Today Arthur and Elliott spent all day playing. First they were sailing in a big box to find a ‘mysterious island’ then they were hosting a special tea party. Then they took it in turns to put the spout of the kettle in their mouths and jump on each other from a distance.

They were wild animals trapped in a cage and Arthur was a baby kitten who needed medicine. Elliott was Santa delivering presents with Arthur pulling him as rudolph. Then they were explorers and Elliott kept looking things up in his ‘cyclopedia’ which was actually a CBeebies magazine. Half an hour of chasing around the house tickling each other and screaming with laughter.

Finally they played at being Grandma and Grandpa. Elliott was Grandma. The best line of the day was Elliott saying to Arthur ‘fetch me my glasses darling I need them to read a special book full of lots of words’

Here they are in their boat eating the flum flum fruit that grew on the mysterious island.

This week has been very eventful for Elliott and Ari. They started Pre School. I think it’s actually called Play Group. In my day it was Nursery. Whatever, It’s all the same. We call it Play School because it sounds fun but slightly serious and well behaved too.

Their first day was a full day so they had to have a packed lunch. I dropped them off in the morning with Daddy. Luckily Suw (the nursery nurse who runs the toddler group we have been going to) was there to greet them and she ushered them in to the big hall and shoved us out the door. I made it as far as the car and just went to bits. I have no idea why, I think I just felt really protective over them and I was worried about how they would cope with all the bigger kids and not having me there.

I flapped around the house, did some work, had lunch, did some washing, began rearranging the lounge furniture and decided I needed to get out. I texted my friend Aisling who’s little girl, Ava, was starting play school with Arthur and Elliott. We met for coffee and a chat for an hour in Low Fell then walked up to pick up the kids.

Elliott and Arthur came bounding out and both gave me a huge hug. They were full of it, they had the BEST time. I was so relieved and happy. When we got home Elliott let out a big sigh and said,

Oh mummy you have made a right mess in here. Let’s work as a team to tidy it up.

I just cracked up! They helped me put the cushions back on the sofa and put the washing away and we had a little cuddle and chat about their day.

They went again yesterday and came out full of excitement having played knights and learned about springtime. When we got home I read them a story. Arthur told me they have to sit with their legs and arms crossed at story time in play school. He and Elliott demonstrated. I have put a picture of them doing it on this post. They are so cute.

They love the other children who all seem to be really sweet. I had a nice chat with one of the mums at collection yesterday who eulogised about the place. She said it was brilliant and apparently the ratio of staff to kids is really good. So it makes me feel loads better about picking it for Arthur and Elliott. I got so stressed and worried about it when they were little so it’s nice to feel like I made a good choice.

They seem to be changing every day at the moment. They seem to have real surges in development and when they do it is like you can see it happening it is so fast. I am really really proud of them. They are turning into the most lovely little people. I love you Arthur and Elliott. You rock my world.