of the 50s still alive. You could see, even in the 80 year old fingers, why he is regarded as one of the greatest pianists to have ever lived.

Apart from some swinging numbers such as Backyard Blues, Peterson was at his best on some Ravel-esque piano solos that showed his brilliance as a composer as well.

It had some significance to us as it is Peterson's piano playing that opens up Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's "They can't take that away from me", which was our wedding waltz.

The other great thing about the night was the adoration that Peterson received from the crowd. Many artists leave the stage with the cheers of an appreciative audience. Peterson left with their love as well.

The gardener

2006-06-27T14:47:00.000+01:00

A few photos from Paris

2006-06-27T11:05:00.000+01:00

At last I have had a chance to post up a few photos from our recent trip to Paris. More to come if I get time.

Has anyone seen this face before?

2006-06-27T09:12:00.000+01:00

The Architect's plan

2006-06-21T10:23:00.000+01:00

Here is the young Architect's plan from a few weeks ago. Impressive, eh?

A weekend in Paris

2006-06-20T22:02:00.000+01:00

Trying to cram in as much as we can, we took a weekend trip off to Paris.

It was Bella and Margie's first trip there and Bella really enjoyed it. We stayed in the Latin Quarter in the usual shoebox-sized apartment. We caught up with Hugh and his son Vito. Vito and Alexander hit it off and by the end were giving each other hello and goodbye hugs in the manner of war buddies.

Lauren, Marta and the kids went over by Eurostar on Thursday. Friday was spent picnicing in the park near the Eiffel Tower, then taking a little promenade along the Champs Elysées.

On Friday evening Patrick arrived in time for dinner in Place de la Contrescarpe, the very essence of Paris.

Saturday went to Jardin du Luxembourg then Lauren took Bella shopping, as the girls must while in Paris. Alexander and Patrick went book hunting, and Alexander charmed the girls at Shakespeare & Co with his Polish (a Polish girl was working there). We caught up for a late boat ride and then off to bed. Martha went with us, so Patrick and Lauren went out for dinner with Hugh while the kids had a big Star Wars and Shrek DVD sleepover.

On Sunday we went to Arènes de Lutèce, some of the only remaining ruins from the Gallo-Roman era in Paris, where the boys played football in the Roman Arena. After that, we went to the botanic gardens, Jardin des Plantes and then back to London. We arrived home late, tired but very happy after a very full weekend.

M-A-R-G-I-E-M-O-U-S-E

2006-06-19T09:41:00.000+01:00

Who's the leader of the gang
that's made for you and me
M-A-R-G-I-E-M-O-U-S-E
Margie Mouse!

Hey there, hi there, ho there
You're as welcome as can be
M-A-R-G-I-E-M-O-U-S-E
Margie Mouse! .......

(obviously, to the tune of the Mickey Mouse song)

This is Margaux's song. Xander and Belle have got it down pat, singing the high parts on que. Since whe was a little baby we've sung it to her and she now recognises herself as Margie Mouse. Most of Bella's little friends even refer to her as Margie Mouse.

Although she no longer scurries around the floor on all fours (except when it's wet), I think she will always be our little Mouse.

Maybe one day we'll take them to Disneyland Paris.

Backyard CRICKET !!!

2006-06-19T09:33:00.000+01:00

Yes, following in the fine Aussie tradition, Alexander loves Cricket! The intricate rules fascinate him and when Patrick's not around he even resorts to asking me to face up so he can practise his bowling. The tries to coax Belle into fielding but she is having none of it - "too boring".

The boys have mown pitch down the middle of the garden and spend almost every free minute practising their deliveries. What could be more fun for a young boy than setting up the stumps in front of Mum's rosebushes and spending the afternoon perfecting his techniques in this fine sport.

He has again breathed life into a cricket bat given to him by Patrick's Aunt Diana. Until earlier this year it had lay in her loft for about 20 years, since her children were young. It is the perfect size and weight for him.

