Together Again

As I have I have told you in a number of blog posts this was the first day that Emily, Catherine and Lucy had seen each other since the 23rd June. I know how much they miss each other so I was looking forward to them being reunited. 

I picked up Lucy at nine o'clock rather than the usual ten, since her mummy was unwell and need to go to the Doctors, and there was a chance that Lucy would be staying overnight. I must say Lucy's mummy did look tired and very poorly.

When we got home Lucy gave the Emily and Catherine lots of really big hugs and kisses. She was so pleased to see them again as they were to see her. For the morning I let them all play together and generally have fun. It didn't seem to be right to drag them out when they had so much catching up to do.

After lunch we headed out to the farm to see the animals there. It is always interesting to see how the baby pigs are doing and they all love it there. It was around lunch that I also found out we had Lucy overnight so her mummy could get the rest the Doctor had ordered.

When we arrived we head straight off for the pigs. They have separated the boy and the girls now into different pens now and closed the gap that use to allow them to get from one pen to another. It looks like they are on a high protein diet to help them grow faster. I know generally they are put in the fields, so one day we go and they won't be there.

After the pigs and the small animals we went to play games in the farm yard. They have a number of things that children can do like a ball rolling game, they can all play, and quoits. All farm themed. Of course there is also Lucy's favorite, a toy farm yard, which she played this with Emily today. They both had loads of fun, Emily building the farm and Lucy driving the tractors around.

Soon it was time to move out into the fields to see the animals there. Catherine, who loves horses, headed off to see the horses and the donkey while Emily and Lucy decided to see the goats. I must have said before how much Lucy loves the goats and the way they follow her around. True to form the goats did just that and soon Emily and Lucy were running along the fence and the goats were running after them and making them both laugh. Meanwhile Catherine was getting large handfuls of long fresh grass an was feeding the horse and the donkey. She was joined in this task by the other two who helped her feed the donkey. I have to remember to take some carrots next time, I know the donkey loves them.

When we had finished at the farm we headed off for Melton and the country park there. It was where they went the last time they had been together. As soon as we arrived Emily and Catherine ran off to seek out the ariel runway and the climbing park, while Lucy headed off to the playground. 

I stayed with Lucy while she played in the playground she had a smashing time on the slide going down on her tummy and backwards with really funny results. Of course she found a little friend to play with for a while which was fun to watch as she bossed them around, but after a while she wanted to find her sisters. So off we went hand in hand to the climbing park.

When we got there we found Emily and Catherine playing in the tree houses. It appears a family had taken over the ariel runway and they still waiting to have a go. We joined them in the tree houses and they all started to play. I must say Lucy's climbing is really coming on, she was well over half way up the ropes before she decided to head back down all on her own. She didn't even need me to help her down. I can see her getting to the top before long and needing someone to get her down. Eventually Emily and Catherine made it onto the ariel runway and had a great time playing on it together. 

We all had a great time in country park. It's just so much fun there and having toilets and a café means you can stay for hours on end. It also just a lovely place to sit and enjoy the day.

As a special treat for tea and as we were were in Melton we had a KFC for dinner. All the girls love KFC and it has to be my favorite of all the fast food chains. I just think it gives you best value for money when you compare it to the other chains if you buy the family buckets. They all loved their dinner and so did I. It really was finger licking good!

All to soon it was time for Lucy to go to bed. Emily helped me in the bath with Lucy. Lucy insisted on washing Emily's feet as I washed Lucy. Lucy was having a great time in the bath until it came to washing her hair. Normally she is alright with it but today she didn't like it one little bit. When we had dried her off it was off to bed. With her all tucked up, Emily read her a story and I gave out all the cuddles and kisses before I tucked her in again. She is such a good girl going to bed, I'm so proud of her.

Emily and Catherine had a great time with her and after she had gone to bed they settled down to watch a little TV and play the Sims 2 on the computer before going to bed themselves. 

Poor Lucy did have a tummy ache overnight, nothing major, but it woke her a couple of times during the evening before she finally dropped off. Not sure what caused it but I'm sure it will be gone by morning.

Scarewell Farm

Another nice lay in this morning and some quite time without Emily and Catherine being here but I still had to get up to get Lucy at ten. It was a lovely morning and the weather looked good for a day out enjoying the summer sun.

