Yesterday was Pa SIL’s birthday and The Husband took the day off work (a rare occurance indeed) so we could spend the day as a family.

As is usual at this time of year we struggled immensely with the challenge of what to give the man who has everything for his special day.

The children went for books as Granddad is an avid reader:although obviously Granddad needed lots of help from little hands to actually open the gifts!  Whilst small people found the contents to be considerably less exciting than the wrappers, I think PSIL was happy:We then piled into the cars and headed off for the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

What a great idea it was:

There was even something to catch my eye:

We ended the day waiting to greet Trick or Treaters, suitably attired to cast a spell on them:

All in all a wonderful day.

Happy birthday, Pa SIL.

Honestly.

They look so angelic.

And then they strip off in dance class with a flourish, a ‘perfect 10’ gymnastics closing stance, and a resounding “Ta Daaaaaaa!”

Or they argue, straight faced and with no sense of irony, that they don’t need to eat fruit and vegetables to help them see in the dark because they have torches.

Not one torch.

Oh no!

Two torches.

So who needs apples and carrots.

Crazy grown-ups!

But today Button takes the biscuit.

I went to retrieve laundry from the dryer in the garage.

She bolted the door behind me.

Kids!

Today this little lady had immunisations.

I wussed out.  I’m not great with those kinds of needles.

Daddy manned up and took her.  It was probably the wisest move.  He’s less likely to beat the doctor over the head with a ballet pump.

Mainly because he doesn’t wear ballet pumps!

She was braver than I.

I doubt this little man will be quite so stoicBut whatever…I’m just one very proud mama.

 

 

My husband is a good man.

Honest. Strong. Funny. Loyal. Generous.

Handsome and kind.

A family man.

A man who provides a warm and secure home for his family.

A man who fills that home with love and laughter.

I am blessed to have such a husband.

My children more so to have such a father.

Happy Father’s Day, my love.

(and to Pa and Pa SIL)

“To us he has not passed away

Nor has he travelled far

But entered God’s most lovely room

And left the door ajar”

Today, as every day, we remember Dad.

We still love you.

xxx

Following Mr S’s birthday trip to Bentham Pottery there has been a lot of scouting on eBay for a second hand potter’s wheel and kiln. (Obviously he’s been doing that.  I’m far too busy hunting down Crown Stockholm and Poole pottery, and drooling over vintage sewing machines that I have absolutely no room for.)

He’s even threatened to clear all the junk from the garage to make room for said wheel and kiln.

But it all hinged on today.

Because today he spent the whole day having one-to-one tuition with Lee at Bentham.

He threw 45 pots.

He’s bringing these 4 home when they’ve been fired (‘scuse fuzzy iPhone photos)He seems to have a real knack for this.

I’d happily pay good money for any of those in a shop.   I know I’m biased but I do think these are pretty darned amazing…even more so when you realise that he’s been doing this for less than 10 hours.

Smarty pants!

(All the lovely ones lurking in the background are his too, but he had to choose 4.   I feel sad for the ones left behind.  I’d have found them jolly good homes.)

So, I’ve a feeling I’m going to become a pottery widow.

With a very tidy garage!

Shame *wink*