Great Exhibition of the North

We picked up Nathaniel from nursery and went to Ella’s sports day. Her dad and his mum also came. Ella was 3rd in her race with the bat and beanbag and won her running race so was very proud of her stickers. She’d had a good day as she got a special certificate for fabulous work in English, and next year she will go up to the class of the teacher she wanted. (She likes her because she is kind and has pretty hair). Most of her friends will be in the same class.

Her Dad went home to sleep ready for night shift and Nanny Sue went off too. We got the metro to town. First I went to the bank to get authenticated bank statements for the last 3 months which are one of the many requirements for my Pakistan visa.

Then we went at Nathaniel’s request, to the Hancock. They were both fascinated by the Damien Hirst shark in Formaldehyde. They had heaps of questions for the volunteer who was very kind and patient. Ella was less interested in the shark than the rainbow effect the installation gave off if she stood in a certain place.

After that they tried out cartwheels and rolly pollys on the grass outside. She taught him how to be a wheelbarrow by holding his legs while he walked along on his hands. When he collapsed to the ground he said his wheelbarrow was broken.

As a treat we stopped in the bookshop so that they could get a book each. Ella got a Paddington one as she thought she’d be able to read it in her head, and he chose a Moomins one. I wish i’d got him some moomin related stuff when we were in Finland but I didn’t know he was into them.

They had Chicken Korma for tea at the street food cafe at then I caved in and let them share a Rocky Road from Arlo. Sticky mess on hands and face and a displeased mummy to cope with next.