More of the same this week, back to school sparked mild rebellion from younger sibling, "I'm a cat," quoth she, " Cats don't go to school". We admire the logic but we all have to go to 'work' to allow this family to function, so the sooner we all get used to our roles, the better.The blue car is still dead, pater familias is doing OK with the bike, back holding up well and the elements are being shrugged off. First born bagged yet another class child of the week award, due to fabulous power point presentation on 'Haigh Hall' which was her take on a report for the half term break, she shows great skill in cutting and pasting and has taught me a thing or two about changing backgrounds, well done first born, she contiues to roam with her pack of friends at weekend, and went to a new group on Thursday called 'FROG', which seems to be a hit, good social opportunity too.
Oh, and other breaking news is that mum has passed her second assignment, Oh Yes. What joy.
Half term, the sun has been shining and we have endeavoured to air the children as much as their extremities permit. It's been great. Friday saw the whole team on holiday and so we went out to throw food at the geese.
We have progressed through that stage where off spring had to be protected from ravening geese, they now hold their own quite well, ( geese or kids?? dunno) and with fresh air clear blue sky and a bit of light charging around it was a very satisfiying outing. Plus the obligatory trip to the cafe....why do they always want an ice cream regardless of the temperature?
The differing approaches to 'getting themselves dressed' are demonstrated here, first born felt the exquisite sparkly party dress plus matching jewels rather fine for a country park, whilst younger sibling opted for school unifrom, guess there are many depths of meaning to explore in that one.
It's a joy to get absorbed in things and lose yourself for a while, in feeding grain to geese, looking at trees, balancing on a log, or walking. Having had to curtail the long walks in the country whilst they are little, the hopes are awakening that soon we can start to go out on walks again. Younger sibling is not a natural so it may take a while to harden her off and build up her stamina, poor little blighter.
In the mean time it's good to enjoy winter sun, fresh air and outdoors with the full team, and we are pleased to announce that no digits have succoumbed to frost bite ....as yet.
Here are assorted moments from this evenings expression of a tradition. It is a glorious thing to consider that the offspring's birthday " at home"s (what a fine phrase) have now become a tradition. This motley assembly of souls constitute the local branch of the family. 
The observant will note a grandad, grandma with cats, two aunties, an uncle and a scattering of rather glamourous cousins. Oh and pater familias again looking brave in the face of a mass cater, he wears it so well.
Now as we notch up more of these year by year everyone seems more relaxed and enters into the general spirit of chaos, hilarity and taking your pleasure where you can, much enjoyed this year was a fife recital of "Merrily we roll along", heaven help us I say, but those who have not endured the long arduous practice sessions can savour the origniality of the whole experience. Some guests possibly coping so well on account of their fading hearing anyway.Beside the joy of sharing some family memories, fun and laughter, it was also worth the hours of domestic labour as the house looked quite presentable by the time everyone arrived, well done Family Fielding Brown. The offspring are of an age where they contribute their labour too, firstborn made good effforts at cooking and under some duress younger sibling did some house work. Everyone will need to pencil in the end of March for the next one, and we shall gird up our loins to face another reclaim of the house in readiness, I did start musing about hiring in a cleaner at about 2pm, but it was worth it in the end.
