03/03/2023
Monday morning we were up before the kids. We tiptoed about the house getting ready for the day before waking them up and settling them in their car seats. It was then super speed to Glasgow Central, Super Mum had a 06:30 train to London. It was early and cold but Super Mum was traveling solo, no tricky trains today.
With Super Mum off the scene, Eloise had been promoted to Runner of the House. When we got home Eloise was busy explaining to Lachlan the plan for the day before helping him out of the car.
Once we had all properly woken up and finished breakie the kids gathered their toys for a winners take all penalty shootout to see who would have to do the dishes.
After enough hooliganism for one morning, Eloise sprung into duty getting Lachlan ready for the day, much to Lachlan’s amusement. However, Eloise drew the line at doing Lachlan’s nappy. Although she seemed equally concerned with Dad doing it, “Dad, do you know how to do nappy? You have not done nappy for a really long time, Dad, Dad, really long time”. After Eloise’s encouraging words there were more to follow, after suggesting Eloise’s clothes for the day, those ideas were quickly shot down “mmm I don’t think so Dad, not for nursery, no, that’s not normally how Mum does it”.
By this stage, Super Mum was nearing the border of England. We were in a bit of a pickle today, Lachlan’s Glaswegian Grandmother was now on the other side of the world after the secondees attempt to crowdfund Grandma Jennine’s extension had fallen through. Thankfully, Janet had saved the day again and had agreed to party with Lachlan for the day.
It was a lovely day for a walk in the always busy London. Just after midday I made my way to Australia House, more commonly known as Gringotts Bank. We were short of Vegemite and annoyingly had to renew my passport which expires next year before we can extend our visas. Australia had just announced potentially big delays with receiving the new R series passport, so we figured it was better to tackle this sooner rather than later with the holiday season upon us.
Once official duties were complete, I had a few hours to explore London at my own pace. I moseyed down to the River Thames and towards Big Ben.
I thought I’d go say “G’day mate” to ol’ mate Kingy, but he rudely was not in so continued on my way.
Meanwhile, Lachlan was having an absolute ball heading over to visit his pals with Janet.
After a fun day with Janet who had done an amazing job at tuckering him out, massive thank you again Janet, we headed to collect Eloise from nursery. The evening was spent playing shops where Eloise made sure to read every packet to see if the toy products had milk in them for Lachlan.
Lachlan gobbled down his dinner, Eloise was not too sure but settled in the end for spaghetti on a stick.
Eloise was helpful during the bedtime juggle, making sure Lachlan got washed properly and had plenty of time to play with his beloved dinosaurs.
After quite a long time rocking Lachlan, he was finally out for the count. By this stage, Eloise had put herself to bed after a big day at nursery and looking after her wee bro and Dad.
Around 22:00 Super Mum arrived home after a big up and down to London. Social Media in Scotland was going crazy as “stargazers in England have been treated to a spectacular light show, with the northern lights stretching across the UK in a rare display. While it’s not uncommon to see the northern lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis, in Scotland and northern parts of the UK, strong solar activity and clear skies meant that people in areas as far south as Kent and Cornwall also got to enjoy the show”. Although “Skye, the Western Isles and Moray coast were among the places with the best views”. We contemplated a quick dash up to Loch Lomond but decided against waking the kids after a big day by all. According to our FIK correspondent on the floor, Kirrie, “half of Scotland was at Loch Lomond but sadly it was too cloudy”.
Tuesday, the cuddly Koala was working on counting at nursery while Lachlan bagged his first Munro.
On Wednesday Eloise was super brave as we made our way to get her double injections. She had no concerns whatsoever, although as we were leaving quietly told me “Mum, I did not want two”.
It had been a long day Wednesday with the Canadians which finished with another delicious spicy Ka Pao dinner. On a chilly night, the Canadians were making the most of it having experienced -42°C a couple of months ago.
Wednesday night it was South Australia’s turn for a night show, “South Australians capture wonders of Aurora Australis in pictures”.
Thursday morning, the kids are always excited and in a good mood as it’s the first day of the week home together with Super Mum. Eloise and Lachlan had a lot to catch up on.
Thursday night we finally got around to watching Full Swing which has obviously been quite popular in Scotland, it was interesting to see what happened at the 150th Open at St Andrew’s last year and bizarre watching the sports great tee off on the same tee block I may have a couple of weeks ago.
This morning Eloise was up bright and early for calls with Australia while Lachlan was happily lazing about watching his beloved Dino Ranch.
We had to get out of the house in the morning and peel Lachlan away from Dino Ranch, rendezvousing with Emma at the local loch. The troublemakers were keen to see each other.
Since leaving Australia, Lachlan has been missing all the dogs, especially Delilah. He was determined to walk Spot, there was no convincing him otherwise.
After Eloise and Lachlan showed Emma their ducks, next stop the PG where Emma and Lachlan could challenge each other and who could go higher.
After so much fun at the PG both the girls could no longer walk and hitched a ride with Lachlan.
On Emma’s recent holiday, she thoughtfully brought Eloise back some souvenirs from the Highlands. Once Dad was home from work she was quick to show them to him.
The kids then demanded we all put our “sunny glasses” on and they took Dad back to the playground to show him what they had been up to all morning.
It was an exciting bedtime book tonight, a fantastic book based all throughout Scotland, great choice Emma.
[…] In London, it was a quick breakfast #kidfree and then back on the train to collect the kids. Super Mum is getting good at the London dash. […]