Reasons to be Cheerful

ONE

My blog is one year old. It feels like only yesterday that I starting using this online medium to record my thoughts. It is lovely for me to revisit old posts, especially ones that show how much my little ones have grown over the months. It is also a huge bonus to feel part of the blogging community.

TWO

We had a bit of a Nursery wobble this week that involved Addy holding tight to my leg and shouting at the top of her voice "Not goodbye Mummy. Hello Mummy. Go away school". Although I hid out of sight and watched her tantrum turn to sweetness as she skipped about the playground with the lovely Mrs Edwards who had the task of prising her from my leg, it didn't stop me feeling like a cruel and horrible mummy.  This morning, however, she was absolutely perfect. A "Goodbye Mummy" and a kiss is a much better start to the day!

THREE

After the Bob's Big Build event in London, I met a lovely couple on the underground. Their young son loved Bob the Builder and they had been excited to see an advert for the Big Build in their newspaper. Although they were not given the wonderful VIP treatment that I was lucky enough to have had, they had clearly thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were absolutely thrilled when I offered them a copy of The Big Dino Dig DVD and a packet of Giant Card Games that I had received in one of my goodie bags. It was priceless watching their son's face light up and it felt really good to do something nice for someone. I have another copy of the DVD and card game to giveaway if anyone has a little Bob fan who might like them. I would love to make someone else happy.

Bob the Builder Giveaway (winner drawn Monday 19th Sept)

Bob the Builder Giveaway

Ever since our lovely day out at the O2 for Bob's Big Build, there has been a strong 'Bob' theme to the play at our house.

I have a copy of Bob the Builder's new feature length special The Big Dino Dig on DVD (due for release on September 19th) along with a packet of Bob the Builder Giant Card Games to give away.

For a chance to win simply follow my blog and leave a comment with a means of contacting you. For an extra chance to win tweet " #WIN Bob the Builder DVD and Giant Card Game at http://qwertymum.blogspot.com/2011/09/bob-builder-giveaway.html?spref=tw @PaulaHaylock " and leave a separate comment to say that you have done so.

CLOSED

Good luck.

(Winner will be selected at random from all entries on Monday 19th September, UK only)

Bob's Big Build

Instead of heading home after a lovely (surprisingly sunny) holiday in Wales, we reorganised our luggage and set off towards London. Why? To attend Bob's Big Build at the O2.

Bob's Big Build at the O2, London

As VIP guests, myself, my husband and our two little builders Addy (3) and Dylan (1) were treated to breakfast on board the Thames Clipper and given exciting Bob the Builder goody bags. The boat ride put us all in the mood for an adventure and as we arrived at the event, it was obvious that there was plenty to keep us all occupied.

The children were provided with little yellow hard hats and a "Bob's Big Build' Booklet which gave details of each of the 10 fun Zones available for their entertainment. Special stickers for the booklet were collected for each zone completed.

Despite having spent the previous week on sandy Welsh beaches (or maybe because of it), Addy made a bee line for The Big Dino Dig Sand Pit (Zone 6). 

Zone 6 - The Big Dino Sand Pit

 Dylan loved the  Bob the Builder balloons and wouldn't let go of his even to Help Bob Build a Wall (Zone 7). He was a bit of a menace, bopping random passers-by in his range with his inflated foil weapon but no one seemed to mind when they saw the cheeky grin that accompanied the  assault!

Zone 7 - Help Bob Build a Wall

Being a fan of face painting, my favourite zone was the one that included the skilled and patient ladies offering a range of Bob the Builder themed images to wriggly customers. Addy opted for this simple but effective Bob face. It has definitely given me some ideas for techniques I can try at home next time I get out my Snazaroo Kit.

Zone 3 - Face Painters, Balloon Twisters & Balloons

Dad was a little star struck when it was his turn to Meet and Greet (Zone 2) Bob and Wendy!  Unfortunately, Addy found the lumbering giants in the likeness of the friendly, familiar, animated characters not to her taste - she fled, not exactly in terror but what could have escalated into something of an episode had I insisted she get any closer than her bravery dictated.

Zone 2 - Meet and Greet

The Interactive Toy Play Area (Zone 8) would have kept my little ones happy all day if there hadn't been so many other activities to try.

Zone 8 - Interactive Toy Play Area

At the end of our allotted time in the Zones, we were ushered into an Extra Zone for a screening of the movie Bob's Big Dino Dig (available on DVD from 19th September).

We had an amazing day out at Bob's Big Build, taking away lots of goodies but even better taking away  a whole lot of happy memories.

Bob the Builder and Friends