Yesterday we only went into Aldridge so we decided that today we needed to let the children have a good run round. We braved the showers and headed for Hatton. Poor H is still struggling to recover from this bug. She has loads of snot today, which is hopefully her chest clearing after a week of wheezing, and a bad cough. The main problem seems to be tiredness from the broken nights though, which leads to extreme mardiness!!! She was very mardy at Hatton, as was Alfie who I think is also tired following the bug. However we also managed to raise lots of smiles Particular smiles for H were stroking the Shetland ponies and donkeys, the pigs (particularly the baby pig which she was just talking about as I settled her!) and racing Alfie to see who could be highest in the swings. It was far too cold to stay long, and the rain kept coming on and off, but it was a good couple of hours to blow the cobwebs away. The only hairy bit was H taking a real dislike to a baby girl and trying every which way to push her over, saying “want to push girl over”! Joy! Lots of evils from the father despite us obviously not letting her do it, explaining why it was wrong and taking her out of that bit when it became apparent nothing else would stop her! What more do people expect???That was only a minor point thoug and the day was good

We had our picnic back at home in the warm! This afternoon we also prepared a roast dinner, made an apple crumble, watched Peppa Pig, played shops with the play food and till, completed the secret but fab craft project started yesterday and did various household chores. the only downside was nipping to the shop with Alfie for some custard and the shop being invaded by vile 10/11 year old boys causing havoc and telling the poor owner to F off. Lovely for Alfie to see and hear! A good basis for a little chat on respecting others on the walk home though

I was heartened to see both children eat a good dinner. The “chicken style” vegetarian roast is always a winner with them both, and even some veg snuck in lol! They had a good giggle in the bath too

Last night Rich spent from 11.30pm-4.30am in H’s bed with her. She had come in with us at 10ish but just wasn’t settling so he took her back into her room. She was happy once she realised that Daddy was staying with her, not just dumping her back in her bed, and slept, but at 4.30 said “want Mommy’s milk please” so came back in the big bed It was so guiltily nice to have the ebd to myself and actually get a bit of sleep! Poor Rich ended up in A’s bed for the last hour too! So I got up with them and gave him another hour and a half in (our!) bed.