Alexander can spin the ball both ways and has displayed some fine footwork with his batting. He moves quite naturally to the ball and even pulled off a lovely square cut the other day.

No doubt he will be watching on the TV this year when the Aussies take the Ashes home!

Making hay while the sun shines

2006-06-19T08:54:00.001+01:00

Busy times here. When we're not working, we're outside making hay while the sun shines!

The weekends have been very full, taking the kids to new and exciting places. Groombridge Gardens in Kent, into town (they love getting into the big smoke), walking in the forest, the Tate Modern Gallery, Waltham Abbey and riding on the miniture steam trains and picnicing at Audley End. Summer is such a wonderful time.

Yesterday was Father's Day, so had a family picnic up at Broxborne, in the Lee Valley. We usually take the bikes there, or ride on the boats, but the wait for boats was too long so we just did some walking instead and found a bridge for a few games of Pooh Sticks.

Despite the severe water restrictions at the moment, you are allowed to fill a little paddling pool, so ours has had quite a bit of use lately. The kids spent half of Saturday in it.

Alexander is coming ahead in leaps and bounds. The latest favourite things include SPORTS!!!, designing things on the computer, reading (especially his Tin Tin books). He can't wait to get into the garden every day after school to run around. He is a great big brother to the girls. When they're not being too annoying, he really looks after them, reading them stories and helping them out.

Belle, still such a lovely little girl. A real princess. She likes to carry her sparkly handbag with her now, which she fills with lipsticks, hairbrushes, a toy phone and sunglasses. Enjoys ballet, having Alexander read to her and swimming. Can be a little bit naughty (well a big bit, really).

And Margie ... well, she is just the sweetest little girl. She can say quite a few words now and walks around babbling (and telling everyone off). Quite a fiesty little personality is emerging. She just loves getting outdoors and is walking well now.

An Architect in the making?

2006-05-30T17:15:00.000+01:00

Patrick and I have been drawing up plans of our "dream house". Maybe one day we'll even get a chance to build it!

Patrick showed Alexander a few of the basics on how to work the software we have been using to design it. Then we lost him to the computer for a few hours. Like father, like son.

When we went back to look at what he had done, he had designed quite an elaborate house with a fireman's pole down to a secret underground tunnel leading to a lake with a get-away boat (for getting away from the "grown-ups" when they get annoying).

It was an amazing plan. To say we were surprised (and quite impressed!) is a vast understatement.

Happy birthday Alexander - 6 years old!

2006-05-26T12:40:00.000+01:00

With much excitement and in anticipation of wonderful things, we celebrated Alexander's 6th birthday last weekend.

The day started out with the ritual opening of presents - a set of junior golf clubs this year! Not plastic toy clubs, but real metal junior clubs. Then, Alexander made his own birthday cake and decorated it with jelly spider, snakes and bugs. Very tasty, I might add.

For a months, when asked what he would like for his birthday, he simply said that he wanted us to take him out to a fancy restaurant to celebrate. So that's what we did. On his birthday evening, we took him to Le Pont de la Tour, a conran restaurant on the Thames overlooking Tower Bridge.

Dressed up in his best clothes, we headed into town for his special evening. He tried some new food, got to drink out of a wine glass and behaved very well indeed.

To mark the occasion, the Tower Bridge even opened twice during dinner. That evening, it just so happened that the Prince's Trust was having a big concert beside the Tower Bridge. So, as well as the party, the Prince Charles's boat sailed up and back a couple of times and they had to open the bridge to let it through. It was the first time I had ever seen the bridge lift, and Xander got to see it twice in a night.

After dinner, we headed to the bar next door to listen to some jazz musicians. Xander really got into it, grooving along to the music. It was so much fun to take him out on the town - he was great company. We were so proud of him. Our fine young man!

On Sunday he took a crowd of his little mates bowling to celebrate. They had a ball.

According to the young man himself, this was the best birthday he has ever had!

Our Belle

2006-05-17T21:17:00.000+01:00

The painted fireman

2006-05-08T21:27:00.000+01:00

After a very long winter we are finally having some brighter, warmer weather. This is very exciting for us indeed.

