happy things

Messy Play (!!!)

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Last week was half term where we live. Obviously this means that all schools, nurseries, classes, toddler groups, etc.. take a week off. As parents of course we have no such luck, in my house I’m lucky to get a 5 minute toilet break to myself much less a half term holiday!

Consequently my mummy friends and I were in need of entertainment plans and one of the ideas we had was messy play in our church hall(!)

It was a great idea. Honest. 

We learned some lessons, but fun was had and much mess was made. Which was, I guess, the whole point.

So here are a few snaps from last Friday of some very mucky children, as a way of preserving the memories and archiving photos for 18th birthday parties of the future.

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We played with paint, cloud dough, ‘gak’ (cornflour/soap/water), custard, and soap foam. The main lesson here is that this is too much at once. We were perhaps overly keen and hadn’t properly considered the level of clean up that would be required.

For future reference, less mess is better mess. 🙂

Naomi x2

 

Autumns Arrival

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As I’m sure you already know, especially if you have seen google today, it is the autumn equinox. Now I am not particularly interested in celebrating the equinox exactly…. but I am very happy to be welcoming in the change of season. I think autumn and spring are the best seasons and autumn is perhaps ever so slightly my favourite.

Autumn foliage

I love that meals start turning towards heartier stews, soups and slow-cooked food. I love the warmth of the colours that start to appear everywhere from the outdoors to clothing to decor. I love being able to wear big cozy jumpers, scarves and wrist warmers. I love that my crochet finally feels like it fits the season! Most of all I love the trees and foliage that turn from green through every shade of yellow, orange, red and brown. The beauty of nature at this time of year is undeniable and I just have to get out and walk in it.

Matthew and mummy

So yesterday afternoon we did. It was raining and everyone was feeling tired and grouchy but we pulled ourselves together and got out. We pulled on the relevant wellies and raincoats (for those that have them, some of us need to get new ones!) and resolved to enjoy the wet weather. We also got to test out our new baby carrier and it’s rain cover (an Ergobaby Original) which was a great hit.

Emma in puddles

It was a wonderful walk in a different area of our go-to local park. Even better we found some trees that have already turned red. Emma had the best time splashing in huge puddles and picking up leaves and twigs, she arrived home her pockets brimming with acorns and miniscule spiders that hitched a ride.

The autumn weather and scenery perked us up and saved our sanity yesterday afternoon. It was much needed and I am glad it is here, rain included.

Red leaf

This morning Emma unexpectedly presented her nursery teacher with a lovely fallen leaf. I think she just needed to share some seasonal joy too!

Are you pleased to see autumn? Or perhaps sad to see summer go? I’d love to hear from you!

Naomi x2

Family Celebrations

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Nan & Matthew

Last weekend we celebrated my Nan turning 80! She is a wonderful lady who means so much to us all and has been a much greater influence and role model in my life than I expect she realises; a big get together for a big birthday was definitely called for!

Nans 80th Group shot

I had also been looking forward to seeing so many of my family together again for months. Some of my favourite childhood memories are summer barbecues and birthday gatherings in my Nans back garden with all of my cousins. We always had so much fun!

Uncle Rob & Aunt Chelle

(The above left is my Uncle Rob who came over from Australia, the right is my Auntie Chelle… can you guess who had to be persuaded to hold Matthew?!! HA!)

In recent years the opportunity to all meet like this has been harder to come by which makes it all the more special. Of course our number has increased some now we all have families of our own, my nan now has 7 great-grandchildren!

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(My friend recently used the phrase ‘like herding cats’ in conversation…. this sums up trying to organise these photos perfectly.)

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I adore watching my own children play with their cousins in the same garden with the same toys that I used to. Over time so much has changed in our family for everyone in so many ways but I love having this reminder that so much also remains the same. I do love family traditions!

Emma 80th

I am truly blessed with a beautiful and lovely (not so) little family. This was such a happy afternoon and I’m glad to have this way of recording and sharing it!

Naomi x2