Iain enjoys sports day

Iain isn't a competitive boy like Thomas (who, incidentally, came first in the egg-and-spoon race and second in four others, including a sprint). He's perfect for sports day, actually, because it's all about taking part. The big finale is the relay. As Iain took his place, he made certain I was going to take his picture while he was running. So I did:

 

Lucy was tugging at my skirt, as I had put her down to take Iain's photo. I picked her up and looked at the field in time to see Thomas coming...but not in time to take a photo. Oh well: here he is preparing for an earlier event:

 

He's determined, there on the starting line. The race was a sort of modified steeplechase, I think. Thomas came...second.

 

It was a great day for the event. Beautiful and sunny, with a nice breeze, and occasional cloud cover to give everyone a bit of a break. I missed the morning events, as I am getting us ready for a trip to the US. But I was there long enough to see the boys compete and to chat with a few other parents.

 

Apparently this year there was a new mums' race--some sort of dressing up thing. I missed it, which was probably just as well. My last mums' event at sports day is probably the reason there isn't a sprint anymore. Also the reason I don't sprint anymore. But that's all right: Iain (and Thomas) really enjoyed sports day.

 

 

hand-me-downs

We love hand-me-downs! Our grandma always brings us loads of things when she comes, and we enjoy wearing many of them. Of course, we can be particular about what we wear, so some of grandma's finds become a blessing to other friends--or to their friends! Here's what our mum has to say about our clothes:

Hand-me-downs are economical, of course. Lucy has a friend at nursery who passes on the most posh things--the best way to get clothes from Zara and Monsoon! And it saves time, as the business of clothes shopping might otherwise mean long days at the Metrocentre or Dalton Park or Newcastle.

But that's not the real reason I like hand-me-downs so much. The truth is, I am terrible at deciding. If I am going to pay for something, I have to be certain that it's really what I want. I have to like it. And quite often I am just not sure about that. So a bag of clothes to explore and try, and like, or not-like-so-very-much, is a great gift indeed. Anna loves trying on the things her grandmother brings (of which there are usually loads). Sometimes there are things too small, too big, or just not suited to Anna. So we pass them along. Sometimes the things Lucy and Anna receive are not quite new-looking. Then I never worry about them being spoiled.

There are times, of course, when shopping is necessary. School uniform must be bought, most of the time. The school year always seems to start better with fresh white shirts and new cardigans. And we'll shop for smart clothes for a dear friend's wedding this summer.

But by the beach and by the pool, you'll find us in hand-me-downs.