A video from Simon

A video Simon made of their visit here at the weekend

Running home

hello! we are in Florida, in the sun (more of which later). But here is a video of the kids walking/running home from the supermarket last weekend

3

As you are no doubt aware it was Ilona's third birthday on Sunday. Here is a short video I put together of the main events - present opening and eating pizza. More pictures and birthday action to follow, but at least this will let you all experience the vibe

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

We got back from our epic car journey across Europe to Slovakia (and home again, yesterday). There will be photos to follow, but first, here is a video of Ilona making Xmas cookies - enjoy!

let's go fly a kite

Kite flying, with bonus footage of Ilona talking and laughing

Repetition

Swing!

Ilona loves swings, just like Bluet (and all other children). So we bought a second swing so they could swing at the same time, side by side. Ilona loves swings so much she has taught herself how to climb on by herself, whereby she grabs the ropes either side and shakes them vigorously, crying "'wing, 'wing" until someone comes and pushes her, which sometimes is even her sister.

Sunday Sunday

So the weekend before we 'went to Italy', you may remember Gran Helen came to visit. On the Sunday we took the tram into town, down by the lake, to let the kids play in the water. You won't believe that this isn't a real beach!

Well. obviously this isn't the beach, but it is close by

So there you have it, a Swiss beach. The only thing to distinguish the Swiss beach from a real one was the lack of amusement arcade, pier or Fish and Chips. Therefore we promised Bluet lunch at a restaurant that we had never been to. but that specialises in her favourite food - The Spaghetti Factory. Needless to say it was a great success-




After lunch, Ilona fell asleep in her pram, and we decided to walk home from the city centre along the river......

And then up the hill to our house via the grape vines

The next day it was time for Gran Helen to head home by aeroplane, not the airship pictured. We took her most of the way to the airport, and then a delightful visit was over.

Breakfast

Today's breakfast, second sitting. Not that much eating going on....

Ilona walking

I have been trying for ages to get a video of Ilona walking, as she is getting good at it - usually she also carries something in one or both hands at the same time. Unfortunately it is difficult to get a video as she likes to walk towards you to catch her at the end, which is incompatible with holding a camera. Also, she does not walk on cue. So using a new app on my phone I pieced together some short bits of video I did manage to take. Including a big section of Ilona blowing raspberries, but I hope after you watch it you will be convinced Ilona can walk.

New Tricks

Here is a video of Ilona from today doing her tricks.

Movie Night

Here is a selection of some recent videos to be used as an exciting 'movie night' of entertainment

First, evidence (and first evidence) of Bluet and Ilona playing together. Bluet actually sat down to join Ilona. Never mind that she then proceeds to try and feed her a leaf and a stone, as this is precisely what Ilona would eat if left to her own devices.

Next, there is a free* water taxi that can take you around the world famous Zurich pond. Here it is at high speed. A great way to entertain the kids.

*included in the tram/bus ticket

Now, here is Ilona standing up on a big rock, testing it for structural integrity. This is a short excerpt of at least 10 minutes expert standing

And finally, here is Ilona in her pram

Videos

Here is Bluet chasing French pigeons

And here is a new gimmick that allows one to shoot time lapse videos on the iPhone

Ilona's first meal

This Saturday we took the plunge and fed Ilona her first 'real' food - some rice cereal in milk. As you can see from the ACTUAL PHOTO of her first ever mouthful and accompanying video, she rather enjoyed it, even if it was quite messy. I recommend watching the video at the bottom so you can hear Ilona's happy noises. And for reference, here is Bluet's first meal

Before

During

After

Oh, go on then. One more bite

Ilona video

Ilona was smiling a lot in response to me talking or smiling, (and laughing too) so I tried to take a video. Unfortunately the camera was not as effective at eliciting these responses

Plasters

Here is a slightly old video of Bluet playing with one of her favourite things, the plaster

Bluet sings the hits

Conversation #1 & 2

Conversation #1

Did you go to the Zoo?

"Yes"

What did you see at the Zoo?

"I press the bobcat"

What did the bobcat say?

"Roooooaaaarrrr!"

This was after she visited the Zoo with Nana and Wayne, several weeks ago. She still remembers, and pressed the bobcat again this weekend. 

Conversation #2

Also related to Nana and Wayne's visit:

"Go away fly" (as we are walking, Bluet on my shoulders, last week, a fly flies into Bluet's face)

"It's not a spider"

"I saw a jumping spider"

This was when we went looking for alligators with Nana and Wayne, also several weeks ago. 

Back to the UK

So, back to the greatest trip ever made. When I left you, we were in Glasgow, breaking our journey from Aberdeen to York. Wednesday morning, we headed from Scotland to England, arriving in the early afternoon. After a sandwich, Bluet, Caroline and Della were able to spend the afternoon playing happily together in the garden. In fact, this was one of the most rewarding bits of the whole trip - getting to see Bluet playing with other children her own age - something we don't usually get to see.

Whilst I don't have a video of the three of them playing in York, here is one from Aberdeen, a few days earlier.

While in York, we visited the railway museum (of course), and Bluet got to pick apples at Uncle Simon's allotment. In York they have it good - the allotment is right next to a playground, so fun for everyone. The Museum was a big hit as the girls could run around (and ride the Bullet train) and there were no guards around to stop them.

I think we might go back.

(you can read more about our visit to York here and here)

Waiting for the bus to see the trains

Intermission II

Bluet reads 'Meg and Mog'