Splashing

Following Australian tradition, we're keen to teach Elly to swim. Maybe not an Olympic swimmer just yet, but she'll have to learn to out-swim all those killer Australian aquatic animals - with all the teeth, tentacles and spines. And that's just in the backyard pool.

So we went to the local pool for the first time today. It was a nice quiet day, and was a great chance to introduce her to the new sights and smells without too much chaos.

Things we learnt today:
- Elly is just fine in the water. There was wiggling and kicking and a determined look on her face.
- Her parents are also fine in the water, though ultra paranoid.
- The pram is too wide and doesn't fit in the change rooms.
- Then the pram then has to be parked in another part of the gym completely.
- It is a two person operation to juggle everything.

An interesting side-effect is that Elly now splashes a lot more in her bath, coating the floor. It is like she has discovered her swimming legs and wants to use them in small confined spaces.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Bridie, Steve, Elly and... Santa.

We introduced Elly to Santa today. She was clearly aware that she was in the company of someone who would be bringing her presents, and was on her best behaviour. After all, it is important to give a good first impression.

Santa Skate 2008

Once a year the London skate community have their special Santa Skate. Hundreds of skaters donate some money to the skate, get a Santa outfit and go on a tour of the major sites of London. But this year was different - I went along too!

The weather threatened icy rain, the roads threatened slippery surfaces, and Santa threatened never to visit me again. Still I braved the elements and put on my big one-size-fits-all Santa suit, complete with white fluffy beard. Fully dressed I felt as warm as Santa, especially after he drinks the sherry.


It was a great skate - mainly for attracting onlookers and bemused motorists. Good clean fun was had by all. Though it is a pity I'm going to be getting coal this year in my stocking.

Shakin' a Tailfeather - part 2

Well, since Elly was all dressed up and it was the first Friday of the month, we actually watched the Blues Brothers movie. There should be no surprise that we have it on DVD.

Elly watched on bemused as her parents got up and danced the Tailfeather together, it has been a while but the moves are still there.

Shakin' a Tailfeather

It's the first Friday of the month and Elly is ready to shake her tailfeather.