We’ve had two little ones staying with us
My wife Vee has two nephews and one of them has two children: Yasmin (8) and Lucas (almost 6). Since they have now begun their Easter break from school. we have just had the two kids to stay with us for two days and two nights (only their second sleep-over with us).
Together with their mummy and daddy, we started with a dinner out at a local branch of “Frankie & Benny’s” in Harrow where both the children enjoyed spaghetti bolognese and ice cream sundae. The first night with us is always a little bit of a trial in getting them to sleep, but mummy and daddy helped before leaving them to us and it was lovely to have little ones asleep in the house again.
Next day started when the youngsters woke us up at 7 am. We spent the day visiting the Natural History Museum in central London which was crowded but fun. Both kids came away with a gift: a cuddly toy – a long-eared rabbit christened Bella – for Yasmin and a 23-piece plastic dinosaur adventure set for Lucas. Back at home, they watched a DVD which we had bought them to keep: the wonderful Walt Disnety animation “Frozen” [my review here].
Both kids are very creative. So, after the film, Yasmin designed a special “Frozen” cake on my iPad and Lucas built a Lego Star Wars V-19 Torrent Starfighter. Dinner was yummy fish & chips. The second night actually proved no easier at getting them to sleep but, in the end, I lay down with them for a while to calm and comfort them and that did the trick.
Vee with Lucas & Yasmin at South Kensington
underground station which serves three museums.
Yasmin & Lucas in the mammal section
of the Natural History Museum
Two species of monkey in the
Natural History Museum
The next day was an even earlier start: 6.40 am. We went to a morning showing of the 3D version of the animated film “Rio 2” [my review here] which we all found colourful and joyful. Still in Harrow, we had lunch at a local branch of “Prezzo”. Yasmin demolished a large calzione followed by ice cream, while Lucas has spaghetti again (this time with meat balls) and then profiteroles (his first time).
Yasmin & Lucas about to see their first film in 3D
At this point, it was time for Vee to drive the kids back home to Egham before she drove to visit her twin sister near Bognor Regis for a couple of days. For me, it was back to work after a most enjoyable interlude – the children were a sheer delight.
The best exchange of the visit –
Roger:”Lucas, did you hear what we said?”
Lucas: “I heard – but I wasn’t listening.”
April 8th, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Hi,
I stumbled on your website today and it is so fascinating. I’m a writer myself and I’ve found your short stories absolutely delightful! Keep them coming, I’ll be sure to stop by often
Cheers!