Twenty-One/52

L: You are obsessed with "slugs" even if they are technically snails. You collect them and gather then, build wee "houses" for them, bring them leaves for food... It is adorable to watch you with your "live" collection. You start bopping when you hear music - and in time! You were mesmerised by the ballet dancers who performed before A's show, you little face was precious.

A: As one of the "Queens Cards" in the school play of Alice in Wonderland. You were wonderful and delivered your lines loud and clear. You were on to everything, encouraging all the other kids at the right times and places. I had tears streaming from start till finish. It was wonderful and I was absolutely bursting with joy and delight at you my precious girl.

H: You were thrilled to bits to finally go on the Eye! So awesome :) And you are bursting at the seams that you have gotten a place in the football coaching sessions. We are off to go and get you shin pads and trainers - and you cannot wait! And we cant wait to see you in action :)

L xx

On the Road: Liverpool - Bus Tour

After lunch we hopped onto an open top tour bus. It was a gorgeous day and we found seats at the top. I cant remember what half of the buildings and sights are that we passed but among them were the former White Star Line HQ building (the company who built the Titanic) The Three Graces, St George's Hall, The World Museum, Albert Dock, The Metropolitan Cathedral, the Anglican Cathedral, Philharmonic Dining Rooms, St Nicholas Church, the Ceremonial Arch at Chinatown (made in and the largest outside China).

After the tour we headed to Anfield to see D's childhood favourite football team's homeground.

On the way back we drove through Port Sunlight - gorgeous little village in the suburbs and not unlike Bournville in conception.

A big sleep and we were ready for our last day.
L xx

On the Road: Liverpool - Ferry & U534

After Llandudno and Conwy Castle we set off for Liverpool for the next couple of nights. Sunday morning started with a big sleep in and a big breakfast. The place we stayed at offered a complimentary buffet breakfast and the girls went bananas. They packed away so much food and relished choosing treats like coco-pops, bacon, sausages and patries for breakfast!

We decided to take a trip on the Mersey Ferry first. The morning was clearing up and we had a lovely time on the boat, listening to the history commentary and seeing some of the iconic buildings along the waterfront. The ferry stops at a couple of points and we hopped off to see the U-Boat story. The U534 submarine sunk at the end of WWII. In 1993 it was raised up from the seabed and is now on display in four sections. The sections have glass windows that allow you to see the insides of the sub, along with many interactive displays. It has a fascinating history and we had a blast reading, exploring and playing.

Then it was back on the ferry and we hopped off again on the Liverpool side to go and find our lunch venue. We passed iconic buildings such as the Royal Liver Building with a clock-face that is still the largest one in the UK - bigger than Big Ben. The two huge 18foot birds perched on the top facing the water and city - not quite eagles but more like cormorants.  It is one of the "Three Graces" that are distinctive of the Liverpool Waterfront. The Port of Liverpool building is also one of them and simply beautiful.

After lunch we had a small walkabout and visited the Lego store -  a very dangerous place!  Luckily we had a bus to catch ;)

L xx

Twenty/52

H: Grit and determination. Matter of fact. That is you. At school things are great and you are enjoying yourself immensely. Just like before, you are greeted by so many kids and people on the way to and from school, though you don't seem to know who half of them are. You are such a character.

L: You funny little peg collector. You whack the peg basket with a pole until they all fall out and then line them up on the stick. It takes alot of concentration and care - a very precise operation and one that is amusing to watch. You have been practicing more writing and clearly enjoy having this knowledge and skill.

A: Tired girl, hanging out in a tree. We are looking forward to this week before half term break. Lots happening at school and you are so excited. Last week we had gotten some more Rainbow Magic books out from the library and you were pretty much lost to us until you had finished reading them all. You cannot stop! I love watching your system though - first you read the books that are for "your sisters" but for sharing, before you move on to "your" ones. All the books will be read! In record time!

L xx