At ten o'clock I picked up little Lucy and we head straight home to be welcomed by George. All the way she kept asking about Emily and Catherine and I told her where they were. I do hope they are enjoying themselves. I know Catherine managed to lock the SIM on her new phone, so I hope that all been sorted now.

Lucy's morning was mainly spent watching Peppa Pig and playing outside with her tricycle. Mainly the later. It's lovely to see her seeing having having so much fun. She just loves George who followed her around and run off on command madly around the garden. 

Time seemed to fly by and it was soon time to head out for the afternoon and to enjoy the lovely warm sunshine. Today's destination was Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre between Peterborough and Stamford. It one main advantage other than it being lots of fun for Lucy is that she gets to get in for free because she is under three. 

When we arrived and headed off to the Animal Village. There were guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, ducks and chickens to see and get close to. Lucy was in her element creeping up on the cockerels and ducks as they drank water in the heat of the day. She even managed to get close enough to touch one at one point. She is clearly learning how to get close to them. The first time I took her to Northfields farm she ended up trying to chase them for ages in an attempt to get close to them.

After we had finished in the Animal Village it was off Indoor Activity Play Barn. Basically it is a large barn with a soft play area and toy tractors to play on. Ideal for Lucy who loves going to Rascals so much. As soon as we got in she was kicking her shoes off and was soon heading up a ladder to get to the slides. To my surprise she went straight pass the open slide and she was soon crossing the rope bridge to the tube slide. With chuckles of joy she was soon popping out the end of the tube and running off for another go and then another. After a while her attention was drawn to the toy tractors. At first she tried the big tractors but she couldn't get them going. The peddles were just a little bit to far away to get her feet on the properly, however the smaller tractors were just right and off she went.

She was having a smashing time in the barn, there was so much for her to do. I think at some points she really didn't know what to play with next. She spent a lot of time running between the tractors and the soft play area, all of which she conquered by the time we left for the rest of the farm. The other things she loved included the rocking cows, the giant connect 4 and the wendy house which was full of new friends to play with. One thing she had her eye on for ages was a horse on wheels. There was only one of them but she kept her eye on it, waiting for it to be free. As soon as saw it was she was, she was it riding amongst the tractors with the biggest grin you have ever seen. Reluctantly she left the barn and we headed off to find the larger farm animals. 

On the way to he horses we stopped off to see the sheep, goats and the calfs, all of which she loved. however this wasn't all we passed. There was an outdoor play area to play in. Soon she was climbing, sliding, playing in the sand and having a ball of the time. As always she tried everything she could manage, and a bit more she couldn't. She is getting good at knowing her limits now and hardly ever gets stuck. 

Moving on from the outdoor play area, the next port of call was the mill house and the water mill. She seemed a little scared of the sound of the water mill. It must have been the rushing sound but she enjoyed seeing the hens and looking at all the things they had on show. We did look in at the café there for something to eat but they only really did tea and coffee. There was nothing to feed a hungry little tummy.

The last new thing we saw before we left was the shire horses and their carts and other farming equipment of years gone by. There were only two horses there today and one of them showed us his bottom all the time we were there, however the other one was more open to seeing people and spent his time eating hay. Just outside where the shire horses are kept there were some very young pigs. They were three days old. Lucy loved them. 

Before we left we visited the Animal Village again to see the ducks, chickens and all the other small animals. She had a great time. I'm sure if Lucy could rate the places we go this one would have got full marks. It had all the things she likes doing all in one place. It a young child's dream come true. 

On the way home we head south down the A1 a little way to Peterborough services. It is nice there in that it's not to expensive and it has all the high street fast food restaurants in one place. Unlike most services off of main roads and motorways the price is the same as the high street too. Since we were only having a snack, Lucy had some chips and a drink to keep her going until dinner time. She loves people watching so it just the place to take her and she was wonderful, staying in her seat for most of the time. 

As we were leaving I thought it is a shame they don't have a play area for the little ones, and as if by magic I spotted a sign I had never seen before to a play area. So off we went to investigate. 

The play area was for children up to the age 14 and was suitably equipped with things for younger children and older children. The age at which the equipment is aim never seems to bother Lucy and as soon as she had one go on the smaller children's slide she was on the older children's play equipment. She had great fun and instead of a quick stop at the services for food we spent over an hour there and had loads of fun. I can really recommend Peterborough services to anyone with children. It is a great place for kids.

