Harry Potter, Spies and Tidy Bedrooms

We had a book character parade at CBS this week and surprise surprise Alex was Harry Potter.

The children in my class thought he was great and they particularly liked Mr Bailey as James Bond!

The boys are into putting on 'Spy Music' and jumping around doing rolls etc.  They have started play fighting, as spies, as well and this has led to many tears particularly Tom who is not quite ready for these 'to the death' battles.

Mummy has recently reorganised their bedrooms and Tom and Ollie wanted to show the world.  Only hope they can keep it that way. It lasted 25 mins.

Warkworth

I had a soccer game in Warkworth and it was a lovely day so Fran decided to travel up with me to have a look.  It was a lovely drive up and we went straight to the soccer ground.  The boys were particularly pleased as there was a great play area although it was little muddy and it wasn't long before they had to change their clothes.  

I have been injured for the last 3 games and had to introduce myself to the team as they had forgotten who I was.  Don't you just love football team banter!  We lost 2-1.

Bikes

We recently bought the boys some bikes and helmets for a total of about 100 pounds!  However, I did have to put them together so they may fall apart at some point but they are working at the moment.  The boys are really keen and the weather, although cooler, is still pretty good so we try to get them out most days.

I have a route which travels up our clos into a path which takes us through the park and comes round the pony club back to the house.  Its great because its all on a path and has a steep hill to finish where they can practice braking.  Particularly important for Ollie as he believes he doesn't need them.

Bethells Beach Pt 3

The boys had a friend, Aine, with them for the day and it was particularly great for Alex as they got on so well.  They never stopped talking, in fact it was about 10 pm. Alex then woke her up at 6.30 am to finish the conversation, poor thing.

The boys couldn't believe their eyes with a helicopter buzzing around no more than 20 feet off the ground.  A local artist was creating a huge design in the sand and the helicopter was taking photographs.

The 'kite surfer' shot is for Ian Cording who is the only kite surfer I know.  They have a regular TV show here called 'Piha Rescue' because so many people get into trouble on this coast and the surf was ridiculous.  I have never seen surf like it and I do remember my hairdresser in Guernsey talking about the surf on the west coast.  Fran says, 'Come on Grandad Cording, get your butt over here!'  

They even have a coffee house here! I have never drunk so much coffee since we have moved here.  Fran has over 10 different coffee cards and she is selective.  

Bethells Beach Pt 2

When we reached the beach it was stunning and huge.  Teresa and Errol's son, Joe, disappeared with Alex onto the dunes and they spent the whole time climbing and rolling down them.  Even Errol said Alex has really got into it.  Ollie was uncharacteristically quiet as he hates the wind and Tom soldiered on as he always does.  

Bethells Beach

Teresa and Errol recommended Bethells Beach to us as we enjoyed Piha so much. We met them down there.  It was closer than Piha about 30 mins to get there but it certainly felt like you were a lot further.

There was a bit of walk to get to the coastline and it was little dangerous with quicksand and a strong wind.

Wainoi Park

A short walk from our house is Wainoi park.  It is the home of Greenhithe football/rugby club and has a great play area with water fountains.

Nathan and I had important game of 'The Crossbar Challenge' whilst the boys did dangerous things on the roundabout and the tractor.

In the top picture I asked the boys to tidy their rooms and found Alex in the dressing up box.  Ollie  decided he would rather look like Elvis.  Deep breaths.