A very long day

It seems ages since the boys have been swimming so it was great that there were lots of the home ed group there today. It certainly made it more fun for them, but the pool was a lot more crowded than they are used to.

Unfortunately, they could only have two hours in the pool. We had to leave to get the bus across town to go and find where D's art class was being held. We would have found it a lot quicker and easier if the streets had names clearly posted. We walked past the end of the street and then were directed this way and that by local residents who knew it was somewhere, but not quite where. So glad we had left plenty of time for getting lost. When we did find it, it was right near where we had begun!

Whilst D was having his lesson, we went to Heeley City Farm. J had a wander round and has found out he is old enough to volunteer there. He has the name of the person he has to speak to and will try and arrange something.

When we went back for D, we were able to admire his handiwork. They had done three paintings. One each to represent happy, sad and circles. Apparently they are going to make collages using their work and a book. I am looking forward to seeing how it all develops.

Now I've earned a rest, the boys are away for the weekend, Just a shame it takes up all day getting them there!

Chachacha

Yesterday turned out a little differently than planned. We had to go and meet D from his Spanish lesson which we hadn't expected. This meant that there really wasn't time to come back home and go back out again for J's dancing lessons.

We decided that it would be better to get lunch out, and do a slow meander through Hillsborough to get our shopping.

When we got to the dance studio, we were told there were some spare spaces and they asked D if he would like to join in. He was thrilled.

I'm not sure who had more fun, the children taking part or the parents watching. The group ranged in age from 10 to 16 but they all did brilliantly.

The first hour they did the chachacha. They all started on their own, then with partners and progressed from the simple step to adding turns. They were fantastic.

The last half hour they did a street dance routine. This looked like so much fun. This was the part of the lessons they had least looked forward to, but they all loved it. It was amazing to see how much they could pick up and remember in such a short time.

When we got home the boys had the girls in the street practising, even putting on a performance for one of the mums. They are now really looking forward to next week. Wonder if my floor boards will survive.

Cue Zone

Tuesday didn't exactly go to plan, but we had some fun anyway.

D did his study in the morning and after lunch we had some shopping to get. However, having got to town and sorting the boys banking, I didn't feel up to doing all the stops we had planned.

Instead, I took the boys to the Winter Gardens and to the Cue Zone. World Championship Snooker has hit town and we went to get a taste. The big screen is up in the square and with the sun out, quite a nice place to sit and have a snack.

The boys had a go on the interactive snooker and pool games they had on display and saw the BBC studio area. It was quite interesting to be that close to the filming.

Not sure if it will happen, but we would love to get to a match next week.

Survival

Our visitors left around 9.30 yesterday morning, so I made use of the boys muscles getting things back to normal and then rearranging the furniture in the front room. After four months we were ready for a change and we like to be able to have full access to the patio door over the summer months.

The highlight of the day for the boys was the arrival of their camouflage tarpaulin. Of course, they had to put it to use. This was their bedroom last night. They lit a bonfire in just before going to bed which took the edge of the chill, but there were no complaints about it being cold as they were under a pile of blankets.

Tugger thought it was great fun. He went charging up and over the shelter and of course had to pounce on the inhabitants. After about 20 minutes, they had had enough and shut him indoors.

D emerged this morning at 5.15. He very kindly offered me a cup of tea, but I was quite ready to wake up, I had a few nights sleep to catch up on. Apparently the dawn chorus had woken them up. I was much happier when the tea arrived at about half six. I think they may want to spend most of the summer in their improvised camp.

Ooops-Before I Forget

I'd better try and update what the boys have been up to. There has been so much going on with life, this has been rather neglected. At least the diary might help to jog the memory just a little bit.

30 March

Final woodland session. Boys made pets from rocks, shelters, purified water, had a fire and cooked popcorn, made a rope swing and generally enjoyed themselves. I know if the opportunity, the boys would love to do something like this again.

4 April

RSPCA open day. We managed to look at all the animals and come home empty handed. This meant I was happy, though J was disappointed we didn't get a dog.

8 April D had his Spanish lesson. He is getting to know quite a few Spanish sentences now and has great fun making up amusing sentences from the words he knows.

9 April J went to spend the week with his dad. Whilst there, he rode over 40 miles on his bike. He has come back very trim indeed.

While he was gone D has been doing some origami, including making these boxes for me to display my cards and catnip pouches. We also have lots of pistols, swans and planes. This is my favourite thing he made, this gorgeous little bear made from fimo. The only help I gave him was to shape the nappy. I think it is absolutely delightful.

15 April J home

17 April The cousins are descending!

If we survive the weekend, normal posting should resume next week. I am sure there have been other things we have done, but I can't remember what they were. I know we have been busy.