Yesterday we took the kids to a family fun day at the Woodford Rugby Club, where A usually plays on Sunday morning. They were having a charity match and fun fair to raise money for Tourette Syndrome.

Alexander and Eleanor had their faces painted and fuelled themselves up on as much sugar as they could get their hands on. The highlight of Alexander's day was having a go on the fire engine and being allowed to wear one of the helmets. He thought it was so great that he took photos of this to school for show and tell today.

Margaux is really coming along. I think we can say that she is now walking, although still very unsteady. Such a sweet little girl, she is also starting to say a few more things. She tells us that she is "pretty" - melts my heart!

Over the winter I really have to rely on lights for work, but with the increased light, I have actually been able to get out and take some more photos in natural light. This is such an incredible treat for me!

Our little Ballerina

2006-05-06T20:36:00.000+01:00

After many months of begging and pleading, the time had now come for Eleanor to start Ballet lessons. She was in bed early the night before and up early on the morning ready to put on her pink costume. She looked so sweet in it and was so excited going off with her little friend to the lesson. It was like a room full of little pink fairies fluttering around - so cute.

Pony rides

2006-05-01T10:19:00.000+01:00

Eleanor has a real thing for ponies, so we thought that we would treat her to a ride. So on Sunday afternoon, we headed to the Greenwich Park for a picnic and run around. Just outside the front gate to the park was a man with a few little ponies, offering rides for children. So, excitedly, we took the kids over and asked if they wanted a ride. Of course, they did. So off they went and had a great time. Afterwards, we were walking back into the park with our ice creams to watch a cricket match on the top oval and we said to E "did you enjoy the pony ride?" She shrugged her shoulders indifferently and said "Hmmmph, they were donkeys." She was right, of course. Not much gets past her.

Easter in Wales

2006-04-20T10:16:00.000+01:00

In our usual Easter tradition, we packed up the car and headed for one of the regions of the UK we had not visited yet. This time, it was the west coast of Wales. It was such a beautiful place. We were expecting it to be quite scenic, but we were knocked out by how spectacular it was in parts. For the kids, the highlight was a visit to the dinosaur park at Tenby. They have talked about it ever since.

We took Marta with us which was a real treat. This meant that Patrick and I were able to get the kids into bed in the evening and get and do some walking along the stunning coastal paths and even go to the pub (a very rare treat).

Some photos.

Easter Bonnets

2006-04-04T08:52:00.000+01:00

Eleanor had her Easter Bonnet Parade at preschool this week. Here are some pics of her in her flowerpot hat. Thankfully the kids have broken up from school now, so we have a couple of weeks holiday.

Daffodils are out

2006-03-27T22:06:00.000+01:00

Although still quite cold, we took a trip into St James's Park for a picnic this weekend. The daffodils were out but it was still too cold for the tulips. Maybe in another month or so. On our way up to Horseguards parade, we stopped in at the Guards Museum, which the kids loved. Eleanor was particularly taken with the child sized uniforms and the ghost in the cabinet (a WWII canvas gas mask). Then we took the kids to see the changing of the guards. Eleanor is fascinated by "ponies" as she calls them, so she got a real kick out of it.

Making the most of our weekends

2006-03-13T09:52:00.000Z

The last couple of weekends we have really been making the most of all that London has to offer. The weather is warming up (although today the expected high is only 2 deg), and all the spring bulbs are starting to come out.

We took the kids to the Science Museum. They always love that museum because there is so much to do and see there. Eleanor has reached an age where she is getting right into family outings and doing and seeing new things. She is very curious and adventurous. She and her brother loved all the interactive games and hiding holes. Alexander scored very well on the memory tests - he was very proud of this.

We also took the kids for a little jaunt into Covent Garden. Although it's so busy, it's always great fun for them with lots of music and street theatre. Eleanor has been especially good over the last few weeks, so Patrick took her into Monsoon Girl to get her a little treat. A girl after my own heart, she chose herself a new handbag. Eleanor just loves to get out and about, playing ladies, getting dressed up, going for mini-chinos and cake and shopping. Patrick has resigned himself to having to work very hard with 3 girls in the house!

