De Silva Family Blog

The pumpkin was put to good use at our Halloween party in the afternoon, attended by 10 (!) of the children from our original NCT group. It was very special to have them all around the same table, and then troop off into the darkness with glow bands shining to wreak havoc on the neighbours who very kindly supplied many treats for our ravaging hoards of little monsters.

Andy and Fiona celebrated their 40th birthday on The Golden Hinde , Sir Francis Drake's warship, near London Bridge. Leaving the munchkins with my parents, we booked a hotel and prepared for a wild night out. However, after a few beers and some daddy dancing I was happy to exchange my dancing shoes for some slippers! Hopefully when I reach 40, I'll have as much energy as Andy and Fiona. Happy Birthday guys!

Having had such a great time in Jersey last year, we decided to return for more. This time we were joined by Andy, Fiona and their brood. The weather wasn't quite so good this year, but there was enough the keep the children occupied. Despite the high noise levels, having five under-5s was easier than I'd feared! We met Captain Jack Sparrow at the Maritime Museum who taught the children to sword fight. Alex was in his element and although Ollie was nervous at the time, he took the lesson to heart and has been incorrigible ever since, much to Leo's dismay. We had plenty more fun on the beach and at Amazin' Maize (a theme park for kids). We dressed up for a posh meal at the Atlantic Hotel to celebrate Fiona's birthday and I was lucky enough to have a quick landscape photography tutorial from Tricia Kennedy . Check out our web album for more holiday snaps.

For the bank holiday Monday, we got some bike seats and went on a short trip around Grafham Water with Roz, Sophie and their parents. In typical bank holiday style it was cold and rainy. Our resolve faltered as we thought of our poor, wet, shivering offspring strapped to the back of our bikes. We forged ahead regardless and were rewarded with the weather easing somewhat and even a ray or two of sunshine. After lunch Mary had a number of passers-by laughing at her. She was a little put out until she looked backwards and found the source of their mirth - a headless Ollie!

I had my first birthday party today and it was brilliant! I shared it with Leo and Roz, but luckily I had my own cake! Kelly made it especially for me but it was disguised as Thomas the Tank Engine. I figured it out though! In fact, everyone was disguised: Leo was a fireman and Roz was Peppa Pig, but there was also Spiderman, Snow White, SpongeBob SquarePants, faries, princesses, cowboys, etc. We had a nice entertainer who was a bit mad and liked jumping around to the music. I preferred jumping around on the bouncy castle, although I did enjoy the parachute. The ball pit was fun and the food delicious (Daddy didn't let me try the beer), but the best thing of all was having all my favourite people with me. If you'd like to see some pictures of my party, Daddy's put them here . So long, and thanks for all the prezzies. Love you all. Ollie xxx

We opted for the "staycation" this year, as we didn't fancy , so found ourselves at Centre Parcs in Elveden Forest. We shared a 4-bed house with friends Andy, Fiona and their three kids. The house was great and even had its own hot tub, sauna and steam room! Trouble kicked off immediately as the two boys wanted to play with each other's toys but neither wanted to share their own (Alex always has the best toys - even I wanted to play with them). However they managed to work it out in the end and even after the holiday Leo has continued to play well with other children. Centre Parcs is amazing for kids with so many activities on your doorstep. I can't wait until the boys are a little older and we get to do some of the more exciting activities (like the high ropes course). However, when that time comes I'm sure I'll be too old/embarassing and will have to spend the holiday lounging in the hot tub. Looks like this will become a regular holiday for us...

We went to Kirsty's third birthday party this weekend and, just like that Destiny's Child song, the party was "Jumpin', jumpin"! Quite literally in fact, as she had a trampoline party. The kids loved it, but I'm sure the grown ups were even more thrilled. It was my first time on a trampoline and I can't wait to go again. Happy Birthday Kirsty!

Leo had a joint second birthday party this Valentine's afternoon with girlfriend Rosalind and Sebastian. As you can see, they had a wonderful time as "Dinky Dancers" - Leo's favourite bit was the Balamory theme tune and I can't wait to show his girlfriend this clip in 10 years time! Backed up by "Supertots" soft play equipment and plenty of party food these happy manic toddlers were wired and unfortunately bedtime wasn't the usual relaxing end to the day. Terrible twos - here we come!!!

