blackberries, reading and money

The kids have been out picking blackberries. We have still got some blackberries in the freezer from last year. Hubby moaned and groaned about the blackberries taking up the whole freezer :P so I am not sure that I will pick that many this year, lets see if he moans about a lack of apple and blackberry pie :)


The new calves
And Kristin's toad called Toady.
She loved it so much that we had to walk to the garden centre to pick up some meal worms for it. I have to say that Toady doesn't look as healthy anymore as Kristin made it a lovely home in a tub but then left it out in the sun and poor Toady got baked :P
Kiki and Googs made a fish tank :) They were so proud of themselves.
And Gran came over to read some stories.

Goog's latest obsession, yup, money! It's so weird, we are not sure what started it and why he is so interested in money but he is, he counts his money every day before bed. He has even asked for his birthday party theme this year to be....money :P

Pool fun and boat making

We discovered some paddling pools just down the road from us! Actually, they have always been there since we moved here a few years ago, but they weren't in use so were filled with leaves and not much water. But now...
They are very cold :)



After a watery afternoon at the pools we decided to try our hand at boat making.
The materials needed: corks cut in half, screws, tooth picks and for the sails we used foam sheets.
First we put the screws into the middle of the bottom of the cork.


then push the toothpick into the other side
and they will look like this
Cut triangles of foam and put onto the tooth picks...and sail!

Kiki has plasters on the fingers in an attempt to stop her biting her nails.

Kristin's horse magazine subscription arrived :)
Then we tried sailing on a bigger ocean

The boats didn't last long but it was perfect for an afternoon of play. x

Luminarium and Cathedral

Going into the city on the tram. My kids love public transport :)

Brandon was on the tram too but rolled his eyes at me when I wanted to take his picture :D
We went to visit the luminarium!
The children's first instincts are to run, jump and climb. Unfortunately, there are very strict rules and all the kids could do was was slowly and sit.




But once they got used to the rules, it was very relaxing with the music and lights.
Gran with the kids



After an hour or so in the luminarium, we wandered over to the cathedral




It had a very military feel to it.
the crypt

And just outside, Grand treated everyone to ice-cream :)