Forest walk

We met up with the Summers at 9:30 to travel to the forest for a walk and a picnic. The kids particularly like the tree on its side that they could walk along. They all had their own technique, M being my favourite as it reminded me of Mowgli or a tiny chimp!

It was so nice and warm that Ian suggested we come back with them to play in their new paddling pool. It was a nice spontenious afternoon, slightly spoilt by E taking things too far. I'm really struggling to find a way of connecting with her at the moment and I'm sure the neighbours are sick of hearing me telling her off. It seems I have to say things so many times before she pays attention, or it is only when she gets punished that she cares or feels sorry. She is happy to upset her sisters if it's entertaining so I presume she's bored and find something to do with her and then I feel it gets spoilt when she takes things to far. Somewhere in the last year or so we've become much more or a shouty family and I hate it. Plus it doesn't actually work. I need an 8 year old manual. Back to the drawing board I think on that one.