Chickens in a box

They are a different species. On Wednesday the fair Fleurdy came over to play and couldn't quite take in these two manic, scooting, climbing, jumping, running, tussling boys. Typical men, they upped the ante in the presence of a female and started showing off even more (as if that were possible). Fleur (aged 2) rose to the challenge by fluttering her eyelashes at James whilst graciously allowing William to take her hand and escort her for a guided tour around the house. She has them wrapped around her little finger. The Love Triangle was eventually broken up when Fleurdy had to go home for tea. Considerably unimpressed by being forcibly removed from the fun (adults; for fun read TOTAL chaos), she was eventually appeased by a very small, purple, rubber snake - a gift from two besotted admirers.

It's amazing to think that a few short weeks ago we were snow surfing, and today we walked through a carpet of snow drops. So beautiful. Will was in heaven playing with Mattie (his hero) while JimBob rode along like a prince in the backpack until eventually released into the ajoining cafe for cake and tea. He was NONE too impressed when it dawned on him he actually might have to attempt to walk himself at some point...

Such a fantastic day today, with yet more snow falling overnight it was up to nearly a foot. We set off for Faccombe Hill but it was so icy the car got stuck. The children and I evacuated and headed off to a safe distance to watch Eddie wrestling against the drifts and ice while I yelled instructions. Eventually a 3 point turn did the trick and we finally got to the top of a suitably steep field, poised on our boards for the off. Such great fun, although steering is tricky on boogie boards! Alas Eddie's idea to take Will down the steepest part of the hill at the rate of knots was not his greatest. Losing control at the base of the field, both disappeared in a flurry of snow and when they eventually disentangled themselves and emerged from the drift, William was totally over the whole experience. Much to their relief we plonked the boys on each board and slogged back up to the car where gingerbread men and Ribena helped with the cold and trauma. Alas our snowdrop expedition to Welfo...