Recent family pictures. There's Shirley in her element at Christmastime with our three lovely grandchildren. Little Phoebe screwed her face up as three year olds are often wont to do at photo time. She is holding her cuddly friend - Monty the Sloth.
Below, still holding Monty, Phoebe has managed to get herself in Margot's cot. Two sisters together. I like the latent mischief in this photograph.
Phoebe will be four years old next week and we don't know what to buy her. After all she has got everything she needs and Christmas has only just passed us by.
I put a search into Google - "good birthday presents for a four year old girl" and most suggestions involved colourful plastic. Here in the western world, we give our children far too much plastic - mountains of the stuff.
Early next week, I think we will visit a branch of "Smyths" toy stores and the "Hobbycraft" store close by. I am sure we will find something for her there. She is surprisingly good at jigsaws. Maybe we will find her a 48 or 60 piece jigsaw to tackle. I plan to make her birthday card this year - not to save money but to give her the idea that to demonstrate one's love a card or gift might be handmade.
I am planning to drive Clint over to Hull tomorrow morning in order to watch Hull City's third round F.A.Cup match with Doncaster Rovers. Trouble is that I have acquired an irritating ticklish cough so I intend to head out to a supermarket shortly in order to pick up some throat lozenges.
Last weekend's snow continues to hang about, overstaying its welcome, but at least the temperature this evening is up to 0°C. Last night it was down to -5°C. The forecast is for much milder weather kicking in from Monday onwards. The sooner our pavements are ice-free the better.
We had expected snow yesterday but it squeaked by and headed north.
ReplyDeleteThose grand daughters are completely mischievous.
ReplyDeleteAdorable photos!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! The one with the girls in the cot, Margot looks just like you! Jigsaws are good gifts, so are books and maybe one or two things she will need for preschool? A pencil case or lunchbox or something school related so she learns how to use them.
ReplyDeleteYou surely are treasured with such precious grandchildren dear Yorkshire ❤️
ReplyDeleteShirley has held up well, in spite of the stress from who she married. The cot photo is funny.
ReplyDeleteIs there a safe way to walk on iced footpaths?
These are my favourite photographs you've ever shared with us! Margot is your image. Truly!
ReplyDeleteSometimes blood pressure meds can cause tickly coughs. I'm sure your lovely wife will confirm this.
It's a small world, I came across Shirley on a knit and natter group. I recognised your surname. She was asking for help on a cardigan she was knitting for Phoebe. Say hello from me.
Hope the football doesn't disappoint!
There's nothing latent about the mischiev in the eyes of the two sisters - they are openly lovely and mischievous at the same time! Love the strawberry wallpaper. And Margot can't deny having you in her family tree, look at her face!
ReplyDeleteA ticklish cough? Please be careful, Neil. Coughs, especially if they last longer than a week or so, can be leave lasting damage to your heart muscle and cause a lot of health issues even if you become aware of them months or years later. I am sure you know that, but I am not kidding - please be careful. (I know what I'm talking about. The bronchitis and cough I did not deal with properly when I was about 16 still has effects on my health now that I'm nearly 57.)
Lovely happy photos.
ReplyDeleteOur ice and snow has been replaced by drizzle now. Back to normal.
Have you discovered " Wicked Uncle" for kids presents? Lots of good ideas there.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Margot looks just like you in the cot photo.
I used to walk a dog called Margot . I always think of her when you mention your Margot.
All grandchildren are cute, yours are beautiful as well, I love their mischievous faces.
ReplyDeleteHow do the salt gritters drivers get to work? What smashing family photos to look back at YP.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of the grandchildren and Shirley. A jigsaw sounds an ideal gift for Phoebe.
ReplyDeleteShowing children that we can make things is a great idea. They might then want to try themselves. You could help her.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely snapshot of family life! It’s clear that Phoebe and her siblings bring so much joy, and the thoughtfulness you put into finding the perfect birthday gift is heartwarming. I hope the trip to the toy stores goes well, and that your cough clears up soon! The snow and cold weather do seem to be lingering, but hopefully, the milder weather will make a welcome change. I just shared a new post; let me know what you think. Have a lovely weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat to buy a four year old, her first mobile phone? A tablet computer? Books, always books and more books.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see the joy in the little things, like her bond with Monty the Sloth and her playful spirit. As for her birthday gift, it’s heartwarming that you're considering something meaningful like a handmade card, and the jigsaw idea sounds perfect for her.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the weather’s been quite challenging with the snow and cold, but I hope it warms up soon and gives you a break from the ice.
I just shared a new post; let me know what you think. Have a lovely weekend ahead.
Your wife is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo are your grandchildren.
Children Phoebe's age seem to have a natural ability to solve jigsaw puzzles. And they often love them! Good choice for a gift.
You have your hands full with those little tinkers!
ReplyDeleteGreat family photos, Neil. It's fun to give experiences for a birthday gift, too - like a trip to an aquarium, zoo, museum, movie, or fun park. Then let them pick a small souvenir to remember the day.
ReplyDeleteLook at those chubby little feet! The littles are growing up and oh so adorable.
ReplyDeleteI think giving Phoebe a handmade card and non-plastic gift is an excellent idea! Be sure to tell us what you find for her.
ReplyDeleteYou know, the little one looks like her grandpa.
ReplyDeleteThe picture with your wife on the sofa and the grandchildren are brilliant thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteDo you have 'Melissa and Doug' toys there? They are very popular here. A lot of wooden toys for all ages.
ReplyDelete