Me and Mine 2015 - May

May has felt like a long month, and yet it's difficult to believe we're in June tomorrow. We've had a lovely week in Cornwall with the Hubby's godmother, swimming, walking and relaxing. We went up to Tintagel Castle, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. There have been disappointing results in the General Election and in the Eurovision Song Contest. M is trying to toilet train herself, and B is working on writing her own name. I discovered that the Health app on my phone keeps a record of my steps and have been trying to build up the number I do each day. This would have been successful, if I hadn't hurt my back carrying M. The Hubby has been to Athens on business, and has taken on the role of NCT Fathers Coordinator for our area.

It has been so good to have time together as a family. We really enjoy each other's company, and even more so when we can relax a little. I had my pick of photos this month, as our holiday provided several full family pictures. I picked this one of us at Lanhydrock in Cornwall, because we had such a great day there together. The gardens are beautiful and there's a brilliant play area. They're really friendly towards children and they serve great refreshments - the most delicious cheese scone I've ever tasted. I also love that we all have different expressions in this photo, almost summing up our characters with our faces. I was obviously in the throes of saying,"Cheese!" 

This month:

The Hubby has enjoyed...

Decluttering the house

Doing the Press Up Challenge

Warmer weather

Planning for the future

Going to the Eden Project

Seeing his godmother

I have enjoyed...

Holidaying in Cornwall

Our Pentecost Cheesecake Party

Decluttering the house

Gardening

Making Frozen themed cupcakes

Hearing M say more and more words

Watching Once Upon A Time

B has enjoyed...

Jumping in puddles

Painting on canvases

Playing in the garden

Going on holiday

The Eden Project

Eating a honey and lavender ice cream on the walk back from Tintagel Castle

Reading Fantastic Mr Fox with Daddy

Asking "Why?" 

M has enjoyed...

Helping around the house

Going on the toilet

Wearing other people's shoes

Talking

The Dingle Dangle Scarecrow

Watering the garden

52 Weeks of Memories | 21: Animal

M loves dogs. She gets super excited whenever she sees one, shouting, "Dak! Dak!" and gesticulating wildly. So when we got to meet our friends' new dog at the weekend, she was thrilled. This beautiful black Labrador is gentle and calm - and ever so patient with a small child who couldn't help her excitement at being able to stroke a dog. 

She was equally perfect with B, who is quite afraid of dogs. She didn't jump or bark, and it was lovely to see B stroking her, with a big smile on her face. 

52 Weeks of Memories | 20: From the Side

The hubby looking hot in the Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project.

Siblings - May 2015

In the last month, I've been so moved by how much these two love each other. They are just delighted by each other's company. They cuddle in the day time and snuggle close when sleeping; they kiss and hold hands; they share their food without being prompted. I'm so glad that I've been lucky enough to have the camera at hand to grab so many of these moments; I rarely have to stage photos anymore, because they do so much together that is photoworthy.

52 Weeks of Memories | 19: With Mum

Me and my girlies, trying out B's new headbands.

We're all feeling a bit healthier this week, and I'm enjoying spending some quality time with these two. I don't know two more gorgeous and funny people than these two.

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Following Your Conscience

It's Election Day. There are so many of us torn between tactical voting and following our hearts. In my day to day life, I follow my heart. Not in ignorance, but after a great deal of research. And that's why today I will be voting after my own heart.

I want the Tories out, believe me, but not at the expense of my conscience. A tactical vote may well ensure a change of government, but every time we ignore that little voice in our heads, it becomes harder to acknowledge it the next time. Every time we vote Labour to get the Conservatives out, or Conservative to get Labour out, we make it more difficult to vote for the policies we believe in the next time. 

A vote for the party I believe in may well seem ineffective this time around. But the more people who follow their hearts this time, the greater the numbers voting for someone other than Labour or Conservative. 

It's not pointless to vote the way your conscience points. Even if that means your party don't win this time, next time more people will be more likely to vote that way because they've seen the numbers grow. And if the Tories stay in for another 5 years, they will be in the great minority, and just perhaps those "blue through and through" never-read-a-scholarly-article voters might start to see them for who they truly are. 

52 Weeks of Memories | 18: Water

All this rain! The girls had a fantastic time splashing in puddles when we went for a picnic for my Grandma's birthday. B got completely soaked, and we had to return at least one puddle that she was hiding in her wellies. So many people commented on how they would love to be able to go puddle jumping themselves. Well, why can't grown ups splash in puddles? Give it a try!