from two very tired boys who are struggling to stay awake
To a fabulous 2012 for everyone
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
Friday, 23 December 2011
Washing Machine Breakdown - ahhhhhhhhh!
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.
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.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Doctor Who Experience
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
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
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
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
How important do you think is this, especially in these days when we can see
How important do you think is this, especially in these days when we can see
A couple of other questions;
How did your and your
Taking from now, four years after the video release, can you can see some negative aspect about
Taking from now, four years after the video release, can you can see some negative aspect about
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.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Friday, 14 October 2011
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Friday, 30 September 2011
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
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.
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.
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.
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| Fishing |
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.
Friday, 23 September 2011
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.
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
No not really, just a National Trust visit.
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| Add caption |
No not really, just a National Trust visit.
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Charlie Bit Me T-Shirts
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
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.
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
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| Rupert |
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| 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.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Monday, 22 August 2011
Hidcote
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.
It also gave us a great idea for a fun video we may try and do before the end of the summer.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
New Video Camera
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.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Monday, 1 August 2011
Camping in the Garden
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.
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.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Broken Toe
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.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Monday, 27 June 2011
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Friday, 10 June 2011
Enter Dad of the Year Competition - Toblerone
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Monday, 23 May 2011
Castle Week
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Monday, 11 April 2011
Dr Who
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
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..
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..
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
The Boys Calendar 2011
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
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
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Friday, 18 March 2011
Red Nose Day - Harry and Charlie - Monsters
This is how Harry and Charlie went to school today
Monsters
Monday, 28 February 2011
Lanzarote - The Return
Harry, Charlie and Jasper's new best friend
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.
PAKO
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| 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.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Harry, Charlie, Jasper the Lobster and the Snail
Charlie has been going on about Lobsters and Snails for weeks now so;
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| Checking out the lobsters |
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| Choosing dinner |
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| at home just about to be go in the freezer to knock him out |
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| Cooked |
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| Not quite so keen now are you Charlie! |
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Ashmolean Museum - Oxford
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/
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"
Question: "Jasper, why are you doing that"
Jasper: "Cause Yes"
You can't argue with that
Jasper: "Cause Yes"
You can't argue with that
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Football Player Of Week
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
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.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Vampire Bats
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 .......
Sunday, 16 January 2011
The Eight Times Table
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.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Cadburys Instant Drinking Chocolate - A word of warning
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.
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.
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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..