Somehow it is February. I thought spending the summer holidays entertaining two children, might drag a bit, but it flew past. We did lots of museum visits, playing at home, and jumping on the trampoline under the sprinkler. We went ice skating, inspired by Peppa Pig and their very talented figure skating uncle*. And then there was preparation for the boy child to start school - new school shoes, picking out a lunch box, and sewing on name tapes. He had his first day last week and is very happy - he was so excited to wear his uniform at last, and to head off in to the world and learn new things. Luckily he ended up in a class with some friends and a teacher who is meant to be lovely, so that is the best start either of us could have hoped for. I do feel a a bit nostalgic about him starting school, because it really seems like no time ago at all that he was a tiny baby, but growing up and learning new things and tackling new stages in life is exactly what he should be doing, so I am happy and excited for him too.
So now we are all settling in to a new term time routine, of packing lunch boxes, washing uniforms and the girl child and I beng home together during the day. I have booked her in for ballet and gymnastics, which she is absolutely loving, and has had a sudden language explosion. Ali is doing well getting himself dressed in the mornings, and I'm remembering to pick up extra groceries to make sure we have things to put in the lunchbox, and have been doing some baking. My favourite is still this muffin recipe - such a good way to use up bananas that have got a bit too sweet.
It's six months now since we moved house and I'm still working on getting everything tidy and finished. There's furniture to be sanded, pictures to be framed. I've been sorting through the cupboards and giving away things we don't need or don't use or don't like. I've finally accepted that even if I really love a piece of fabric, if I haven't used it in the past five years and don't have immediate plans for it I should probably pass it on, so I've sorted through a big box of fabric and craft books and yarn and will have a stall at the Stash and Treasure sale in Marrickville next weekend. I'm excited about freeing up some space and sending out the fabric that's been neglected in the craft room on to a new home.
* Edited after protest by said uncle