When we arrived home there was a little time for play and some more Peppa Pig before dinner a bath and bedtime. Peppa Pig is a real hit with hit with Lucy at the moment just like it was with her sister. 

Eventually it was time for her bath and she laugh and giggled as I got bubbles on my arms. She thought it was all highly amusing and just the distraction that was needed after a long day to get her to sit down and enjoy her bath. Even the hair washing went well.

After her bath it was off to bed with a stories and some juice. She loves being read to and it's something you can never tire of. It is the way their faces light up as you tell them tales. With kisses and cuddles given out for all she holds dear to her heart it was to the land of dreams for our Lucy.

Sunny Monday

Everyone got off on time this morning to school and I have never seen Emily so keen to get out the house. She was off to Wicksteed Park in Kettering as a special year 6 treat for doing so well at there SATS this year, and with Emily getting all 5 it was well deserved. I'm so proud of how well she has done especially in English which is her weakest subject by far.

I was bit rushed picking Lucy up. I'm not sure what happened to the time. I just didn't seem to get out of the house quick enough after my shower. I was going to text her mummy to let her know I was on my way but that would have made me later. All the same I still got a wonderful welcome from Lucy but her mummy still seemed under the weather. Anyway on the way home Lucy told me of a Party had enjoyed, I'm guessing it was Mary's Birthday party, before she asked if she could go to the park. 

As soon as we arrived back in Langham we got the Lucy's buggy out of the car and headed down to the local park. I thought by now she would be bored of the Langham park but she still loves going there and the rope bridge is one of her favorite fun things to do. On the way back we walked through the allotments and went pass her mummies old plot. There was an old lady working on it and we started to talk to her. It turns out she was the old lady that Kiz gave a part of her pot the year before and the person that took over the lot let her stay. Reading the Langham news recently gave me the idea of getting a allotment for myself, but I will need to talk to Emily and Catherine before I make enquiries. 

After getting back from the park we played outside together. First with her bike and then with her toy car. This time the game took on a new dimension, when her bike broke down and I had to be called in to fix. I just love they way her games develop as she learns new things. Then there was some time left, before we went out again, to water the runner beans that we are trying to grow in the old herb patch. For some reason they aren't doing to well, but we should still get some later in the summer. She loves playing with the hose and making things wet so the water wasn't just confined to the runner bean patch, everything got a soaking including herself.

After a change of clothes it was off out shopping Melton to get her sister, Mary, birthday presents for Tuesday. I set my self a budget and manage to do what I wanted to do and get three small presents and one large present from Lucy. She had a great time around the toy shop wanting to buy everything she saw but she was still quite good leaving the shop and putting things back.

After we came back from Melton there was time to spare to pop into the tearooms at the farm and visit the pigs. I must say the pigs are really big now and I don't think it will be long before they disappear into the fields. I think Lucy will miss seeing them. She loves the piggies and the goats. As always while she was having her drink she played with the toys they have there which is a great as a parent because it stops her wandering off and causing mayhem. 

Catherine rushed back from school to drop off her stuff before before going off with her friends for dinner. The problem was that her friends brother left the gate open and George was in the garden, but not for long, he took himself for a walk. Thankfully I had the buggy for Lucy so we set off around the village looking for him. We covered the whole village and it took us an 1 hour and 20 minutes to find George and that was thanks to Emily who joined us for the last 20 minutes of the search. He turned up in Ruddle Way, apparently according to Emily, he had probably been to see the horses in the fields.  

With just the two children for dinner it was a simple affair of burgers, chips and beans. They both seemed to enjoy it and had a great time at the table chatting while they ate. Despite dinner being late they still had time to play before Lucy went home and they both made most of it.

When I dropped Lucy off I passed on the message from the old lady we met at the allotments to Kizzy "to be remembered to her". Thankfully the pick up went a lot better as far as Lucy was concerned. This might have been helped by the mission she was on to deliver the presents for her sister. It was funny that she couldn't wait for her sister to open then and was telling her to open them now. Her sister just smiled while her mummy told her she would have to wait until tomorrow.

