Day 600: Snowy submarines

17/03/2023

Monday morning began with a wet walk to nursery, big smiles for Eloise though because she got to crack out her umbrella and hunt for puddles.

In the morning, Lachlan had Super Mum all to himself and was enjoying preparing scones for lunch.

There were no issues finding a comfy spot for lunch.

Monday night, Super Mum had finished off her new project, just in time for Juju’s birthday on Tuesday.

Monday night we just managed to stay up long enough to hear the enormous announcement! I am not sure which was more surprising,  tearing up the French Program and the birth of AUKUS or the fact that “Australian nuclear submarine program to cost up to $368b as AUKUS details unveiled in the US”, which equates to just over $15,000 per Australian, as in each Australian! In what will be “‘greatest industrial undertaking’ in Australian history”.

After taking onboard a few US Virginia-class boats perhaps the most interesting part of the contract was that “in the meantime, design and development work will continue on a brand new submarine, known as the SSN-AUKUS, “leveraging” work the British have already been doing to replace their Astute-class submarines”. Somehow “Anthony Albanese says 20,000 jobs will be created in Australia to support AUKUS deal”. Who knows? Perhaps we won’t be making it home next year?

After the pathetic arctic blast last week, we had given up wishing for snow. However, Tuesday morning we were up bright and early with a half-decent dusting.

The kids could not believe it, snow in March, they bolted down the stairs and outside. Super Mum struggled to get Lachlan’s boots on as he made his way for the back door. There was plenty to play with but not quite enough for Olaf to pay a visit.

An incredible start to the day, we still get a real buzz from the snow. However, Lachlan then noticed that his favorite dinos on his boots were getting covered in snow and he was not happy that he could not see all his dinosaurs. Big problem.

After a bit more tomfoolery Lachlan dusted off his dinosaurs and resumed his preferred breakfast scone-eating position in the lounge room.

Over breakfast, the snow kept falling until it was time to walk Eloise to nursery. “More wintry weather forecast after snow shuts Shetland schools”. Eloise’s nursery was still open but it was admittedly the longest and most entertaining walk to drop her off.

After some chill time, we packed back into the car and headed to Eden Mill to celebrate Juju’s birthday! Sadly though our pathetic Spanish car was not having any of that. Worried we were going to slide off the hill like last year we had to turn back.

Lachlan was disappointed we could not make it to Juju’s but made the most of the snow falling out the front.

Snow really is pretty to watch falling from the sky. However, it does make it tricky to walk Lachlan to sleep as he tries to stick his hand out to catch the falling snowflakes with a constant chuckle.

In the afternoon, after dashing Eloise from nursery to dance, Lachlan stocked up on new books, bagging a couple more dino books for the week. We then finally managed to get to Juju’s to wish her a big happy birthday.

Look what else Lachnado managed to find, he is getting pretty good at the scooter these days.

Wednesday we noticed that the kids’ plants were starting to sprout, we had to bring them inside so they did not freeze, there are bulbs popping up all across Scotland right now.

For dinner, Liam lucked out with a delicious nippon kitchen work dinner. Very tasty, we may have to come back here, Eloise would love to be able to order her own bento box.

Eloise was sad that dad was not home to read her a bedtime book, after a big day she fell fast asleep snuggling Paddington and her pretend iPad.

Thursday started as most days do, Lachlan drawing dinos. Eloise gets a real thrill using her new scissors and used them to cut the dinos out for Lachlan, they have quite the production line.

This morning the four of us headed to Eloise’s nursery as we had a short meeting with Eloise’s teacher. She was happy with Eloise and mentioned that she gets on well with the other kids, there is a couple she does dance with which she is getting quite close to. Afterwards, Dad nicked the car and left us in the rain so we dashed to the new local Costas to stay dry and for snacks.

On Thursday, submarine news was still on the front page of most Australian media outlets with South Australian Premier, “Peter Malinauskas [visited] the United Kingdom, where he has met with Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk and toured BAE Systems’ facilities in Barrow-in-Furness, where Australia’s first SSN-AUKUS nuclear submarine will be built”. While the Australian Premiers argue where the nuclear waste is going to go the UK “Government signs £2.9m Moon base nuclear power deal with Rolls-Royce”. We might now step away from the submarine commentary for the time being.

In other news, Snoop D.O. Double G is in da house, receiving a Scottish welcome.

This morning Super Mum was off with Janet to the seven lochs area as they have started volunteering by interviewing Glaswegians for an oral history project which will be collated online. Let’s hope they will be able to understand them, we’ll keep you posted. Thankfully, Jo and Emma were happy to look after the Rugrats again. They sounded like they had a fantastic time. Jo was quick to learn Lachlan’s two favorite words “snack” and “yes” before eating them out of house and home. Massive thank you again Jo.

After picking up Eloise and Lachlan at midday, although they did not want to leave, we hit the Milngavie Markets in search of Mother’s Day gifts. Eloise picked up a plaster model to paint and Lachlan chose a bar of chocolate.

After a quick walk around the block, Lachlan fell asleep for his afternoon nap. Eloise who was anxious we were running out of time started her masterpiece, she was loving the painting.

Eloise did a nice job and just as she finished, right on cue Lachlan woke up full of energy and ready for action.

I wish I had half the energy Lachlan does. Exhausted, Eloise and I took a seat and Lachlan treated us to some traditional Highland Dancing.