Woke up (rather too early - if I am being picky) to glorious sunshine. Fidget and I de-camped to the garden, while M set about getting the bed side guard finished for Fidget's bed.

Just before Lunch Aunty M and Uncle A came by to drop off a birthday present for me. They had bought some super mugs, but also a necklace that I had seen with them in a antique shop in Chepstow - thanks for remembering guys - it's lovely!

They stayed for lunch and gave us a great excuse to break out the BBQ for the first time this year, which we had been so keen to do.

The mid-day sun was getting too bright, so we went inside, where it was much cooler. Aunty M read Fidget her Spot book, then she enjoyed playing with play dough with Uncle A - though I have a strong suspicion Uncle A may have enjoyed it rather alot too (he definitely got into making creatures and even a model of Aunty M!).

Sunday was a glorious day, not a cloud in the sky. We spent the whole day in the garden, we put up the shade tent, put down blankets, brought out toys and food and generally lolled around - bliss!


On Monday we all went swimming in the morning, which was great fun. Fidget is really confident in the water, happy just floating around and then swimming off to where she wants to be, she doesn't even mind the occasional dunking!


It was a bit hazier and cooler, so I got out in the garden later on, and planted out my sweetcorn and bean seedlings (runner, climbing french and dwarf french), plus sowed a few more peas, spring onions, kale and some swede.


In the afternoon, Fidget and M decided to make me a birthday tea (it's my birthday today), they set about making a cake together.
Fidget helped put the mixture in the butterfly mold...

And then when it was ready she decorated it with icing...

and sweets...

though of course she had to test a few of the sweets and remove those that weren't up to standard.

We went out onto the deck to sample the cake - it was delicious!

Thanks to everyone who sent cards and presents!

Also Happy Birthday to Mush, who also has her birthday today, she decided to see it in by giving birth to a little boy this morning! Congratulations to all the Mush family. xxxx

On Monday this week, mini-Mush came round to spend the afternoon with us, we had a super time. He and Fidget played really nicely together, enjoying doing some drawing...

They had a good run around the place, they were very polite to each other with only a few scuffles over who would have what toy.

Fidget went down for a breif nap while mini-Mush did some cooking...

Then it was time for some lego, before tea-time and then Mush arrived to take him home, but we'd had a great afternoon!

Today was a lovely Saturday, M had a great idea and put together a picnic, we set out for a walk along the cycle path...

Fidget took her pram too...

We walked as far as Warmley station...

Then back to Mangotsfield station to have our picnic...

It was a really lovely day - thanks M!!

M went off to Africa two Sundays ago. Fidget and I had a good first week, going swimming on the Monday, on the Tuesday I had to pop into work while Mush looked after Fidget in the afternoon, Fidget was a very good girl and had a lovely time too. Wednesday and Thursday were at nursery.

On Friday, Granny and Grandpa came by for the day. In the morning they took Fidget out to the park and then to the library for story time. It was a very windy day, but bright, we went out in the garden for a while when we got back from twinkling stars...

On Saturday we went across to Aunty M and Uncle A's, where Granny & Grandpa were staying. We went to a place in the Forest of Dean called Puzzle wood. They had some farm animals...

and then we had a walk around the wood, it was really magical with mossy rocks and caves, and bridges and lookouts to explore.

We had a nice time walking around, then we went to a pub and had lunch which was yummy, Fidget had sausages, chips and beans which she yummed down, followed by some ice cream. In the afternoon we had a walk around Chepstow and bought two great chairs for Faith's room.

On Sunday, Fidget and I played in the garden, then in the afternoon Granny and Grandpa stopped by on their way home. It was really nice to see everyone over the weekend, the company and good food was definitely appreciated!

So then we settled in for another week without Daddy. On Monday we went swimming again, we were in for about an hour and a half, Fidget was really enjoying the swimming and was getting really confident floating about then kicking her legs to get her where she wanted to go. She is also getting really good at blowing bubbles underwater rather than just drinking it! Unfortunately just as S and little S arrived at the pool, Fidget got out and while still crouched down did a big poo that leaked out of her swim nappy, we informed the lifeguard, got cleaned up and headed out of there as quick as possible!

On Tuesday it took Fidget a very long time to get dressed - ie she didn't want to at all, and as I was determined I didn't want to fight and wrestle over it, we spent much of the morning up in her room with her only in her nappy (it wasn't that warm either). Eventually she did get dressed and we went out to the shops to get cakes for mummy's afternoon.

It was a sunny afternoon, but windy, we all sat out and played on the deck...

Wednesday and Thursday were at nursery again. On Thursday morning M arrived back from Africa, straight into work, so I got to see him. Fidget got to see him that afternoon when we picked her up. Even though she had been asking for him constantly, she was not sure at all when she saw him, but by evening she was happy to have enough cuddles to make up for lost time. On Thursday Fidget was 22 months old.

Friday was daddy day. They went out to the library and park and had fun playing in the house...

M wasn't feeling great - very tired and his stomach was a bit upset, so I came back and took Fidget out to twinkling stars.

It is really great to have M back, he is now back up to full strength, this morning we have been in and out of the garden (dodging the rain) to get some weeding done, and Fidget has been digging up what she can get away with!

Last weekend we were up visiting Grandma and Grandad. We went up on Thursday evening. Fidget just did not want to go to sleep in the car, we left about 7pm and by 9:30pm she was still awake, chatting away and looking out the window. This was all very well, except M& I wanted to eat some sandwiches, which Fidget kept calling out for!


On Friday morning we all headed out into the garden, M moved some soil for Grandad, which I raked flat. Fidget helped Grandma with some watering.

On Friday evening Uncle A and Aunty B arrived.

On Saturday we went across to see Great Grandma. Great Grandma let Fidget play with a small china tea set. Fidget was very careful (though there were still a few flinches and winces from me as she played!) and thought it was really cool.

Great Grandma also gave Fidget a little chick, which Fidget is already very fond of, especially when she discovered she could make it chirp.

Fidget enjoyed cuddling up with Aunty B

but after a while the pressure of being well behaved got a little much surrounded by all Great Grandma's trinkets and treasures and started throwing around some pot porri...

So Uncle A and Aunty B kindly took her out for a walk across to the nearby park.

Back at Grandma and Grandad's we went out in the garden, while Uncle A mowed the lawn.

On Saturday evening we were treated to a BBQ. Fidget really enjoyed the sausages.

Fidget was doing really well mastering going up and down the steps pretty confidently.

da boys...

It was a lovely evening

We had a few games of boule...

and a nice sit around and chat...

and a few more games of boule...

On Sunday, Fidget enjoyed looking at some videos of animals on the computer with A & B.
she enjoyed feeding the birds...

We spent more time in the garden as the weather was so lovely.

Fidget explored the treehouse with Uncle A.

and had a go on the see-saw

After lunch we went for a short walk down the road

and took in the lovely veiws and spring weather.

A really super weekend.