When Catherine retuned home from being out with her friends I had to have a word with her about checking the gate. Losing George isn't fun especially when I have Lucy. If it wasn't for the fact I had the buggy the task of finding him would have been impossible.

Finally it has been a hot and humid evening and just hope little Lucy had more luck getting off to sleep Emily and Catherine.

BBQ Monday

Today was the day that Lucy wanted a BBQ. At the start of the day it didn't look to promising weatherise. It kept threatening to rain, but in the end the day was dry and warm if a little breezy. Something else was special too, it was Emily first visit to big school and to met her new form. 

The frist person up this morning was Emily. By the time I got up she had already showered and she was just about to get me up. She must have been excited about her day trip to big school. She never gets up that early normally. We had to leave Catherine behind to go to school on her own as we set off to big school, but she didn't mind to much since it made her feel really grown up. We arrived in Oakham with time to spare so Emily could find the place where she was meant to meet up with the rest of her classmates from Langham School. She seemed a little nervous but excited at the same time as she left car and made her way to school.

There was time when I got back from Oakham for a coffee, a quick shave and shower before it time to be off out again. This time back to Oakham to pick up Lucy from her mummy. Thankfully a short trip, unless you get caught at the level crossing like I did today!

When we arrived home she started to play after being greeted by the George the Dog before we did dome some drawing, mainly on paper for a change. She seems to love drawing now and likes to try and draw people she knows describing each bit as she draws them. She played beautifully until it was time to go out despite being a bit emotional at times. I think she was just a bit tired as she took a nap later in the day in the car.

We first went to the farm to have some lunch and visit the animals. Unfortunately she fell after seeing the pigs while she was on her way to the bunny rabbits. The poor little thing grazed her left knee, but the people at the farm had a first aid kit, so I cleaned up the cut and and applied some cream and it was soon forgot about. They are ever so nice there and Lucy was so brave. To make sure I had it totally clean I did it again later when we got home. 

After a free range bacon sandwich we took a quick tour of the other animals. A hello for the donkey and the horse and then off to see the goats before hand washing and a wave to the piggies.

Our next destination was Melton Mowbray and the country park. It is lovely there and there is loads of space for her to run around and have fun. Being a weekday there was hardly anyone there and when a car turned up Lucy would look at the car and say it was her friend. Unfortunately nobody turned up for her to play with but all the same she played with me. She even managed to convince  me to take her down the aerial runway more than once which she loved. 

After an ice cream we headed off to the supermarket to buy the things we needed for the BBQ and a few odds and ends like Coffee and cleaning stuff to clean the grill. As usual she charmed every one that caught her eye, especially the checkout girl.

When we got home we cleaned up the BBQ before heading out again to pick up Emily from big school. Emily was so happy to see Lucy and just as excited about her new school as she was in the morning. She managed to get in what she had been told was the best form and she was with most of her friends. She even made some new friends and loved her hot school dinner which said was really lovely.

On returning home Catherine got her hug from Lucy before they all went off to play while I lit the BBQ and prepared the food. Lucy saw the old BBQ sitting unused in the garden on Friday and asked what it was, I told her. That how we ended up with a BBQ for dinner tonight. Emily and Catherine both love BBQ's so it was ideal way to have a treat. All the stuff to make the BBQ has been sitting in the in the washing room since July last year. I was a bit concerned that Lucy might touch the BBQ when it was hot but she was very good and kept her distance from it and the smoke. 

The BBQ was lovely just like we use to have in times gone by. They all loved the food and had a great time. Lucy as usual managed to eat nearly everyones tomatoes as well as her own, but thankfully no one seems to mind and I will get some more tomatoes for Emily and Catherine to have another day when Lucy isn't here.

After they ate they all started to play again. Lucy didn't want to go home and we were late leaving. In the rush it seems I managed to put the wrong top on her. I told Kiz. Lucy's mummy, she could keep it. It is best that she gets some use out of some of the many clothes I have here before Lucy grows out of it. It is rather a pretty top and went nicely with her shorts. I will have to remember to return the other top on Friday when pick her up again for another day of fun. 

On getting back the girls returned from playing out and it was off out to the shops to buy some sweets and then some quiet time on the computers before bedtime. They all seemed to love there BBQ and we must have more of them as the summer goes on.

One final twist for the day was Dog escaping again. Thankfully he has discovered religion in recent months and he heads for the church. Far easier to get him there than down the side streets and in peoples gardens!

