Charlie Bit My Finger - Again !

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

from two very tired boys who are struggling to stay awake

To a fabulous 2012 for everyone

Charlie Bit Me - Knight Day - I don't want to die - our real life Skyrim

2011-12-30T05:44:00.000-08:00

Washing Machine Breakdown - ahhhhhhhhh!

2011-12-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

There are not many things that fill us with dread more than the washing machine breaking down. (Well of course there are plenty but I hope you know what we mean). Two days ago that is exactly what happened. Not only that it flipped the breaker on our fuse box (consumer unit) and kept doing so. Although that is another story because it took almost a day to discover it was just one part of the programme on the washing machine that was causing all the problems.

I order a new machine and two days later the replacement arrived. Not much of a story but made into one because one of the men delivering the washing machine spotted the title of the video on our computer and mentioned it. We then explained, hence;

The washing machine that broke down was a Bosch and to be fair it has lasted us about 8 years with at least two washes a day so I think it served us well. A couple of years ago I changed the motor and reckoned it was not worth messing with this time, especially over Christmas when the need is high and getting it working was not a guarantee. I could get a new one delivered next day if I sorted it out the same day. I bought it from www.appliancesonline.co.uk. I have used them a few times now and have always been happy with their service. I always feel I should pass on good experiences.

Doctor Who Experience

2011-12-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

Harry, Charlie and I went to the Doctor Who Experience today at Olympia (http://www.doctorwhoexperience.com/).

It was great to get up close and personal to a number of Daleks, Cybermen, all the other Doctor Who badies and goodies, inside of the Tardis and loads of other things.

There was an interactive part which the boys enjoyed - best not to give the details away

After that was an area to have your pictures super imposed on the Tardis

Here are the photo team :)

Sorry it's a bit blurry - so much back light

If you are still not sure in the last area is a Dalek you can get in side and control

God's father is a frog

2011-11-30T02:55:00.000-08:00

I do love having conversations with the boys, especially when Harry, Charlie and Jasper are together with me in the car. I can't get away and the conversations take loads of twist and turns.

This week we were talking about Charlie's nativity - he is an Angel. He asked how Jesus was born and why he had two dads. Very confusing to explain to a 5 year old. Anyway are about 5 minutes we worked out God's father was a frog. Simple.

Jasper has been a bit naughty this week - He had a hot chocolate in the lounge. I hate the boys eating and drinking in our lounge, Shelley does not - a bone of contention. Anyway Jasper spills his drink everywhere. Charlie spills some of his so no more drinks in the lounge. The following night Jasper is not allowed a Hot Chocolate. Harry and Charlie are sitting in the kitchen drinking theirs.

Jasper:    Can I have a drink
Daddy:    Yes, but you cannot have a hot drink
Jasper: I don't want a hot drink
Daddy:    Ok, what drink do you want
Jasper: Hot Chocolate

It's great to be a child, I am glad I have never forgotten.

Harry and Charlie in the Papers

2011-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

There was an article in the Sunday Times today. I always find it a shame that in the UK we ONLY focus on the financial aspects. The title of the article is 'Lights, Camera, Moolah for Daddy' I often answer questions for papers in other countries and they typically focus on the social impact of the clip. For example from a recent Brazilian journalist.

"At the blog, it's easy to see that you care a lot about letting your children remain just as this, children.
How important do you think is this, especially in these days when we can see so many parents that see their sons and daughters as little adults"

A couple of other questions;

How did your and your family lives have changed after the video?
Taking from now, four years after the video release, can you can see some negative aspect about this whole thing?

Out of interest Brazil is the second biggest viewers of our Channel.

I don't know how many times I need to tell journalist that we view the money from YouTube as a bonus which we bank for the future. We do not need it to live or make a living from it.

We are in a financial crisis and it is wise to look to alternative models for income. However is this the horse leading the cart or the cart leading the horse. Perhaps the problem is not lack of finance in these days but the overriding trend of people to be so focused on it that it drives greed and envy.

If we did not borrow we would not be in debt. Is borrowing really a necessary model for financial planning?

UK journalist. How much do you make. How often. Yes you can make money but it is similar to playing the lottery or bingo or even being struck by lightning. Very slim chances of it happening.

I am currently working with Olympus on an article for their magazine. I am a big Olympus fan and always have been. Their article writer has asked some of the best questions I have seen. On par with most of the University thesis papers I am also asked questions for.

