The sun has really been shining recently. I love drying all my washing outside, and being able to use the garden as an extension of the house. It makes parenting so much easier Alfie told me yesterday that he really loves his garden, with all his fruit, vegetables and flowers growing, all his toys and the new picnic bench

Yesterday we even bought a big parasol for a bargain sale price which provides marvellous shade over the picnic bench (AKA Rich’s new desk!) Rich is currently doing the second coat of “woodland oak” wood colour on it

Here’s a few of the things we’ve been up to

Play dough

Painting in the garden. I managed to cover myself and the grass in black paint when the bottle exploded as I squeezed it LOL. Luckily Rich was working out there so could keep an eye on the kids whilst I had a quick shower

Holly making dinner (wholemeal pasta with red lentil and tomato sauce)

Alfie brushing Holly’s teeth for her. (Apparently he found Iggle Piggle and some Pontipines in there….)

Playing the xylophone in the discovery gallery at Walsall New Art Gallery

Holly’s underwater masterpiece

Alfie playing the catch a fish computer game

Making a light and colours picture

Building a “stinky fly trapper” from wooden blocks

Painting on the computer

We went to a breastfeeding awareness event at the art gallery today. The children had fun. They love the art gallery and going up to the roof anyway and there was lots on for them. They both spent ages playing with homemade play dough, Alfie made a stamp picture, they both did colouring and mazes. We attended a story and songs session in the art library. Afterwards we went for a drink by the canal with Jane, Bru, Gwyddy and Mo.

So, a good couple of days with my little ones. H is really coming on with her letters – all from free playing with her magnetic letters, no coercion or teaching of course. She has an interest in letters and so will learn at her own pace. In fact, she was helping Alfie identify letters on his computer game today (he only knows A LOL!) Two such wonderful little beings – both so bright and wild, with totally different personalities and skills.