Monkey sales and woollies

We got the kids Saturday evening and had a slightly trying day with them on Sunday, as is often the case the first day they're with us. Minnie and Jim were a bit scratchy with each other, fo instance. However, we had a generally relaxing morning (I made pancakes with Nutella, which went down well) and then we went to the cinema to see the new Puss in Boots movie, which was pretty good as these things go. The kids liked it, but Jim asked me whether there was something to eat at least every 5 minutes. After that we had lunch at the Lucky Star (child-friendly Chinese buffet next to the cinema) and chilled at home for a bit. 

At 6 we all went to the carol service at St. Johns, which is where our friends the Finchams go. On the way we passed Morley, he girls' school, and he said "ooh that's where the monkey sale was!" Turned out he'd misheard "jumble sale" but we liked the idea of a monkey sale. The service turned out to be very traditional C of E and they couldn't have made it more child-unfriendly if they had tried. It was particularly boring for Jim because of course he can't read the words so he can't really sing along. I tried to get him interested in one of the anthems the choir was singing:

"Jim, listen to this music"

(pause)

"What does it make you think of?"

(pause)

"Wee and poo!"

Sigh. Most relieved when it was over after an hour and a half... Monday they were with Caroline and apparently all was calm and happy. They're all very excited about Christmas, especially as there are presents under our tree now :-)

So they did... stuff, while I was at work. C looked after them and I think they chilled, went to the shops and the park etc. Apparently an old dear in the Co Op said that Jim was a "little angel" but was less complimentary about Minnie. C not best pleased but I couldn't help feeling proud of the boy :-)

Tuesday I had an afternoon off. In the morning they painted and glittered things, and then painted and glittered themselves and pretended to be cannibals while singing Christmas carols. Obviously. 

They had a day bath, during which the following conversation took place:

Minnie: Amy! Don't kick me in the nuts!!

Amy : You haven't got any nuts you idiot.

Minnie: I have! I've got bits!

Jim: Yes, but you haven't got a woollie! <fx: stand up and waves "woollie" about>

We had a nice afternoon after some initial laptop-related tension, including lots of strange games involving putting sleeping bags on and pretending to be worms.

Took them back after tea, and everyone seemed happy, although Jim said he didn't want to go. No worries though. Moment of sadness after dropping him off at Exning, perhaps.