Charlie Bit My Finger - Halloween 2011

2011-10-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Long Grass Lions

2011-10-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Political Stance for Harry and Charlie

2011-10-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Harry and Charlie,
They are shooting ppl in Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia ---and US n France are biased for Libya and Ivory coast only....
Let's support the peace not the particular countries that pursue the US and French interests........
I wish your naturalistic video could bring peace to every country..
naresh21048
We do not take a political stance. There are always good and bad people involved in every conflict. Harry and Charlie are being brought up in a democracy and what I believe is a great democracy. Our children will also be free to choose their paths in life be it political, religious and we will guide and help their decisions. I do not take that for granted and respect the lives of thousands who have given us our place. I would wish this start in life for everyone in the world.
HDCYT

The Enormous Crocodile

2011-09-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Charlie had a Roald Dahl day at school and he was to go in as his favourite Roald Dahl character. He chose the Enormous Crocodile.

Whilst this may not be an amazing costume it took me two nights to make the head so it is worthy of a mention. I am particularly impressed that Harry decided to make a body (which didn't turn out to be very usable), as well as hands and feet that worked really well. Excellent work Harry.
.

This was taken a couple of weeks ago but again it is a costume totally made by Harry for Charlie. They spent most of the morning cutting and sticking.

Gone Fishing - Bibury Trout Farm

2011-09-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Gone Fishing

For some reason Harry wanted to go fishing. We looked around to see how we could arrange it and I was recommended Bibury Trout Farm, so we took the boys.

I have to admit as a introduction to fishing it was great albeit quite expensive. I don't really know if comparably it was an expensive day as it included the cost of our supper, but overall I felt it was worth it.

Harry realised fishing was not quite as much fun as he had thought. Pops excelled himself in gutting the fish, using a Priest, he did actually catch most of the fish as well. Yes the boys did watch the killing and gutting of the fish - well Harry mostly. We think it is important not to hide away some parts of activities if you have embraced taking part.

Fishing

We caught five pretty big trout for our tea with line and hook. None of the family are fishermen.

If you have never been here are some reasons to go:
Experience fishing without having to worry about the kit or catching fish or any skills!
The fish swim around a small river and if you are desperate they are close enough to scoop out with the net!
When the children decide it is boring there are other fish to watch and a play area.
Also, you can catch and BBQ at the farm.
The staff were very helpful

This was not aimed as a piece of publicity and we were not paid for it. I simply like giving a write up of something the boys enjoyed and something which may interest others.

The Family

2011-09-23T02:14:00.001-07:00

I know we don't post very often, but that is mainly because we will pretty hectic lives.

There are a number of priorities and updating blogs, twitter and putting up YouTube clips come pretty far down on the list. So if you are coming back to this blog every now and then, thanks.

We don't often get photos of the family it is lovely when we do

Just after this photo was taken we went to a maize maze. I do plan to make a Youtube video out of it as I tried to video the experience. It was quite funny as we were the only people in the maze and Harry decided he was going to lead.

Harry and Charlie's new house

2011-09-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

Harry and Charlie's new house

Add caption

No not really, just a National Trust visit.

Charlie Bit Me T-Shirts

2011-09-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

We have never made much of merchandising but did make some T-Shirts available on Zazzle a while back which proved quite popular. Hope you enjoy them if you got one. We have also never worn any shirts in public to draw attention to ourselves. However, when we sorted out a logo for the boys a couple of months back we decided to treat ourselves, and may wear them in future videos.

We chose the main YouTube page logo. However we also plan to use the other images ongoing, for example we have already started up askUS http://www.youtube.com/user/HDCYTaskUS

Rupert

Harry, Jasper and Charlie

There is a link on the right of the blog if you are interested. We don't stock or supply these shirts. They are made to order with Zazzle who we chose as they seem to have the best postage policy around the world.

Oliver and Finley askUS Charlie Bit Me

2011-09-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hidcote

2011-08-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

A lovely afternoon at Hidcote and the Maize Maze

It also gave us a great idea for a fun video we may try and do before the end of the summer.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hidcote.htm

New Video Camera

2011-08-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

We (Harry, Charlie and Daddy) tried out a new camera on the trampoline tonight. We are going to try some new videos. The difference being that Harry and Charlie can use this one hands free. It is also waterproof. We are looking forward to seeing the results. First run was good.

Charlie Bit Legoland 100

2011-08-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

Charlie Bit Me - Autotuned

2011-08-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Camping in the Garden

2011-08-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

As we could not go on holiday we put the tent up in the garden. The boys have now completed two nights in the tent. Night one was with Harry, Charlie and Jasper but night two Jasper decided to go back to his bed as night two was all about learning to go to sleep in the tent without Daddy lying next to you - although he was only a couple of metres away in the lounge, with the doors open.

