Spring Finally Arrives!

At long last it seems spring has finally arrived.  We have had a lovely sunny weekend and the blossom is now flowering on the trees.

It hasn't been the best of weeks.  I have had a couple of big events at work to organise and on Monday was told my job (among several) is being made redundant.  Consequently I have not been sleeping too well and have spent most of the week feeling exhausted and queasy.  It was nice to get to the weekend and to have some time to distract myself with the family and the home.

We had a really busy day in the garden yesterday.

The boys and I stained the decking.

While David repaired the rendering and painted a dirty looking wall.

 

I then stained the outdoor table.

All the wood is now a lovely shade of orange much to the amusement of our neighbours. 

Yes - We have been Tango'd!









It has been so nice to be outside soaking up the warm sunshine.

Nat had fun in his little ladybird tent.  I made him up a little picnic to enjoy.

 

I slept much better last night, thank goodness. What a shame we have to go back to work tomorrow.

April Fools Day

Yesterday was 1st April therefore April fools day.  It somehow seemed to creep up on us by surprise so we didn't have the usual string of pranks from David and Seb this year.  Just a balloon in the toilet planted by David.

It was a dry but cold day but we took advantage of the opportunity to restain the tired looking arbour in our garden.

David spent Friday pressure cleaning it and getting rid of all the green and dirt that has accumulated over the past few years.

We popped into Homebase to buy some deck stain and picked one that was buy one get one half price.  Should have known by the fact it was on sale that there might be something wrong with it.

The tin described the colour as Autumn Gold but when we opened it at home it was distinctly orange.

However, by the time I realised this, David had already started painting the beams of the arbour so there was nothing for it but to carry on.

We all took a turn at painting the beams, bannisters and decking.

Our neighbours were rather bemused at the colour but helpfully kept reassuring us it 'doesn't look too bad!!"

Anyway it also needed two coats not the one coat promised on the tin so we were pleased to get it finished.

We then enjoyed hot cross buns and home made lemon curd before clearing up and getting changed for dinner at my parents house.

It has been a busy and productive bank holiday weekend and nice to only have a four day working week this week too.

Nat had his first day at nursery today.  I made him a litttle bag to put his obligatory three spare changes of clothes (apparently they do a lot of messy play and go outside in all weathers!!)

Gosh my baby is growing up so quickly.  Won't be long before I am waving him off to school!

A New Bed for Nat

Nathaniel has recently started trying to clamber over the side of his cot so I decided it was time to order him a new bed.

He could probably have gone into a proper single bed but he is still only 2 and a half and I couldn't resist the picture of a lovely Toddler bed that I saw in Mothercare, and it was on sale!

It arrived today!!

While Nat was having his nap, Seb helped me put the bed together . . it was quite easy but definitely a two person job . . particulary if one of you has trouble operating a screwdriver.

 

 

Was really pleased with the finished result  . .  but realised that the cot mattress that I had hoped would fit the bed, was too small.

Quick check on the Babys'r'us website and a phonecall to confirm they had a mattress in stock.

Bundled the boys into the car and off we went to buy said matress plus new sheets as the old ones won't fit.  For some reason they only came in packs of 4 but heigh ho at least I won't have to worry on those nights when vomitting or bed wetting come into play.

Seb distracted Nat while I made up his bed complete with little duvet and pillow.  Made the room look nice and then Seb led Nat into the room.

He loved the bed and was very excited.  I was videoing so no photos of his initial reaction.

Nat looks a little glum in this one because he hurt his knee on the side rail while climbing onto his bed.

I think he likes his 'big boy' bed.  Lets just hope I can keep him in it!!

Have had to clear away some things I don't want him to play with / damage.

Tonight could be very interesting  . .  will let you know how we get on!