We got a puppy!

Yes, we have a new addition to our household. And after much deliberation about a name (I wanted Dax, Adrienne liked Spock) we eventually decided on Willow.

I saw her advertised on Saturday. We went to visit in the afternoon and by the evening she was home! I must emphasize that this was not a spur of the moment decision. We've been wanting a dog for ages, had looked at a few others, but knew when we saw her that she was the one.

Appolgies for the second photo being a bit blurry. At the moment she'd either asleep, running around so fast you can't take a good photo, or we're too busy with carpet cleaner and a hot cloth to worry about taking photos!

I've heard about ten different ways to toilet train your dog in the last 48 hours, but feel free to leave me a comment about your best way. All advice gratefully received.

Things We've Been Doing

We have had a fairly relaxed Easter holiday, but have managed to do a few things as well. This is Ellie cycling down the cycle track to Fremington Quay. Caitlin came too while Adrienne entertained her friends at home with pizza and Wii.

We went to Saunton Sands one afternoon earlier this week. There was a cold wind, but they didn't mind. Caitlin tried digging to Australia, Ellie did her best to interfere, and I tried revising some Psychology - funnily enough I was reading the chapter on 'Stress'. The book could only suggest drugs or therapy as a solution, so when I got home I opted for the cheaper, quicker option and opened a bottle of beer.

Yesterday me and Ellie made a cake. It was lovely with chocolate custard.

We have also been to The Big Sheep for Francis' birthday party, and spent a day in Exeter shopping. We travelled down on the train, which I thought would be nice for a change, but it was packed and we had to stand all the way. Ellie obviously needs serious shopping training as she spent most of the time in the shops looking for somewhere to sit down. She did manage to spend a fair bit of my money though, one of her purchases being the dress she's wearing in the photo above.

We had a small bit of drama today, when a dog suddenly turned up in the garden and chased the rabbit and guinea pigs around their run for a while. The kids befriended him and attached him to a rope to try and find his owners. They eventually turned up about 45 minutes later. Caitlin was disappointed, she thought we might be able to keep him!

Easter Sunday

We've been out visiting family today. We took the kids out for some fresh air and exercise first, then stopped at Appledore for Hockings ice cream and a quick visit to see Grandad, once we'd persuade him to unlock is door and let us in!

We had a chat about computers and Ellie gave us three reditions of 'Mary had a Little Lamb' on the keyboard, then it was off to see Aunty Beth. The kids played in the garden and the grown ups discussed Dr Who over a cup of tea. It was all going well until Ellie fell off the slide. She's OK now, just a few bruises.

It's all good fun, and it stopped them OD-ing on chocolate. I wonder what I can find for them to do tomorrow. Housework perhaps?