Standing up and bike riding!

So we've had quite an eventful weekend. Bloggers will/should be aware that Madeline started crawling last week. Not content with that she's now walking if given half a chance and also standing up at almost every opportunity. Hence the photo below, she got up against the blackboard on her own (Nick and I were talking with our backs to her) and started singing her own praises! So there we go.

Also, an impulse buy. We decided that Jessica needed a bike so, here follows a series of photos of Jessica riding and walking with a bike. She's not quite mastered pedalling, she keeps going backwards, but we're working on it!

Other than that, not much has been going on! So enjoy the photos.

Standing up - no help at all - eeeeeeeeeeeeekkk!!!! 

Camera shy! 

First attempts #1 

First attempts #2 

First attempts #3 

First attempts #4 

Walking 

Watching 

Wwweeeeeeeeeeeee! #1

Wwweeeeeeeeeee! #2

Last weekend!

So after photographic evidence of Nick and Liz ignoring their children, we have some more photos of people being more attentive towards them. Namely, Pete, Courtney, Andrew, Allison et al.

Yes, we had a visit from the (soon-to-be) Other Wylie Jnrs. They came - they saw - they (wisely) went. The boys went to see Palace hammer Coventry whilst Coutney and I gossiped and drank tea with children sleeping upstairs. It's a tough life! We had a big meal (in inimitable Liz and Nick catering style) and then we threw them out on Sunday morning in order to go to William Black's Christening.

Slightly more stressful, initially, until we acknowledged the 3 hundred other children who would potentially create a racket through the ceremony! Then we relaxed and let them go (as you will see). Some great chat and food afterwards "chez Black". Only one tantrum when we wanted a balloon - cue indulgent Honorary Uncle Andrew. Jessica's knight in shining armour.

Mary Poppins and playing 

Peek-a-boo! 

Feeding time at the zoo! 

Attentive ladies

Slightly less-attentive lady

Videographer, video-ing what Nick? 

Look... no feet! 

Proud parents & William 

Andrew (incapable of a "nice" face when having a photo taken) with Allison and the star of the show

Balloon stealing 

More news

Whilst waiting for the arrival of Pete and Courtney, the girls have enjoyed playing. "Allowing [them] to explore" I think is the posh term for ignoring them. And look what happens!

Just call me "Puss in Boots" #1

Just call me "Puss in Boots" #2

Just pretending to be Mary Poppins Mummy 

NEWSFLASH

Maddy appears to have mastered the technique of crawling this week. Although she still drags her left leg behind her, it doesn't appear to be hampering her ability to create mischief! And, with that licked, she wants to stand and walk.... sound familiar at all?!!!!!!!

Look Mummy!

Mmmmmmmmm ice cream!

Well, earlier this week, Madeline decided (as usual) that she deserved ice cream as well as Jessica, but her parents were being a little mean and not dragging the spoon across the bowl to get the last dregs. So......

I'll give her ice cream then, mean parents!