Mum will be celebrating her 60th birthday during the whole of September with a three-week trip to Mauritius. To kick off the proceedings, we held a garden party in her honour for all her family and friends in the UK. It was a perfect afternoon in an otherwise awful summer and Mary's recently finished garden was a great venue. We had a Sri Lankan buffet followed by the World's Best Brownies from the local farmers' market, topped off with a lovely cake and a glass of bubbly. Despite Mum's protestations that she didn't want people to make a fuss of her, she secretly loved it and later likened the butterflies she felt in anticipation to those on her wedding day. Over 50 friends and family came to celebrate and once or twice I caught a little glint in Mum's eye as she looked around. For once in her 60 years she was lost for words when it came to making a speech, but Noel came to her rescue when he presented her with a "This is Your Life" photo album...

The latest skirmish in my Battle against the Bulge was a sortie to London with two like-minded new fathers, Alex and Brian. Thinking we were young whipper-snappers, we thought we could cycle to the Thames under cover of the lovely Lea Valley (over 30 miles), enjoy lunch at a riverside pub and get back in time to put our children to bed. All without any training. A particularly vindictive headwind developed as we passed the M25 and, no matter which direction we cycled in, it fought us. We sought refuge at The Grapes , a wonderful 300 year-old pub favoured by Charles Dickens. Unfortunately the Bulge won this skirmish as beer, roast lamb and apple crumble proved to be the wrong fuel for the return journey! The impending downpour sealed our decision and we made an organised retreat towards the trains at Liverpool Street. Nevertheless, it was a fun day - looking forward to the next round.

We took Leo to Willows Farm today as one of his friends, Bethany, held her fourth birthday party there. Leo loved it - he giggled at the guinea pigs, held a rabbit (somewhat warily), baa-ed at the sheep (and goats and lamas), squealed at the pigs, mooed at the cows and very gingerly petted the horse whilst neighing. Then we got down to the rides, but spent virtually all of our time on the bouncy castle. The best thing about it was that I got to go on too! I haven't been on one for at least 20 years and I'd forgotten what I've been missing - it's so much fun. I wonder if Mary would like a large inflatable yellow "sculpture" for her new garden. Hmmm ...

Love was in the air today for Louise and Martin who got married today. Mary went to celebrate with them and by all accounts it was a gorgeous wedding and a wonderful day. So congratulations to Mr and Mrs Willis! That left Leo and myself time for some male bonding. We played with cars, went fishing in the bath, ate biscuits all day (because I love the way Leo says "bikit"), got tattoos in finger paint and went cruising for chicks on our bike. There was certainly love in the air for Leo this afternoon as he was picked up by one particular young blonde bike chick, Rosalind (girls are so forward these days). Here you see the cheeky pair having just emerged from the "Tunnel of Love" in Knebworth's play park.

Whilst Mummy and Daddy have been throwing themselves down mountains, I've been having loads of fun with my mates and our nannies. The nannies are lovely and really cuddly, but we've been running rings around them so they decided to put us all on the "naughty sofa" at the same time!

In desperate need for a winter break, we went skiing to La Tania with all of Leo's friends. Staying in a lovely Chalet with three nannies to look after the babies during the day and great food and free wine at night sounded like bliss. In fact it's best described as enjoyable chaos - trying to feed and put six babies to bed at the same time is no mean feat! Not to mention six early morning wake up calls. The babies have loved their time with the nannies, so we've managed to get plenty of skiing in despite most of us being struck down by that pesky Norovirus (I'm sure it's stalking me as I had it on my previous ski trip to Chatel). Skiing with the group has been fun, as we all try to keep up with (Luke) the "Creek Missile". This afternoon, we took Leo up the mountain on a Gondola for lunch. He loved flying above the trees so much, we had to go up and down twice! P.S. If you'd like to see some more pics, have a look at our holiday album .

