God's father is a frog

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

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

Long Grass Lions

Political Stance for Harry and Charlie

• 
   
  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

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

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

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

Harry and Charlie's new house

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No not really, just a National Trust visit.