Letting off steam...

Emily is learning at a phenomenal rate. Apparently toddlers learn more in their first four years than in the rest of their lives put together...and this is nearly all done through play. From the moment she wakes up till when eventually she wears herself out, mainly all she justs wants to do is "more playing Mummy...or more playing Daddy". Either that or indulge in her guilty pleasure of "telly". If only we all got to spend the rest of our lives like the first four years. And to think, in years to come she won't remember much about it either.

Supremely happy

All the playing though helps her learn vital skills, whilst having fun and letting off steam at the same time. And given her voracious appetite its important we help her burn off those calories and use up all that energy...otherwise she would never sleep (and neither would we).

The theory of being an on-demand playmate for the supreme being sounds quite delightful. The reality is somewhat more demanding and exhausting. Most nights we sit silent and spent after she is in bed, till we summon up the energy to drag ourselves off to bed too. Weekends are a great way to rejuvenate as we get to take it in turns whilst the other sneaks off for a crafty nap. Fun and play for the wee one equals a pair of worn out old parents!

Emily is a delight though, and we are truly blessed by a daughter who has a lovely nature and a thirst for life. My most recent proud Daddy moment was when she went solo on her balance bike for the first time. As spring comes on I reckon she'll master it and then there'll be no stopping her. Well done to Emily!

Videoclip: Couch jumping...a good way to let off steam

Videoclip: First time solo on balance bike

A warm welcome to 2015...

Double steak pie-tastic

So once more we deposited ourselves on North Berwick to see in the New Year. And we had a lovely, lovely time. The evening started with a traditional scoffing of a steak pie doubler and the kids staying up far too late. This was quickly followed by a wee dram and watching Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham play in 2015; accompanied by the ritual conversation that Scotland really does have much, much better traditional music to offer but for some reason the BBC are contractual obliged to wheel these two out every year.

The next day Daddy decided to brave the loonie dook into the Firth of Forth, under the watchful eye and tutelage of the original Man of Iron and longstanding dooking veteran Big John. Daddy seemed not to disgrace himself in such notable company, managing to successfully dunk his head under, although other parts of his body are only just now reappearing. The afternoon was then followed by some first footing from Ohms and Ciara and their wee posse. But the highlight of New Years Day had to be Emily's first sparkler holding - to which the supreme being seemed to be supremely delighted.

Daddy delighted at breaking his dooking duck

Emily delighted at breaking her sparkler duck

And so followed a few more lovely days of quality family time. Lots of fun, laughter and merriment was had by all. Emily became completed besotted by her big cousins; Gurney's and Rooke's alike enjoyed some competitive Love Letter's (a great family game); lots of tasty food was eaten; all followed by Daddy and Big John blowing the cobwebs away with a jog round North Berwick. Thanks once again to the Gurney's for another lovely New Year, and here's wishing you all a wonderful, wonderful 2015!

Emi completely enthralled by big cousin Abbie

Guess who's who?

The happy couple 10 years on and not looking a day older

A nearly full moon shone over North Berwick