Ever since I left PwC over five years ago I've been missing my regular greasy spoon cafe, Cafe Deco on the corner of Smithfield Market. Every monday lunchtime the "Big Breakfast" was to die for - probably quite literally given the cholesterol I was ingesting. Nevertheless, since moving near Liverpool Street I've scoured the area but nothing I've found comes close. That is until Leo was invited to brunch at Rosalind's house. Kicking off with some Bucks Fizz followed by a hearty breakfast of sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, plum tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. washed down with a large mug of builder's tea. All it missed were the greasy spoons, the polish waitress and a dog-eared copy of the Sun. Although we did get Danish pastries to finish. The babies loved it too - they had the liquidized version. Here you see them nicely stuffed and ready for their naps. Haven't they (and their mums) changed in the last six months ?

Leo was invited to his first fancy dress Halloween party this week. Mary and myself were very excited and racked our brains to come up with a costume for him. After a quick trip to Hobbycraft we came up with this little Devil's outfit. We tried to find a trident for him, but everywhere we looked had sold out. The party was held at Bethan and Kirsty's house - two lovely girls he met on our recent trip to Norfolk . It was a very scary party - they even had a vampire which sat up slowly when it hears a clap! I'm not sure Leo's ever watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer , but at soon as he saw that vampire he was off. A quick karate chop to the chest and strangle hold later and that poor vampire wasn't going to do much biting! It didn't take long for Leo to kick back and settle into his role as our Cheeky Little Devil...

Alex came over to play today. Both boys were thick as thieves, laughing, playing with each other's toys, planning next year's ski trip, etc. Its the first time we've really seen Leo interact with another baby. Unfortunately, Alex is powered by ordinary zinc-carbon batteries, whilst Leo uses Duracell - he goes on, and on, and on ...

We got the chance to pretend we had a social life last night as we headed off to the NCT Harvest Ball. Leo, who knew we were going out, decided that he would prefer that we didn't and bedtime didn't go entirely to plan. Luckily my parents, who were kindly babysitting, made sure we got to the ball on time (well, only an hour late). As you can see, the girls were looking especially lovely and the guys, well, at least we'd scrubbed up. Dinner was nice. Mary's tummy muscles got a good workout as she laughed hysterically at her own joke about the jelly dessert for at least fifteen minutes before realising that we were laughing at her rather than with her! A charity auction followed and Claire bought a flight in a Russian Yak stunt plane, for hubby Alex's 40th birthday! The boys got to play on a giant Scalextric track and Luke proudly took first place. Spirits were still running high as we hit the dance floor and a few embarrassing photos ensued. The least said...

I'm tired of hearing that announcement at Kings Cross station every day this summer. Well we've had a few nice days recently and as you might expect those barbecues have been lit and are raring to go. Unfortunately today's, at Claire and Alex's, has been affected by that inclement weather! Nevertheless it was a lovely afternoon even though poor Alex was stuck outside cooking under his umbrella! The weather was much kinder yesterday, when we went to Mog and Ed's for another get together. There was certainly lots to celebrate as Mog's pregnant, as is Katie who's due in six weeks. Here you can see them both showing off their bumps. Congratulations girls! We also had two engagements: Caitlin and Dan, and Louise and Martin, both due to get married next year. So there were plenty of beers and champagne going around - shame it was my turn to drive.

Issac, our dinosaur-loving neighbour who lives two doors down, was three today. He kindly invited us to his party today - Leo's first ever! It was our first children's party too and we thoroughly enjoyed it. There was so much to do - trampolines, tunnels, slides, swings, pin the tail on the dinosaur, etc. The entertainment was provided by a lady from Kindaroo , a local company that specialises in "educational movement for 2 to 5 year olds." Leo was a little too young to fully appreciate it, but joined in anyway as best he could - dancing, playing with a colourful parachute, flying like a bird and making lots of silly noises. He was so excited! Just when we thought all the fun was over and everyone was leaving, he received a party bag (we'd forgotten about those)! In it, was a little seal-shaped water squirter which will be a great bath toy. As you can see, Leo was fascinated and spent much of the afternoon imitating it!