Sunday morning is now Alexander's rugby morning. He just loves going and getting a good run around and I just love seeing him come home exhausted! Long may it last.

To round it all off Patrick and I have also been able to get out in the evenings lately. Such a nice treat.

One year on ...

2006-03-01T16:10:00.000Z

It was a snowy night one whole year ago, that our little Margaux came into this world.

Her first year has flown by quickly, but I have enjoyed it thoroughly. She really has been the most delightful baby.

She has enjoyed her birthday week, as have her siblings. In our house, "birthday week" extends from one week before the birthday to one week after. Absolutely loved the birthday cakes (all 4 of them!) and singing "Happy Birthday", encouraging us to sing it over and over.

With her newfound confidence she has now started to stand briefly, so I guess it may not be too long before she takes her first steps.

A tip

2006-02-26T18:16:00.000Z

for those of you with crawling babies. You need to get a Babymop!

I only wish I had discovered them a few months ago and my floors might have been sparkling. Margie is still crawling, but probably not for long.

A visit from the Tooth Fairy

2006-02-19T16:24:00.000Z

Xander lost his first tooth the other day, so we had our first trip from the tooth fairy. There was much excitement going to bed.

X asked "what if the TF stands on me and squashes me when she takes my tooth". I explained that she was more like Tinkerbell from Peter Pan and that she would simply fly in and take the tooth.

Bella thought this one over. Then I hear a little voice "Well Tinkerbell might bring you a coin, but Peter Pan will bring me a pretty necklace."

He was expecting a penny, but got a pound (he'll soon wise up). Bella was sorely dissappointed - there was no necklace under her pillow.

This is one of the last photos taken of Alexander with his full set of baby teeth - you can see the wobbly one. He is growing up so quickly! He really is the most delightful boy at the moment.

A hatrick for Eleanor

2006-02-07T10:34:00.000Z

A covergirl again ...

Click for larger image

Eleanor turns 3

2006-01-22T22:13:00.000Z

Well Princess Eleanor is now a big girl of 3.

She is absolutely delightful little girl, full of giggles, mischief and pretty bouncing locks. Such a mischievous little imp, I often find her up to no good and full of smiles. Each day she reinvents herself as a new little person, complete with new name and persona. Today she was "Carly the mermaid", yesterday, "Kiki the pirate". Who knows who she'll be tomorrow. She has been an absolute blessing for Alexander, teaching him so much about imaginative play. Margie is also lucky to have her as a big sister.

Still has Daddy wrapped around her little finger! I don't expect that will ever change.

A New Year begins

2006-01-22T21:44:00.000Z

Some photos

We had such a lovely Christmas this year. There was just enough activity to keep us happy, but not too much. The kids had a wonderful time and we all got some desperately needed R&R.

Alexander was so excited with all his Christmas loot. He considers himself to be "a very lucky boy", bless him. Lady Eleanor dressed as a princess for Christmas and graced us with her presence. She was very pleased with the Baby Annabelle that santa left her, although she thought that a pony for the garden might have been nice. And Margie Pops loved all the wrapping paper and comotion, but was not all that fussed by the presents.

Although we didn't get our white Christmas in Vienna as planned, we did get some snow in England just after Christmas. Such a treat for the kids to be able to play in the snow over the Christmas break. It was the first time that Eleanor, the self-titled "sneaky snow bunny", had really played in the snow properly. Of course, she loved it.

The girls have now recovered from their Chicken Pox. Eleanor is now refusing to eat chicken in case it gives her the "pops" again.

Margie is pulling herself up, standing against furniture and cruising. She is really trying to play with the others and they are being so sweet with her.

With Christmas now behind us, we now getting stuck into all that this New Year brings. It's off with a gallop already.

Christmas plays, concerts, nativities, parties .....

