Is it a fish? Is it an amphibian?

We went over to Ben's house today to show the children his pond. They loved the koi in the big pond, but were even more impressed with the assorted wildlife in the smaller one. Using a jam jar, Daddy managed to catch tadpoles in several different stages of developement, so they got to see a regular tadpole, a tadpole with small back legs, a tadpole with big back legs and small front legs, and a tiny frog with a vestigal tail, all in the same jar.

Still Busy...

We had a good visit from Peter & Patrice, and did lots. Chrissy & the kids took them to Penrith, Rheged, Muncaster, Maryport aquarium, and various other places.
While they were all at Muncaster, Geoff took the opportunity to blitz the junk room upstairs, and got rid of a load of old computers and a couple of boxes of assorted bits - the room is almost usable.
Still planting in the garden. More potatos in - that's all of them now. Some outdoor tomatos and peppers, and the squash. The blueberry bushes have all flowered this year, and the berries are starting to form. We'll probably have to net them soon before the birds find them.
Tonight is fixing kitchen drawers, folding laundry and making tomorrows dinner, as Geoff has to go out early.

Who's bed-time story was it?

After we got back from town, we all needed a rest. Ruth asked Grandma to read her a story before quiet time. A little while later, Daddy came in to see if Ruth was asleep and found this...Ruth was wide awake, while Grandma had dozed off. Who's bed-time story was this again?

I her own words, Ruth says "Ruthie awake but Grandma asleep, wasn't that a surprise for Daddy?"

The Invasion Has Begun!

Peter and Patrice arrived safely at 1800 BST. They lpayed with the kids, toured the garden, and we had green Thai curry for dinner.

And the winner is...

Miss Ruth Brown! This year, she has won her age group poetry recietal at the Whitehaven festival.

Medieval May-Day

Today was Medieval May-Day at Egremont Castle. The children wanted to go in costume for the fancy-dress competition, so in the end, we all did. David won 3rd prize, and was very pleased with his big rosette. Unfortunately, we didn't have our camera, so when we went to Seascale aftrewards, Grandad took this for us. Thaks, Grandad.

[Historical] Cardboard Boxes

1st March 2009

Ruth and David have a playhouse made from a big cardboard box. This morning, they got up early, decided that their house was a rocketship, and that they were going to fly around in it. They asked us to take some photos of their spaceship to show everyone. They've packed it with some cushions to sit on, and lots of books to read, because "space is a long way away."