Busy weekend.
Work Christmas do on Friday night - Beers and Buffet in the Cornmarket Pub. Didn't overdo it this time since I'd planned to take Novelist Supermum the following night (a couple of weeks ago I fell asleep on the bus on the way home and walked back 3 stops to sober up a bit).
On Saturday we went to Chaba Chaba on Allerton Road for a Thai meal, and finished off with a few beers in The Rose of Mossley Hill pub, listening to the two acoustic guitars and a drummer who were ching-a-chinging through the cover versions.
Took Samwise to his Ju-Jitsu club ground fighting tournament and Christmas party at Everton sports centre today. He didn't win either of his two bouts, but didn't give up either, giving his opponents a hard fought win. He was pleased to get a taking part medal, and enjoyed the fun and games party afterwards.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Saturday, 3 December 2011
A Night at the Museum...
Feeling a little the worse for wear today after a few Friday night drinks with workmates, and falling asleep on the bus on the way home - a kind chap woke me up before I went all the way to the airport, and had to walk 3 stops back home.
Took the boys to swimming, trampoline club and the school Christmas Fair and then finished off a busy day with "Dino-Night" in the Liverpool World Museum. Four hours of after dark activities and exploring the museum at night!
The lighting had been dimmed to give an eerie atmosphere as we wandered round. A drama was being acted out around the museum - some burglars had stolen a dinosaur egg, and a bunch of time-travellers were hunting them to try and get it back!
We had a meal in the cafe, and took a look at the time and space exhibition.
The fish and other creatures in the sea life exhibition were great to see at night - as they seemed to be much more active than during the day. The same was true of the bug world exhibition.
We got to see the Age of the Dinosaur exhibition with it's animatronic dinosaurs (without the usual crowding - as tickets for the event had been limited). The boys got to do some fossil rubbings, make plaster casts of fossils and try a fossil 'dig' - hunting through heaps of flint for some real fossils of sharks teeth and benemites.
The highlight of the night was a 14ft long juvenile T-Rex that came out at regular intervals to interact with the children (one brave girl got to put her head in it's mouth). It charged into the shop at one point, and was also spotted on the dino-disco dance floor. Samwise and Frodo got to pat it's leathery skin, and had to duck when it whirled round and swiped it's tail at them, which just caught Frodo.
A visit to the museum shop, then we had to ask the security guards to unlock the Museum door and let us out.
A great family experience - the boys friends at school won't believe them on Monday!
Took the boys to swimming, trampoline club and the school Christmas Fair and then finished off a busy day with "Dino-Night" in the Liverpool World Museum. Four hours of after dark activities and exploring the museum at night!
The lighting had been dimmed to give an eerie atmosphere as we wandered round. A drama was being acted out around the museum - some burglars had stolen a dinosaur egg, and a bunch of time-travellers were hunting them to try and get it back!
We had a meal in the cafe, and took a look at the time and space exhibition.
The fish and other creatures in the sea life exhibition were great to see at night - as they seemed to be much more active than during the day. The same was true of the bug world exhibition.
We got to see the Age of the Dinosaur exhibition with it's animatronic dinosaurs (without the usual crowding - as tickets for the event had been limited). The boys got to do some fossil rubbings, make plaster casts of fossils and try a fossil 'dig' - hunting through heaps of flint for some real fossils of sharks teeth and benemites.
The highlight of the night was a 14ft long juvenile T-Rex that came out at regular intervals to interact with the children (one brave girl got to put her head in it's mouth). It charged into the shop at one point, and was also spotted on the dino-disco dance floor. Samwise and Frodo got to pat it's leathery skin, and had to duck when it whirled round and swiped it's tail at them, which just caught Frodo.
A visit to the museum shop, then we had to ask the security guards to unlock the Museum door and let us out.
A great family experience - the boys friends at school won't believe them on Monday!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor - Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Went to the Unity Theatre (off Hope Street in Liverpool) to see 'The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor'. We'd won family tickets as a prize in the Liverpool Cathedral Photography Competition.
This was a simple, but really clever and effective production involving a handful of actors, a few props, light and smoke effects and a some puppetry.
We all thoroughly enjoyed it. The boys were on the edge of their seats as we watched Sinbad and his crew get swallowed by a giant whale, outwit a terrible giant, fight with the Roc (giant bird) and it's hatchling, summon the Genie of the Ring, sword fight and ride on a flying carpet. All taking place non-digitally right in front of our eyes.