The boys were really confident on night one until I pointed out that the doors needed to be zipped shut to avoid any animals coming in, such as foxes. Luckily lots of talk about cats diffused the situation

Mummy and Rupert were lovely and comfy inside the house.

Broken Toe

2011-07-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Harry broke one of his toes this week. One of his big toes to be more precise. He broke it on the second day of the summer holidays and four days before we were due to go on holiday which had to be cancelled. Worse things happen I guess.

Why Charlie Bit My Finger by Gerber

2011-07-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

What very lucky parents we are

2011-07-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm Not Frightened Of That One

2011-06-28T01:51:00.000-07:00

Rupert - Three Weeks Old

2011-06-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Add caption

Rupert

2011-06-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Harry, Charlie and Jasper are delighted to let everyone know about their new brother.

Rupert

Enter Dad of the Year Competition - Toblerone

2011-06-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have seen some pretty good competitions in my time, but nothing that incorporates Toblerone and a holiday in Switzerland. I would love Harry, Charlie and Jasper to be old enough to enter me, but alas not this year.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you want to crown your Dad with the prestigious title of ‘DAD OF THE YEAR’? Well, now’s your chance with limited edition 400g bars of Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate. Not only that, but your Dad could also be in with the chance of winning a fantastic four day trip for two to Switzerland, the homeland of Toblerone!

In partnership with Switzerland Tourism, your Dad could be whisked off on a trip for two to the 4* Hotel Schweizerhof in the idyllic Alpine town of Lenzerheide, where he can enjoy fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery and luxury spa treatment. Simply log on to www.toblerone.com a place which celebrates all that’s lovely and chocolatey about Toblerone, from the beginning of June and tell us why you think he deserves to win.

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As I know many of you like to know Harry and Charlie are not getting paid for this 'endorsement', it seemed like a great way to win Daddy something.

Elevator Etiquette

2011-06-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Castle Week - Complete

2011-05-29T02:44:00.000-07:00

Three very lucky boys

Thanks to Toby who did nearly all the work

Castle Week

2011-05-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

Castle Week

Harry, Charlie and Jasper should have this put up in the garden by the end of the week. What lucky boys they are. The garden is having to be modified to get everything sorted.

Matting arrives tomorrow along with some new swings.

New Blog Entries

2011-05-23T02:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who come here every now and then to have a read - apologies for not posting much recently. There is a reason, but more on that to come in the next couple of weeks.

I do love some of my conversations with Harry and Charlie. Last night at bath time;

Charlie: Daddy, Daddy, where is it [in a very agitated voice]. I need the diver, where is the diver?[pause for effect] I really need it [desperation face].
Daddy: Ok hang on I will try and find it. [look in the bath toys box (rummage, rummage) no diver]. Sorry I can't find him, he has gone. Will a lizard do?
Charlie: OK.

Music Fun LaDiDa

2011-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Dr Who

2011-04-11T02:29:00.000-07:00

I know in the scheme of things the new Dr Who series is being promoted and advertised all over the place. However we just saw an advert for it on Harry and Charlies videos. As both Harry and Charlie are big fans this feels like a wonderful moment :)

Harry and Charlie - Political Stance

2011-04-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

This blog was started as much as a response to people watching our clips as anything else. So many comments left on YouTube are done in a discourteous, are purely subjective or don't take into account any views at all. There are other occasions people leave statements worth discussing.

Dear Harry and Charlie,
They are shooting ppl in Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia ---and US n France are biased for Libya and Ivory coast only....
Let's support the peace not the particular countries that pursue the US and French interests........
I wish your naturalistic video could bring peace to every country..

naresh21048

We do not take a political stance. The are always good and bad people involved in every conflict. Harry and Charlie are being brought up in a democracy and what I believe is a great democracy. Our children will also be free to choose their paths in life be it political, religious we will guide and help their decisions. I do not take that for granted and respect the lives of thousands who have given us our place. I would wish this start in life for everyone in the world.

HDCYT

The Boys Calendar 2011

2011-03-29T01:58:00.000-07:00

For so many reasons I did not do a calendar competition this year. However I did have two extra made and sent them to two people who I had let down in an earlier competition about Easter eggs but had kept in contact with.

Thanks to Jenny for sending us some photos once it arrived

Jenny thanks for taking the time to send us pictures and writing such a lovely blog article. Especially for the time you spent on the map. It is very helpful when I show the boys how far the calendar went and to whom.

