Win A Family Ticket to Toytopia

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I am so excited to announce that I am an Official Mummy Blogger for Toytopia. It's obvious from our blog that we love toys here so it will be so much fun to visit a Toy Exhibition. I have never attended anything like this before so I have no idea what to expect but it sounds good. Daddy and big J went to a game event last year which is very similar and they still talk about that now.

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Ravensburger Statue Of Liberty 3D Puzzle Review

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We recently received Ravensburger Statue Of Liberty 3D Puzzle and we couldn't wait to complete it. This is our third 3D puzzle from the range and probably my favourite so far. I say so far because we are planning to collect them all because not only are they fun to complete but they look amazing and now take pride of place in my living room. The Statue Of Liberty 3D Puzzle only has 108 pieces so over 100 less than we were used to. I thought the actual statue would be a puzzle but she is a figure, the puzzle makes up the base.

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Dylan's Reptile Time

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I was so lucky this week to be able to see little J take part in a special nursery activity when Dylan's Reptile Time came to visit. It's so nice that little J goes to the nursery that I work in, every day is like 'bring a child to work day' I love watching him play and chat to the other children and seeing him take part in this activity made me smile. Over the years we have had similar visits to the nursery but Dylan's Reptile time is by far my favourite. We placed all the chairs into a semi circle, the children all washed their hands and then they sat down ready to see all the reptiles. Dylan introduced himself and then showed the children the plastic boxes behind him. Each box had a creature inside. I was actually looking forward to this even though I am not the biggest fan of things that crawl.

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Toddler Tantrum In Public

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Although little J is a toddler this post isn't about him as he hasn't hit the terrible two's yet although I am waiting for the day that my little cheeky monkey turns into a little monster. No, this is a post about another child that I just so happened to see outside a supermarket recently.

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Ravensburger 3D Big Ben Minions Mayhem Puzzle

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Unless you have been on holiday to another planet you will know that Minions have took over this summer. Whether its on yoghurt's, cheese or cereal, Minions are everywhere. Big J went to see the Minions movie last weekend and loved it. I was a little gutted as I wanted to see it too but he went with his friends. Big J was excited when we were sent the Ravensburger 3D Minions Mayhem puzzle. We have done this type of puzzle before and it was lots of fun.

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Buying Our Trampoline

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My regular readers will know that I recently had to buy a new trampoline. Our old trampoline was years old and had seen better days. I did ask some companies over on twitter for some advice on what trampolines were best to cover the age difference between my two monkeys. I wanted a trampoline suitable for both little and big J to play on separately but also together too. You wouldn't believe how many different trampolines there are nowadays, they come in all different shapes and sizes. I got some amazing advice and I was able to put it all together to choose the correct trampoline for our needs. I have also since found Jumpster which is an amazing website designed to tell parents everything they need to know about trampolines.

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Fisher Price Talking Bing Review

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Little J is a big fan of CBeebies and although he is happy to watch whatever programme is on it's obvious he does have some favourites. He gets excited when In the Night Garden is on, Something Special and also Bing. Bing is an adorable bunny who goes on lots of adventures with his friends including his carer Flop.

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Project 365 Days 172 - 178

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 Here is our week in photos

172/365 - The new Everton kit came out this weekend. Daddy and the monkeys each got the full kit. I love them in the football kits, they always look so nice in them.

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An Evening With Giovanna Fletcher

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Last night I attended an evening with Giovanna Fletcher at Waterstones. I have never been to anything like this before because if I am being honest I am not a big reader. I do like reading but I always have something else to do so although I have lots of books, they just sit there gathering dust. So I assume you are wondering why I went to a book event then if I'm not really a book lover. The truth is I do like Giovanna's books and have all four of them but I actually like her as a person too. I know that might sound crazy as I have never met her (until last night) but I follow her on you tube and I really enjoy watching her vlogs.

