Although still quite cold, we took a trip into St James's Park for a picnic this weekend. The daffodils were out but it was still too cold for the tulips. Maybe in another month or so. On our way up to Horseguards parade, we stopped in at the Guards Museum, which the kids loved. Eleanor was particularly taken with the child sized uniforms and the ghost in the cabinet (a WWII canvas gas mask). Then we took the kids to see the changing of the guards. Eleanor is fascinated by "ponies" as she calls them, so she got a real kick out of it.

The last couple of weekends we have really been making the most of all that London has to offer. The weather is warming up (although today the expected high is only 2 deg), and all the spring bulbs are starting to come out.

We took the kids to the Science Museum. They always love that museum because there is so much to do and see there. Eleanor has reached an age where she is getting right into family outings and doing and seeing new things. She is very curious and adventurous. She and her brother loved all the interactive games and hiding holes. Alexander scored very well on the memory tests - he was very proud of this.

We also took the kids for a little jaunt into Covent Garden. Although it's so busy, it's always great fun for them with lots of music and street theatre. Eleanor has been especially good over the last few weeks, so Patrick took her into Monsoon Girl to get her a little treat. A girl after my own heart, she chose herself a new handbag. Eleanor just loves to get out and about, playing ladies, getting dressed up, going for mini-chinos and cake and shopping. Patrick has resigned himself to having to work very hard with 3 girls in the house!

Sunday morning is now Alexander's rugby morning. He just loves going and getting a good run around and I just love seeing him come home exhausted! Long may it last.

To round it all off Patrick and I have also been able to get out in the evenings lately. Such a nice treat.

It was a snowy night one whole year ago, that our little Margaux came into this world.

Her first year has flown by quickly, but I have enjoyed it thoroughly. She really has been the most delightful baby.

She has enjoyed her birthday week, as have her siblings. In our house, "birthday week" extends from one week before the birthday to one week after. Absolutely loved the birthday cakes (all 4 of them!) and singing "Happy Birthday", encouraging us to sing it over and over.

With her newfound confidence she has now started to stand briefly, so I guess it may not be too long before she takes her first steps.