Homework

Part of Madeleine's half term homework was for her to help cook a meal. Not much encouragement needed there...

Madeleine's 5th Birthday

Another month on, another birthday in the Walsh household.

Thomas learning the hard lesson that not all presents are his to open, while Madeleine makes light work of her pile.

More pass the parcel......

More party food.......

Ooops. I forgot to take a photo of the cake before eating!

Thomas's Birthday

Thomas's superhero enthusiasm was fully indulged with his third birthday yesterday.

                                     

Sculpted six-pack and biceps included in this beauty. 

Diplomatic pass the parcel.

Violin Lessons

Madeleine and her 1/4 size violin. 

World Book Day

Madeleine chose to dress up as the witch from one of her favourite books 'Room on the Broom' last week.

Chubby Bunnies

The latest primary school must-have; cheek fillers.

Airbed

Thomas; getting creative with packaging.

Nativity Overload

Starting off with Thomas. A roman soldier in nativity 1. Enjoying the weaponry.

On stage. Unfortunately there was a dominoes effect of crying children. Thomas regained his composure and stayed on stage. Just about able to sit down in this cardboard combo!

Nativity 2 for Thomas. This time as an inn keeper.

Once again, enjoying the weaponry.

There is always one, and it was Thomas who took the role of nose-picker on stage. I think it's a comfort thing.

Finally, number 3. Madeleine playing the part of a sheep in "The Wriggly Nativity". 

Thankfully this costume was made at school. A very sweet play with some good hopping and skipping from our girl. 

Cats sleep anywhere...

...and so does Thomas. After exhausting himself with a tantrum he decided he needed forty winks, on the hallway floor. There also appears to be some "sleep nose-picking" going on.

Madeleine's First Day of School

Cuddle Sandwiches

Holiday

We spent a lovely 2 weeks in the Vosges region of France with Uncle Mike, Auntie Kit and our good friends the Howes'. We were very lucky with the weather and the house we stayed in was perfect.

Highlights; being outside everyday in the warm sunshine, enjoying good company, cycling, salad Vosgienne, authentic quiche lorraine, exploring Plombiers les bains (local spa town), swimming pool, Gewurztraminer (!), seeing only one other British vehicle....I could go on.

We took loads of photos, so here is a small selection.

Playing cards by the river.

T is for....

Group shot on the steps of the Gite.

Siesta

The recent hot spell has had a soporific effect.

Bicycles

Much to Andrew's delight, Madeleine's new bike arrived yesterday. Seeing as it was such a nice evening we ventured out to for a test-drive after tea.

Brakes and pedals are new to Madeleine and so; a tutorial on the mechanics of the bike....

...meanwhile Thomas zooms off.

After half an hour of pedalling backwards, it finally clicked and she was off on her own! Thomas now has free reign to use the balance bike.

Tour de Stamford. Not sure what the stripy jersey here represents - King of the pavements?

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

This weekend we enjoyed a visit from Nana & Papa, and a nice meal out to celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary - congratulations!

A combined age of 75 on the see-saw.

Pre-dinner drinks at Langar Hall.

Running off the sausages and chips.

Thomas

Dapper.

"Please have your glasses Uncle Mike?"

"Why Mike look funny?"

"Why your chin sharp?"

Mummies & Daddies

It doesn't get better than this for Madeleine. Having a cuddle with a real baby beats a plastic dolly. Meeting her lovely cousin Bonnie for the first time here. Amazing to think they share their birthday with each other.

Apple

Madeleine played an apple in a recent nursery production of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".