Squeezing the last out of the summer sunshine before our old friend the sandpit is retired for the winter.

There are days when Bobbin seems to grow up a whole new level and we have to take a second to realise we're entering a whole new phase. I'm sure they're commonplace milestones but when you're so wrapped up watching your child moment by moment its startling to realise they're suddenly capable of a whole spectrum of new activities. Two from this weekend: the determined, deliberate dragging of the chair across the kitchen floor...positioning it precisely...clambering up...and shovelling in the chocolate fingers - it took a moment to realise this was a well laid plan; outgrowning the range of grobags so we've bought a cot duvet and pillow - she's entranced to realise she can stand and attempt to climb out unimpeded at any point in the night now.