Many things new

Seen quite a change in the boys this week. Their hours have increased at preschool now they are very settled (and now we receive the government assistance for 3-year olds) and to allow some extra time for work hours. I had been quite worried about whether 6 sessions would be too much. They are certainly tired when they come out, but it doesn’t seem to catch up with them until we are well on the way home, and it doesn’t matter if they nap in the buggy for a handful of minutes.

Their teacher told me at the door on Tuesday that they joined in at 'circle' time. Was so ecstatic; I could feel a film prickle my eyes- a bit over the top! But for four months they haven’t wanted to join in with the more structured 'circle' sessions.This hasn’t been seen as a problem at all, they are little and the school is Montessori and individuality is key.But the difference now is that some of the older children have gone on to primary school, and some new little ones have joined so Rohan and Luca aren’t the youngest anymore. So perhaps they feel more comfortable with this new position within the order of things!

And they LOVE having lunch. They have these bento lunch boxes, which have different colours and compartments and they love them! I heard about them through vegan lunchbox which is hugely inspiring....

And thanks to redlentil found a great idea for a sandwich filling- butterbean and tomato pate. The result from blanching some tomatoes, garlic, a can of butterbeans and tomato puree made a gorgeous combination. I used some for pasta sauce and made a thicker pate of it for sandwiches. They loved it in the pasta, but didn't eat in in the sandwiches, but it was only the first taste in the sarnie form, and new things aren't ever taken up straight away.

Well I am bracing myself for two night shifts packing up our kitchen. We are having the kitchen made good, and a new one installed, and are going to do a combination of reli-visiting and holidaying. Funnily enough, we are going on a little seaside holiday! I know, I have noticed the weather! But... can't stay with family the whole time (a lot to ask any one!) and rates to hire a cottage are so cheap this time of year! Will blog on our return, hoping to have some good vegan experience but will have some supplies in stow at any rate. Some pics coming up of our current kitchen (which I acutally like but need to turn it into a family one):