Work tomorrow and my turn to be the student.....

More fun on the farm

We had the first rain in ages, but thankfully it didn't last all day. It was very light and only lasted part of the morning and though it was generally cloudy it didn't stop all the fun.

Emily and Catherine got off to school on time and it was soon time to pick up little Lucy. We came straight home and spent the morning play indoors and out of the rain.

After lunch and lots of ice creams we all went out to the farm for afternoon tea and to see the piggies of course.

As soon as we arrived Lucy matched off to look at the piglets. They continue to grow at an amazing rate and I wonder how much longer they it will be before they are moved from their stye to one of the fields. Lucy has worked out how to see into the stye on her own and she carefully climbed up so she could peek at them. After we had finished with the pigs we headed off to the rabbits and guinea pigs which Lucy adores. After being in the runs with them the other week her confidence with the animals has increased no end and she was encouraging them to feed and drink water.

Next it was off to the tearooms for some refreshments and as usual we were given a bag of carrots for the horse and the donkey. This time we had 6 carrots. We get more every time we go.  

After feeding the horse and donkey, Lucy headed off to find the goats. For some reason there were only two goats today but that didn't stop Lucy from getting them to chase after her with handfuls of grass in her hand. Finally we returned to the piggies for a quick stroke before washing our hands and heading for home.

We got home in time for Emily and Catherine coming home from School. Today Lucy had a late birthday card to deliver from Kizzy's mum. It was kind of her to remember and I know it meant a lot to Catherine when she opened it and discovered who it was from. Kizzy's mum always said she would pop round and see the girls but never did but she always remembers them which I know they appreciate all the same. 

Dinner was a rushed affair as Catherine had an extra Maths lesson after a school. A teacher from another school came round to boast her confidence and although she didn't want to do it but she came round at the end. Personally I agree with the school and I think it will do her the world of good.


As soon as Catherine finished her extra lesson it was time for Lucy to leave and Emily and Catherine to head off to Leeds to see their mum for the weekend.

Friday Fun

The weather has been really good for most of the week and today was no exception. When I woke up and went into the bathroom the sun was streaming into room. It was just the sort of day I wanted to have our Lucy to visit. 

The morning was spent playing in the garden with Lucy, mainly on the tricycle and her small red car. Recently she has started pretending they are real cars and the need to be filled with petrol before they will go any where. It quite sweet the way she plays on her own now she is growing up. It is lovely to sit and watch her and be there when comes over to give you a hug.

After lunch we had Birthday shopping to do, so it was off to the Melton Mowbray to go and get a present for Catherine who is 10 on Monday. As always she was really good around the shops and never seems to complain however far you walk her. While on the way home she she managed to get herself covered in chocolate, so much so that her hands were covered as well as her face dress and her legs. She was a sticky sight to behold and so proud of herself. I cleaned her up as much as possible but it was clear there was nothing that could be done about the dress other than putting it in the washing machine.

After taking the shopping home, and picking up a clean dress, we headed back out to the farm for afternoon tea and of course to see the piggies. As soon as we arrived she was off down the path to the find the little piglets which are still growing at an amazing rate. Of course we first had to pass the two Daddy Pigs who always get up and greet her before moving on to the next pen and the little pigs. 

After the pig we went off to see the rabbits who were just having their drinking water changed. The lady changing the water asked Lucy if she wanted to give the rabbits some carrots and stroke them. After getting over her shyness she said yes and the lady went off to get some carrots. As soon as he got back the pen was open and Lucy was standing inside pen with the Lady offering the boy rabbit a carrot, who came over to have a sniff and a nibble before getting stroked by Lucy. They then moved onto the girl rabbits who were completely uninterested in the carrots, so with carrot in hand Lucy found another pen of rabbits to give it to. 

While looking at the rabbits and talking to the woman we discovered they have some baby guinea pigs which are shortly going to need a new home. Knowing that Emily really wants some guinea pigs I going to look into the implications of keeping them with a mad westie that loves chasing rodents and rabbits!

After cleaning our hands it was off to have afternoon tea and a play with the toy farm yard and although her smile didn't get her a bit of cake this time, it did get her a big bag of carrots for the Donkey and the horse. 

