Amy Johnson

Last week Sophie had to give a cultural talk to her classmates at school.   The centrepiece of this had to be a description of someone famous from her home country. After much research (and the realisation that most famous people in the past led rather sordid lives) she landed on Amy Johnson.  She did lots of research on the computer and made this map of Amy's famous flights to illustrate her talk.  The culinary treats for her cultural talk were lemon curd tarts.

Something to embarrass you when you're 14

Sorry Monkey!

Horsey Daddy

Sledging in the Netherlands is a bit tamer than in Norway.  We did, however, get out into the woods a couple of times in the recent heavy snow.

Dog gets ears pulled ... again

A very patient Beast.

I'm supposed to be filling in my tax return

Today Matthew migrates from his cot to a big boy's bed.  He's rather hesitant but Sophie's keen to help him settle in.  Check out the photo from October 2008 when this bed was called a big girl's bed.  Now back to the Inland Revenue.

Our Christmas Morning

Sophie was the first to wake up on Christmas morning.  After convincing her that it wasn't a good idea to get up at 2.30 am we managed to keep her in bed until 7.00 am.  Here she is shortly after discovering her presents.

The Beast has been a bit run down recently.   Still, the new batteries we got for her seem to have done the trick. Sophie peers into her big present to check that it's what she put on her list.

It's a much anticipated bike.

Matthew rolls up an hour later at 8.00am.  He really gets Christmas this time although was rather shy of his big present.  He stood reluctantly behind the poof for some time before realising that if he didn't open it, his sister would. 

Careful unwrapping ...

... to reveal a large extension to his already significant Thomas the Tank Engine collection.

The Fat Controller in stripy pyjamas.

I'm a fierce fashionista with a confident no-nonense attitude. Read more about me here.

A couple of hours, several chocolates and about 4 coffees and 2 sherries later the template has been set for the rest of the day.

Matthew's 2nd Birthday

Matthew and the helicopter

Matthew squeals with delight at a helicopter.

All change

Last photograph taken in Norway (Stavanger June 22)

First photograph taken in The Netherlands (Schiphol June 23)

Getting used to Santa

 Whilst Sophie chats happily about her expectations, Matthew hopes the moment will soon pass.

 Still not sure.

Present!  Sophie and Matthew love Santa!