Maybe your friends will become famous :)

Thanks Harry, Charlie, Jasper, Howard and Shelley

Climbing and Building In the Woods

2011-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Smile for Charlie

2011-03-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Red Nose Day - Harry and Charlie - Monsters

2011-03-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

This is how Harry and Charlie went to school today

Monsters

Lanzarote - The Return

2011-02-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Harry, Charlie and Jasper's new best friend

PAKO

We were not sure Charlie was going to come home with us at one point. Family loyalties broken at Kids Club and in the pool :)

I have never thought it very sensible to post blogs when we are away saying where we are for loads of reasons, so I will post a few over the next few days about our holiday in Lanzarote last week.

Harry, Charlie, Jasper the Lobster and the Snail

2011-02-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Charlie has been going on about Lobsters and Snails for weeks now so;


Checking out the lobsters

Choosing dinner

at home just about to be go in the freezer to knock him out

Cooked

Not quite so keen now are you Charlie!

Ashmolean Museum - Oxford

2011-02-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

Great time at the Ashmolean Museum

The boys rushed off to find all the Elephants in our Elephant hunt. Then sat down and made crowns as part of the Kings and Queens family event after a tour. http://www.ashmolean.org/exhibitions/events/index.php?id=29

http://www.ashmolean.org/

"Cause Yes"

2011-02-12T01:04:00.000-08:00

Question: "Jasper, why are you doing that"
Jasper: "Cause Yes"

You can't argue with that

Football Player Of Week

2011-02-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Charlie got football player of the week award for his age group at his Saturday morning football coaching session. Well done Charlie. You have to work hard out there in the cold and wet for two hours to get the award.

Cleaning your teeth and sounding like Daddy

2011-02-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

Charlie did make me laugh the other day. I was helping him clean his teeth (putting the toothpaste on the electric brush). He has been cleaning his own teeth of a while now with the aid of the electric toothbrush. Anyway he wanted me to do the cleaning on this night and I said something like "It's something you are going to have to get used to as you will be cleaning your teeth for the rest of your life at least twice a day". To which he responded and every time since

"Oh.. I don't want to clean my teeth for the rest of my life"

Listening to a Charlie aged 4 talking about the rest of his life cracks me up.

Harry also made us laugh with his use of English today. We all looked at him after he has finished a sentence and commented on how much he sounded like me (Daddy). Again it was the construction of the English and the words used, something like

"On that occasion blah blah, and on next occasion blah blah"

You had to be there, the strange thing was the fact that Harry sounded so mature for that moment and it was so out of place. I am sure this will not make sense to anyone else than me, but I am putting those funny things you would otherwise forget in this blog for our benefit as much as anyone else.

Vampire Bats

2011-01-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

What sort of a story for 5 year old mentions a poster of vampire bats and then expects the child receiving the story not to ask what they are. I would just like let everyone know that it is hard enough explaining what a vampire is without scaring them let alone having to explain it to Charlie .......

The Eight Times Table

2011-01-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Eight times table is proving difficult for Harry. Hopefully after this weekend he is a lot closer to remembering it. I can't believe he had arrays as maths homework. As long as he never has to do metrices. I never saw the point of them and have never used them.

Cadburys Instant Drinking Chocolate - A word of warning

2011-01-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Oh I laughed the other night when I got home from work. Shelley (Harry, Charlie and Jasper's mum) had called up Cadburys to complain about their instant drinking chocolate.

Perhaps a little history first. When we go to France in the summer we tend to buy the same drinking chocolate and the boys have hot chocolate before bed and with breakfast. Over the cold winter months they have also been having hot chocolate with breakfast so it is pretty much norm now in the household.

Well we ran out of the French drinking chocolate and we had bought some Cadburys instant drinking chocolate. Note the name has 'instant' in it.

Shelley had complained to Cadburys that it took her 100 stirs for each drink, so that is hardly instant. Making three cups at breakfast and perhaps more during the day could add up to 1000's of stirs.

I just thought it was worth pointing out how complicated and different our life is :) I think I laughed the most imagining her counting the stirs :)

I suppose I should also point out that Cadburys believed our product to be faulty and sent a credit to us. This post is in no way a criticism of Cadburys unless you have a dodgy batch of instant drinking chocolate and three children who you need to get to school in the morning.

Peter Pan Pantomime

2010-12-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

Harry, Charlie and Jasper loved their outing to the theatre to see Peter Pan today. Charlie really got into the 'It's behind you' and Jasper like the crocodile most. Harry liked Tinker-bell the best.

