Category: 2007 4pk News

How the memories come flooding back when you have to start doing projects with your children – this year alone I have learnt about Explorers and Egypt and now it is time to learn about Victorian Inventors!

Daniel had a choice of projects that he could do – he could do about an Inventor or an Invention – he decided to go for the Inventor and chose George Stephenson because he invented the locomotive – Grandad has definitly influenced his interests, fortunately not with regard to football teams despite trying!

The choice of Stephenson has turned out to be far more interesting for Daniel than perhaps another inventor would have because we are fortunate enough to live near Rainhill, where the trials for The Rocket took place, and the Sankey Viaduct that Stephenson built to cross the Sankey canal. He has been to visit both places and has had his picture taken so that he can put them in his project.

We still have a bit more work to do it – but it will be a fine work when it is finished – and I will have strengthened my knowledge of things locomotive – so my Daddy will be proud (possibly).

Yesterday was a very exciting day as our beloved Uncle Michael got married to Auntie Alison – and yes it is a little confusing having 2 Al(l)ison’s in the same family with the same surname!

The fun commenced at 10am when we all had our pre-wedding baths and then Mummy (Alli) dried Emilie’s hair so that it was nice and straight like a princesses!

At 12noon we left to go to the hotel in Saddleworth so that we could have a picnic lunch in the hotel bedroom and then get ready in our very posh clothes.

The boys got ready first and we were all pleased that they weren’t measured for their suits any earlier as they had both grown and some of the items were a bit of a squeeze. Daniel’s jacket was missing a button so Carole had to do some emergency repairs. When we were ready everyone kept telling us how handsome and grown up we looked!

Next it was Emilie’s turn and she put on her pretty princess dress – she did look just like a princess.

When Mummy (Alli) and Daddy (Tim) were ready we went down to the church to meet up with Uncle Michael so that the Ushers could commence their ushing and Emilie could meet the other bridesmaids. We did an excellent ushing job making sure everyone had an order of service and was sitting in the right place – we were helped by some of Uncle Michael’s grown up friends.

Soon it was time to take our seats in church as Auntie Alison had arrived – when she walked down the aisle she looked very beautiful – just like a grown up princess!

Mummy (Alli) did a reading during the service and she did very well. Two out of three of us were very well behaved in church and one was a little monkey who had to be bribed with sweeties by Mummy!

After the service was over we all went outside to have some pictures taken and we threw lots of confetti at Uncle Michael and Auntie Alison – apparently Mummy (Alli) stuffed a couple of handfuls down Uncle Michael’s underpants – we think she was very brave.

When the photos were finished we went back to the hotel for same canapes and drinks and more photos – by this time Josh was fed up of having his photo taken and had decided it was more fun to sit on the vintage car and try and slide down the wheel arches. He eventually got bored of doing this and rejoined us for the photos so he is on a few.

Then it was time to eat and listen to some speeches. Part way through the meal Emilie and Joshua decided they had had enough so they went to bed – they were worn out by all the excitment!

Daniel was presented with an award during the Best Man’s speech for winning the 2006/07 Rugby Try competition.

When the meal and speeches were over we went to the disco and Daniel played outside in the dark with Joe with the torches that we had brought with us to keep them entertained.

We all had a brilliant evening – some more than others – lets just say Mummy didn’t make it down to breakfast this morning!!

Congratulations Uncle Michael & Auntie Alison!!!!!

Daniel!!!!

In the great 2006/07 Rugby Try Competition between Daniel and Uncle Michael the final scores were:

Daniel 12 tries

Uncle Michael 3 tries

Better luck next season Uncle Michael!!!!!

Actually it was Daddy that went rally driving, his present from Alli for his 30th birthday, Alli and Josh just went along to watch and offer support and in some instances laugh at Daddy!

Daddy had a great time speeding round the rally track that was in a forest and then showing us how NOT to do handbrake turns.

There was a timed stage at the end and Daddy came third which is highly commendable but it has to be said the 1st place driver was a lady!!!

After the driving had finished Josh and Alli were treated to a little ride in the rally car – Josh got to wear the helmet and when we did a handbrake turn he shouted out “watch out man”

….. so that I could stand up and have a wee – declared Emilie this evening!!!

Daniel then elaborated on the subject by proclaiming that it is good in the winter as you don’t have to sit on the cold toilet seat!!!!!!

…. declared Emilie this morning when the boys arrive downstairs dressed in their Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur kits. We think she was feeling a little left out.

So once we were dressed we made our way to the sports shop and found the latest MUFC kit for her – unsurprisingly for us she fit into an 18-24 month size kit despite being 4. She was so keen to get the kit on that she got undressed in the shop foyer!

Daniel then declared that he only had an old kit and wanted a new one – fortunately he still had his birthday money to spend so he decided that he would use it to buy a new kit – unfortunately the sports shop did not have his size so we decided to go to the Megastore at the Theatre of Dreams.

We set off for Old Trafford and once there Daniel and Mummy went into the Megastore and bought Daniel his new kit – he decided that he wanted number 8 on his back because he is now a big 8 year old and he also had Rooney’s name on the back.

