Halloween is always a bit of an event in our house. The kids went to a H party on the weekend before, then on the evening dressed up to go out trick or treating.

This year, Alexander was a vampire, Bella was a black cat and Margie was the cutest little pumpkin I've ever seen.

They had an absolute ball. Margaux was so keen to get out and hit the streets with the kids. She had the "trick or treat" routine down pat in just a few houses.

Some pics of our scary things

Eleanor is really coming along at the minute. I can't believe that she is due to start big school next September - growing up too fast!

She is making great progress learning all her letters and can't wait to be able to read like her brother. She loves drawing and is trying to write. I find "E"s written everywhere and she now has life sized people drawn on her bedroom walls to keep her company at night (drawn without permission obviously!)

She has the most amazing little imagination, some of which is rubbing off on her brother and sister.

Her christmas list is as long as my arm, but she has been made aware that if you ask Santa for too much, he just brings a big bag of coal instead of toys. That got her thinking.

Her nursery Christmas nativity play is coming up. I asked her what parts her and her friends would be playing. She told me "Albert and Francis are leopards, you know Mummy, the ones that come to visit baby Jesus". I think she meant shepherds!

A picture of her in her cute little school girl plaits - she looks so cute in them.

I can't believe it is that time of year again! How this year has flown.


This year for Guy Fawkes night, we took the kids to the Chigwell Police Club, where they have the biggest fireworks display around these parts.

Fireworks started at 8, and there was a fun fair to enjoy before the display. Eleanor wanted a go on the Meteorite (pictured in the link below) but we thought the roundabout was a safer option. She has no fear, which is quite worrying.

Patrick was shown up by Alexander's throwing expertise. There was a stall where you get 5 balls and have to knock down cans. P threw 4 and missed, so thought he would give the lad a go. Of course, he knocked down a can on the top row with just that one ball. So they gave him another go and he knocked it down again. He's got quite a good arm - it's all those spin bowling genes in the family!

Some photos here

It is a sunny day in London today after weeks of rain (which we desperately need). The kids were excited to see the sun and it made me think about our summer holiday. Patrick was going to write this entry, but no time ...

The south of France - a place we love so much. About 3.5 years ago, we went there for an early summer holiday with my sister, Sharyn. As we were driving around soaking in the beauty of the place, we commented that Mum would love it if she ever had the chance to visit. It seems like ages ago now, because I can remember Patrick sitting at the dining table of our villa in Antibes furiously tapping away on the laptop keyboard to produce some sort of specification for the original version of the Dynamic Planner product. Bella was a baby - she took her first ever swim, in the Med no less!

So, this trip to the region was made even more special by the arrival of Grandma from Australia to join us. It was Marta's first trip to the area too.

We were blessed with perfect weather and good health which is no mean feat to co-ordinate on holiday!

The first week we spent in a villa called Les Agathes in Salon de Provence. Being roughly equidistant between Avignon, Marseilles and Arles, it was a great place for touring.

We also took the opportunity to make a trip to the nearby Languedoc region to visit friends. We had a leisurely lunch then the kids spent the afternoon playing in their lovely and very French garden while we enjoy tea and French cakes! A wonderful day, and so nice to see them especially in such a delightful environment.

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Arles, Nimes, Avignon, Marseilles, Monte Carlo, St Paul de Vence, Villefranche sur Mer and many other little villages in between. Bella dances on the Pont d'Avignon, and nearly fell off! Xander loved the Romas ampitheatres and got to practise his French and Margie adored the beach.

The rest of the time in and around antibes and juan Les Pins, lazing on sunloungers on the beach drinking Rose with Karla, Pascal and their kids. Then just a few steps into the restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Bliss!

Photos to follow when I get a minute (whenever that might be)!