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

Me Got Chicken Pox

2010-12-23T14:35:00.000-08:00

Poor Jasper, he has spent the week covered in spots and sleepless nights. The worst is over now and he is almost his usual self. However Charlie slept in late this morning and looked very tiered tonight - looks like he is coming down with something.

This time tomorrow Santa will be close and the boys very excited, well they are already. Charlie has his Christmas story ready for bed time tomorrow. Jasper just likes talking to pictures of diggers or tractors. Harry will be reading a Beat Quest book.

Nana and pops arriving tomorrow lunch time for a few days.

Harry, Charlie and Jasper do Star Wars

2010-12-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Decorating Ginger Bread with Rachel and Ian

2010-12-12T02:15:00.000-08:00

Decorating ginger bread last weekend with Rachel and Ian. Rachel and Ian brought some round and we ended up the weekend all playing on The Beatles Rock Band. Charlie on Drums and Harry singing. All very entertaining.

Harry's Birthday Party

2010-12-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

Harry and about 24 other children spent an hour running round Laser Arena yesterday. No injuries, lots of noise, and very low attrition rate due to exhaustion, being uncomfortable or scared.. Well done everyone

There were some amazing tactics being played for 7 year old children, although most of the time running around and shouting seemed to be the order of the day

Shreddies and Anchovies

2010-12-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

The point of this blog was always to help keep a record of things that happen as the boys are growing up as well as write down the impact the boys clips have had. Probably for the most part things were going to be insignificant but if I didn't write them down they would have been forgotten about it in a few weeks.

Tonight Jasper had a snack an hour before he went to bed. His snack was a bowl of Shreddies and an anchovy. I am not quite sure I have ever seen anything make me feel as uncomfortable as watching him spoon a mouth full of Shreddies into his mouth followed by an anchovy.

Harry and Charlie like anchovies as well.

Roman Soldier and a King

2010-12-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

I just watched Harry leave the house with a Roman Soldier outfit and a sword in a bag. I do hope he does not go and crucify any Christians - Not really the time of year for that to go unnoticed. Also not something we would encourage.

Charlie on the other hand is a king this year

The Dangers of being inspired by Movies

2010-11-29T23:21:00.000-08:00

Toy Story 3 has been a great hit in the house since we bought it last week, even with Jasper who is not bothered with the TV. However we hired The Karate Kid (2010) at the weekend, Charlie was quite taken with all the moves. This was good, bad and turned ugly. Good because martial arts are a great life discipline. Bad because Charlie started jumping around the house punching and kicking the air (everyone else got out of the way). Then Ugly because he slipped on our wooden lounge floor while performing some kind of impromptu roundhouse kick letting his face take the impact on the floor. After a little while of calming down and some TCP all was right in the world again. Luckily as Charlie points, out his bruise only hurts when he touches it. Funny how often it is touched :)

The photo does not do the bruise justice there are also a few scratches in there as well.

Where were we in London :)

2010-11-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

Where were we?

I know, not many posts then a load together - well it all comes down to having a bit more time to get the camera out and help with the boys :)

Roller Coaster Charlie

2010-11-14T00:37:00.000-08:00

One rule we have when we go to a theme park the boys can go one any ride they want when they want as long as they do one ride we ask them to do. Charlie was ready for the big Roller Coaster at Loegoland so that was his task of the day. Funny thing was he was more scared with the tunnel part before the ride - it was dark and a little water involved.

We were at the front of the Dragon and this was our second ride on it. The second part of the clip was on the smaller Roller Coaster next to the castle which we used as a test :)

Our Godfather visits us - Harry and Charlie

2010-11-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

Always sick on me

2010-11-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

Funny how so many posts seem to come down to being ill. Jasper was sick over me on Saturday afternoon. Mummy was sick later on the same day. Harry said he was feeling sick but wasn't. Everyone went to bed with a bucket. However on Sunday afternoon he was. Charlie and I seemed to miss this particular bug, but oh no Charlie woke up about an hour again and was sick. Everyone felt fine after being sick. Fantastic.

None of this interrupted our Halloween :)

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

I did all the work so this was going to be on the blog :)

Sort of like a skeleton police man :)


First call, our next door neighbours Thanks Nerys

A Haunted House. Spooky !!

Funny how Jasper always gets what he wants :)

2010-10-16T14:27:00.001-07:00

Dressing up as Favourite Book Characters - Book Day

2010-10-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

All the children at school dressed up as their favourite book characters as part of Book Week.

