tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57164878919873880012024-03-14T15:47:36.231+00:00What Theo did next.....Recording the activities that Theo and his family and friends get up to......Theohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13818551332310868272noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-57842112437112422792015-03-05T12:00:00.000+00:002015-04-06T11:16:08.784+01:00Long time - No posts .......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are now in Solo Ice Dance Competition season, I won 2 Gold medals in my last Solo competition in March 2015 at Lee Valley. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6-a6fwOFkv8qiyNotruNkzw6mDsYKtt55bAUrn9HIE3690G-OK4HU3F5TFo58KiYgBu44Zz8ZH_K8Q7ZOn8SpNNjULFhMhdPPH1g60Rldnj-BsvjSeEQ2rZ83XovuX7CBUcFHddu-rPU/s1600/1GT_5478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6-a6fwOFkv8qiyNotruNkzw6mDsYKtt55bAUrn9HIE3690G-OK4HU3F5TFo58KiYgBu44Zz8ZH_K8Q7ZOn8SpNNjULFhMhdPPH1g60Rldnj-BsvjSeEQ2rZ83XovuX7CBUcFHddu-rPU/s1600/1GT_5478.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>I have been working as a couple too since August, so this is my first year competing as a couple. We won a Bronze and a Gold medal at the Couples Competition in Lee Valley too. This is us skating together.<br />
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Look at the page we have on Facebook, please like us:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>You can be my friend on bookcrossing.</i></span>Theohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13818551332310868272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-64552979569305892932013-07-04T12:53:00.001+01:002013-07-04T13:05:00.582+01:00Theo skates Gangnam Style<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After a long break from blogging, it is time to add a few posts of Theo's recent activities. Theo has continued to work on his ice dance, performing a program to Gangnam Style at the Christmas show 2012 at Brixton Ice Rink. The program can be viewed on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3n2xfpZCHw" target="_blank">YouTube. </a> The program was further developed to Level 2 standard and used when he took and passed his Level 2 NISA tests. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This year for the first time Theo entered 2 competitions. The first was Bracknell Solo IJS 2013. He entered at Pre-Juvenile level and was placed 4th in the Pattern Dance and 3rd in his Free Dance. Photos can be viewed here. <a href="http://www.digitalphotoevents.co.uk/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=15617#page=thumbs" target="_blank">Pattern Dance Photos</a> and <a href="http://www.digitalphotoevents.co.uk/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=15609#page=thumbs" target="_blank">Free Dance Photos</a>. A week later he entered the Oxford Open Ice Dance 2013 in the Pre-Juvenile Men class and was placed 1st for Pattern Dance and 3rd for his Free Dance. <a href="http://www.eventfotos.co.uk/myweb/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=14093" target="_blank">Oxford Photos</a></span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Theo is currently working for his Level 3 Nisa tests and working on a program for the Summer show, skating to Party Rock.</span>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-35957508407842867442011-03-29T01:16:00.014+01:002011-04-01T01:24:39.745+01:00Sports Day - Edenbridge<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Theo</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">has been having swimming lessons and fencing lessons at the Seflags home ed group in Edenbridge for a few weeks now, everyother week. This was the last sports day before the end of term.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Theo is not quite swimming unaided yet, but getting there. He confidently does what he is asked in class. The class is small, with usually just four pupils. He has been fencing for a shorter period of time, but takes part in the classes, organises getting his own kit on and is now not dependent on my getting it and helping him, but takes help from other adults when needed. </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Theo has a number of friends in the group, William being one of his special friends, but mixes with the other children of all ages.