The dark days...

The hour changes and the dark days begin.

But this year I have a winter blues beating plan that involves a whole catalogue of exciting activities planned to get us through to beyond February. You see it seems I’ve miraculously managed to plan at least one event every weekend between now and Christmas. And, although as yet unplanned, there is also already plenty for us to celebrate in the early part of the year as well. I’m actually really looking forward to all of this: Emily’s 5th birthday; Niomi's first Christmas with us; family festive visits and our very own 1st Family birthday; Niomi’s 3rd birthday and then Mummy’s 21st again; our house anniversary and a whole range of other fun-packed activity which is all sure to see off the worst winter will throw at us. It’s all very exciting and more than enough to keep those dark days at bay – so let it all begin…

And with the first crunch of autumn leaves, the whole Rooke family steps out to enjoy the start of the fun. Autumn has come fast this year, as it seems to be a little later than normal but with fine weather forecast we headed off to Inchmahone Priory on Lake of Menteith (Scotland’s one and only lake). And this visit to the island didn’t disappoint with fallen leaves aplenty to enable maximum crunch and leaf fighting potential. A great day amongst Scotland's autumn finery.

And then the dark days meant that Halloween was upon us which we spent at a fun filled party with lots of little witches (Niomi), skeletons, princesses (Emily) and a range of other spooky or not costumed children. And if that wasn't enough to bring warmth to battle the cold, the glorious sunrises on my morning commute have not disappointed.

 Leaf delight

Growing up fast

 Ready for battle

 Let battle commence

Morning world - the view from my bike

So with every threat from the dark days we must look for a window of opportunity. In this case its stars, and time in the early evening to look at them. And so we did. We switched off all the lights and then by the light of our Halloween pumpkin we sat and star-gazed. Actually Niomi jumped with excitement as we saw the sky come to life with stars, planets, satellites and planes. And then a moment happened that you just want to hold forever. She started singing. Our little one who 10 months ago said nothing started singing "Twinkle Twinkle" unprompted and all by herself. Magic that brings its own light to the dark days.

Soundclip: Twinkle Twinkle

 By the light of our Halloween pumpkin