Harry is reading the Beast Quest books so wanted to go as Tom

http://www.beastquest.co.uk
Tom

Charlie loves Mr Benn amongst others, but Mr Benn came out on top during the consultation phase :) Charlie has the Mr Benn collection and we have the DVD of episodes. Very funny when you think I watched them on TV when I was their age.

Mr Benn Info

Born HIV Free - A Conversation with Harry and Charlie

2010-09-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Harry and Charlie's second and last Born HIV Free Video. I hope you enjoy. It was probably our most ambitious undertaking and again I am proud of what the boys were able to do.

http://bit.ly/aGOI6DBronHIVFree2

Born HIV Free - Make your voice heard

2010-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

It gives us immense pleasure to release a new video. Most of our videos are simply moments from out life. In this video the boys are actively contributing to the message. We had discussions about the charity and the difference it makes. I am very proud of Harry and Charlie for wanting to help make a difference.

http://bit.ly/beY3KaBornHIVFree1

Check out the link at the end of the video for more information and a chance for you to also make a difference along with Harry and Charlie

http://www.youtube.com/user/BornHIVFree

Watch out for a second video to be released soon in this series

I think it should be obvious but Harry and Charlie were not paid to make this video and we covered all costs associated with making it. Any advertising revenues generated from this video will be donated to The Global Trust.

Charlie Bit Me remake for UNICEF - West London Conga October 7th

2010-09-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

Charlie Bit Me remake for UNICEF - http://bit.ly/aMedz7Hillview - Take part in supermarket Conga in West London.

New Post

2010-09-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry we have not put any posts up for a while. There have been loads of things going on which have required all our spare time and more. That being said much of it have been activities with the boys such as a Legoland Day, the Circus, a bit of filming, decorating, shopping and of course all of these need meticulous planning. Hopefully we can write some of it soon and perhaps post a video of Charlie on his first non infant roller-coaster.

Trivial Pursuit - Bet You Know It! - You Vs. YouTube

2010-09-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

Harry and Charlie loved making this video. Enjoy the game and bet against Harry and Charlie at youtube.com/TrivialPursuit

Watch the boys clip

It is just a shame we had to cut out some of the running in the trees to get the clip to a sensible size. I will follow up with a special video of the boys doing their Scooby Do tribute :)

First Day at School for Jasper - Charlie was last Friday

2010-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today really was a special day. Charlie had started school last week on Friday to introduce him in slowly but today was his first Monday. Jasper spent his first morning at pre-school.

The pre-school Jasper is going to is the same pre-school Harry and Charlie went too and they are great there. Jasper was in excellent hands. "Jasper No Cry" was what he told me when I got home.

Saturday Party at Rachel and Ian's

2010-09-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Harry, Charlie and Jasper had a great party hosted by Rachel and Ian yesterday. They always put so much effort in to make sure the children attending have loads to do and keep them active and happy. They look after the grown ups especially well also but it is the attention to detail for the children that makes all the difference and an environment you are able to relax in.

New Project and involvement in something released next week

2010-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Everything in place for next week. Harry and Charlie have been involved in a very exciting project. Involved lots of running around in the woods and lines. Launch date next week so more next week.

Charlie's First Day At School

2010-09-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Charlie's first day at school. We have just dropped him off and he stays till Lunch time. All day by next term (not sure how it all works out but it makes sense to ease them in gradually). It was a very exciting morning.

My First Rollercoaster - Charlie

2010-09-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

Last week we took Harry and Charlie to Thorpe Park we started on the Depth Charge which Charlie was not at all impressed with. However we then moved on to the Flying Fish to discover Charlie has a passion for Rollercoasters :(

I was very lucky to get this picture in the rain, as the ride was starting and without being able to frame it as I was sitting next to Charlie

I think Harry and I (dad) enjoyed Logger's Leap the most as we were not expecting the last big drop. Either way the day ended with lots of rain but we were already soaked from the rides.

Charlie started the day with a wasp sting while queuing which he dealt with like a trooper.

Carnac stones (soldiers)

2010-08-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

On our last day on holiday in France we visted the Carnac stones

The boys do actually chose matching clothes

Trust

2010-08-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Why are we queuing in a forest - oh yes we are British!

2010-08-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Why are we queuing in a forest - oh yes we are British!

Viral Charts - Peeked in

2010-08-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

LOL - just seen the Charlie Bit Me - Again! in the viral chart again http://bit.ly/amc74AViralChart I thought only VEVO were in this now plus this chart has never been too keen on our vid either. Position 20 for a limited time only :) It has been a long time since I have seen an entry here.

