Fun at Rascals

With the uncertainty in the last weather forecast I heard it was nice to find that he day turned out sunny in the morning even after the grey start and the threat of rain when I awoke. Somehow the sun managed to burn away the cloud and keep it a bay.

Emily and Catherine both got up at seven thirty, got ready for school and set about making their own pack lunches while I had a coffee and woke up. It is rather nice now that I don't have to hurry them along and they are finding there own feet. The school run with Emily went well. While I was gone Catherine had fed George and taken him for a short walk round the village. I was back in time to make sure Catherine wasn't late for school. 

I picked up Lucy at ten o'clock from her mummies in her new Peppa Pig shoes, she was very proud of them and was showing them off in the car. We both headed off to the supermarket to get some more pull-ups for Lucy. We had used the last one when we had her on Sunday so we need to go before we did anything else and in any case I love shopping with her. It just more fun and we make a game of it. With the shopping done it was time for the rides. The Thomas the Tank engine ride was broken again today, it always seems to be out or order, so Lucy went on Thunderbird Two today. She was smiling from ear to ear.

The rest of the morning was spent in and out of the house. We played all kinds of games, had lots of cuddles and fun doing the things she likes to do. As always George followed her around all over the place. They really are partners in crime.

Just before lunch we headed off out in the car to Stamford with the satellite navigation system replacing the speedo since the dashboard is still not working and the replacement part has still not arrived at the garage. When we got there the first thing we did was to pop into MacDonalds to get some food and before we headed off Rascals, a soft play area for under tens.   

Rascals is great place for someone like Lucy. She loves it there and when I told her where we were going, before we left the house, I never seen her get her shoes on so fast. There is nothing there she can't tackle now and she loves interacting with the other children. It as a nice place to relax and have a coffee even if it is instant.

The first thing she played with was the cars. She loves the police cars and races around making police car noises. The speed she get out of those toy cars and the control she shows is quite amazing. She never seems to crash into anyone or anything. Her favorite of the police cars is the black one and as soon as she saw it was free she swapped it for her blue one that she started playing in when we arrived.

Of course she wasn't about to miss out on any other the things to do and was soon climbing, sliding, rolling and generally wearing herself out. At one point she had me building her a house out of all of the soft play blocks she had collected for me. We were there for most of the early afternoon. She had a lovely time and it was a shame we had to leave but she didn't complain and put her shoes on like a good girl and left.

On the way home we came into Oakham to pick Emily up from school. Lucy was so pleased to see her and equally as pleased to see Catherine we at last we got back inside the house. They had a lovely tine together playing in the family room for the rest of the afternoon.

It was just before dinner Catherine found out her best friends dog was hit by tractor and later we discovered it had died. Catherine, bless her, wanted to get her friend something to cheer her up and I got her some chocolate to give her tomorrow at school. 

We did have one little mishap before Lucy went home. I had seemed to mislay Lucy's top she came from her mummies in. I was sure it was in the washing machine. I always return her in clean clothes, and had put it in wash earlier. Thankfully we found it in Emily's duvet and the problem was solved. It was like the duvet had eaten it. I'm glad we hadn't lost it, I don't want anything to rock the boat as the water can be very choppy! 

As always the time to take Lucy back to her mummies came to soon. The drop off was much like the last, so the least said the better. I just don't know why it has to be this way when it could be better with some understanding.

When I got home the Emily was on the computer and Catherine was on the phone to her friend. They both watched Eastenders together had some quiet time before going off up to bed. They must have both been really tired, because they both fell straight to sleep.

I had a lovely day with Emily, Catherine and Lucy. I can't wait to have them altogether again. It is just three sleeps as Catherine pointed out to Lucy as she was leaving. Until then there is fun to be had with Emily and Catherine who live here with me. 

Another Wet Monday

With the day starting grey it didn't look much like it was going to live up to the expectations of the weather forecast and as it turned out it didn't. Instead of the sunshine we had grey cloud and rain. This was going to effect the plans for the day. I was hoping for the sun to come out.

The day started late again with Emily and Catherine being away with another lay in. After a shower, shave and a quick coffee it was off our to collect Lucy from her mummies.

Once again I got caught by trains at the level crossing in Oakham, so I was slightly late picking her up. I'm really not doing well with the crossing at the moment! Thankfully Lucy's mummy didn't seem to mind too much and maybe because I had told her I was stuck at the crossing in a text. As always, it was lovely to see Lucy. I miss her, as I do Emily and Catherine when they are not here. The "I love you Daddy" are something I will never tire of from any of them.

When we got home we played outside for bit, but all the time threatened to rain and eventually it did. All the hopes for sunny day gone and we went inside to play and watch some Peppa Pig with Lucy sitting on my knee. It's a lovely age, they are so sweet and cuddly, Emily and Catherine were just the same. Today's game of choice was shopping and we soon had bags of toys all over the house that she had purchased from the bedroom. Thankfully being in bags they were easy to clean up. We were determined not to stay in all day and so we made plans to go out. With the weather not looking good for the afternoon we needed to go somewhere dry to play. The one of the places she loves going is Rascals.

We headed out just after noon. Stopping off to get money, food and petrol along the way. Munching in the car we headed out of Oakham. It is a lovely drive with nice views of Rutland Water along the way.  

On arriving at Stamford we headed straight for Rascals. As soon as we had paid and made a base for ourselves it was off with the shoes and on with the play. She is amazing now, there is nothing she can't do. Everything is possible for her and she delights playing with everything the place has to offer. The speed and control she shows driving around in the little cars is better than some drivers you see on the roads. She hardly ever crashes and if she does it normally another child that has pulled out in front of her. She should be good for a no claims bonus when she gets older.

