Christmas Day

Madelyn woke up at about 7:30 and went into see Grandma and Grandpa. We found her hiding under the covers! We asked her if Father Christmas had come and she said she wasn't sure so we went to look... He had xx

We collected her sack, and ours, and opened them up on our bed. 

 

Then we went down stairs and put out her stuff like Emma, Vic and I used to do when we were kids. 

Then we all got dressed, sorted some bubbles and opened presents.

I took loads of photos on my camera so will try to add those later. 

Andy and his mum cooked an amazing Christmas dinner! Although Madelyn was a bit miffed when she got her starter... 'Wheres my proper lunch?' 

We all had a fabulous day, and by the evening we were all pooped xx

Christmas Eve

Our celebrations started early with Pat and Bob arriving on Tuesday. They'd had a bit of a long drive so we just went to pick up the turkey then relaxed for the evening. 

On Christmas Eve we did a bit of last minute shopping then went to the Christingle service at our local church. Madelyn did her best to sing the songs and did a bit of dancing. The church is quite tiny and was full, a lovely atmosphere.  

When we got home we got everything ready for Father Christmas. She told me what we needed to put out. She's seen him with Nanna and Grandad and remembered what he'd said. 

And put out the sign so he didn't miss us. 

We also sprinkled some reindeer food. 

Madelyn put out her Santa sack then fell asleep pretty much straight away xx

Sunny weekend

The weather was amazing this weekend so we got out and about as much as we could!

 

First we went to Wood Farm Brewery to see Corby Silver Band play in a contest. Andy joined as second bass a couple of weeks back. They were keen for him to play in the contest with them but found out that he needed to be a registered member of the band and it couldn't get done in time. So we went along to support and watch. It was a lovely morning with some talented musicians, including the euphonium player from CSB who won soloist of the day. When we got back we found out that CSB had won the contest too!   

 

After watching the band we went home for a BBQ with the neighbours. We have been saying for ages that we need to get together. We had a great time sitting in the sun, having a few drinks while the kids played. They are an excellent mix of ages (Eloise is 6, Ava is 4, Issi is 3, Jack is nearly 3 and Madelyn is 2)

Madelyn and Issi squished into Jack's little tykes police car.

Sooooooooooo much dressing up to be done! Jack had scarpered with his dad and a ball!

That's what I call a BBQ!!

 

On Sunday we went to the local church in Desborough, St Giles'. Every Summer they do a 'Buckets and Barrows' display. Different groups from the community decorate a bucket, barrow or boot on some cases! The Desborough Childminders did one again this year called 'Full of Beans'. Each child planted a runner bean, decorated a pot/flower and put it in a barrow. It won the Children's Favourite category!

Sue and Madelyn out for a stroll in the sun.

 

I draw the orange man and asked Madelyn to draw one too... She drew the head then gave up, so I did the body. She then drew on the legs and arms, making sure they were long enough to join up with the body. then she put on the eyes and mouth. They are both on the body and the mouth is above the eyes... but still... if it's good enough for Van Gogh...

She also found a balloon sticker and stuck it on the top of the page. I said 'oh, is he holding it?' She peeled off the sticker and stuck it on the end of his arm 'He is now' she said xxx

Easter Egg

Nom nom nom...

First hair cut

So, we finally got round to having Madelyn's hair cut! She has been wanting it cut for ages as she had been to the hairdressers with Isabel, Catherine's daughter before. She also knows Emma the hairdresser as Emma's little girl, Maisey, went to Catherine's too. 

When we arrived she ran over to Emma's mum who works there too and gave her a hug. Emma's mum, Maiseys nan, picked Masey up quite often and was really chuffed that Madelyn remembered her, she got a bit choked up and said that she missed her xx 

Madelyn sat really still...

All done! It looks the same really, Emma only took a tiny bit off but she did cut us a longer piece to keep xx

After Madelyn said 'I got hair my face' so Emma gave her a quick blast, which was hilarious!

In the afternoon we went for a really lovely lunch at Zizzis in Harborough. We used a Tesco Clubcard Booster and got £40 voucher for £10 worth of points so our entire lunch only cost us £13! Love it! It was really delicious too. They do a really good bambinos' menu and our food was really tasty too. 

Grandma and Grandpa's

After our break in Swanage we headed to Pat and Bobs for the weekend. Madelyn loved playing on Neve's iPad and playing football with Noah xx

Once they'd left, Madelyn helped Pat in the garden, watering the plants (and the patio a bit too), the garden is great for exploring and we spend a long time running round it with me saying 'be careful' so often that soon Madelyn was saying it to me too. There are lots of different levels and steps and a three tier pond that I was sure she would fall into!

Madelyn was given a scooter by a neighbour and she loves it! She can scoot really well. I think Sue, her childminder, must have one. We thought we'd get her in to good habits from the start and took her to get a helmet... She loved it! She refused to take it off in the car and even fell asleep in her buggy while wearing it xxx

Swanage 2

Madelyn kept asking to go to the beach so we did... Even though it was cold and wet!

The next few days were much nicer. Andy and I went so a bike ride while Madelyn played in the sand with nana and grandad. 

We found a place called Farmer Palmers. We had a great day. There was a really nice mix of things to do, play with and animals to see.

When we got in the car to come home Madelyn was asleep before we had left the car park...

Swanage

At last... The end of term!

This has been a really long and stressful term and we were all really looking forward to getting away. Madelyn was as excited as us...

She packed a bag herself with the toys she wanted to take but then said 'Can't carry it mummy, too much stuff' I know how she felt!

The first few days there were a bit pants weather wise so we went to the oceanarium in Bournemouth. It's a lovely place with some great fish to see, we all had a good afternoon. 

Mother's Day

Part of my Mother's Day treats... A HUGE hot chocolate and wedge of cake... One happy mummy xxx