</span>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-13089680968189298192011-03-26T01:11:00.000+00:002011-04-01T01:16:09.047+01:00Skiing Holiday contined...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZFk2BnuWFCl6BpMMwm5xesJhR9x6cfMY4nRcX10nISvxJ85lAWX0ueP4OwJFNR8Cz9klQBNROGjDj5yE3kFdjjuZbA57g17XcUfOglBpIR8NdBAgwjB87kKYJRWKnhQ4aV7uKWdpsEXZ/s1600/207850_140064276061984_100001752376472_225069_7871777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZFk2BnuWFCl6BpMMwm5xesJhR9x6cfMY4nRcX10nISvxJ85lAWX0ueP4OwJFNR8Cz9klQBNROGjDj5yE3kFdjjuZbA57g17XcUfOglBpIR8NdBAgwjB87kKYJRWKnhQ4aV7uKWdpsEXZ/s200/207850_140064276061984_100001752376472_225069_7871777_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After ski school on day one, we all went back up the mountain to a cafe for a drink. Unfortunately we missed the last lift down so this outing entailed skiing down a blue run after just one day's lessons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Theo didn't have enough skill to do this, so was skied down by his Dad but the older members of our team managed...just.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On the second day, we returned up the mountain in the evening for a brilliant skiing display by all the ski instructors. This showed the history of skiing, and was very entertaining.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszKxPIb24Pb1BgnwWqvFwwhx93nOucqhrENxCCZ_bucB094ijfY5SEeFUagdjzG4ACDj9sglvy2yjFmxCrWJSCiOl-0wk4qK-uxUs0WKb4Evj6hskvx3a8lKTtlrmQ1XKiTIyed5onIt3/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszKxPIb24Pb1BgnwWqvFwwhx93nOucqhrENxCCZ_bucB094ijfY5SEeFUagdjzG4ACDj9sglvy2yjFmxCrWJSCiOl-0wk4qK-uxUs0WKb4Evj6hskvx3a8lKTtlrmQ1XKiTIyed5onIt3/s200/020.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">By Wednesday unfortunately Theo had a cold, so did the morning lesson, but by lunchtime was not happy to return to class. After a late lunch where he had the best ice cream in his life, we went swimming in the hotel spa.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTElx3FZ6uXALgBlkGrT0ox_TWCAtNAY1GoaJ1VUdDOBEKDCCcOvFE69BwAV-H5J5Sayr4RJj92UxhFjiU2q5VeMi_ts009sHpMrqst1-NWGKy_SXN53Jrom6f-tDmHQ5vlGZxC1rwz91a/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTElx3FZ6uXALgBlkGrT0ox_TWCAtNAY1GoaJ1VUdDOBEKDCCcOvFE69BwAV-H5J5Sayr4RJj92UxhFjiU2q5VeMi_ts009sHpMrqst1-NWGKy_SXN53Jrom6f-tDmHQ5vlGZxC1rwz91a/s200/065.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Theo did Thursday's class, then spent the afternoon with his brother, who had by that time finished his 3 day snowboard course, and friday was spend as a family on the mountain, investigating the sister resort. Theo overall was not too sure that he liked skiing, but understandable however with his cold. We will organise some lessons at the snow dome in Hemel before skiing next year. Friday afternoon was spent making a snowman, while we took turns to stay with him leaving the others to ski as a party. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Gains from the holiday: The chance to fly in an aeroplane for the 1st time since he was a baby, made friends in class, stayed in a hotel, was part of a group, learnt to ski - would have done more but for the cold, learnt about different currencies.</span>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-85118426392704493492011-03-19T19:48:00.001+00:002011-03-26T19:54:36.919+00:00Skiing holiday - Obergurgl Austria<div><p>As part of a party of 7, we arrived at midday today for a weeks skiing. Theo has done one skiing session before at the ski centre in Hemel Hempstead, but will join the kids beginner school tomorrow.  Theo's 21 year old brother will join snowboard school tomorrow, having learnt originally aged 13. Our friends will join adult ski school and we get to refresh our skiing skills with a trip to the top of the resort, and a nice hot chocolate!</p><p>Theo is drawing skiing passes for the family and is learning a little about time zones.</p></div>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-51508360474749738972011-03-18T04:30:00.001+00:002011-04-01T00:35:38.478+01:00Classical Spectacular - Royal Albert Hall<div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="155" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EOTtbFD1eLI/TY8GsljxpTI/AAAAAAAAF8c/dzGJwcf_y6U/IMAG0110.png" width="200" /></div>Wow, we enjoyed a fantasic performance by the Royal Philamonic orchestra. This was the schools program. For the home educating families we had the additional treat of watching the show from a box.<br />
