Spring

Time for our annual 'spring has sprung' post as the sun melts the last of the snow (a tiny patch of which had been with us since before Xmas, this was the coldest/snowiest winter since we moved here). The kids on the first sunny day immediately ran outside and started playing various sports and games, and climbed their favourite trees for the first time this year. We also had a BBQ, in traditional British 'its the first day of the year that isn't below freezing, let's BBQ' tradition. 

April arts and crafts

I think we may do more in April than March, in the end. So far its been pretty quiet. Bluet has been spending most of her time either drawing or constructing things from card, paper and lots and lots of sellotape (so much so that she is now working her way through our parcel tape as the regular sellotape has all run out (except, I hope, for my secret supply. NB I must go check that once I finish this)).

Last week she set up her easel in the garden and drew the house opposite (pictured in art and in real life):





We also had the neighbours over for a BBQ on Saturday (the first of the year), and more art ensued



On other days the blankets are all off the beds and out in the garden, again to provide the perfect locale for some art. Hungry work

Still weeks behind....

But fortunately we didn't do much this weekend other than throw paper aeroplanes around in the garden. So more from when our visitors from York were here. First, we tried to get all the cousins to pose together - with moderate success.

Next, a BBQ in the garden, complete with marshmallows for the kids (Bluet tells us she doesn't like them once they gooey). Note the coats as perhaps it wasn't quite warm enough for a BBQ. Except we are British.

 
The next day we clearly went somewhere on a bus, because I have a photo of Ilona on a bus

And then on a tram - I hope one of these photos will remind me where we went. Ah yes, it was the picnic playground, where I showed Angela and Simon the closest thing Switzerland has to a car boot sale (so it was Saturday). And then we drank some coffee while the kids played.

Then back home again. And now, I think, to Sunday morning when we went for a walk up the hill behind our house. Despite the blue sky it was very very windy

So there you have it, we had a lovely visit from Angela and Simon and the cousins. As you may know Gus developed chicken pox while they were here so could not fly back on time, so the visit was extended, which was very nice for us, to have family around for longer. But on the Wednesday morning we had to fly to Spain, leaving the other Collins' to enjoy more Switzerland (see here here and here). Our trip to Spain is coming next. Here is Ilona on the plane there.

Aeroplanes and BBQs

Some activities that are enjoyed in the garden

1. Playing with aeroplanes that do loop-the-loops (still looking for one that has a rubber band)

ACTION SHOT!

2. Making a BBQ (with help carrying sticks from Ilona

We are off to Spain to meet up with Nana and Wayne this afternoon, so I will try and blog about our visitors from York from the hotel there, and then of course you have the pictures of Spain to look forward to

Birthday Party News

Yesterday we celebrated Bluet's birthday in style, with a birthday party featuring easter eggs, paddling pools, a BBQ, cake (with icing to be eaten with a single finger) and some friends. It was terrific fun, and Bluet really enjoyed having people around to play with. So our first, last and indeed only party in Texas was a great success.

Here is a video of Bluet blowing out the candles. More photos to follow