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