Build a Bear

We went to Milton Keynes a while ago and had a look in the Build a Bear shop. Madelyn was quite taken by the whole thing and asked if she could have one. I said maybe for Christmas... Then forgot! 

Pat has been visiting this weekend and asked if Madelyn would like to go to Build a Bear for an early Christmas treat, so we said yes, and off we went. 

She was really excited and couldn't wait to get there. The shop was packed and we joined  the queue just after a party group so had to wait a while but Madelyn was star and waited really patiently xx

She chose a Lala Loopsy doll

The lady who did the stuffing for her was really good. She made it special for Madelyn, as I'm sure she would for everyone, and talked to her and got her to rub the little heart she chose to put inside, got her to make a wish and then got us to all give the heart a kiss. Madelyn was so sweet 💗

Then we went over to the little table and gave her (the dolly) a brush and wash.

Andy then sat with her and they did the birth certificate.

Madelyn then spent ages choosing an outfit! The clothes were chosen quite quickly but the shoes took ages 😊

All in all a lovely thing to do, and she's already asking if we can go again xx

Last few days

We got home on Thirsday after a monster drive. Traffic was rubbish on the A14 as a truck had broken down on the exit slip road. We had a friend from next door over to play them got unpacked. Madeyn was most pleased to find her chocolate from Grandad. 

A little bit of painting... I couldn't resist a photo of that cheeky bum! 

On Saturday we were at a bit of a loose end to instead of staying in (sulking about going back to work) we headed to Mini Jiffs. It was as busy as expected bit is pretty good value and is a nice size. Madelyn was confident enough to go off by herself most of the time but I went with her to do the steeper yellow slide and higher climbs. 

On Sunday she said she wanted to play Hot Choc... I had no idea what she meant until she showed me... Hop Scotch! 

We went to play with Isi next door again for a bit then she just chilled while I got housework done. A nice end to why has been a lovely holiday. 

Lovely cousins

We arrived at Emma's in time for lunch and the kids got busy playing! They scooted off upstairs to play and had a great time. They spent ages playing with Sylvanian families and dollies, then did some dancing, then played with Abigail's chair. 

We had planned on going to Leeds Castle for a bit but they were more than happy playing and we didn't want to disturb them really. 

They went out to play in the trampoline for a bit, but we called them in as it was actually pretty cold! 

The next morning they played some more, lots of horsey rides and 'you be the mum, I'll be the dad' type games. Here she is being a pop star. 

They all had a lovely time. 

Tilgate Park

Another quick bit of glittertastic fun in he morning we set of for the park. 

It was lovely and sunny and the place was packed! The wind was a bit sharp though so we got moving quick after lunch. 

After playing in the park we walked round to see some animals they have there. It is not a massive place but they had a good selection and Madelyn loved it. 

That evening we gave Madelyn a bath... We are off to Emma's tomorrow and I'm not sure she'll let us through the door if we're covered in glitter! 

#justglitter

As soon as humanly possible after getting up Madelyn had the glitter out!! 

I don't have a complete aversion to it like Emma and Vicky do but I'd rather not have it in he house... Probably because I don't like hoovering...

But now, seeing how much she loved it I might have to get her some xx

Crystal Palace Park

After a day playing inside we decided to make the most of the weather (not that it was warm but it wasn't raining for a change!) and go out. 

We decided on the good old Monster Park. Mum and Dad have been there quite often with Phoebe, Abigail and William and have taken Madelyn there too before but she was too small to remember. 

For a bit of a change we went the other way round the park instead of going straight to see the monsters. We discovered a maze but it was too muddy to walk around to we'll save it for the summer. 

We also saw the site of the Crystal Palace. The concrete arches and steps are still there. Dad says he remembers playing on them when he was a kid. I Googled it and found some pictures of the Palace. It was huge!! I didn't realise how big it really was and to be able to stand in the park and be able to picture it using the arches as references was amazing.  

 Madelyn wasn't sure about the monsters to start with but was much happier when she decided the were 'just tend' 

Ballet

Madelyn is settling in really well at nursery. She looks forward to going and tells me about what she has been doing. She likes the sand, play dough and playing out side. She already knows some girls there and told me this week about another little girl "with blonde curly hair" that she had played with.

 

This term they are doing traditional stories... this week was The Three Little Pigs. She told me the story on the way home. She did a deep voice for the "little pig, little pig, let me in" bit and a little squeaky one for "chinny chin" She did lots of huffing and puffing too... Very cute.

 

One of the little pigs xx

Before Christmas I had been looking at a dance/ballet type class to take Madelyn too and saw on FB that our friend Catherine's little girl had just started so we took Madelyn along for a try out. As it was her first session we were allowed to stay and watch. I doubt we were supposed to take photos but I took a sneaky few while the teacher, Miss Suzie, wasn't looking! 

    

She did really well and joined in with everything; holding hands nicely, listening really carefully, being a princess tiptoeing round the palace, being a mouse... so lovely. I also really liked the teacher... no messing in her class!! She turned to one little girl and said "Ava, the music is playing so we are not talking. And we are certainly not being frogs" Made me laugh!

After the class we went in to Harborough to meet mum and Dad. They had stopped over with us on their way home from Colin and Joyce's. It was really lovely to have them xx We had a 'coffee and a cake' in Costa. Madelyn discovered chocolate bambaccino...

 

That afternoon we talked to Madelyn about ballet and if she liked it and wanted to go again. We got a definite 'Yes' so went back to the studio, which has a shop attached, to get the gear...

Just a little bit excited!

Tiptoes xx

When we got home we did a little bit of craft before we went out to Paul and Nicolas. She picked out an 'M' for herself and an 'N' for Nicole, her friend at Sue's. I found a 'J' for me so we stuck that on too.

All in all a really lovely weekend.