There was great excitement in the house this morning, because Eleanor finally started St Antony's Nursery School.

Although she started a few weeks after her classmates, she settled in quickly and seemed at home instantly.

Such a big girl now and still such a delight to us. She is never short of a joke or silly story. Her first phrase to us just before age 2 was "I funny". She is, and she knows it.

She loves all thinks to do with being a lady and really looks up to those women in her life. She sends flying kisses to Grandma Lyn every day and talks of her Grandma Judy constantly.

Although we don't see Patrick during the week much any more, we more than make up for it on the weekends.

Since returning from France, our weekends have been jam packed - just the way we like and have come to expect them!

Patrick and I had a great night out in the docklands a few weeks ago, so we took the kids back there the following day for a look around. They loved the tall buildings, the fountains, boats and canals. Alexander is still nagging us to take him to New York again to see all the skyscrapers. For now, those in London will have to do.

We took a Catamaran ride from the docklands up to St Katherine's dock, near Tower Bridge and had a look around there for a few hours. Alexander was very excited to be able to touch the Tower Bridge. Time to take him into the Tower of London again soon. The girls loved the fast boat ride and playing on the cobbled streets. Such a fantastic day.

Patrick and I have also been managing to get out into the big smoke on a few dates! It's just like old times, being footloose and almost fancy free for nights out in Soho, Brick Lane and our favourite Champagne Bar in the city.

We also spend quite a bit of time in the forest - it's great for letting the kids run. A few pics from the forest attached including one on how to make a cubby out of tree branches - something they love to do.

And lots more going on besides ... All good fun.

The next wobbly tooth finally fell out and the tooth fairy paid a return visit to the Loughton FitzGeralds.

Alexander left the TF a note in case she forgot what she was meant to do.

This weekend was the annual Open House London weekend. One weekend each year, more than 600 great buildings in the city open their doors to the public as part of this annual festival of architecture. This year, we decided to go and look at the Lloyds building, probably the most important insurance building in the world. We got to stand on the floor of the underwriting room and admire the famous Lutine Bell, which
traditionally was rung when news of an overdue ship arrived - once for the loss of a ship, and twice for her return. The bell was sounded to ensure that all brokers and underwriters were made aware of the news simultaneously. Now, I believe that it only rung on cermonial or commemorative occasions, lately for example, on the anniversary of various terrorist attacks.

The highlight of the tour had to be the lift ride up to the top. Architecturally, the building is famous for carrying all of its services on the outside. The lifts are big glass boxes that zoom up the outside of the building. The views were spectactular and the ride better than any you'll find at a theme park.

And to top it all off, to Alexander's delight he learned about the concept of insurance which interested him greatly.

Next year we'll try the Swiss Re building

Alexander started back at school this week after a 6 week holiday. He is in Year 2 now - "top infants" no less.

Here is a pic of our young man getting back into the swing of the school year. He is very keen to get back into things and to see his friends again.

His latest joke:
Q: "What did the fish say when it crashed into the wall?"
A: "Dam"

He thinks it is hilarious.