A wet week!

Although last Sunday we did visit Milestones with Grandad (as proved by the photo!) we have been enjoying the rain the rest of the week!

We started on Monday with a trip to Winchester to join in a Wildlife trust event. We were at Winnell Moors which is just off the one way system. However you wouldn't know it. You are suddenly catapulted into the middle of nowhere!

As we arrived Alanna was given a piece of card with double side sticky tape on. She needed to find as many different colours as possible with help from one of the volunteers. As he took the children and the parents round we were told the names of different plants and trees. He picked the blackberries for the children so the poor man ended up covered in scratches!

Then she had a chance to make a potion to help the trees grow. A different volunteer this time who told the children all about different herbs and got them smelling them as well as what they could be used for. THey all went into a cup with each child the adding water it needed squishing! The potion was then poured under a tree of choice to help it grow.

Next we joined in the minibeast hunt. Unfortunately this was when the heavens opened! We did shelter a while under a tree, but it showed no signs of stopping. We did see lots of ladybird puper however! We went on the 'board walk' through the marshland before turning back as our time was up on th ecarparking ticket. By the time Alanna was back in the car she was lovely and dry as she had been wearing wellies, waterproof trousers and a waterproof coat. Mummy on the other hand...... Well I did have a waterproof coat on, it just happened to drip all over the non-waterproof trousers!

When we got home we did some colouring and drew pictures of the potion.

Tuesday was normal as Alanna was in nursery.

Wednesday we went to Tadley library and Alanna finished the space hopper challenge! She has a certificate and a medal. (photo to follow)

Thursday was good fun. We visited a childminder in the morning to see if we all got on. We have a month's trial in September, so fingers crossed as hopefully this will be where she moves to over the next few months from nursery. After lunch was an afternoon/evening at our friend, Nickys house. The children had a brilliant time as they went from playing in the large outdoor, rainy day play tunnel to playing in the paddling pool splashing water. Here I would like to point out that it was drizzling all afternoon and the children had on jeans, tshirts, but did have their wellies on! After about half an hour they decided they were a bit cold so came in to get changed! Nicky's kitchen floor looked like it had been flooded, but the children had really enjoyed it!

Then a communal bath followed, so more getting each other wet!

Friday was spent between nursery and grandmas house before daddy came and picked Alanna up last night. She should be home around 4pm tomorrow.

The house seems very quiet without her.

I know, I know... its been a while since I added anything.
We've been up to lots recently.
Last week we went Sir Harold Hillier Gardens with friends. We joined a lovely story session and Alanna made a 'tall story' which has finally made it to the seasons table which is looking a little bear at the mo. Alanna and her Friend, Will, recognised silver birch trees and Will spotted a eucalyptus. they have some lovely artwork in the garden at the moment which was tried out by the children!

We've been in the Ranger holiday this week at Foxlease, in the New Forest. The girls had a brilliant time with a Peter Pan theme. Activties included archery and raft building, a couple of wide games which meant climbing in through windows and dressing as burglars, and a lovely campfire - completly done by the girls. Alanna loved having all the attention, particularly on the last morning as she seemed to be the only one who could get them moving! Oh, and she also mad efriends with a duck!
yesterday was spent mainly unpacking and tidying.
Today has been brilliant and I think Alanna has tired her brain out!
After nursery this morning she came home to help open the post. We had received our RSPB pack which included Alanna's bits as a wildlife explorer. She has a personal organiser, which includes paes on what you can spot each month, a diary, an address book and stickers! In her magazine there was something to make which showed which birds come out ant night and which during the day. Cut and stick pictures on the same theme, and a story. Very impressed. We received the Wildlife trust stuff yesterday and there is so much going on over the next few months I don't think I'll get much sleep between shifts!

We have also made banana bread - successfully! First time I have ever made bread without the breadmaker and it worked!! Very tasty as well.
Oh and we finished our hot air balloon. This was made after our outing to Balloons over Basingstoke. Alanna loved the day, particularly when Thomas the tank engine was inflated! Apparently they don't use it much due to its size.

Don't know what we are doing this weekend, will wait and see!