In a world dominated by huge marketing firms and even bigger spend to match we can be proud that something so simple, not manufactured for a target audience and so un-corporate is still being talked about. I just wish all the other non-commercial videos submitted to YouTube would get a chance.

Jumping into the Pool

2010-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

It took Charlie a couple of days to build up enough courage to jump into the Pool, but based on his level of confidence a couple of weeks before the holiday this step was huge. Towards the end of the holiday he was jumping into the water for me to catch him without his swimming jacket. Obviously I don't have any photos of that :)

Harry did not have the same reservations this year and was jumping into the deep end without swimming jacket or goggles.

Jasper was still in his very early pool days however the last post had one of Jasper in the pool. We moved from constant screaming on day one to quite smiling and a little laughing by the end of the holiday.

The photos were taken on sequence mode so I was getting about three shots a second and the new camera is performing beautifully. I am getting action shots I have not quite been able to capture before :)

Jasper - and only Jasper

2010-08-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

I hear what you are saying so here are some of Japser. Having three children has its challenges especially when it comes to sharing your time and getting photos and videos of them individually. Harry and Charlie are always making a noise in the background or wanting attention. There are a few occasions I get Jasper alone or the others out of shot which is far easier with a still camera than a video camera :)


in the pool on holiday

climbing on holiday

a walk in the woods on holiday

We try and spend as much time with each but sometimes it's not possible for so many different reasons.

Jasper had a big day this week, he moved from his cot (a cot that has now served two generations and 7 children) to his starter bed (the same bed Harry and Charlie started out in). He has still to work out he can get out in the morning. I took a couple of photos which are lovely but it is of all three boys as we were all trying to coax Jasper into enjoying the whole experience, which seemed to work.

Last night we spent some time in the garden blowing bubbles and generally making a soapy mess.

Is the High worth the Low - Don't argue with gravity

2010-08-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

I need to point out that the word used the most while playing on the swing was 'Higher'. Harry knows all about gravitational forces Harry Discusses - Gravity. Charlie took a little more convincing but soon understood their wonders.

Charlie's grin is being held in place by g-forces

Harry realised after a time it was not worth trying to lift his head

Sausage Roll

2010-08-17T00:36:00.000-07:00

The idea was as simple as the executiuon however the results were not quite what Charlie expected. Even when he wanted it done a second and third time :)

Swimming - A great day

2010-08-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Charlie would not willingly go into a pool and scream if you carried him into out of his depth. Now he is jumping in and swimming around the whole pool with his 'Konfidence' Jacket on. Thanks to Kristy and the girls on his intensive swimming course last week :)

Things are not going so well with Jasper yet :(

Harry and Charlie fire on shipping and are put in Jail - St-Malo, Brittany

2010-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Small Talk Winner

2010-07-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

In case you missed this Small Talk Winner It is worth watching the whole clip. Harry and Charlie did not take part but I submitted a video to play along as they asked if they could use our clip for the introduction video. Don't forget the Elephants :)

Life in a Day - YouTube Collaboration Project

2010-07-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

Harry Charlie and Jasper have submitted a clip to YouTube's 'Life in a Day' Harry, Charlie and Jasper - Life in a Day - YouTube

The clip follows in the theme of all our clips :)

Links and description with video

New Camera - Olympus E-PL1 - finally I can get some action shots of the boys

2010-07-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

I think I wrote early on in the blog about my love for Olympus cameras ever since buying an OM-1 (fully manual 35mm film) second hand many many years ago when I was at University. I took it with me everywhere for about 10 years. Well now I have the E-PL1 a digital fully auto SLR Micro four thirds Camera and I am over the moon.

My thoughts up to now on taking pictures had been that it is better to get 'the best you can' than worry about getting the best photo every time. While I also love my Olympus Tough and even the C-8080WZ which has given us all the best photos of the boys in the last four years, they don't work as well as I would like them to in failing light or out of the sun, especially with fast movement, which is pretty much always the case in the UK, and running around after Harry, Charlie and Jasper.

The E-PL1 gives me all I have been after for ages in a camera. Can't praise it enough :) It even shoots HD video which I have still to experiment with fully.

Here some photos with it. It was just me with Harry, Charlie and Jasper so I was not able to get any group photos. I was lucky to get any photos with all the running around and associated dangers of climbing on ropes a metre from the ground

I took these of Harry and Charlie on sequential shot. Something that has never given me good results in the past but I am very happy now. I think the camera takes about 3 frames per second. I even got photos of the boys coming down slides, something I have not managed before despite many attempts

The funniest one of Jasper was of him drinking out of a water bottle but I just love his expression and light in this one.

