Hazel has had her hair cut today! Several inches were taken off and it looks a lot healthier now. Her fine hair gets so many tangles that a lot was broken from brushing. She was excited about having it done and was really cool in the hairdressers. Even wore the children's gown, something she has never submitted to before.

Hazel in her school jumper on the day that the infants (reception class, year 1 and year 2) took a trip to Tamworth Castle in Staffordshire. They are studying castles all term I think and have built a model castle in the classroom.

Hazel helping David to paint the livingroom. The colour scheme we have chosen is: http://www.dulux.co.uk/colours/ready_mixed/simply_neutrals.jsp Three walls are malt chocolate and the wall with the chimney breast is the dusted damson.

Hazel's 5th Birthday!

Barbie Diamond Castle (from mummy and daddy)

Tea set (from Grandma Jo and Grandad Charlie)

Barbie Diamond Castle Princess doll from Grandpa Malcolm and Grandma Julie.

Princess bed set (from Grandma and Grandad Ward)

Barbie Diamond Castle winged horse (from Grandma and Grandad Ward)

Colour and style pony (from mummy and daddy)

Lots of clothes made by Grandma Jo and Auntie Adrianna for Hazel's American Girl doll (sometimes called Alice, sometimes called Rose!)

I made a chocolate birthday cake and Hazel decorated it with Smarties (like big M&Ms [but not as nice!])

Caught in the act!

Pfew!

Yay!

Mmm!

Michael & Elizabeth. Hazel took all the family photos. Some are a little red because she had her finger over the flash!

David, Eileen, & Frank.

Hazel's Party

February 1st. Hazel showing off her cupcakes. We baked them this morning and she had a great time decorating them with every sprinkle and coloured sugar combination imaginable.

We survived the party! Wow, girls can really shriek. They all had a great time and no-one wanted to go home, so I guess that is a good sign.

My craft ideas (making princess flowers and chocolate lollipops) were met with lukewarm reception. Mostly they just wanted to play in Hazel's room and in the spare room with her castle.

Pass the parcel was a hit as always and Hazel got the main prize. Apparently this was completely random as David closed his eyes and turned the music off without knowing which child had the parcel.

February 2nd. Our big snow. Hazel enjoyed scooping it up with a beach spade.

Mickey the hamster.

Hazel with her breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled egg. She cooked the eggs herself (with supervision, of course!).

Newly redecorated living room. We are looking out for a mirror to go above the fireplace. We've had lots of pictures printed and have made a start at framing some. Now to decide where to hang them!