The was one problem that did occur today I had never seen happen there before, there was a girl, probably foundation age, who took delight in pulling around the smaller kids. Lucy was included in her victims. Lucy kept running away from her and coming to find me to keep her safe every time this girl got close, after she had been pulled around a few times. What amazed me was her mother didn't step in and stop her, she was to busy with her back to the play area playing on her phone to notice. It's no wonder the child thinks she can do what she wants. Thankfully this didn't dampen Lucy's fun, although I did have to have a word with her about repeating the girls behaviour once. The word worked and she stopped it and didn't repeat it. 

Once the girl had gone, Lucy set off playing again in earnest and she was soon off over the rope bridges, down the slides and jumping around in the ball pool. When it came time to leave she really didn't want to go, but with a promise of another visit she left smiling and waving goodbye.

On the way home from Rascals we popped into Tescos in Oakham to buy some food for dinner. As usual we made a game of shopping. Just as we got to the checkouts Lucy noticed the sweets and asked if she could have some. I said yes, and off she went to buy sweets for everyone. She came back with four packets, the right number for everyone if Emily and Catherine had been here. As they are not, Lucy ended up with two extra packets. One of which she had on the way home and the other has been hidden for Friday. The remaining two she took home to her mummies for herself and her other half sister Mary.

On the way out of the supermarket she spotted a Thunderbird 2 ride and ran and sat in it. Fortunately for Lucy I had a fifty pence piece in my pocket. It was her lucky day. I must say she got a nice long ride for her fifty pence and really enjoyed it.

When we got home it was raining again and all the toys in the garden were soaking wet. There was no chance of playing outside again on her tricycle or the wendy house. So it was indoor play for the rest of the day. The shopping game got another go as did watching Peppa Pig. She never seems to tire of watching it. I will have to get some DVD's in for the winter days for her to watch. I cooked her some dinner and without Emily and Catherine being here she had the treat of eating away from the table for a change. Of course she did have one person interested in eating with her, namely George who is always on the look out for dropped food.

All to soon it was time to get her changed and ready to go back to her mummy. With Clean hands, face and clothes we headed back to Oakham, chatting along the way. With a reminder to be good for her mummy from me, a cuddle and a kiss, with sweets in hand she went inside and the door was closed.

I have had a lovely four days with Lucy, although I have missed Emily and Catherine. I won't be seeing Lucy until Friday now, as long her mother doesn't have a hospital appointment. I would see her everyday if I could, but sadly that is not to be. I hope Emily and Catherine are having fun at their mum's, I haven't heard from them today. I'm sure they are just fine and I just hope Catherine doesn't get homesick like she did last time she was there for over a week. 

A Wet Monday

Although the day started dry it wasn't long before it turned in to a wet one. The first wet day in ages and so a different sort of day was required for Lucy's day in Langham.

The school run was a success this morning with everyone getting off with out incident and on time thanks to Catherine. She went up stairs with 20 minutes to go before school to make sure her sister got out of bed. Then I got a text to asking to pick Lucy up early. 

As you may know Lucy's mummy is poorly. Thankfully now she been to the hospital she only needs rest to get better. Anyway, I quickly jumped in the shower and head out to pick her up. 

I must say Lucy's mummy did look and sound poorly when I picked her up. so I was more than glad to help out and it wasn't long before we were home. With the rain holding off we went off to play in the garden and the toy house. She just loves playing shops and was cooking sausages for me today and serving them up. It was quite useful as it gave me an idea for dinner.

When the rain did eventually start falling we headed out to have some fun somewhere dry after we had done a little shopping for dinner. 

But before we could go shopping there were was a hungry tummy to feed, so we stopped off at McDonald's in Stamford for a quick refill and a drink. Lucy really seemed to enjoy her meal and loved watching all the people eating there food.

As soon as we finished there we headed off down the road to the supermarket to get some food in for dinner and some essential supplies. As usual we didn't spend long in the shops as there are more important things to do.

With the shopping out of the way it was time go and find more fun to do and being Stamford there is one place I know Lucy loves, Rascals. As we arrived Lucy said it was her favorite with the biggest of smiles. She really loves it there and even before we paid she was starting to take her shoes off.

As soon as got through the gate she ran off to the curvy slide and was soon splashing into the ball pool at the end, covering herself in balls. Then it was the turn of the cars and she was chasing a boy a round who was driving a pink car. It was soon before she made some more friends to play with on the rope bridges and slides and eventually made it through the dark area, the first time she has done when I have taken her. She was so proud of herself it was a joy to see. Eventually after playing with another boy in the cars it was time to leave to go home to see her sisters. She had a great time and we spent a good part of the afternoon there. She should be pooped for her mummy at bedtime.

When we got home we did have long to wait before Emily and Catherine came home. Lucy provide the customary hugs and kisses as the came in the house and there were smiles all round. The all played together until dinner was cooked and they all sat down together to eat. They had real german sausages to go with the game that I was playing with Lucy in the morning. Too soon it was time for Lucy to go home and off she went with big hugs, kisses and "see you soon's" as she left with a bag of sweets in her hand for her and her sister. 

After Lucy left the girls settled done to watch TV and play on the computers before doing the dish washer and cleaning up the family room floor before bed. 

A good day was had by all...... can't wait to see them all together again soon.