Snow fun

Wow, did it snow! It was up to Bella's knees at some points. I am pretty exhausted after running up and down the hill in the garden pulling Sam sat on a (clean) dustbin lid with the dog lead attached. He thought it was loads of fun. I have sore legs. 

My snowman building attempt wasn't so great. My clients were extremely impatient and wouldn't let me take the necessary time needed. So he is a little strange and short looking....and (I've just noticed) no mouth.

A quilt

Bella is desperate to sleep in a bed. She still fits comfortably in her cot, but each night she snuggles with her 'doudous' in Sam's bed hoping that I'll let her stay there. So whilst we wait patiently for Scott to make her a bed of her own, I made her a quilt. A very simple quilt - no fancy stitching. The best bit about it was that it cost just 3 euros from fabric I found at the charity shop!

Train journey

I found these photos yesterday from our train journey to Paris. Though it was only 2 hours, I was dreading it with 2 little children. It was actually a nice experience and to spend time with each other. Especially to spend time with one very hard working joiner.....yay!

Today

Today was a good day. I've been filling the walls with Scott's lovely handmade frames. I have a photo wall in progress. I didn't make any new year resolutions but I have hung my slate hearts around the place with ever changing notes to self :)

This afternoon we went for a lovely walk (carrying Bella up hills and having 2 lovely ladies helping carry the pushchair over rocky terrain!). We were waiting for a friend to pick us up in the last photo. I wish I had taken my camera to capture the beautiful views. Next time.

Making me smile

When Sam is at school, this one makes me smile. Currently obsessed with bags, hats and coins :)

Countryside

There's not a lot to do in the countryside in winter. So, when the sun is out we find ourselves walking. Sam loves holding Patch - his dog now and Bella just loves walking. Slowly, I admit but she likes to take her time - picking up sticks and examining them and erm looking through peoples windows (no-one was in, thank goodness!).

Sam is the sweetest boy. In the first photo Bella was having a stubborn moment and wouldn't move any further. Usually, when Sam does this he realises we've walked off and runs to catch us up. Bella will stay there all day. So, Sam went back and told her of a game he wanted to play with her just to get her to move. I love the way he doesn't hesitate and has it in his nature to do things like this. Yes, they do fight  alot too :)

The sun isn't shining at the moment. These were taken last weekend. Hopefully, it will return soon.

Bakeoff

Baking has reached a whole new level now Bella is involved. Sam is never tired of baking biscuits and is happy to share with Bella (I spend most of my time sweeping up the bits on the floor and let them get on with it!).

I did manage to make a batch of Mary Berry's scones in peace :)

La Pâtisserie

Going to La Pâtisserie is our Saturday treat. Here, they make the best cakes I've ever tasted. I usually have a religieuse chocolat which is 2 profiteroles on top of each other (!) filled with chocolate and Scott has a mille-feuille, which is kind of like a wonderful vanilla slice and caramelised on the top. Not great for the figure but a nice treat at the end of a week.

Charity shop love

Another fabulous bargain from the charity shop. I seem to have a knack for finding hand knitted and crochet blankets. This one is so thick that I'm using it as a rug for the children to play on. What will I find next?

Weekend walking

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we took full advantage and set off for a walk. We bravely decided not to take the push-chair for Bella, hoping she would willingly walk toute seule. After convincing her that Hiccup (from the film How to Train your Dragon) was just around the corner, she was fine.

It was one of the most beautiful walks we've done so far - around the lake, behind the old Priory. Not a soul in sight! And, a perfect picnic spot :)