We followed the show with a run around in Kensington Gardens for the children. We had run into lots of other familys we know, but spent time in the park with twins of similar age to Theo. <br />
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A quick coffee at the Giraffe establishment and we were off home to pack for our skiing holiday. <br />
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</div>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-71056234237840355092010-02-10T18:22:00.003+00:002010-02-10T18:49:05.220+00:00Moving HouseWell we were a bit quiet on here due to the house move. Moved from Kenley, Surrey to Crystal Palace in December, followed by nearly six weeks without broadband. Theo and I were practically tearing our hair out by the time it was installed, but we have been making up for lost time since.Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-77621343464258137182009-10-07T16:06:00.003+01:002009-10-07T22:46:55.782+01:00Virtual BodyToday we investigated this web site, <a href="http://www.medtropolis.com/">www.medtropolis.com</a>. On it is a virtual body with both narration and interaction on certain aspects of the human body. Having seen that Theo has been interested in skeletons in the past this was our first point of call. One of the puzzles was to build a skeleton from all the bones. Theo did this really quickly. We then moved onto the brain which had an animated section about neurones. The other two sections covered the heart and digestive system but by this point Theo was beginning to loose focus so we stopped after just watching the videos rather than trying to discuss it. I do not get the impression that the site is designed for children as young as Theo however the interactive element was good enough to hold his attention and teach him some basics about the human body.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-57318209446736642602009-10-06T15:04:00.012+01:002009-10-06T15:58:56.259+01:00Quick Recap on Theo's ArtJust a quick record of some of Theo's other pieces of art, created before the blog was!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnFrXvcLpFX7DmG3O6hx8VU6NyoBlYnNWJaZA7d8UeaBrzPdIqJlQAHQQb8UXpJEztxsqPDRLzsQ51CU5KJkR0FxWFTW7YQ7FO2J5T2m5bZE8YkslmRA3CYYRqDayj8oAIYQ3DHfLdPV/s1600-h/IMG_3481.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnFrXvcLpFX7DmG3O6hx8VU6NyoBlYnNWJaZA7d8UeaBrzPdIqJlQAHQQb8UXpJEztxsqPDRLzsQ51CU5KJkR0FxWFTW7YQ7FO2J5T2m5bZE8YkslmRA3CYYRqDayj8oAIYQ3DHfLdPV/s200/IMG_3481.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389488538966483410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3WObBx5gzCm0IV6QIS04nxPgYyni-M4dGZI3TTf3AoVssMqNB5eUdOHoYofNfByjFu31s8n_bbyDCm2TxdD-uZy1RUK87x_CRryy1Ox0ix2cUOxvScnfUHCaH2I2wyWAL0M8DpbATB_c/s1600-h/IMG_3477.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3WObBx5gzCm0IV6QIS04nxPgYyni-M4dGZI3TTf3AoVssMqNB5eUdOHoYofNfByjFu31s8n_bbyDCm2TxdD-uZy1RUK87x_CRryy1Ox0ix2cUOxvScnfUHCaH2I2wyWAL0M8DpbATB_c/s200/IMG_3477.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389488530152111282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-U-0s4lk9JkGsDW9I01fpqdu0GS7iIcC8JVio5ZYRlkzq8XrSvr-SGH-CPLg99DA-GP8yU4KIjcPkwrfWOtlCK9LTlwiLVutEgN1EhCt_FQgxyf05BsD_JIT3HdbgkS-YguA42KRBQizy/s1600-h/IMG_3476.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-U-0s4lk9JkGsDW9I01fpqdu0GS7iIcC8JVio5ZYRlkzq8XrSvr-SGH-CPLg99DA-GP8yU4KIjcPkwrfWOtlCK9LTlwiLVutEgN1EhCt_FQgxyf05BsD_JIT3HdbgkS-YguA42KRBQizy/s200/IMG_3476.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389488519328160882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsoqV4SbTPSfEZNCnI3g2PAXy0UcCgdcBO-jeDg_iRtpxwq0FvtHlfRkoyP_iCT8-5Aoap30jspKJedEnj2j_fEC48cyvMRUg1TycNPSNLvvDIJP03yDN7ryoBQL4NToogdUt26m0TDnX/s1600-h/DSCF0026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsoqV4SbTPSfEZNCnI3g2PAXy0UcCgdcBO-jeDg_iRtpxwq0FvtHlfRkoyP_iCT8-5Aoap30jspKJedEnj2j_fEC48cyvMRUg1TycNPSNLvvDIJP03yDN7ryoBQL4NToogdUt26m0TDnX/s200/DSCF0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389488525187100642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2Y0LWmSuJPI5xpB_U1NOcoFDzwBWhr4MTZAQpmK9P1EPfVXqZ4MgunAoGUWT6LL6ra_479gd86zPO4THC8Tfw9qkvArzhT2zr0264A8uLHwSwHVkqlpdk8d10LKV5e1DKdldvYI1o4_u/s1600-h/Dunja+the+Fireman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2Y0LWmSuJPI5xpB_U1NOcoFDzwBWhr4MTZAQpmK9P1EPfVXqZ4MgunAoGUWT6LL6ra_479gd86zPO4THC8Tfw9qkvArzhT2zr0264A8uLHwSwHVkqlpdk8d10LKV5e1DKdldvYI1o4_u/s200/Dunja+the+Fireman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389488515130436146" border="0" /></a>Some more of Theo's Art.