2005-12-14T10:04:00.000Z

It's that mad time of year when we poor Mums have to ferry these kids around the countryside, from one pint sized social event to another.

In his school concert, Alexander was a shepherd. He remembered his lines and performed his part well. It never ceases to amaze me that the teachers can get these kids to co-operate and remeber what they are meant to do.

We also had to dress Bella up as a Christmas pudding for her preschool concert, which was a lot of fun. So, out came the sewing maching and Alexander helped me to run up a little costume for her (he loves machines). On the day, she thought she looked wonderful. Before the concert started she stood out the front (about 100 people in the audience) and performed a solo ballet routine while all the other kids were in the preschool getting ready. For those of you who don't know, Belle is a "lady" now.

Alexander also had his music Christmas Concert, which I was quite impressed with. Just to make sure the other kids got it right, in the middle of the concert, he took to the centre of the stage with a stern look on his face and started to conduct the masses (quite purposefully and with some skill, I thought).

Margie and Belle had a Christmas party at one of their little playgroups yesterday. Belle was so excited when Santa arrived and kept trying to jump to the front of the queue for her pressie. Margie sat on his lap (and howled) and Belle was more interested in the pressie than the big red man himself.

There's about one more week's worth of mayhem before the Christmas break. It's all such great fun!

And now Eleanor's in the local paper

2005-12-05T12:20:00.000Z

She's on a roll. This week Eleanor was snapped at story time at the library and got her pic in the local paper. She was quite impressed again. What next?

Click to see article & pic

The cover kids

2005-12-02T18:23:00.000Z

A photo of Eleanor & Alexander features on the front cover of the Christmas edition of Families East magazine. Bella was so pleased to see herself in print, as this was her first time. Alexander, being a bit of a veteran at getting his face in the papers was pretty cool about it. The first article (in a series) about him was published in a national newspaper (the Guardian) just two days after he was born!

Click here to see a copy of the cover
And here to go to the mag's website

And just for some fun, here are Alexander's old articles. Wasn't he cute! And I thought life was busy then!!
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3

Hitting the West End

2005-11-23T13:06:00.000Z

Alexander was my date on our night out in the West End last night. We went to see Mary Poppins, the musical. The son of a friend of ours was playing the part of Michael Banks (one of Mary's young charges), so we ventured into the West End to see his final performance.
http://www.marypoppinsthemusical.co.uk/

It was a fabulous production. Oscar Redif was fabulous in the role. Keep an eye out for him in other productions as I'm quite sure that he is destined for great things. Alexander was absolutely mesmerised by the music, singing, dancing, lights and stage sets. There are only a few other times in his little life I have ever seen him so happy.

He made a great little companion too. A little glimps to things to come, perhaps.

For those of you who have the opportunity of seeing this before it ends - our tip is to go for it! Well worthwhile.

Alexander the chef

2005-11-07T10:12:00.000Z

Alexander is becomming quite proficient in the kitchen.

The other day he made us some scones. All I did was read the recipe and he measured out, combined all the ingredients, rolled the dough, cut the scones and arranged them on the tray.

I thought he did and excellent job, and they tasted good too. I am determined to raise a domesticated young man!

Guy Fawkes and Bonfire night

2005-11-06T09:30:00.000Z

This time of year is so exciting here. The nights are getting longer, the days cooler and there is excitement in the air.

Every Nov 5, the British set off fireworks, light bonfires, and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes to celebrate the foiling of the 1605 plot in which Roman Catholics tried to blow up the Parliament and kill King James 1. Guy Fawkes was one of the conspirators and is said to be the last man to have entered the English Parliament with honorable intentions. This year marked the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot.

Alexander loves non-fiction books so we got him a little one about Guy Fawkes and he has been reading up on the Gunpowder Plot for the last few weeks.

Where we used to live at Blackheath had arguably the best bonfire night fireworks displays in London, but the traffic/parking to get there would have been far to difficult. So instead, on Saturday night, Patrick took the kids to see the fireworks display at the local police club.