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Signed Copy Of Dream A Little Dream By Giovanna Fletcher Giveaway

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Tonight I was very lucky to attend An Evening With Giovanna Fletcher at Waterstones. It was an amazing night (more on that soon) and while I was there I decided to buy an extra copy of Giovanna's latest book Dream A Little Dream to giveaway on my blog. To make the giveaway even more special Giovanna signed the book for my lucky winner.

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What's In Our Caboodle Everyday Changing Bag

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I know once our babies reach the toddler stage some Mummy's change their changing bag to maybe a character rucksack or something smaller. I prefer to still have a changing bag because I still need enough space to fit all his essentials. This week we have been trying out Caboodle Everyday Changing Bag and we love it. Firstly its not too big because some changing bags are so huge that they become impractical for a Mum on the go, but you can fit so much inside.

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Keep Your Pet Healthy With Frontline Spot On

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When I was little we used to have two dogs. I loved them so much and they were big part of our family. I loved taking them for a walk and I remember how much fun i had playing with them. Obviously there is a lot more to having a pet than just playing with them, its important to make sure you take care of your pet and keep them healthy. FRONTLINE Spot On have teamed up with the lovely Ruth Langsford to host a series of videos including hints and tip on how to keep your pets healthy and happy this summer.

This campaign is very close to Ruth's heart as she is the owner of Maggie a rescue dog.

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Reviewing Nutmeg - Thinking About Pensions

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Okay so this may not be something that you stop and think about every day - but there are some startling facts around about the UK's general pension provision.

Nutmeg offer an easy to use, intelligent approach to pension planning.

*image credit to Nutmeg*

They offer an expertly managed pension fund that you can tailor make to suit your overall attitude to investment risk, and they will rebalance this on a regular basis as part of the service - with surprisingly low annual management charges.   Rebalancing helps to keep your plan at the risk level you choose, and encourages selling investments when they are highly priced and using the funds to buy other low pried investments, with a constant view on enhancing the value of your pension pot, whilst ensuring that your risk level doesn't go above what you have chosen.

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Project 365 Days 158 - 171

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My blog has been a little neglected over the last few weeks so I completely missed last weeks Project 365 but I did take photos so here is our last two weeks in photos.

158/365 - Big J has recovered from his week in Malaga so it was out in the garden for some splashing fun.

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Early Father's Day Meal At Brewers Fayre

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If you are a regular reader you will know that we do like going out for meals at our local Brewers Fayre. As Father's Day is approaching we popped along for an Early Father's Day Meal. If you have visited a Brewers Fayre before you will know that they offer a variety of Menus. A normal menu with pub meals, Chef's Counter Menu and a Kids Menu.

When we have the kids with us we almost always choose Chef's Counter. Its a buffet style menu that starts at 5pm with a different theme every night of the week. It includes Burger and Hotdog night, Mexican, Curry and on Fridays it is Chip Shop Buffet Night.

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A Double Decker Bacon Sandwich For Father's Day

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I'm not the biggest fan of meat but I do like Bacon so when Roberts Bakery asked me to serve up a delicious bacon butty for Daddy on Father's Day I was happy to join in. 

Daddy doesn't like anything fancy he is likes plain and simple when it comes to food. So I knew there would be no fancy relishes or garnish just a simple bacon butty.

Roberts Bakery sent us a lovely pack which included everything we needed to make the perfect bacon butty. I decided to add a little bit extra to Daddy's butty and included cumberland sausages too.

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The Value Of A Parent

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I have almost completed my first year back in work after being on extended maternity leave. As many will know you only get 9 months maternity pay so for the extra year I took off I had no income at all. It was a hard choice but as little J had so many hospital appointments Daddy and I decided it was best to stay at home and take care of little J. 

Our Boys

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It's National Picnic Week

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This week is National Picnic Week. We love picnics and try and have one as often as we possibly can. Whenever we head to the park or beach we always take a packed lunch with us. It's something we have always done since big J was a baby. There is something special about enjoying your lunch on a nice tartan blanket in the great outdoors. The best thing about a picnic is that you don't even have to leave your home to enjoy one. We have had many garden picnics, teddy bears picnic and even a carpet picnic on a rainy day.

