Boys day out

An early start to get to Whitley Bay to look after the boys, off for half term. The painter arrived - the renovations were completed months ago but they had to save for the next bit. The kitchen and back room were out of action, so we took the boys out to Kirkley Hall, where there is a college with some small animals. (I saw a deal on Facebook for the 4 of us for £10).

We had a walk with wallabies then saw the meerkats get fed. The peacocks were walking around which the boys loved. James wasn’t born when we stayed in Gites in France where peacocks wandered around the grounds. It was difficult to keep up with James who kept dashing off. They’d eaten their picnic by 11.30. We queued up to pet the python. Thomas was a bit unsure so James went first. Of course he wanted to take it home. He told the handler that his mum said he was allowed.

We got home and put their bikes in the car and took them to Churchill Park where they could ride safely. It was freezing due to the cold wind, but they decided they’d rather have a Patrinis ice cream than go to a cafe for hot chocolate. Thomas had vanilla and chocolate while James said he’d have red and green. (Strawberry and mint). Mr C and I had salted caramel. We had to eat them out in the biting wind which resulted in me being unable to get warm. The house heating was off.

As soon as #2 daughter got back we drove to #3 where we had our tea before they got the metro to a wedding. Ella and Nathaniel put on a puppet show for us. I think after they go to bed we might have a nap, as we won’t get back to Whitley Bay till 1am.

Out of the mouths of babes - when Thomas said Grandad always forgets things, James, aged 4, said that’s because his brain is all smudgy.

I have a sore throat. The last thing I need with 2 more days of boys.