When a magic word opened the door to a treasure trove Samwise caused some laughter when he exclaimed "That's not treasure, it's a smoke machine!". He still voted the play 'best thing ever' in the taxi on the way home.
This was a simple, but really clever and effective production involving a handful of actors, a few props, light and smoke effects and a some puppetry.
We all thoroughly enjoyed it. The boys were on the edge of their seats as we watched Sinbad and his crew get swallowed by a giant whale, outwit a terrible giant, fight with the Roc (giant bird) and it's hatchling, summon the Genie of the Ring, sword fight and ride on a flying carpet. All taking place non-digitally right in front of our eyes.
When a magic word opened the door to a treasure trove Samwise caused some laughter when he exclaimed "That's not treasure, it's a smoke machine!". He still voted the play 'best thing ever' in the taxi on the way home.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Seminal Moment II
I have completely fulfilled one of my roles as a Dad today. Samwise rode his bike successfully for the first time, with no stabilisers! Requiring some support on starting off at first, and a little wobbly, but after a bit of practice he was starting off by himself and pedalling up and down the street. Lamp-posts, walls and hedges acted as boy/bike magnets, but luckily he can use the brakes OK. I'm not allowed to take any photos until he's "really good at it".
This is the second time that I've taught a son to ride a bike. At last my work is done....What - you mean there's more things they need to know? :)
This is the second time that I've taught a son to ride a bike. At last my work is done....What - you mean there's more things they need to know? :)
Friday, 29 July 2011
Ouch!
Samwise has a Kick-Boxing course completion certificate after a week of lessons. Tonight, using Dad as a punch-bag/fall guy he demonstrated punches, knock-out punches, elbowing, arm-locks and how to get out of a head lock - which involved rolling up my trouser leg and pinching the skin underneath. Ouch!
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Fathers Day
Gifts and cards this morning from the boys. A new moleskine address book (the battery life is incredible), and a set of desktop Easter Island heads.
As a thank you, took them to the cinema to see the Green Lantern (there's far too many comic book superhero films around these days, and this is one of them), followed by a KFC meal.
As a thank you, took them to the cinema to see the Green Lantern (there's far too many comic book superhero films around these days, and this is one of them), followed by a KFC meal.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
7th Birthday
7th Birthday for Samwise today. We had a horse riding party for him and his school friends. Here's a few photos - I'll upload more when I've got time.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Easter Egg - Diablo (Moshimonster)
Samwise had to decorate an Easter Egg for school. Mum helped him to create this Moshimonster - "Diablo".
Saturday, 29 January 2011
In My Ears and In My Eyes
Samwise had a school project to go on a short journey and take photos en-route. Since we had to visit to a local Barber Shop this morning we decided to make this the journey and walked there - took the final photo at the sign of a popular song.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Trampoline Club
Frodo got his Grade 3 and Grade 4 certificates at the Trampoline Club today.
I had a go too, and managed a seat drop, tuck jump, pike and half twist - no certificate for me though, just some aching limbs :)
I had a go too, and managed a seat drop, tuck jump, pike and half twist - no certificate for me though, just some aching limbs :)
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Flag Bearer
Remembrance Sunday, and therefore a Church Parade for the local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Samwise didn't want to go to a "boring old Church Parade", however I felt that he should attend, since they are a church funded group, so I went along with him.
He's glad he went now, because he got to carry the flag for his Beaver Colony. Felt quite proud of him as I watched him march up the aisle.
Felt sorry for the nervous bugle player, hitting a few bum notes when playing 'The Last Post'.
He's glad he went now, because he got to carry the flag for his Beaver Colony. Felt quite proud of him as I watched him march up the aisle.
Felt sorry for the nervous bugle player, hitting a few bum notes when playing 'The Last Post'.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Friday, 12 November 2010
Week Off
Had a busy week off work, sourcing a new bathroom and sorting various things out for the boys. I was meant to be doing some work around the house, and tidying/sorting but that went by the wayside, as usual.
Frodo had a speech therapy review, and he's made some great progress. We also went to investigate a future high school for him (a couple of years off yet, but we have to make a choice soon). We had a tour of one that seems to fit the bill, and have an appointment with the headmaster in a couple of weeks.
A good report for Samwise from a parents evening for his class. "A polite, hard-working little boy who is a credit to you". We think that he may have been replaced by a pod-person on the way to school :)
Frodo had his first riding lesson today, at our local stables/riding school.
