Finding That Balance

We're still trying (and succeeding to some degree) to fight off the gaming world and it's appeal to our loons. This is their "moderated" PC time, playing on the Cbeebies website - as you can see, R loves it, and even gave up some TV time to have this hour on the PC. O just wants to see what's going on - he staying in this same pose for about an hour overseeing his elder brothers playtime.
Big sis came this week with her DS though, and he did try and stash it in his "secret hiding place" when I wasn't looking. We're determined that Santa isn't going down that particular road until Xmas 2012 though....

That was through the week though. We did get a little break in the weather though for a change this weekend, which meant big sister got her first ride on her new bike which has been dormant in my shed since July. Probably just as well though, as she is only just big enough for it. It was rather pleasing to hear her say "we should do this more often, Dad" when we got back up the drive on our return.

Looking back at last years cycling pictures, they've grown some since we did this last too.

Skool Does Actually Suck

Remember the days where your own head was full of "school sucks?" I thought I had gotten past all of that, but it turns out, school has a second wind.

A few months ago, I had this great mental image that with the onset of school for the big boy, and nursery for the middle boy, that my days would become a lot more, well easy I guess. How wrong was I?

A the meerkat says, the theory is simples. Instead of having to do one run to nursery, and another 3 miles away to playgroup, we should now be revelling in the simplicity of having nursery and school in the same building. It's fair to say, mornings follow the theory - but then it all goes pear shaped.

When you live in the middle of nowhere, what is one supposed to do for that two and a half hour spell in the morning? Can't go to town. No Xmas shopping. You can barely get a head of steam up in the garden. Then, once you've collected nursery boy, it's a matter of 4 hours until your next appointment at the school gate.

It seems more than ever that we are slaves to the school clock, and that somebody is actually robbing hours from the day. And, it means that I have to do my Christmas shopping at the weekend along with the rest of the world. That's one of the perks of working offshore wasted!

Green Wellies and a Flat Cap

Country living has obviously taken it's toll on me - either that or old age is gaining fast? Last night MPLST pointed out that I looked the part of the proper country bumpkin.
We had a good night at the local firework display. It was pretty busy, C wasn't really phased by the fireworks and seemed to watch them rather curiously.
R, rather frustratingly, recalled that last year we were constantly on the move (as we were looking for friends in the crowd). This year, we arrived with said friends, and as it was a very clear and still night, we picked a great vantage point and decided to stick with it. He insisted on dragging mum for a good stroll around whilst I stayed put with C.
O enjoyed the night, but crashed and burned on the way home as is his way. Dad decided to make the most of the pleasant evening and push C home - and still arrived before the blethering wife. Shame she had the house key......