Garden Picnic 

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Trunki Yondi Monkey Review

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I recently took part in a twitter party hosted by Britmums all about car journeys. Lots of people joined in with hints and tips on how to make car journeys with the kids more exciting and more comfortable.  As a family we travel up and down the country all the time so I did have some tips to share. I always like the boys to have a snooze especially if its a long journey as it passes the time. Big J is usually on his phone and little J loves the iPad but they both do relax.

When we were sent a Trunki Yondi Monkey to review I was convinced little J wouldn't be interested. The Trunki Yondi is a child's neck pillow He doesn't like things on him such as caps, sunglasses etc so I thought he might try and pull it off straight away but I was willing to give it a try. He always looks hunched over in his car seat and when he does fall asleep his head drops to his chest and it looks so uncomfortable. We are always reaching over and trying to prop his head back up.

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Father's Day Gift Ideas

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Father's Day will soon be here and if I am honest I haven't got a clue what we are buying Daddy yet. I usually sway to something related to technology because that is what Daddy loves. I know he would love an Apple iWatch but he might have to ask Father Christmas for that. I do love buying little 'Daddy' gifts too such as teddies and mugs but we have so many and like I said recently about buying anniversary gifts there must come a point where you have to stop.  Here are just a few choices that I may consider for Daddy.

Personalised Square Cufflinks 

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WOW Toys Countdown Calendar Competition

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You may have spotted a nice new shiny badge on my sidebar this week letting you all know that I am now a WOW Blogger Buddy. We have recently been browsing toys shops and online for some new toys for little J because he has a sudden interest in figures and playsets and WOW was one of the brands we were looking at. I was so happy to receive an email to say that WOW toys would us to check out their new Countdown Calendars and also give one away to my readers.

I'm sure most of you will know WOW Toys and will agree that they are perfect for little ones. The toys are so colourful, cheery, chunky and they don't need batteries. I was quite excited to hear more about the WOW Toys Countdown Calendar. I instantly thought about Advent calendars and how exciting it is for little ones to open them each morning, counting down the days till Christmas.

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What To Pack In A Teenager's Suitcase

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Big J has just arrived home from his third trip abroad without us. Its so weird to think he has experienced parts of the world without us. He has been to Rue in France for 5 days, Skiing for a whole week and last week he went to Spain for 5 days.

When it came to packing his suitcase he really wasn't interested at all. I think thats a boy thing because Daddy doesn't like packing either. They both are just happy to watch me do it. I did make a list of things he needed to make it easier for him but I still ended up doing it.

First I packed his hand luggage. He didn't have much in it as the school already had his Passport, EHIC and Euros. His hand luggage just had his phone, earphones, wallet containing some english money for the airport and plane and a book.

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Project 365 Days 151 - 157

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Well its been a funny old week which started with all four of us but that soon went to just Little J and I. Big J jetted off to Spain on a school trip early hours Monday morning and didn't return until Friday evening. Daddy was away with work in the middle of the week so it was an unusually quiet house.

151/365 - Today was mainly spent packing for Big J's holiday to Spain.

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Win An Organix Hamper Worth £25

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If you have read my blog before you may have noticed that little J loves his food. The good thing about him is he will try anything and he usually likes everything he tries. I'm so glad as it's hard work when you have a fussy eater. I love knowing that he will eat home made meals, fruit and vegetables. 

For a treat Little J absolutely loves Organix Goodies. His favourite are Carrot Cake Soft Oaty Bars. Whenever he wants one he says 'cake' its so cute. He has tried most of the Organix goodies range and likes it all. The finger foods are another of his favourites including Tomato Slices. They look just like a pack of crisps and he loves having the control of eating as many or as few as he likes.

 I am so excited to team up with Organix to offer 3 of my lucky readers the chance to win an Organix Hamper worth £25

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Brothers By Willow Tree

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Yesterday Daddy and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary. Its been a odd week with Daddy working lots and Big J on holiday in Spain. For most of the week it was just little J and I so we didn't make any specific Anniversary plans. Usually we will do something special but we decided to visit Alton Towers a few weeks earlier and maybe just go out for a meal on our actual anniversary.

