Milestones

Two weeks ago Benedict attended his very last appointment in the paediatric diabetes clinic.  As from now on he will be attending the diabetes hub in another part of the hospital.  We haven't been cast adrift without any support however, as his paediatric consultant and specialist nurse are still involved in his care until he is nineteen.  To mark the occasion, he kindly endured a silly selfie moment in the chidren's ward corridor, right in front of 'The Weaver' painting that featured in our very first December Photo Project many moons ago!

The next milestone involves a haircut and a city break in Edinburgh!  As I write Pip is attending her first ever trip away with Guides.  I dropped her off at the station for 6pm and will collect her around 5pm on Sunday.  On the way home Dave and I had a quiet meal in one of the local eateries nearby and Ben thoroughly enjoyed his curry for one complete with onion bahjis and an alcohol free beer!

 Pip has been desperate for short hair and waited patiently for her hair appointment which was on Wednesday.  Lydia did a great job and not only does she suit it, her hair is much more manageable :-)

These photos were taken in the Salon whilst Lydia was also taking some photos to add to the Salon's photo gallery on social media.  She did ask my permission to take the photos and to share them.  

 All packed and ready to go!

Lighting A Fire On Martinmas

Monday afternoon was our usual monthly Forest School meet up and the challenge was to make your own fire and cook s'mores over the flames.  It was raining 'cats and dogs' and blowing a hoolie but we wrapped up warm and sheltered under the pop up Vango porch and make shift tarp.

 A metal colander makes a great mini fire pit and Pip is using a flint and steel to make her fire.  She was well practised since she had made a fire during the Beacon Fell Adventure camps in the summer.

Pip enjoyed making and eating her s'mores and we were both grateful for a warm drink as it was mightily cold!

We are still yet to make our lantern and sing a song as it has been busy at this end.  I am declaring tomorrow as a faith and catch up day, so there'll be reading, making and hopefully a spot of baking.  

Skill Sharing :: Halloween :: Another Badge

Pip's last task for her bronze arts award was to plan, prep and lead an arts session.  She chose an animal from the artimee youtube channel, it was a Christmas polar bear holding a mug of hot chocolate.  

Her first task was to break down the character into sequential steps and write a prompt alongside each numbered image. Once she had done this she then made a ' mock up' of the bear which was then incorporated into a Christmas card.  She did a really great job leading the session and was confident in speaking and her instructions were clear.  The group really enjoyed the session and gave very positive feedback which has been added to her folder.  Her bronze award is now completed but cannot be submitted until the New Year once she is eleven, however she can already begin working on her silver award :-)

 Making final preparations for the skills session.

Pip's card for Beth.

 Makes a change, I'm the assistant and not the teacher!

 Showing and telling and that cute bundle of fluff is actually Oscar a really sweet pup :-)

 Colouring in our cards.

Adding washi tape edging.

Before setting off for the arts award session we had a lovely visit from my brother Col.  It was good to catch up and he even had time to stay for some lunch.  I used the pumpkin flesh to make a spicy pumpkin soup served with savoury scones.  Pip was entirely responsible for carving the pumpkin as she is now working on her whittling badge!  She had already completed the second challenge which was to carve a toasting stick for marshmallows, this was done at the last forest school meeting.  So the pumpkin cat was stage one out of the way:

Happy Saints Day!  xx