We had Beatrice's birthday party last Sunday - a bit early but because we wanted to do it together with two boys from her class and the school breaks up already next week (meaning many people will leave) it had to be that early. It was a very good day - at a kid's gym where they did the most fantastic games with the kids. Everything was pirate-themed, which was actually Beatrice's choice and not the boys! The games and props and music. The Philippina girl who lead the pack did really well, all 26 kids were perfectly under control and waited for their turn patiently if need be. We were quite amazed and thought this would be interesting for their teacher to see...

It was great to do it together with two other mums - didn't feel like one has to take care of everything and we actually had a chance to chat to other people and enjoy the party as well. The kids loved it so much, they didn't even want to eat the cake - just couldn't wait to get back to more games. At the end the parents were involved as well - tug rope and snowball fight. Was great fun.

The week has been busy with boys off school. On Monday we went to the Botanical gardens again and met the wife of a new colleague of Robert for a walk. We found some new spots like a cactus garden and visited the orchid garden for the first time. This was fantastic - the flowers as well as the layout of the whole garden. There was a part with fragrant orchids and the smells were unbelievable - like parfume. A small treetop trail led to the cool-house with orchids from high mountains. A great place to escape the heat for a while. We were lucky enough to have a visit there without injuries this time.

On Tuesday one of the boys friends from school came to play here with his brothers and mum. It was quite a funny sight taking 5 little blond boys to the pool. On Wednesday we met some other friends at an indoor playground. The superwisors there were kind enough and allowed us mums to go away shopping for a little while. After 3 hours the boys still didn't want to leave... .

On Thursday it was Beatrice's Christmas play at school. They had put up a massive production involving all infants children from nursery to Y2. Lots of music, songs and dances, fab costumes (I had helped to sew two angel's dresses) and stage. Really good in all. Beatrice had a few lines of her own and did very well. Raoul had taken his harmonica along and joined in the songs.