Brothers by Willow Tree

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10 Reasons Why I Love June

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I am so excited that June has finally arrived and here is why.

1. Daddy and I had our first ever date in June. It was the 21st June which is the longest day. This year the 21st falls on Fathers Day too so it's twice as special.

Looking Back - June 2010 Central Park, New York City

2. Daddy and I were married in June. This year we will be celebrating 15 years together and 5 years married. We were married in New York City and it was the best day of my life. It was so amazing and very personal as I had always wanted to get married in New York and Daddy made my dreams come true.

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#TheSmiler Crash At Alton Towers

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I think it's pretty obvious if you read my blog regularly that we are big fans of Alton Towers. I have been going there since before Nemesis opened and this year its celebrating its 21st birthday. It's also a special place for us as it's where Daddy proposed to me.

I was really upset and shocked yesterday to hear that there was a crash on The Smiler. I am a huge fan of rollercoasters but there is something about that ride that I just don't like. I have been on it twice this year but after the last time which was less than two weeks ago I said to Daddy I probably won't go on it again.

Taken 23rd May After Big J Had Been On The Ride

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Preparing For Summer With LamaLoLi

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I am a huge fan of character clothing and always have been. I used to love dressing big J in Disney or Star Wars but unfortunately now he is a teenager he isn't so keen to walk around with Mickey Mouse on his chest. Luckily I still have little J and this month he has been wearing lots of new summer clothing from LamaLoLi

Star Wars - The Clone Wars (2 Pack T-shirt)

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Going On Holiday - How Do You Choose?

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I was watching the boys in the garden last week and they were playing in the water. It was bright, warm and sunny and it got me thinking about our Summer holiday.

Sa Coma - June 2003 

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Project 365 Days 144 - 150

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This week is Half Term and I love Half Term. Its great not having to get up and get dressed for the school run or work. We have been getting up a little later than usual and just chilling in the mornings. Big J has enjoyed not having any homework and little J has loved his big brother being at home during the day.

144/365 - Carrying on from last week project 365 we were still in Alton Towers today. We had been invited to Iggle Piggles Birthday Party. We had an amazing three days and the party on Sunday just made the whole weekend extra special. I love this photo of the boys on the way home.

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#BPDriveInDineOut With BP And Pizza Express

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Spending time together as a family is very important to us and I hope that shows on my blog. As there is an eleven year age gap between my two it is important that we make sure we do things together that interests both my boys. It could be just watching a movie together, visiting a theme park or eating out. Both my boys love visiting restaurants and while sometimes it can be manic dining out with a toddler its always worth it.

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Beers Of The World - Serenata Hamper Giveaway

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We recently stumbled across the website Serenata Flowers. I was actually browsing for some ideas for Father's Day and I noticed that not only did they do flowers but they also did lots of other gifts including hampers.

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The 3 Queens Arrive In Liverpool

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Every year in Liverpool we seem to have a special event that brings millions of visitors to the city. One of my favourites was Little Girl Giant who has travelled to the city twice over the last few years and last year we got to see her with her Grandma. It was a  spectacular event that I know we will never forget. Yesterday was another event that I was really excited about and I am so glad I got to witness it. Three huge ships, The Queen Victoria, The Queen Elizabeth and The Queen Mary 2 all made their way into the River Mersey.

We arrived quite early and was lucky to find a spot just by the front so we had a perfect view of the 3 Queens when they made their way.

The 3 Queens

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Me To You #TattyTeddyTrends Competition

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Last week we took part in a Me To You #TattyTeddyTrends Twitter Party. It was lots of fun and there were lots of activities to take part in.

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In The Night Garden Party At Alton Towers

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A few weeks ago little J got his first ever birthday party invite. It was so exciting as it was to celebrate the first anniversary of the In The Night Garden Boat Ride in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers.

Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy and Little J blowing kisses

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Project 365 Days 137-143

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This week has been a busy week but a really fun one. 

137/365 - Today we visited the new Duplo Farm in the Legoland Discovery Centre. It was lots of fun for both big J and little J.

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The Puberty Talk

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I may have already mentioned it a few hundred times already but I still can't believe I have a teenager. Its crazy as I still think I am a teenager at times and especially with my obsession with Disney I'm like a big kid. I know we will have to tweak our parenting skills a little over the next few years because being a teenager is hard work and I know big J will say and do things he won't mean. We will have to remember that his body is going through massive changes and this will effect him emotional, mentally and physically.

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Date Night With Calamity Jane

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My favourite night out is definitely a trip to the theatre. I love watching stage productions and my passion started when my Mum and Dad took me to watch Grease. I was mesmerised from start to finish and I have enjoyed going ever since. Daddy booked me tickets to see Calamity Jane for my birthday. I absolutely love Calamity Jane and I used to watch it all the time when I was younger. When I read Jodie Prenger was Calamity Jane I was so excited. I watched Jodie win the role of Nancy in Oliver on BBC One show I'd Do Anything, I would have loved to see her in that.

Photo thanks to Calamity Jane Stage Show

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Birthday Soccer Blast At Goals

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Big J has had a birthday party most years and we have done everything from bowling to a double decker play bus outside our house. I love birthday parties but I guessed this year big J wouldn't want a 'party' as he will be 13 soon and maybe he would want to just do something with a few of his friends. I was almost right he did want to do something with his friends but he didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I guess its not cool to have a birthday party with balloons and stuff when you are turning 13.

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Meal Times With A Toddler

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We are one of those families that all sit down to eat together at the same time at the table. It's just something we have always done and to be honest I enjoy it. I like to hear about big J's day at school, Daddy's day at work and I talk about what little J and I have been up to. Even when little J was a newborn we would bring his bouncer chair in to the dining room so he could be with us and now he is older he has his highchair just by the table so he can join in on family meal times.

Looking back 2003 - Big J enjoyed his beans and mash

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Promise Pets - Build A Bear

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Little J was invited last week to visit our local Build A Bear to make a Promise Pet. We love Build A Bear and over the years we have made so many. We have had dogs, bears, an Alvin (from the chipmunks) and most recently Olaf from Frozen. Building A Bear is a lovely experience for children and I know over the years big J has had so much fun and has given lots of love to the teddies he created.

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Project 365 Days 130 - 136

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This week has been sunny one day and freezing the next. I really wish this weather would make up its mind. 

Here are a few photos from our week. 

My homemade crustless quiche - delicious

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Don't Rock The Boat

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Last week we were sent Don't Rock The Boat by University Games. As it has been a double birthday week we didn't get chance to play it until Sunday. I love playing games on a Sunday, its a nice time to just sit, chill and have fun.

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Bubabloon Review

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This week we have been trying out BUBABLOON. As soon as I read about BUBABLOON I knew instantly my monkeys would love it. My living room floor is always home to a selection of balls and balloons as well as a small goal so they can play football indoors. 

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Plasticine Fun

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Remember the days before iPhones and iPads? When you received a toy and didn't wonder 'What does this do?' I remember those days and I remember having lots of fun playing with dolls, board games and plasticine. Actually plasticine was one of my favourite toys, I loved being creative and making lots of figures. We always had a supply of plasticine in our house because it would provide me with hours of fun, no batteries required.

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Brewers Fayre Birthday Meal

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To help celebrate having two birthdays back to back in May, we had a lovely family meal at Brewers Fayre. We have been to Brewers Fayre many times over the years and like most pubs and restaurants they are constantly improving the menu so it was nice to try out their Chef's Counter.

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Project 365 Days 123 - 129

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Double birthday celebrations this week for big J and I. I cannot believe he is a teenager already, where does the time go?

We had a lovely week of presents and parties.

123/365 - The birthday celebrations have begun

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