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.