Broken Arm

As the title says I broke my arm - trampolining with the kids. I did it on Sunday whilst Pete was on a high risk adventure activity called Go Ape which involves climbing through an assault course in the trees, the irony is quite funny. Anyway a friend took me to hospital where they confirmed I had broken it and the doctors decided the best course of action was to manipulate it back into place which involves pulling the arm and hand to align the bone in a straight position. unfortunately it is a bad break and yesterday the orthopaedic consultant told me I would need an op on it (which was the 2nd choice Sunday). I was supposed to go in on Tuesday to have my op but the theatre person who organises the patients said the break was so bad he wanted the top surgeon to do the op so I've had to wait until today (Thursday). When I go in today the plan is to have a plate and 5-7 screws put in to help the bone heal in the right place. It has to stay in for 2 yrs and then i can have it or alternatively keep it in forever. (the first involves another op so i shall probably just keep it in)
its my right hand and i am one of those fortunate people that is a leftie!!!!! so there is a least a little good news.

Kids Camp

In the first week of August we go on kids camp to Sevenoaks, Kent. It is there to provide a holiday for disadvantaged children who most probably wont get a holiday and have difficult home lives. We left for camp on August 2nd (Hannah's birthday) and met up with our friends Ben & Catherine to travel with them. We got to Sevenoaks at about 10.30am - a bit of an early start - and gradually met up with the rest of the team who come from different parts of the country (Birmingham, Somerset, Gloucester, London). Some members also came with some of the leaders and went to the cinema with a couple of leaders whilst the rest of us when through camp training. After lunch we off-loaded the mini buses with all the things needed for the week. The members arrive from 4pm to settle in and meet the leaders and other members. As it was Hannah's birthday I had made a cake for her with candles on. After tea she was called up to the front where everyone sang Happy Birthday to her and she blew out her candles etc. She was a bit shy being in front of lots of people she didn't know.
Camp is very structured with not a lot of free time for the kids to get into trouble. We run lots of activities for the kids. First thing in the morning we (leaders) meet up with each other to do a short Bible study and prayer. We then go through the days activities with who is doping what and any volunteers needed for the activities. When the kids get up they can go to aerobics, jogging, or just chillin till breakfast. After breakfast and clearing up we usually have a game(s) in teams. We did games such as wellie throwing, water games, games involving shaving foam etc. We had a spiritual slot where the kids would learn a little bit about God and Jesus. Int eh afternoons there were various workshops for the kids to take part in. We took the kids ice-skating, ten-pin bowling, boating, we do something called 'Hunt the Spy' where leaders dress up and the members have to find them and then take a photo of themselves doing a challenge set by that leader and we take the members into town for this activity. We went to to Thorpe Park for the day and we had a big 'ball' for the kids on the last day.
It can be a difficult balancing act with our children and the members who come to camp - being able to serve those on camp and spending time and giving attention to Hannah & Josh. They seemed to mix well with the members and leaders and had a good time.

Hannah's 3rd birthday

It was Hannah's 3rd birthday party on August 2nd and we had her party on the Thursday before. She about 5 friends come round. We had party food, birthday cake, presents, played pass the parcel and played outside thanks to the weather holding off for the day. In the evening family members came round and we had pizza - thanks Uncle Andy - and more presents and cake. We bought her a new car seat which is bright pink, a butterfly cushion, a balamory magazine, and other little bits and pieces. She also had colouring things, a smart denim dress outfit and other clothes, a little suitcase for when she stays overnight with Grandma. It was a long day but she enjoyed it all. I can't quite believe she is 3 years old. Being an August baby means she'll only have 1 more year at home before she goes to school. She will be going to pre-school in September which I think she is looking forward to.