Handwritten thank you's

I have to admit that since the invention of email I've been a very poor letter writer. Thank you's have been via email or telephone. I know that I ought to encourage my children to do better. My 9 year old isn't all that keen but I'm making the most of my just turned 6 year old being excited about being able to write!

 

Today we sat down for a bit and wrote letters together. He would ask me to write down words he couldn't spell:

 

 

 

After the first one I realised I needed to draw lines to help him stay on track as he took up far too much space.... It was lovely as an activity to do together and we have more to do tomorrow.

 

 

Do you encourage your children to say thank you by letter?

 

Christmas present

Well that's Christmas done for another year! Time to look and see which presents were the biggest hits this year...

 

Lego




It was a bit of a Lego fest here this Christmas both in stockings and under the tree. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Friends all made an appearance. Lots of excitement from children on seeing the contents and lots of fun for all 3 generations in building them:

 

I grew up with Lego and I never mind buying it for my children. It's such a versatile toy and it encourages dexterity as well as imaginative play.

 

Playmobil




My children have loved Playmobil for years. They still seem to find a few small sets in their stockings to add to their collection:

 

We will have to clear some space at home for a major Playmobil scene at home!

 

Books




Both children had books from older cousins that they have spent plenty of time reading. They also have book tokens to spend in the shops. That will be hours of pleasure to look forward to.

 

What were your biggest successes this Christmas?

 

A very British Christmas journey

It's been a long, long day getting back from the south in time for Christmas.... Railway closed for maintenance, flooding on the line and a tragic death made a normal 2.5 hour train journey a 4.5 hour slog. It's been a tour of all sorts of places as we were diverted via Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes and Rugby. With bus replacements and cancelled services it could have been a complete nightmare.

 

What made it bearable was the attitude of the majority of travellers and railway staff. The underground man who let us through the barrier despite us having the wrong kind of ticket. A stranger smiling and waving goodbye to my kids on the Tube. The chatty bus driver who entertained us up the M1. People that kept an eye on my children so I could grab a coffee or nip to the loo. The lady that lent me her mobile phone when my battery went flat. All the people that made conversation on the train.

 

I really hope all of them made it to their Christmas destinations without too many more delays. So Happy Christmas to the hard working staff on Virgin Trains, Midland Trains and London Underground.

 

Festive Friday!

Wishing all my lovely readers a Happy Christmas and a healthy 2013! For some of you it's Yule or Hanukah so best wishes for your celebrations whatever they may be. Lets hope the next year brings much happiness to us all.

 

 

 

Reasons to be cheerful: week 51 ( #R2BC )

 

Hard to be cheerful when feeling ill but keeping my inspiration from Michelle let's focus on the positive! Last week was all about my big girl so this week it's my boy's turn. He is growing up so fast and at 6 he is starting to change to a big boy now.

 

1) The nice innkeeper




This year being in year 1 my son was selected to have a line in the infant nativity. He was so proud to be the nice innkeeper (big sis was the grumpy one 2 years ago!). I was on the front row so in prime position to see him deliver his line beautifully:

 

 

His shed sounds cosy with all those animals in it - surprised there was room for Mary and Joseph! Do you think a beard suits him:

 

 

2) Cheeky chappie

 

He is full of life and developing a really fun personality. This was him modelling his granny's silly tam o shanter:

 

 

3) Bright bunny

 

We discovered one of his school reading books from a month or so ago and when I compared it to his latest ones the improvement is amazing. He just loves reading and wants to read every day. Long may it continue!

 

His spelling is also moving on and since October he has managed to improve his score from 32 to 67 out of 100! Need to get his letters right way round but the they are in right order at least.

 

What's making you smile this week?