<br /><blockquote><br />http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30927&id=752237657&l=9fbe4d5d76</blockquote>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-20369266967265625502009-10-06T14:44:00.006+01:002009-10-06T15:14:48.541+01:00Art Club - Foot Painting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8Ks3hnjxIfp7uXH-57ZHsXwfDydxVE7Rh5odr_7cdPEcqI3lE_A11Zb1Kv3Fg0U5Tp6fhAxNUlplIbT0PdouSOJuznR4ONtdizkp1zFopVO-btF7z4TC8ImWIF_6_zma26eGki_TVj8A/s1600-h/Boys&Art2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 159px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8Ks3hnjxIfp7uXH-57ZHsXwfDydxVE7Rh5odr_7cdPEcqI3lE_A11Zb1Kv3Fg0U5Tp6fhAxNUlplIbT0PdouSOJuznR4ONtdizkp1zFopVO-btF7z4TC8ImWIF_6_zma26eGki_TVj8A/s200/Boys&Art2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389487327146994162" /></a>Sadly we had to cancel Art Club on Friday as both Stephen and David had a tummy bug, but we re-scheduled for Monday 5th October. The boys had lots of fun.<br /><br />We laid large sheets of paper on the kitchen floor, and with baking trays with a variety of coloured paints the boys were put in short trousers with only one rule. That once they had their feet in paint they had to stay in the kitchen, until they would be carried off to the bath!<br /><br />We were well pleased with the results, the pictures were all different, but common to all was the detail of footprints right down to the skin prints, and little toe marks.<br /><br />Well done boys!Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-78985614340697434592009-09-30T00:56:00.011+01:002009-09-30T22:40:26.780+01:00Afternoon tea at ours - Wednesday 30th September<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD6lXYvRSvIX6OPkx7bW09OrE_NOyCqSVri1RNd26X5IZr5iiMJ1Ru0FoMfUBFz4IcNrpMC4kPEqwe8OIKb5vjEE9v_brjLnAjq8Nln4kbCcwyjIgHrZ8XOjCtoPFK2ZdEE6AxBa2OCrR/s1600-h/DSCF0027.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD6lXYvRSvIX6OPkx7bW09OrE_NOyCqSVri1RNd26X5IZr5iiMJ1Ru0FoMfUBFz4IcNrpMC4kPEqwe8OIKb5vjEE9v_brjLnAjq8Nln4kbCcwyjIgHrZ8XOjCtoPFK2ZdEE6AxBa2OCrR/s200/DSCF0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387044282339917138" /></a>A bit of a crafty day. <br /><br />Amongst other things, while waiting for his guests to arrive Theo made food with playdough, leaving me free to pack up the many sales that I had accumulated today and pop out for cakes for our tea.<br /><br />We had Guy and his mum Charlotte and sister Bebe over to play. Charlotte and I met at the recent Godstone Fire Station trip, and although our paths had crossed previously had not spoken in depth before. Realising that the boys were similar age with a similar disposition felt it would be worth getting them together. Theo is never keen on large crowds and hates the noise of large gatherings and we have now learnt that it is best to introduce new people into our circle of friends on our own home territory.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4oUikt3W05-ByjnfOxiHwUecucPdSZRBKHTj8AJSnIiAmBFkxzb70CB240kaFJxAMdQQKQKpiPKV6icSEln4gyfybcVlINfMfk6KZcGmj8BgKpCd5EtVLKfVHGcCV55qyCqSVPiOtKfx/s1600-h/DSCF0027-1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4oUikt3W05-ByjnfOxiHwUecucPdSZRBKHTj8AJSnIiAmBFkxzb70CB240kaFJxAMdQQKQKpiPKV6icSEln4gyfybcVlINfMfk6KZcGmj8BgKpCd5EtVLKfVHGcCV55qyCqSVPiOtKfx/s200/DSCF0027-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387044616908706002" /></a>The boys got on and played well together from the moment that Guy arrived. As a break from playing they made felt puppets, one each, sharing the one needle, taking turns. Theo chose a duck, Guy the frog and his sister the bear.<br /><br />When it was time for Guy to go home the pair were deeply engrossed in the task of making vehicles out of lego and k-nex.Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-10012010545442218962009-09-30T00:25:00.017+01:002009-09-30T20:27:43.392+01:00Leeds Castle Day Out Friday 25th September 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78xUOtytqSuR58YDIXTGDKBe1JLtK4dOYUwYyVVcoJ-EkTKJpbMv17R69D-wNp6a5JMvnB8K0fW7NR6F1hJg9TfnFtinY5l49rSoLd2nty8EmOomITYQEYPKru51c4l6Uqiw8vqe-ShK0/s1600-h/PICT0013.