Build a fluffy bear...

Something that the kids desperately wanted for their birthdays was a build a bear - bear... so I caved and we went along to the chainstore to discover how it actually worked.

Its a very slick process, probably costing pennies in total - but with such clever marketing and add ons, a fifteen pound bear can end up accessorised and dressed up for triple that price.

The kids bears now have two outfits each, and a 'pawsport'.. too cute.

The process sees you choose a unstuffed bear/animal, go to the stuffing machine to get it filled with love ( and a red satin heart you have to kiss and plant a wish on) and THEN you go and start choosing outfits, accessories and creating a birth certificate for it.. far out!

Our French Cottage

How impossibly cute is this? We broke our trip back from Germany to stay in a little farm house in Flanders. A little out of the way, it as well worth he trip. Our hostess was so lovely, it was a shame to only stay for a day.  France is, to my shame, a place I have driven through to get to other places and not somewhere I have spent any amout of time getting to know or explore.  I have spent a bit of time ( a few weeks here and few weeks there )  in Paris - but like London is not the UK, Paris is not France.   I have sworn to return!!

Kids early birthday celebrations

With us travelling about so much, the kids birthdays were sort of forgotten a little... well.. alot. Its still a few weeks away, but Chris and Roy were so sweet in suggesting in having a birthday party at their place to ensure that the kids felt special and at home.

Below is a picture of Chris busy making a sign for the party.

The kids shared birthday cake.. yummy!!

Morgan asked for chicken curry for dinner as his special treat.  I made several types, including a satay and a chicken korma.

Lilly just wanted cheese pizza.