2012

I meant to do a 2011 recap, but things around here have been way too hectic.

Every day, I manage to feed, clothe, and clean myself and the kids, do some basic housework, and write at least 100 words (usually around 250-300). Anything else is gravy. We try to catch up on the weekends. It's not bad - just tiring. And sometimes I look up and I realize I've neglected this blog, to take stock of how far we've come.

So, in that vein....

In 2011, E wasn't yet at preschool. Next year, he will be in Reception (Kindergarten) and C will be 2. Big changes. E is really starting to appreciate outings more - museums are fun to him. He is fairly gregarious, extremely verbal, and continues to be overall a kind, gentle and fun boy. C is walking confidently but is shy, especially of new people. She won't have anything to do with strangers and will flee them angrily. At 13 months she is beginning to understand some words and short phrases/requests. We went to our first solo playgroup (sans brother - he was at preschool) last Thursday.

And some photos....

Christmas Morning....

Grandpa's piano on Christmas Day, a duet.

Checking on us at the local fair, on Boxing Day. We ran into someone I knew from the neighborhood (she lives a few streets down) and her 3 year old and E were immediate fast friends, going on ride after ride, and culminating with this bouncy castle, which they stayed in for ages. Actually met up with them the next week when I was out walking to the park with E, and we wound up going AGAIN, totally impromptu. Pro tip: Never buy "toasted marshmallows" at these events, they cost 2 quid and were roasted with a mini-blowtorch. Yeah.

In and around all the fun, someone found the chance to wreak mischief.

"Wait... how many calories?"

Hampton Court Palace post-Christmas, watching the costumed actors give a performance in Henry VIII's great hall.

C surveying the landscaped gardens.

Oh-so-artsy.

Hedge maze!

Triumphant.

A stroll along the outer edge of the palace, toward the fountain.
"Oh all right, one go on the carousel before we leave."

I have some more pictures, these from the Horniman Museum (trust me, the name has no bearing on anything) last weekend. It has a little aquarium and some good kid-friendly hands-on things, like instruments. But it probably deserves its own post.