Eleven

When James and I made it known that we were expecting our second child, there were lots of raised eyebrows and comments about how close in age our children would be.  Seventeen months apart didn't seem like a bad decision to us, and Ben was such an easy baby that we didn't think anything of it.  My only concern was how I would love another baby as much as our first.

Today I went with a friend to her appointment at the maternity wing where Ethan was born.  Being there took me back eleven years to when we were eagerly awaiting Ethan's birth.  We arrived early in the morning for our scheduled c-section and due to so many emergencies that day we had to wait until after 9pm to get into theatre.  As soon as Ethan arrived and peeked at us over the screen I knew that you can love all your babies as much as your first.  He fit into our family straight away, as if he'd always been there.  I've no regrets about when Ethan came.  He is sensitive and caring, he loves to help people and make them feel better.  Happy Birthday Ethan!

If The Snow Won't Come To Us...

...we'll go to the snow!  We've been waiting for snow for a few days now, but so far it's eluded us.  As much as I love frost, it's just not throwable! Thank goodness the highest Tor in Devon is just a fifteen minute drive away and we were able to indulge in some sub-zero-high-wind-walking while Noah was at a birthday party dressed as woody:

Jay.  Do not laugh at the pathetic dusting... I know it's not Utah standard but hey, it'll do until the next flurries arrive tomorrow!

Stormy Saturday

Today was rather grey and dull but we were getting bored indoors so we wrapped up warm and took off to Teignmouth, for a stroll along the beach.  It's breezy at the best of times in Teignmouth, but today it was positively gusty!  Noah is happy kicking up sand whatever the weather (excuse the bad mobile phone pictures):

 Ben allowed me to take a picture:

Ethan, Rosie and Daddy tried not to get wet jumping on stumps in the water:

The old Lido is now a seafront skate park, so of course Ben had to have a ride...:

...and instruct Ethan in the ways of scooting:

Anything the boys can do Rosie can too:

We ended our walk with some wave dodging:

 

Winter is officially here!

Tuesday's Smile Lines

After winning a cd of the fabulous band The Lower Lights from this lovely lady, it's been played a fair bit in my house.  Rosie walked in during the introduction of Israel, Israel God Is Calling and asked: 'Is this The Beatles?'.  Hysterical laughter ensued.

The children have taken to stealing my snuggly socks of an evening and even Noah got in on the act; dancing in pyjamas is enhanced when wearing them it seems:

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason why the gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Hulloa boys, hulloa boys, make the bells ring.
Hulloa boys, hulloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip hoorah!

Bonfire Night is my favourite British celebration.  Ever.  We build fires, light fireworks and sparklers, eat jacket potatoes with beans and chew on toffee apples.  What more could you ask for?  I love that the autumn night air smells of sulphur, and the smoke from bonfires and fireworks combine to create a fog that would put Dickensian London to shame.  James gets to set off fountains, roman candles, catherine wheels and rockets to his heart's content... with just his lighter and very little sense of danger.  This year we had twice the fun, we managed to squeeze two parties into one evening!

Let's Not Forget The Boys

Today I finished a few pencil cases for the boy relatives for Christmas: