Haircut

On Saturday we went to Bluet's English phonics class. After that we headed for haircuts, and then, as it been raining quite a lot recently, we took advantage of a dry spell and ate outside.



As you can see Ilona gave a masterclass in how to eat spaghetti bolognese.



And ice cream



And then she slept on the bus on the way home

Photographer

While Gran Helen was here Bluet became rather enamoured of her camera, and finally persuaded Gran Helen to give her a go. Here are the photos Bluet took:



Plus one by Ilona:



And finally some from Gran Helen herself:

River walk and other things

On Sunday we went for a walk by the river before the rain came, where we saw a squirrel and Bluet and Ilona played on the see-saw




Here is Ilona, pleased as punch with her new dress Emily bought her in Boston



And here is Ilona's hair all curly after removing the braids Veronika put in



Bluet on the way to her English phonics class on Saturday morning



And posing with the local Hoengg bear (at her request) on the way home



Waiting for Bluet to go to kindergarten (this is every day)



I am not convinced Ilona is being very careful

Gran Helen

Last week Gran Helen came to visit, and to help watch Bluet and Ilona while our nanny took a few days off. This was much appreciated, and I am sure Gran Helen enjoyed spending so much time with the grand kids. Of course, we were at work so we don't have so many photos. Here is what I could find



Last Thursday we all took Bluet to her German class



Gran Helen gave Bluet her first skipping rope



One evening Bluet saw the PJs Ilona was wearing, and went to get her PJs that were the same so they could be twins

New old bike

A couple of weeks ago we bought Bluet a new (second hand) bike. She is getting to grips with riding it although she needs maximum space for when it goes all wobbly

Slovakia

On Sunday we returned from our very brief trip to Slovakia, where we celebrated Andrew's 70th Birthday. We arrived on Friday (it was a short trip as Bluet had to be back at kindergarten yesterday). Immediately Ilona remembered how much she liked Andrew, and had him carry her around the rest of the day. We meanwhile got to catch up with some friends and relations - and of course Bluet and Ilona were delighted to see their cousins Della* and Gus, accompanying parents and, of course, Uncle Nick. We proceeded to eat a lot of delicious food.



*Ilona seemed to think the main point of the trip was to see Della



Bored at the airport waiting to head to Slovakia



The more unsafe something is, the more it appeals


Wildlife 1

Wildlife 2


Cousins
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On Saturday it was the party for real. More people turned up - mainly friends of my parents from back in the day, including people I hadn't seen since we moved from Cambridge to Aberdeen back in the 80s. It brought back memories of Sunday lunches with other kids who are also now grown up.

Meanwhile for the kids there was a range of activities that was almost as good as Alton Towers:


A death slide:


A swing (and Uncle Nick)


Arts and crafts (and Uncle Nick)


And a hammock with room for 3


Painting your own face


We then went out for dinner at the only local bar - fortunately this a) started at 4PM and b) had a garden with climbing frame, so the kids were able to enjoy it too.