It was a family display so there was a big fun fair and a fireworks display. There were no bonfires or burning of effigies though, which might have frightened the kids. It frightened me when I saw this in Lewes (near Brighton) on Bonfire night some years ago, where they have a big procession and burnt crucifixes and effigies of Guy Fawkes and the Pope.

We thought Margie might be frightened of the fireworks, so I kept her at home. From the house I was able to see several very good fireworks displays, so I certainly didn't miss out!

Some links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A199488
http://www.bonefire.org/guy/index.php

Trick or Treat

2005-10-31T19:19:00.000Z

Alexander and Eleanor were so excited tonight - it is Halloween. It has become our tradition to dress them up and take them out "trick or treating".

Last year Alexander dressed as the Pied Piper and he made little Belle dress as his accompanying rat. For the last couple of months he told me that this year, he would go as the "Black Plague" (he is a bit obsessed by the Black Plague). We lamented that Belle would yet again have to be his rat.

There was a last minute change of plan and they decided that witches and wizards would do this year (phew, that was a bit easier). So here are some pics - the kids in their costumes and doing a bit of apple bobbing before going out "trick or treating".

Eleanor goes to the theatre

2005-10-29T22:33:00.000+01:00

Eleanor has been out on the town. She and I went with some friends to see the stage production of one of her favourite little kids' TV shows, Balamory. The uninitiated can look here to find out more.

They had a great day, joining in all the singing and dancing and waving their lights around. It was so nice to see her enjoy it so much and to be able to spend some 1:1 time with her.

Pics soon.

Margaux sits up

2005-10-24T08:57:00.000+01:00

Autumn this year has been beautiful - mild weather, bright days and all the lovely colours we have come to expect. It is one of our favourite seasons.

This weekend marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Trafalgar, so we decided to take the kids to the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich to check out what was going on. After the museums we went up for a romp around our old patch, the Greenwich Park.

This kids had loads of fun with the leaves, making piles of leaves to jump into and throw around. Autumn is great fun.

Margaux was in her element, watching the other kids with great excitement. It was here that she decided to sit up for the very first time in her little life. She was so pleased with herself. We were lucky enough to have the camera handy.

Holidays and busy times

2005-10-15T21:53:00.000+01:00

We had a fab holiday in Aus, arriving home a couple weeks ago now. Thanks to all those in Aus who helped to make it a great holiday for us.

The kids loved all the family and beach time. When we arrived home Alexander commented to us that he liked Aus because it was always sunny and warm there.

I will post up some holiday pics when I get time. Very busy times here.

Summer holidays

2005-08-18T13:47:00.000+01:00

It's the school summer holiday and (apart from the process of moving house) we are really enjoying it.

With summer comes inevitable activity - long days, long walks, garden parties, picnics, outdoor concerts, bouncy castles, face painting, summer balls, weddings, parks, ice cream and this year, sunshine, yes sunshine!

The kids love being able to run around outside all day long. What a difference it makes from trying to entertain them indoors all day in the the depths of winter.

Some pics below of the kids doing some face painting in the garden. I didn't hear from them in over an hour - bliss! I am told that Eleanor was Batman and Alexander painted himself as Spiderman (in fact, they call each other Batman and Spiderman). I didn't get a chance to take a pic of Spiderman - by then I was busy chasing Batman around before she painted the walls black.

Photos of the kids

2005-07-12T09:31:00.000+01:00

V busy times here so just a little selection of some of my favourite pics of the kids from the last month. School breaks up next week for the summer holiday - I don't know if that will be better or worse.

PHOTOS

Alexander's Sports Day

2005-07-12T09:19:00.000+01:00

Last Friday was Alexander's first Sports Day. For the wee ones they have a series of activities they work through in their teams. So, it is about completing the activities with their teammates, not about who wins or loses. Along with the usual ballgames, they did balancing activities, things with hoops and fun dress up races and egg and spoon races. We all had a great day.

Eleanor watched all this activity with much excitement and was only to pleased to take part in the toddler race and win herself a packet of crisps. It is her preschool Sports Day this Friday, so check back soon for some pics.

