4Cats Art Studio for Kids

During the summer my kids went to 4Cats. It is a fantastic place for kids to paint, create, play with clay and learn about artists. They painted the pirate ships as per the image and they made a small cup and an owl with clay, plus a paper mache animal. They are now on full display on a shelf. They are amazing pieces of work any artist would be proud of.

Wish I had a kids art studio to go to as a kid.

xxx

Vancouver Zoo

A fantastic, hot summers day at Vancouver Zoo was had by all. My eldest got to handle the baby bird pictured, a kestrel which was in-training and I was able to handle a 2lb owl, it was lovely. We saw the lions fed and we saw many animals, like giraffes, a black panther and hippos.

It is a lovely kept zoo with a great environment. It is lovely to walk or cycle around and there is plenty of food available for your little gannets. Definitely going again. 

Back in Canada

Another epic return to Canada. Moving back to England was lovely; able to be with my parents at any point and the kids were able to visit, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents. My kids met a girl at school who's mum ran a livery yard, so they were able to visit and ride the ponies. I also got back into the saddle. But we had to come back to Canada due to work and it was a sad and stressful return, particularly as the kids were settling into a school routine, making friends and enjoying the countryside fresh air and having access to London.

Our return has been a good one, we have had amazing weather and we are doing a lot of great things with the kids, posts to come.

xxx

Natural History Museum London and Rainforest Cafe

The day before our flight we visited the Natural History Museum and the Rainforest Cafe.  A fun event for the kids and adults alike. 

Natural History Museum

Rainforest Cafe

T-Rex

Rock climbing for kids

My little girl rock climbing with her uncle who is very good at the real thing. A little reassurance needed but she got there step-by-step. Well done for trying, it was a bit scary. Very proud mummy.

Nothing like getting your kids to try something new. As it happens she was the only little girl there, all the others were boys. Great confidence builder and good for self esteem, try something that is a little scary but the achievement of getting just a little way up the wall can bring on a big smile. 

Not just for boys!

Snow

We have snow lots of snow. So we went sledging, making snowmen and snow angel imprints.

Interviewing my kids

I love the Artful Parent, the author of the site, Jean, shares inspirational activities for kids, including art, baking and creating. More recently she interviews her children and I though it would be a great idea to have a go and interview mine. It is a great way to get conversation going and to listen to what they have to say and think about what is is they are telling me.

Interview with Melissa age 6 and Victoria age 4:

What is your favourite colour?
M: Pink and Purple
V: Green and Blue

Who is your best friend?
M: Millie, Hannah and Amelia
V: Abby and Violet

Do you like your school?
M: Yes
V: Yes

What do you like best about school?
M: Playing with friends and working hard
V: Playing with toys and my friends

What is your favourite subject?
M: What is a subject? Writing and reading.
V: Painting and glitter, sparkling

What was your best thing(s) about Christmas?
M: My doll and my lion and having a nice family. I like my slinky.
V: New toys that Santa gave me, slinky, I love my princess doll and my teddy.

What sort of work would you like to do when you are all grown up?
M: Working on a computer and writing. Writing a book. Learn about new things.
V: Play on a computer, look out and see fish.

Which toy is your best?
M: My lion.
V: My teddy

What do you most like about having a sister?
M: It is fun with my sister and she does what I want sometimes. To play together.
V: Playing ball with her and airplanes.

Melissa wanted to add a question:

Why do my mum and dad work so hard?
M: To pay for the house

Victoria wanted to add a question:

Why does my mum take me to school?

V: Because you do.