Rachel, Owen and Kathryn

Often these days Katy can get so engrossed in what she's drawing that it's like she's on another planet. Now she has finally mastered the tripod (or pincer) grip for her pens she seems to take even more pleasure in using them. I arrived home from work to find Owen busy with clients who has arrived early and Katy busy with a series of illustrations. "How was your first day back at school, Katy?" Silence. "Hello?" Silence. "Earth calling Katy!" Slightly irritated: What is it, earth?

Which is also the title of a tune played by Owen's quartet at the Sip Club earlier this week.

 One of the great things about living in Bramley Avenue is that children of different ages at different schools can all do things together - even neighbours who have moved away (for Carl and Sukie that means a one hour drive to get back here). We had a spooktacularly good time tonight!

Bedtime conversation tonight between mother and daughter: R: Goodnight, princess. K: I'm not going to BE a princess, princesses are GIRLY, I'm going to be a VET! R: Excellent! <breathes inward sigh of great relief>

Two rather different certificates earned in one day during the summer holidays.

Doing some housekeeping on the laptop, and came across this info from December 2009. Interesting that the basic outlines of her daily routine are still quite similar at nearly 6 years old ... except that we go upstairs at 7pm but she's often not settled and asleep until closer to 9pm! About Katy’s routines This is an outline of Katy’s typical timetable. It’s not set in stone but many babies need predictable elements in their day, and these are the timings she’s used to. Mornings: she tends to wake about 6 but I can keep her quiet for a while. She usually has breakfast at   7.15 but may sleep longer on holiday. Lunch: about 12 noon Napping: she doesn’t, unless taken for a quiet walk in the buggy or drive in the car. It’s important we engineer at least one nap. Tea:   usually 5:45 to 6pm She will eat most food but her portion needs to be allowed to cool a little. For an early family meal she can sit up at table with her booster seat, but newspaper on the floor ...