New Photoblog - aka Lauren's sketchbook

2005-07-10T16:03:00.000+01:00

I had to take my photoblog down a couple of months ago because I ran out of server space. Finally, I have upgraded so can now republish it. PHOTOBLOG warning: may take a while to load.

Life gets back to normal

2005-07-10T15:48:00.000+01:00

It's the weekend after the bombings in London and life for most Londoners has returned to normal. Sadly for some however, that will never be possible.

We are very thankful that Patrick passed through Liverpool St station about an hour before that bomb exploded. He was fine, but understandably quite shaken.

Back at home in Woodford Green, we were so pleased to see him on Thursday night after his 4hr walk home.

He will post his account of events when he has time.

Little Margaux

2005-07-01T06:29:00.000+01:00

Margaux is 4 months old today, which is so hard for us to believe. The time has just flown by, but by the same token, it is difficult to imagine what life was like before she arrived.

She is still an absolute gem of a baby. Every day, she becomes much more alert and has just discovered that her hands and feet make wonderful playthings. I think she is just itching to be able to communicate with us as she will coo and babble to us for ages with great enthusiasm and expression. We are also getting lots of very hearty chuckles.

Yesterday she rolled over from back to front for the first time and looked so pleased with herself when I rolled her back. Getting stronger by the day.

Some pics of her playing with her feet.

Finally - a fifth birthday party

2005-06-26T14:53:00.000+01:00

Since recovering, Alexander has nagged for weeks about how long it would be before his next birthday. He was feeling quite hard done by.

So we finally went ahead with his party last Sat 11 June, only a few weeks late.

He had a fabulous day with all of his little friends helping him to celebrate his big occasion. There was a bouncy castle, games and a racing car birthday cake just to top off the day.

Alexander turns 5

2005-05-22T09:14:00.000+01:00

He has been talking about it for about 6 months. Looking forward to the day he would turn 5 and become a "big boy". We would have cake and a party and celebrate his big event.

Well, the day arrived and so too did Scarlet Fever. Poor little Alexander spent the day very unwell and in a lot of pain. We didn't even manage a birthday cake.

The following day, after the antibiotics kicked in, he was feeling much better so we had his cake. The party will have to wait a few weeks.

Spring at last

2005-05-04T22:21:00.000+01:00

Spring has finally sprung in London. The bulbs are blooming, the skies are blue and everyone is in a good mood.

It has even been warm enough to get the padding pool out a few times which thrilled the kids to bits.

We have also been getting out and about, taking the kids to the Natural History Museum, the London Zoo and Regents Park and venturing out to Leigh-on-Sea on the Essex coastline to enjoy this fine Spring weather.

Margaux continues to be a dream baby. She now sleeps through the night and has little chats with us.

Some photos.

Easter in Cornwall

2005-04-01T12:25:00.000+01:00

This year we spent Easter in Cornwall with Darren (my brother) and Kelly. We hadn't seen them in about 18 months and who knows when we might see them again.

It was a fabulous break and the weather was kind to us. It really is a very beautiful part of England with its pretty villages and stunning coastline. The locals are a little different too - where else would you see big burley blokes greeting eachother with "Hello my pretty" or "Hello lover" in their husky Cornish voices.

The kids had a wonderful time and lapped up all the attention.

Our photos can be seen here.

My new PhotoBlog

2005-03-23T20:34:00.000Z

With the start of the New Year came a couple of new projects. The most important was to bring our lovely daughter, Margaux, into the world.

The second is my new PHOTOBLOG.

My Photoblog is my photographic diary which I add to regularly. It contains favourite images, some experimental stuff and just about anything that takes my fancy.

I have added a link in "Links" above.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Introducing Margaux

2005-03-22T21:04:00.000Z

She is 3 weeks old now and is our little bundle of joy. Such a lovely baby! Alexander and Eleanor are smitten, and so are we.

Here are the PHOTOS of her first 10 days.