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78xUOtytqSuR58YDIXTGDKBe1JLtK4dOYUwYyVVcoJ-EkTKJpbMv17R69D-wNp6a5JMvnB8K0fW7NR6F1hJg9TfnFtinY5l49rSoLd2nty8EmOomITYQEYPKru51c4l6Uqiw8vqe-ShK0/s200/PICT0013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387041971682145602" /></a>Kevin has annual leave from work at the moment so we took a day out as a family and Leeds Castle proved a great destination. <br /><br />We arrived before lunch, and enjoyed the organised talk at 12 noon in the bird aviary by one of the keepers. The talk was informative and interesting, containing anecdotes about the behaviours of the birds. The birds are bred in captivity and shared with other zoos around the world. Theo was especially taken with the Kookaburras, having been given a toy one the week before by his grandparents. He has became quite good at mimicking their call.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbdWf9AE8kscoHwSu4GmRf-RA5lCtZr5PhzUwEbcwRibAwieuRrSg1P64uI5R3rWb5R0IqSTYoIHWdw9aJQFk5kwL6SFHxyExpRxuS8Wn4BW8mslJSudp1uPRjxKUKfy8fsz2-QVtB_eH/s1600-h/PICT0015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbdWf9AE8kscoHwSu4GmRf-RA5lCtZr5PhzUwEbcwRibAwieuRrSg1P64uI5R3rWb5R0IqSTYoIHWdw9aJQFk5kwL6SFHxyExpRxuS8Wn4BW8mslJSudp1uPRjxKUKfy8fsz2-QVtB_eH/s200/PICT0015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387042235214073490" /></a>After a sandwich lunch in the open air we watched a falcon display. The castle has a moat using water that has been diverted from the local river. Theo learnt about the defence of a castle using a moat, and the reason for the Portcullis. After a walk around the grounds and the maze we relaxed in the children's recreation area. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN2T8KMUbfs4klpH6aCC3DCZ6Z4lIDOPF1TRv957nCadohTOUtjdsSmNgYv4pjVGl6AAqou0HHGEnsf4LBErS5VLiKeSqXVcbDr8U0-Bu7d7L-_22cxnOodvqvj6KvVqiX0Ifc4Ic2Rhw/s1600-h/7524_158546087657_752237657_3511039_6991367_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN2T8KMUbfs4klpH6aCC3DCZ6Z4lIDOPF1TRv957nCadohTOUtjdsSmNgYv4pjVGl6AAqou0HHGEnsf4LBErS5VLiKeSqXVcbDr8U0-Bu7d7L-_22cxnOodvqvj6KvVqiX0Ifc4Ic2Rhw/s200/7524_158546087657_752237657_3511039_6991367_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387041963302171042" /></a>On the way out of the estate at the end of the day we were lucky enough to see a hot air ballon being filled with air, and had we stayed longer, we could have seen it evenually take off.Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-68063257616557478912009-09-23T17:54:00.003+01:002009-09-24T11:09:59.727+01:00Mind Mapping - does it work?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Like many people I have been sceptical about Mind Maps until I started using the concept myself. I am not a very visual person so I tend to outline information I want to learn rather than create a map however the concept is the same. Theo however is very visual and very tactile, therefore creating pictures which can be moved around seems a logical step but how do we know if it is working? </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over breakfast this morning I asked Theo where hedgehogs live and without thinking he replied correctly. I then asked why a hedgehog has prickles and he proceeded be demonstrate how a hedgehog curls up into a ball so the prickles stick out. Although we had not created the picture yet he also remembered they had poor eyesight, because he remembered our discussion on drawing a hedgehog with glasses. The image was clearly in his head although not yet committed to paper.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whilst this is very early days it is something that we will continue to see how far we can take it. After all if Boeing can use the concept to save an estimated $11 million in training engineers we should be able to advantage of it in educating a child.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are not familiar with Mind Mapping there is a book by the inventor Tony Buzan called "The Mind Map Book" which I would recommend.