Park, Park, Park & Park

As I look across the posting stats since this blog/journal/scrapbook started way back here (!) ,  this year turned out to be the best yet, as measured by quantity. The total is 169 posts for 2011.  And there are now 88 videos in YouTube. I'm not sure why that was- more photo opportunities, many good experiences, more time on my hands? Is that much a bad thing?  Should I change that path in some way? Maybe it means focusing on quality over quantity- better pictures, better video editing. But something gets lost, I think, down that path.

Some earlier shots of D's hands are here and here . And below is the latest update in the series.

C and D at the St Barnabas Nativity service C, D, and Mum D did a runner for this one.

Here's more art to supplant the stuff from here . D's Xmas Tree collage from nursery C's version of Santa delivering presents

D has been going to dance class for the last 12 weeks; 30 minutes with Ms. Claire on Friday afternoons. She has really enjoyed it!   Today was the end-of-the-series parent performance class.  It was the first time I've seen her in class. Her enthusiasm was clearly on display- hand up first, jumping up for everything, leading the other girls. Here's a few pictures- some video to follow.

Michael has made it over to Southfields several times in the last month to see the kids.  A few times picking them up at nursery; other times supervising bath time and then reading them bedtime stories.  He's witnessed some very sweet exchanges.  And a magnificent all-school Sheringdale musical performance of Christmas tunes (video to follow at some point). On reading bed time stories, a favourite is "Now We Are Six".  A. A. Milne is the author of the Winnie the Pooh series. He did Now We Are Six in 1927, and it was illustrated by E. H. Shepard- a family friend of the Wigans.  A very nice connection for the kids and the stories. Bella and I are then the beneficiaries of his trot past the French deli on the way from the station.  Perfectly ripe cheeses, fruity tarts, and, of course, the world famous baguettes.

Following on from last week !!! C had his Gardens Xmas play this evening.  On Sunday, we made a bird costume-in the performance, he flies to the last remaining Christmas Tree in the forest to decorate it.  He said he was a little nervous, but it didn't seem so on stage. C as"Bird" at The Gardens Xmas play In full beak!

Like in years past , December brings Christmas musical performances by the kids. This year, D treaded the boards for the first time.  Dressed as Cherub for the Gardens Musical, she, of course, stole the show.  Perched upon high, looking over the stage, she sang well.  And she enjoyed the experience, especially the chocolate coins at the end.

In the bath, D with her guardian of the day...

We had a rollicking good time for Thanksgiving this year.  A big collection of half Brit/half American people (with a bit of French and Kiwi thrown in for good measure)- including my family friends who just moved to London from Beijing. So big that we had to have two seatings- one for the under 10's and then one later for the over 35's. The dish that got the most attention was the true American one, and not the Turkey!  The sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top!

Lego was the big hit for C's 6th birthday .    This is what he got built in the few hours the next day.  There's still more kits knocking around which he hasn't opened yet.

Guy Faukes Night- early November.  C and his friends up against the fence at Wimbledon Park for the fireworks. The newest sweater of D's- knitted by my Mom this fall. Recent artwork.  From lunch at Salt & Pepper, 30 November 2011.

One morning on the way out the door to school, Bells called to the kids to come along. To C she said “ Hurry up, my angel.” D then responded by saying “He’s not an angel; he’s Superman.” Because C had his jacket hood hanging down his back like a cape. C then said “I’m not Superman.  I’m a Vampire!” and ran out the door.