He has been talking about it for about 6 months. Looking forward to the day he would turn 5 and become a "big boy". We would have cake and a party and celebrate his big event.

Well, the day arrived and so too did Scarlet Fever. Poor little Alexander spent the day very unwell and in a lot of pain. We didn't even manage a birthday cake.

The following day, after the antibiotics kicked in, he was feeling much better so we had his cake. The party will have to wait a few weeks.

Spring has finally sprung in London. The bulbs are blooming, the skies are blue and everyone is in a good mood.

It has even been warm enough to get the padding pool out a few times which thrilled the kids to bits.

We have also been getting out and about, taking the kids to the Natural History Museum, the London Zoo and Regents Park and venturing out to Leigh-on-Sea on the Essex coastline to enjoy this fine Spring weather.

Margaux continues to be a dream baby. She now sleeps through the night and has little chats with us.

Some photos.