June 26, 2003
Ahhh, we'll be having a break
Because we need one. We'll be off camping in the New Forest. We've booked a pitch through forestholidays.co.uk. Jonathan has worked hard and it's been hot. Leni is so sweet. But teething is annoying her.
Marla is shouting out of her bed room [10 pm!] trying to stretch bedtime with stories about the library bus at playgroup and ‘who is who's best friend at playgroup and why’, and any other stuff she can think of. Marla and naps. She can't make it through the day without one, she can't sleep at night, if she has one.
Quickly catching up:
- Jonathan had to work trough the last weekend and the girls and me went to visit Michael for paddling and playtime at Finsbury Park. For boating the kids had to wear life jackets. None small enough for baby Leni. Michael was kindly staying behind with her, chatting and reading the paper, while Marla and me were rowing the boat gently down the stream... not quite, just around the waterfowl island. Water fowl indeed.
- BBC3 showed ‘AFGHAN WARRIOR: THE LIFE & DEATH OF ABDUL HAQ
The remarkable story of Abdul Haq, warrior, peacemaker, visionary and martyr, whose fight to bring Afghanistan freedom and peace brought about his death.’ It might get repeated. Catch it, if you can. Sharpens the anger.
June 19, 2003
Sleep Over
Marla is staying with her friends Dylan and Jude tonight. Her first sleep over. Her absence feels strange.
I'd like to elaborate...
Also about an incidence in front of our house today with a woman, one child in a buggy, holding up a baby to protect herself from a violent man; which in turn threatened Jonathan to glass him and burn down the house, if he wouldn't ‘stay out of it’.
And about how the ‘terrible two's’ can rumble you just before the child turns three.
About Marlas ‘disasterous’ trial ballett class. ['I haven't got the right clothes!']
...but it's way to late.
Mums will like this.
Dumplings
Wax on - wax off
This one is for Misty.
June 08, 2003
Picnic at Brent Reservoir.
We caught a sunny spell and went out to the 'Welsh Harp' [map]. The local sailing club seem to have a regatta every time we go for a walk there. Perfect backdrop for a picnic! See the happy family.
Harlesden Jungle
Back yard pictures for John. Hey, Holly and Mitchell - look who's moved in.
Summer Fair
Donnington School had a fund raising event yesterday. Spinning teacups, face painting, candyfloss, plant stalls, soundsystem with fab MC, bouncy castle, linford on it, hot weather, cool sticky drinks and a lot of revved up kids.
Download file 'leaping_christie
Download file 'tea with jude'
Download file 'tea with luke'
Marlas anti-biotics have done the job. Download file 'running'
June 06, 2003
Happy Birthday, dear Dad/Grandad!
It's Marla and Lenis best grandads birthday. We miss you John. We trust you had a lovely day. Leni was celebrating in style.
Marla spend [after a visit to the doctor] most of the remaining day on the sofa sleeping and watching some Pingu videos Onkel Ube had given to her. What I had falsely suspected to be german measles, had turned into an ear infection.
Yesterday afternoon: Roundwood Lodge, then a visit from Michael. Marla took a picture. Btw, you've left your sunglasses.
oh, and: Tumbleweed to order via haddock.
June 03, 2003
Fun
We spend the last couple of days with Beau and Sabine. Playing here and later in Putney - in the park, the pool and on the boat. Marla is a good swimmer [with wings]. Leni doesn’t mind cooler water, unlike her sister at that age. She went 1-2-3 under, too. A music and dance session on the boat followed [Tüte Mücken]. All three were tucked in by 8. Mike and Jonathan joined us for a sunset and a chuckle on deck. Ta!
Dancing insect clouds over the park - what was that all about?