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-34418193784871562652009-09-23T17:35:00.006+01:002009-09-24T11:10:26.369+01:00Introduction to Mind Maps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0IbifURpB2c/SrpShefYZ9I/AAAAAAAAALw/KYBPpornU6w/s1600-h/DSCF0058.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0IbifURpB2c/SrpShefYZ9I/AAAAAAAAALw/KYBPpornU6w/s200/DSCF0058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384707039548696530" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Today, 22nd September, I thought I would introduce the concept of Mind Mapping. Having received a hedgehog soft toy from his Nanny we thought we would investigate the hedgehog in greater detail. Rather than just draw the map we have started to create a more interactive map.</div><div><div><br />
</div><div>First Theo painted some sheets of paper, which when dry we cut into strips to create the joining lines. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Then Theo drew a picture of a hedgehog to act as the central image.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Next we started to answer two questions Theo had namely where do they live and what the prickles for. This introduced the concept of a web search and we found a picture of a hedgehog nest and a picture of a hedgehog in a defensive ball.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We will continue to build up this map and start work on some others soon.</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-57769244440768305902009-09-22T18:51:00.001+01:002009-09-22T19:34:13.528+01:00Weekend Away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8nosykuxE56u9k1UARXu3w4lp8mEE9zkFEXahkrQ-JLwThdPEy2ZkNj0wJG_6txBeKxM6aVP_ST4KT2LkWQQCWR-D0asmNs7sHYU_iW7OQ9maOEduDAXFC5EC3-M2IaCb-oxWkXxM2dB/s1600-h/Toby.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 172px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 127px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384355254761187938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8nosykuxE56u9k1UARXu3w4lp8mEE9zkFEXahkrQ-JLwThdPEy2ZkNj0wJG_6txBeKxM6aVP_ST4KT2LkWQQCWR-D0asmNs7sHYU_iW7OQ9maOEduDAXFC5EC3-M2IaCb-oxWkXxM2dB/s200/Toby.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">We three; Theo, Toby and I headed off to Hertfordshire around lunchtime Saturday for a short weekend away at Theo's grandparents. After a journey that took hours, awful traffic on the M25, we arrived in time for the boys to go swimming at Hemel Hempstead pool.<br />
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The main reason for the weekend away was Toby's Skid Pan Experience, booked at Silverstone for Sunday. It was fun to watch Toby in the skid simulated cars.</span>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-55979632600999388572009-09-22T18:49:00.001+01:002009-09-22T19:16:50.097+01:00Ice Skating<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Theo was up early with brother Toby for an ice skating session down at Streatham Ice Rink. They were up and out of the house, before I had unearthed.<br /><br />Toby cooked them both breakfast, when they returned!</span>Wallishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959147165291464776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5716487891987388001.post-76704754905990977672009-09-22T18:19:00.001+01:002009-09-22T19:26:16.339+01:00Art Club - Abstract Painting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvyjceRsFB-SFxNn19jU_Q9o-SzjeRxxtXHit0HIlnQ8ryv0UzbquR1quhDkbCz7Jc759kVMbt1RoZ-tZV5RjZsJDrSGA9NLGaXwWFWSG-4pNcYMTx9_g2yq14Xh4uiDsfkkb8d-S00lX/s1600-h/AbstractWindowOnCanvas.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384347769687382354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvyjceRsFB-SFxNn19jU_Q9o-SzjeRxxtXHit0HIlnQ8ryv0UzbquR1quhDkbCz7Jc759kVMbt1RoZ-tZV5RjZsJDrSGA9NLGaXwWFWSG-4pNcYMTx9_g2yq14Xh4uiDsfkkb8d-S00lX/s320/AbstractWindowOnCanvas.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 119px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 119px;" /></a><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">Friday morning 18th September, found us back at Steven & David's house for Art Club. Much fun was had playing in the garden, a little trampolining, and a shot at some abstract art. Theo says his picture is a window.</span><br />
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<div></div>Theohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13818551332310868272noreply@blogger.com0