New slopes...

As your kids grow up they start to find their own way and define themselves. We've always said we have two very different children - Emily is most likely to be found with her head in a book, Niomi pogoing up and down to some very loud music. As parents that creates its own challenges in how to accommodate everyone's needs and wants, and keep both your children happy whilst not leaving either one feeling hard done by. The trial of walking that fine balancing act without driving yourselves nuts in the process.

Post Emily's 13th has seen her exploring new slopes - literally and metaphorically. There's been a trip to see Friends the musical and sleep over with student big cousin Rosie in Glasgow. A trip with me to see Lorde at the Ovo Hydro. And an aborted attempt of a trip to see Hamilton with a friend and Tanya lurking in the shadows. I say abortive as the production was unfortunately cancelled last minute due to cast illness. She's also been preparing for January's school ski trip on the dry slope and hopefully developing her Dad's love of carving through the white stuff. And as she grows into her teen years she increasingly finds herself on new slopes - when she's not collecting books she's finding her sense of self and independence, starting to consider her dreams in this vast world we live in. Oh, and developing a new very dry sense of humour too...

Niomi has been growing up too - she's been snacking us out of house and home and developed a love of expensive fish - sea bass and mackerel fillets from the fish market are her latest. Her soft toy collection is ever expanding with a new acquisition on most shopping trips (mainly second hand). And her daily explorations with Blue the neighbour's dog keep us revisiting the 'shall we/shan't we' dog debate. A big step for any family! And she's recently joined the school choir after much internal debate for years about exploring her singing side more. And whilst Emily continues to glide gently down her own slope, Niomi continues to dramatically zig-zag her way down with many more near misses and much more drama.

Oh the joys of parenthood. Never a dull moment on this endless rollercoaster...

Daddy/Daughter trip to Lorde

At the Hydro

Butter wouldn't melt

Videoclip: Learning to ski...

Or you can watch the video here

Bringing light to the dark...

And as the dark evenings begin it's always great to find ways of bringing light into the dark. First up was Halloween and apparently I excelled in being properly scary this year. Personally I thought that was the point, although possibly small children didn't agree? What can a scary monster do... Thanks to Andrew and Sandra for hosting a great Halloween party.

But then with make up washed away it was rapidly on to Emily's birthday and something equally scary - the making of a Teen. Since starting secondary school she's definitely changed significantly - she's discovered make up, fashion, social media big style (mainly Tiktok and Snapchat) and an increasing ability to leave things lying around for her parents to tidy up. Not sure that much has changed since I was a teen although I probably had other things that replaced social media back in the day. All that said she's still the wonderful girl that I've always known and loved - acing school, being lots of fun and increasingly developing a dry sense of humour, and being just an all round amazing human being. She can throw herself into life's river and swim in it's current. It's tremendous watching her grow into a strong young woman.

So to celebrate a few things happened. First her presents pretty much consisted of books (and more books - 12 in fact), experiences (can't wait to be part of some of those) and money for clothes. All the important things for a developing young lady. Then Ly appeared back at the house and we all scooted up to Pitlochry for The Enchanted Forest experience. I was worried that it wouldn't be worth the long drive in the dark but actually it surpassed my expectations and I think we all had a fabulous time. When I escaped the crowds it was even quite contemplative at times which was really nice. 

And then finally came the epic Rookenbury party of parties. Thirteen girls for an overnight in a mini festival in the garden in the middle of November - what could possibly go wrong? 6 hours of putting up tents, lights, decorations and ensuring there was a plentiful supply of carbs and sugar available. We got everything looking just so - complete with high quality sound and viewing experience. Note to self though, old LED TV's don't like damp, humid conditions. The weather held up for the night - the girls screamed, giggled, bounced and swung till the early hours and eventually fell to some sort of sleep. Another note to self, even when reminded to make sure the tent is zipped shut they might not remember. So I think it was a roaring success apart from the bucketing rain the next morning, slight puddles from door left open and many forgotten items left behind. Just like the real Glasto actually. Oh yeah.... And the 5 hours of taking tents down and days of trying to dry wet tents in the house. Phew - the things you do.

Happy birthday Emzo - welcome to the teens. Am proud of you every single day.

Cat in the Hat

None child-friendly Halloween

Cruella made me do it

Birthday girl with a small selection of birthday books

Sisters :-)

All together at the Enchanted Forest

Videoclip: The Enchanted Forest

Or you can watch the video here

Marshmallow fun

The Rooketonbuy Posse

Videoclip: Rooketonbury

Or you can watch the video here

Pretending they're going to bed

Light comes to the dark on an early morning run