This went extremely well, so he's now booked in for regular weekly sessions.
Also swimming lessons booked for both boys on Sunday, to help improve Frodo's swimming ability, and to give Samwise some structured practice.
Frodo had a speech therapy review, and he's made some great progress. We also went to investigate a future high school for him (a couple of years off yet, but we have to make a choice soon). We had a tour of one that seems to fit the bill, and have an appointment with the headmaster in a couple of weeks.
A good report for Samwise from a parents evening for his class. "A polite, hard-working little boy who is a credit to you". We think that he may have been replaced by a pod-person on the way to school :)
Frodo had his first riding lesson today, at our local stables/riding school.
This went extremely well, so he's now booked in for regular weekly sessions.
Also swimming lessons booked for both boys on Sunday, to help improve Frodo's swimming ability, and to give Samwise some structured practice.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Doctor Who Live
Spoilers!...
Told the boys that we were going for a ride in the new car on Tuesday night.
We parked up and went for a short walk in the rain - into the Echo Arena. They started to twig when they saw the merchandise on sale. Bought a program and a couple of souvenirs, showed the tickets that I'd hidden away 6 months ago and then went to our seats on the floor of the Arena.
Samwise was absolutely gobsmacked. His mouth was wide open from start to finish. Frodo was a little put out that we'd tricked him, but perked up when he saw his favourite monsters.
The theme of the show was based on an old Jon Pertwee episode that I first saw on TV when I was 9 years old - Carnival of Monsters (and here I am taking my 9 year old son to see the sequel!).
Nigel Planar (Vorgenson) played the son of the chap (Vorg) who was shrinking creatures and putting them inside a machine for entertainment purposes. Vorgenson was up to much the same thing, giving an excuse to have several different creatures from the last series in one place.
Matt Smith wasn't there, but played his part from 'inside the Tardis' on a video screen, with the characters on stage interacting with the projection.
The monsters came thick and fast, entering from all sides of the arena and moving amongst the audience. We were in the back row, and most of them marched in right behind us. Ood, Silurians, Judoon, Clockwork Robots, Weeping Angels, Scarecrows, Vampires of Venice, Winders, Smilers, Cybermen and of course Daleks. Everyone was twisting and turning in their seats to see what was coming next and where from.
The Judoon scanned members of the audience to see if they were 'Hu-man'. Winston Churchill marvelled at a mobile phone, and asked the children of the future if they all had 'internets' at home. Queen Liz ran around the crowd firing her pistol. The Scarecrows shuffled around during the interval, posing for pictures, and staring at small children (most of whom' fended them off with the latest sonic screwdriver they'd brought with them).
The Weeping Angels (Frodo's favourite) were superbly presented. The Doctor told everyone 'Whatever you do Don't Blink!' and two Angel statues appeared. 3 'policemen' came in to investigate. The audience was then blinded with white light. When the light faded the Angels had moved, and a policeman had disappeared. This went on until the last policeman had gone and the image of a giant menacing Angel was over the audience.
Samwise loved the Cybermen, who marched in step right beside us, dragged an 'unsuspecting parent' out of the audience and deleted him, and then battled with the new Daleks onstage. We were treated to one of each of the new Dalek types. Samwise pointed that the white one hadn't appeared, then it did, flying overhead.
All of this was played out to the musical accompaniment of an orchestra conducted by Murray Gold - who was dressed like Matt Smith, but with David Tennant's hairstyle.
Speaking of which, when a montage of all the Doctor's was shown, there was a huge cheer for David Tennant's image!
More info at Doctor Who Live
In all, a superb family show, mind you there were plenty of adults there who hadn't brought any children along. Just wish we'd brought a sofa with us to hide behind.
Told the boys that we were going for a ride in the new car on Tuesday night.
We parked up and went for a short walk in the rain - into the Echo Arena. They started to twig when they saw the merchandise on sale. Bought a program and a couple of souvenirs, showed the tickets that I'd hidden away 6 months ago and then went to our seats on the floor of the Arena.
Samwise was absolutely gobsmacked. His mouth was wide open from start to finish. Frodo was a little put out that we'd tricked him, but perked up when he saw his favourite monsters.
The theme of the show was based on an old Jon Pertwee episode that I first saw on TV when I was 9 years old - Carnival of Monsters (and here I am taking my 9 year old son to see the sequel!).