Whilst we were in the shop Daniel also decided that Mummy needed a United top so he chose her a nice pink United T-shirt and then he saw some Manchester United jammy dodger biscuits that he bought for Tim to see if he would still eat his favourite biscuits despite being adorned with Manchester untied emblems!

We then went to see Grandad and Pauline – Grandad’s face was a picture when he saw the 3pk in their kits – Grandad supports Manchester City (well someone has to!)

After the excitement of the Easter Egg hunt had worn off we set about decorating some Easter Egg and Easter Bunny gingerbread biscuits for us, Grandad, Pauline and Josie.

We had great fun squirting the icing on the gingerbread shapes and then sticking on sweeties.

You can see the fruits of our labours if you have a look at the photos – even Mummy (Alli) and Daddy (Tim) joined in with the decorating and decorated shapes for each other.

A week later than the rest of the country, because Mummy phoned him and asked to come when we were all here!

When the 3pk got out of bed this morning and went downstairs they spotted an Easter egg or 2 in the kitchen and realised that the Easter Bunny had been in the night and so the great Egg hunt began!

All 30 eggs were found in record time this year – we think the Easter Bunny needs to find some more original hiding places!

Joshy was pleased though as on Friday evening when going to bed he asked Alli if the Easter Bunny would bring him a Noddy Egg and to his great delight not only did he bring him a Noddy Egg he also bought him a Noddy bowl, cup and egg cup!

After cereal and yoghurts were consumed the 3pk were allowed a special treat – they had a little easter egg in their new egg cups.

Daniel spent the morning building his lego that he got for his birthday – he constructed a couple of fire trucks and a helicopter by himself.

He did have a little break when he went to pick up his birthday cake from Grandma’s – Daniel had requested a transformer cake and once again Grandma delivered the goods!

In the afternoon we played in the garden and then we had our dinner and Bethany joined us and then it was time to get ready for the birthday sleepover.

The fun started at 6pm when the guests arrived – Bethany from next door and 2 of Daniel’s friends from school. Gifts were received and opened and then it was time for a spot of football in the garden – they played until all the balls were lost over the fences which took quite a while for a change.

After football it was time to settle down to watch The Monster House, a film chosen by Daniel, whilst watching the film the birthday boy and the party attendees feasted on pizza, popcorn and cakes (made by Pauline). Emilie & Joshua also partook in a couple of slices of pizza, after their bath, whilst watching The Incredibles.

Emilie & Joshua then retired to bed and the film viewing continued. When the film had finished the real fun began – playing army in the garden and the house in the dark with BIG replica guns.

Tim Daddy had managed to source a number of replica guns that were used by the birthday boy, party attendees, Mummy and Daddy to play army with. Everyone took it turns to go and hide in the dark and then the others had to find them and shoot them. We all had a great time and the prize for best hiding place definitely goes to Shaun who hid in the playroom and was not found for quite a while despite 3 people having searched the room.

Army finished at 10pm and then it was time for biscuits, milk and bed – they have been in bed now for 30 minutes and they have just gone quiet!

Here’s to some sleep.

Yes you guessed it today is Daniel’s 8th birthday – Mummy says that time has flown since he arrived!

Daniel got lots of cards and presents that he had a great time opening. The paper was tore off every present in record time and each opened gift was greeted with yells of pleasure and excitement.

After the present opening it was time for Daniel’s birthday dinner – he had requested spaghetti carbonara which we quickly devoured. We then surprised Daniel with a birthday cake, as he thought he wasn’t having one until tomorrow when it is his party.

Not long after dinner Grandad and Pauline arrived so we entertained them for an hour or so before we had to go to bed – exhausted from all the excitement a birthday brings!

Whilst Mummy is away the boys will play and play they have with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Mummy left the house on Friday evening to go on Auntie Alison’s hen weekend and when she returned the lounge had been taken over by all the train track available from Toys R Us.

Daddy and Josh took a trip to Toys R Us on Saturday and returned with lots and lots of track and Toby. A couple of hours was the spent erecting the track in lounge and then it was time to play!

The track is so big and complicated that Daddy had to take a photo of it (see the photos) so that he can remember where all the pieces go!!!

Mothers Day began with card opening, cups of tea and crumpets all given to Mummy whilst she had a little lie in. We joined her in bed to eat some crumpets as well and we loved it as we aren’t usually allowed to eat in bed!

Mummy liked her card and the drawings that had been done at Nursery and School.

Unfortunately we were unable to laze in bed for too long as we had to go to rugby – Daniel was playing in a match against Lymm and Uncle Michael and Auntie Alison were also coming to watch.

The game commenced and we all stood huddled on the sidelines as it was very cold, wet and windy – after about 30 minutes the heaven’s suddenly opened and the rugby boys and the spectators were pelted with hailstones – they were so heavy that we couldn’t actually see through them.

After a little interlude sheltering under the trees we all made our way back to the pitch and the game recommenced and we are happy to report that once again Daniel crossed the line with the ball and scored yet another try!!!!

When we got back home from rugby we told Mummy she had 30 minutes to get ready as we were taking her out for lunch – she was very surprised!

We all got dressed up and we went to the Olive Press in Warrington – apparently Mummy had been here before with Daddy and she likes it. We were all impeccably behaved, including Daddy, and we now know why Mummy likes it as the food was DELICIOUS!!!!