Robert plays with his toys.

I put Robert on his play area today, and he suddenly started interacting with it. He was knocking different hanging toys and watching the results. He had trouble getting the one to his right, but when he did, he squeaked with delight (more than once). He also played for ages. A real cheeful moment, especially after those first few unresponsive weeks.

Christmas carols.

I am not a religious person. I was brought up in a Christian society, but I have always found organised religion unsettles me. But like many people in the UK, I slip in and out of Christian celebrations like a thief in the night.

And so it was I found myself grudgingly trudging through Sawbridgeworth (a village where Kara's parents live) on my way to a caroll concert. I has visions of the internimable caroll practices at my secondary school, where the highlight was a tuneless rendition of the school dirge.

This though was surprisingly fun. Instead of a smattering of people, there were actually hundreds of people on the enclosed village green. The lyrics were projected onto a wall by a digital projector, and it was balmy for a christmas evening. I felt like I had stepped onto the set of a romantic comedy (probably by Richard Curtis), as the protaganists visit the local village festival, smiling children and all.

It also reminded me of the power of organised religion, especially when it invovled singing. Then again, this effect is also present at most big concerts, even when they involve such areilgious bands as The Rolling Stones.

On another note, Kara got me a book and a DVD that wern't on my Christmas list, but were absolutely brilliant choices. Great to be married to someone who knows you, except when you are doing something wrong. :)

My Sister's book is now available in UK

We interrupt this blog for a word from our sponsors.

My sister has written a Children's book based around Children travelling through time to World War 2 Britain. Obviously I am not the most objective reviewer, but it is a rollicking read, and is incredibly well researched (Annette has a PhD in History).

The book is now available in the UK on Amazon.co.uk at the following link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Know-Where-When-Snipesville/dp/0979476941

It is well worth a look.

Advert ends.

Andrew and Robert band photo (Andrew in "white album" phase look)

This video was taken an hour before the previous video. They are a pair, entitled "Why to have kids, and why not"

A cheerful video of Robert and Ethan