As this blog entry has turned into a bit of a review, it is only fair to point out a couple of things that perhaps I would like to have seen in the E-PL1 and that is a more robust body. I worry it will not take as much knocking as it may get over the years but I had planned to get a leather case for it anyway. But I chose it over the PL2 which has a metal body for it's amateur features, i.e ease of taking video, built in flash and price so it is only fair there are some compromises. The 10x zoom will go on my Christmas list for when the boys get a bit older and are enjoying activities further away than arms length. First on my list of upgrades will be the electronic view finder as I much prefer framing pictures through a view finder than on the LCD screen.

I look forward to experimenting more especially on our holiday in France.

Changing of the Guard - Windsor

2010-07-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

Last week Charlie went to see The Changing of the Guard at Windsor castle. All very exciting!

Thankfully the soldiers are not afraid of Charlie but I am not so sure about the other way round

Out Foxed by Harry and Charlie

2010-07-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

I am writting this as much to remember myself than anything else,but please do enjoy.

Last night the boys were not going to bed nicely. It was getting late and they were not staying in their own rooms (they have rooms opposite each other). I went up to get them to settle to find one of them had poured water into a little cup with paper in it, water was also on the bedside table. In itself no big deal and easy to clean up but I asked them who had done it so they could help. Harry said Charlie and Charlie said Harry. After a little toing and froing they understood that if neither of them owned up they would both be punished for lying and making the mess. Still no change in answers. I had my suspicions but I thought this was an ideal situation to reinforce the whole take responsibility for your actions and not to lie. It also served as a good point to get them back to bed on.

The conversation started again in the morning over breakfast. Still no change in the story. So again reiteration of problems this was causing and how they would both be punished, i.e. no TV or Wii until one of them owned up. Anyway after no progress for a few minutes Harry starts whispering to Charlie and after a moment or two Charlie owns up. Not a great result as I don't really think Charlie did it and he did not fully understand the consequences of what he was saying while Harry did.

I tried to explain what this meant to Charlie and I think he began to understand and retracted his admission (he basically said he did it but Harry did it). A bit more toing and froing and a little more whispering and suddenly Harry and Charlie both say they both did it. More over while they were saying the other one did it, this is what they were trying to say and therefore they were not lying.

They had me, and they worked together to do it!

Yes I could have pursued it but it would have got way to complicated and they both would have been punished. The issue was small in the first place which is why I chose it as an example. Hopefully a lesson had already been learned. No one lost TV or Wii time. However they also understand that poor explanation of the situation is not going to be a defence next time :)

I am glad for me lesson on life given to me each day by Harry, Charlie and Jasper :)

Business Insider - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

2010-07-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

http://bit.ly/dw12uV

Tyresome Boys

2010-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Jasper Turns 2

2010-07-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

Jasper on his second birthday last month

Eating Out

2010-07-11T03:48:00.000-07:00

What incredible weather we are having at the moment - everything is outside with little time to sort out all the photos and vid :)

A Quiet Couple of Months

2010-06-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

Tattoo Charlie

2010-06-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, he really has been walking around all day with a pirate tattoo on his forehead !

Jasper Appreciation

2010-06-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

I selected the photo I used based on the one Jasper looked best in :)

Garden + Sun + Lots of Water = Happy Harry and Charlie

2010-06-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Updates, Updates and more Updates

2010-05-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

We have all been really busy, only managing to get on with the day to day as opposed to anything else so there is not much to say that we are doing that any other family is doing. We are about two to three weeks behind in any administration regarding most Charlie Bit My Finger related things.

For those of you who remember my comment on the clip and channel from about 1,000 views to 1,000,000 see this as another down payment on my promise.

At a TGI Fridays not near you :)

A short webchat with Harry and Charlie for BayNews9

2010-05-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

A short webchat with Harry and Charlie for BayNews9

for YouTube's 5th Birthday

Vevo and music videos dominating the Viral Charts

2010-04-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Another bad day for any video that is not music and Vevo. I counted 17 of the top 20 as music videos. While I don't have a problem with music videos and I enjoy a great many. It is such a shame that they dominate everything. Videos that languished with a few views with a Vevo branding suddenly jump up the YouTube charts. I feel sorry for everyone who will eventually simply be shown premium content and the home video will pale into insignificance. I am proud of Harry and Charlie's clip doing it's bit to break the trend. Although I doubt they will be in the top 20 on YouTube by the end of the year.

Harry and Charlie (and Jasper too) - Holiday is Wales 2010

2010-04-19T06:17:00.000-07:00