Nigel Planar (Vorgenson) played the son of the chap (Vorg) who was shrinking creatures and putting them inside a machine for entertainment purposes. Vorgenson was up to much the same thing, giving an excuse to have several different creatures from the last series in one place.
Matt Smith wasn't there, but played his part from 'inside the Tardis' on a video screen, with the characters on stage interacting with the projection.
The monsters came thick and fast, entering from all sides of the arena and moving amongst the audience. We were in the back row, and most of them marched in right behind us. Ood, Silurians, Judoon, Clockwork Robots, Weeping Angels, Scarecrows, Vampires of Venice, Winders, Smilers, Cybermen and of course Daleks. Everyone was twisting and turning in their seats to see what was coming next and where from.
The Judoon scanned members of the audience to see if they were 'Hu-man'. Winston Churchill marvelled at a mobile phone, and asked the children of the future if they all had 'internets' at home. Queen Liz ran around the crowd firing her pistol. The Scarecrows shuffled around during the interval, posing for pictures, and staring at small children (most of whom' fended them off with the latest sonic screwdriver they'd brought with them).
The Weeping Angels (Frodo's favourite) were superbly presented. The Doctor told everyone 'Whatever you do Don't Blink!' and two Angel statues appeared. 3 'policemen' came in to investigate. The audience was then blinded with white light. When the light faded the Angels had moved, and a policeman had disappeared. This went on until the last policeman had gone and the image of a giant menacing Angel was over the audience.
Samwise loved the Cybermen, who marched in step right beside us, dragged an 'unsuspecting parent' out of the audience and deleted him, and then battled with the new Daleks onstage. We were treated to one of each of the new Dalek types. Samwise pointed that the white one hadn't appeared, then it did, flying overhead.
All of this was played out to the musical accompaniment of an orchestra conducted by Murray Gold - who was dressed like Matt Smith, but with David Tennant's hairstyle.
Speaking of which, when a montage of all the Doctor's was shown, there was a huge cheer for David Tennant's image!
More info at Doctor Who Live
In all, a superb family show, mind you there were plenty of adults there who hadn't brought any children along. Just wish we'd brought a sofa with us to hide behind.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Trampoline Club
Trampoline club for the boys today.
A breakthrough for Frodo, after 3 weeks of attending, as he finally perfected the seat drop - a basic move, but an achievement for a boy who has difficulty following instructions, and trouble with coordination. He finished off by combining this with a star jump.
Samwise, as usual, was bouncing like a rubber ball and twirling like a spinning top. The instructor showed him how to bounce on his back, using his legs to keep the bounce going. He had us in fits when he couldn't quite do it, and we christened his new move "The fish out of water".
A breakthrough for Frodo, after 3 weeks of attending, as he finally perfected the seat drop - a basic move, but an achievement for a boy who has difficulty following instructions, and trouble with coordination. He finished off by combining this with a star jump.
Samwise, as usual, was bouncing like a rubber ball and twirling like a spinning top. The instructor showed him how to bounce on his back, using his legs to keep the bounce going. He had us in fits when he couldn't quite do it, and we christened his new move "The fish out of water".
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Fun on the Ferry
We managed to get tickets for the third year running for "Family Fun on the Ferry". Yesterday was a bright, sunny and calm Saturday morning for a fabulous ferry trip, up and down the Mersey, with various activities and music put on for the children. Some photos below.
We booked a babysitter for the evening, and went out for Tapas at Lunya - a Catalan Fusion Restaurant in the City Centre. The food was excellent - will go there again. Finished off with a couple of beers in "The Living Room" and "The Newz Bar" before catching a late bus home.
Lazy Sunday today. Got some exercise, and risked a few injuries, by digging out my old skateboard and giving the boys a lesson in "sidewalk surfing". Some teenagers glided down the street shouting unhelpful comments whilst we were tumbling about - they were making it look easy. Both boys began to find their balance after a few turns.
We booked a babysitter for the evening, and went out for Tapas at Lunya - a Catalan Fusion Restaurant in the City Centre. The food was excellent - will go there again. Finished off with a couple of beers in "The Living Room" and "The Newz Bar" before catching a late bus home.
Lazy Sunday today. Got some exercise, and risked a few injuries, by digging out my old skateboard and giving the boys a lesson in "sidewalk surfing". Some teenagers glided down the street shouting unhelpful comments whilst we were tumbling about - they were making it look easy. Both boys began to find their balance after a few turns.
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