Lauren got some last minute front row seats at the Albert Hall for us to see the famous pianist Oscar Peterson.

He is 80 and walked on to stage very slowly with a walking stick. However, backed by a veteran three piece band, he showed that there was little missing in his fingers.

Peterson was at his peak in the 1950s to the early 1970s and would be the only jazz giant of the 50s still alive. You could see, even in the 80 year old fingers, why he is regarded as one of the greatest pianists to have ever lived.

Apart from some swinging numbers such as Backyard Blues, Peterson was at his best on some Ravel-esque piano solos that showed his brilliance as a composer as well.

It had some significance to us as it is Peterson's piano playing that opens up Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's "They can't take that away from me", which was our wedding waltz.

The other great thing about the night was the adoration that Peterson received from the crowd. Many artists leave the stage with the cheers of an appreciative audience. Peterson left with their love as well.

At last I have had a chance to post up a few photos from our recent trip to Paris. More to come if I get time.

Here is the young Architect's plan from a few weeks ago. Impressive, eh?

Trying to cram in as much as we can, we took a weekend trip off to Paris.

It was Bella and Margie's first trip there and Bella really enjoyed it. We stayed in the Latin Quarter in the usual shoebox-sized apartment. We caught up with Hugh and his son Vito. Vito and Alexander hit it off and by the end were giving each other hello and goodbye hugs in the manner of war buddies.

Lauren, Marta and the kids went over by Eurostar on Thursday. Friday was spent picnicing in the park near the Eiffel Tower, then taking a little promenade along the Champs Elysées.

On Friday evening Patrick arrived in time for dinner in Place de la Contrescarpe, the very essence of Paris.



Saturday went to Jardin du Luxembourg then Lauren took Bella shopping, as the girls must while in Paris. Alexander and Patrick went book hunting, and Alexander charmed the girls at Shakespeare & Co with his Polish (a Polish girl was working there). We caught up for a late boat ride and then off to bed. Martha went with us, so Patrick and Lauren went out for dinner with Hugh while the kids had a big Star Wars and Shrek DVD sleepover.

On Sunday we went to Arènes de Lutèce, some of the only remaining ruins from the Gallo-Roman era in Paris, where the boys played football in the Roman Arena. After that, we went to the botanic gardens, Jardin des Plantes and then back to London. We arrived home late, tired but very happy after a very full weekend.

Who's the leader of the gang
that's made for you and me
M-A-R-G-I-E-M-O-U-S-E
Margie Mouse!

Hey there, hi there, ho there
You're as welcome as can be
M-A-R-G-I-E-M-O-U-S-E
Margie Mouse! .......

(obviously, to the tune of the Mickey Mouse song)

This is Margaux's song. Xander and Belle have got it down pat, singing the high parts on que. Since whe was a little baby we've sung it to her and she now recognises herself as Margie Mouse. Most of Bella's little friends even refer to her as Margie Mouse.

Although she no longer scurries around the floor on all fours (except when it's wet), I think she will always be our little Mouse.

Maybe one day we'll take them to Disneyland Paris.

Yes, following in the fine Aussie tradition, Alexander loves Cricket! The intricate rules fascinate him and when Patrick's not around he even resorts to asking me to face up so he can practise his bowling. The tries to coax Belle into fielding but she is having none of it - "too boring".

The boys have mown pitch down the middle of the garden and spend almost every free minute practising their deliveries. What could be more fun for a young boy than setting up the stumps in front of Mum's rosebushes and spending the afternoon perfecting his techniques in this fine sport.

He has again breathed life into a cricket bat given to him by Patrick's Aunt Diana. Until earlier this year it had lay in her loft for about 20 years, since her children were young. It is the perfect size and weight for him.

Alexander can spin the ball both ways and has displayed some fine footwork with his batting. He moves quite naturally to the ball and even pulled off a lovely square cut the other day.

No doubt he will be watching on the TV this year when the Aussies take the Ashes home!

Busy times here. When we're not working, we're outside making hay while the sun shines!

The weekends have been very full, taking the kids to new and exciting places. Groombridge Gardens in Kent, into town (they love getting into the big smoke), walking in the forest, the Tate Modern Gallery, Waltham Abbey and riding on the miniture steam trains and picnicing at Audley End. Summer is such a wonderful time.

Yesterday was Father's Day, so had a family picnic up at Broxborne, in the Lee Valley. We usually take the bikes there, or ride on the boats, but the wait for boats was too long so we just did some walking instead and found a bridge for a few games of Pooh Sticks.

Despite the severe water restrictions at the moment, you are allowed to fill a little paddling pool, so ours has had quite a bit of use lately. The kids spent half of Saturday in it.

Alexander is coming ahead in leaps and bounds. The latest favourite things include SPORTS!!!, designing things on the computer, reading (especially his Tin Tin books). He can't wait to get into the garden every day after school to run around. He is a great big brother to the girls. When they're not being too annoying, he really looks after them, reading them stories and helping them out.

Belle, still such a lovely little girl. A real princess. She likes to carry her sparkly handbag with her now, which she fills with lipsticks, hairbrushes, a toy phone and sunglasses. Enjoys ballet, having Alexander read to her and swimming. Can be a little bit naughty (well a big bit, really).

And Margie ... well, she is just the sweetest little girl. She can say quite a few words now and walks around babbling (and telling everyone off). Quite a fiesty little personality is emerging. She just loves getting outdoors and is walking well now.