Snufkin

Does this really need any more explanation?

What's that you say? A smidge more? Oh alright then....

So... 'The Craze' de jour is, as previously mentioned, The Moomins. 'The Craze' is primarily being adimistered through Mr CleanSlate reading the books to No.1 son*. It's been a journey of highs and lows. Sometimes the Hemulen has to climb a pole to escape the Hattyfatteners**, sometimes the Ant Lion is being a bit scary***, sometimes a 4 year old rascal is just a total wimp.... As I say, we're exploring new lands and testing the boundaries of a sensitive child :-) Bless him.

Still, it's one of those, 'I know, you be a hattyfattener, and I'll be <insert character here>' phases. We support, encourage and delight in his imagination, but heck, I'm glad when he's gone to bed. A slightly more foolish loving Mr CleanSlate this afternoon offered to make Moomin Masks with him. This is Snufkin, as crafted by Daddy <what do you mean, you can see where he gets his perfectionist streak from??>

No.2 son and I went to the park to avoid the proceedings and climbed the mini hills and stomped down them like elephants. I know that most people do this stuff with their kids, but why do I get such funny looks when I'm trumpetting away, careering down a hill and landing in a heap with a shrieking child?? Oh, wait...

Now, I'm reading this back and realising I'm only telling you the good bits and I'm missing out all the ways in which today was a total nightmare. So settle down ;-)

No.2 son is NOT better yet and is a total grump. He was up at 6 and has grumbled his way through the whole day (elephant hills, aside) Banana wise - only 3 small pieces were consumed, the rest floudering, squished through his fingers and the plate hurled to the floor - breaking and making no.1 son cry at the abrupt passing of the Thomas plate (I told you he was sensitive)

We have a fabulous, recently created, moniker for no.1 son :-) Whingey Bob the Grump****. He is the alter ego to Lovely Boy, the Lovely. When he appears we bemoan the loss of Lovely Boy, the Lovely and remarkably, sometimes he reappears. Not so much today. Except obviously in this pic, taken <sheepishly> on auto, so as not to miss the moment. Note Mr CleanSlate's hand in the background, still adjusting the straps!

Also it rained a lot.

I played with the boys whilst Mr CleanSlate did some work and riled them up sufficiently so that no.2 son tripped and fell onto the sofa (aren't they supposed to be soft) and scraped and banged his head. I'm mildly concerned he might wake up in the morning with a black eye.

I also taught unstable, wobbly, unpredictable no.2 son the actions to Dingle Dangle Scarecrow which it turns out, might have been a mistake :-O

Oh, there's more, but I'm done :-)

Happy Saturday everyone...

* Is it still a book when it's on the iPad?? No.1 son is not allowed to spend too much time watching TV or playing on the computer, which we have categorised as 'electronic time', but today he said he couldn't read any more of the book, because it was electronic. Grrrr, the subtleties of modern technologies.

**Go on, google it, you know you want to ;-)

***Actually that one was just in the title of the chapter, but you get the idea

****Don't panic, Whingey McClingey from Donaldson Dingey will also remain!