Summer hols

Alastair's recovery is continuing very well. We've been visited by the community nurse and she is happy with the way the wounds/scars are healing. Next week we go back to the hospital to be checked by Messrs Tsang and Bath, the Gastro and ENT consultants. In the meantime, entertaining the boys requires a little more effort and thought in the holidays than during term-time. Here's what we got up to while Allie was still here.

Every August at the zoo down the road from us the "Zulu Warriers" come to perform dance and music displays. Alastair was mesmerised by the drumming and, this time, they got us all up to "dance" with them.

Here they are in their favourite corner where they can stroke the animals.

We have a new Portage lady now, since the last one, Clair, is due to have a baby in a week. Here is Alastair with Emma, popping and blowing bubbles. Last time Clair did this he burst into tears.

Allie looking on as Marie, the speech and language therapist, tries to drum in a new sign. Shows how much I was paying attention, I can't recognise the word at all. Ho hum. At least I have bought a small Makaton signing book and learnt two words yesterday - more and biscuits!