Jigsaws

Ted has recently discovered the joy of jigsaws, and I couldn't be more pleased! My happiness at seeing him engrossed in one is second only to the pleasure I get from seeing him reading a book; such nice 'wholesome' activities! (And a nice break from watching DVDs or CBeebies...).

He's actually pretty good at them now. He has a box of 4 4-piece puzzles and he'll tip them out, sort them into separate puzzles and do them all in a couple of minutes. In the picture here he's emptied out his box of 10 dinosaur puzzles (all only 2 or 3 pieces each) and is working his way through them. He likes a bit of encouragement along the way but doesn't need any assistance (indeed I often get a cross 'Ted do it!' if I try to help!). I've bought him a few more for Christmas to try and encourage this; with my teacher-hat on I can't help but think it's great for developing spatial awareness and fine motor skills... But it's great fun too!

We've just got back from an AWESOME party at our neighbours' house! They live in a vast old farmhouse which is decorated in a crazy cool kind of way - they're so arty and creative. They have 4 really lovely kids who just have the most wonderful home in which to grow up. They invited about 100 people from the village, and had a hog-roast, a bar, a coffee van and tables full of puddings (we all brought contributions). Then there was a bonfire and a folk-band, and it was all such a great atmosphere. I'm feeling mildly tiddly, stuffed with good food and thoroughly content!