With the bag of carrots in hand we wandered in to the fields to find the donkey and the horse. As she ran towards them they came to the fence. The bag contained five carrots and the winner was the donkey winning three - two, mainly on the grounds that the donkey can eat carrots at over twice the rate of the horse and it never looks like it might bite your fingers. As the farm walk was open this time we got to see the goats. Lucy run down the side of they fence urging them to follow her while holding a handfuls of grass. The goats, not being totally stupid to the idea of food followed her and were reward with getting to eat the grass. She love the way the goats do as she tells them and as she hands out the grass she makes sure they all get there far share.

It was soon time to go home for the return of Emily and Catherine from school. The welcome was so warm and full of hugs as always. They all played so nicely in the garden and in the house while I cooked the dinner for them all. After dinner it was soon time for Lucy to leave and home she went, all dressed in her clean clothes. 

It was a lovely day with Lucy and with Emily and Catherine after school and tomorrow is going to be even better...

A Monday in the Sun

It was a lovely sunny morning when we all got up and the girls left for school. Not to hot and not to cold and the longest day of the year to boot. Catherine was off on a school trip photographing Rutland as part of a school project and Emily had a normal day at school, her sailing trip isn't until the next week.

I got Lucy as usual on Monday from her mummies and we popped to the shops before coming home to play. She chatted all the way home and I noticed she is starting to get a feel for time and knows some of the days. She told me a few of the things she had been up to which was lovely. In the morning we played dressing up games and outside in the garden on her bike. She really is getting good a peddling her little tricycle now. She loves to park it and fill it full of petrol. It is lovely to watch.

For lunch we had Lucy's favorite "eggies" this time with crumpets and lashings of butter. She loves eggs and tried to eat all my mine too. She seems to like crumpets equally as much, so we can add them to our lunchtime menu. After a lunch we had a drink before heading out for the afternoon.

The destination of our afternoon trips is starting to get predictable. When I picked her up this morning she asked if we could go to the farm, and I said yes, so that is were we headed to see the piggies. We equipped ourselves with an Apple and a carrot for the donkey and the horse and off we set. As soon as we got there it was off to see the piggies, which are really starting to get big now. The bigger pigs were very interested in her little treat collection. Before they ate her apple and carrot we set off to give the donkey and the horse their little treats. I just adored the way she told the horse that he couldn't have the donkey's carrot when he tried to take it off her.

As soon as they were fed it was time to get some juice. So off we headed for the teashop, stopping on the way to fuss Holly the farm dog that was laying in the sun. It is lovely there. The girl that serves us recognised us immediately and proceeded to ask Lucy all kinds of questions about the farm which Lucy tried to answer the best she could. Once inside Lucy head off to play farms with the toy farm yard while she had her drink. Just before we left Lucy spotted some new toys to play with. She was really good when I said we had to go she happily left to go and see the animals again with another apple in hand courtesy of the girl at the tearooms, which was shared between the donkey and the horse. 

After we left the farm we had a little bit of time to spare so we headed for Langham park where Lucy played and played until it was time to go home for Emily and Catherine's return from school. 

It's always a special "coming home" for the girls when Lucy is here and Catherine got an extra special welcome today. We heard her coming towards the house and and as Lucy heard her open the back door she rushed at Catherine and gave her the biggest hug and said "I love you Catherine" over and over again. It was so lovely to see. Emily got similar treatment when she got home without the surprise run and hug. They all have fun together and today was no exception. Today's play included hanging the naughty teddy bears and soft toys on hangers in the wardrobe which was rather amusing.

For dinner we all sat at the table down to a Sunday lunch to makeup for missing out on Sunday lunch yesterday with them all. They all had a lovely time saying what they had done and eating their food. 

Time passes to quickly sometimes and the it was far to soon for the rush of getting Lucy ready to go home. It doesn't matter home many times I do it, it has to be one of the hardest things I have to do. I love her and all her sisters to bits and I feel bad that they can't all be together. But, any way home she had to go and with a kiss and a cuddle from Emily and Catherine we went on our way. There was just one thing different tonight. I had found Mary's picture of her Dad in a broken frame a few days ago and I had fixed the best I could. It was still delicate but I returned to little Mary. The smile on her face was enough to light the whole of Oakham. It was the first time we had spoken in ages. God bless her and her Lucy.