Our jungle

Wow what a green jungle, but the amazing apples on the trees have already been picked, cooked and eaten or frozen-hoorah!

We'll have our work cut out clearing it all!

Our New Garden

We have been celebrating because we finally own our new land we have purchased behind our current (tiny) garden. We feel so lucky to live in London and be able to gain more outside space. We have already bought the first essential item-this wonderful child bench which will eventually find a lovely spot for them to sit on between gardening or just playing outside. We have a LOT of work to do before that can happen as it's so overgrown, but at least we have already been enjoying the delicious apples from our very own apple trees and the kids even had some yummy home-made apple crumble for lunch this week! Watch this space for some pictures of the jungle as we begin to tame it.

Fire Drill Practice

Because fire safety is so important for the children to understand from an early age, we make it a fun game. The older children made a fire escape plan which is on the wall in the playroom and we practice leaving the house safely and calmly. This is something we talk about regularly so the children know what to expect in case we ever had to. Lets hope not!

Our new friend

Despite being off for the whole summer for a well earned rest (and some very wet camping in Wales) I did some settling in sessions with my new little boy who has now joined me for 2 days a week. He and my daughter have taken a real shine to each other and give each other hugs and kisses at any opportunity -so sweet. He has settled in really well now and although having 3 small ones to care for is tough at times, it's also very rewarding as I get to watch them developing and learning together. They all get on famously well and haven't really learned to fight over toys yet...sure that won't be too far away though!

Tooting Leisure Centre Playzone

The summer holidays need great activities to take kids to so the balls pit and playzone is fabulous fun! After I tried to bury my little daughter in them she still managed to wriggle out giggling! I was amazed she had any energy left after a good session in the teaching pool practicing her under water swimming from Water Babies lessons I take her to on a Friday (when I'm not childminding!).

Picnic on the Common

Thank goodness I took advantage of the good weather while we had it and took the kids for plenty of picnics on the common. On this particular day we met some friends, sat on a rug under a lovely tree (babies in the shade, mum's legs in the sun!) played and tried to eat leaves-that's the babies not me....and then they crashed out for a lovely nap in their buggy before a stroll home in the sun. Shame about the weather for the rest of the summer!

Play Dates

Play dates are a perfect way to create an instant playgroup full of all your favourite friends-both for the babies and the mums. Not to mention great support for me when I have more children than everyone else and need to change a nappy -I know the babies are safe in other child friendly houses. And of course there's a whole new selection of great toys to play with. On this day the babies all stood around this playcentre and looked so cute, amazing to see how strong their little legs are getting.