The Return of Chicken Pox

Last night I (Simon) put the boys to bed. They were both VERY excited about their big birthday bash today with their friends. This morning we all awoke and found that overnight Elijah has come out in spots. Two weeks after Ezra had the pox, now Elijah joins in. So, we have been busy texting parents whose mobile numbers we have and I have produced a sign for the front door of the hall where the party will be. At least parents will have the choice and the opportunity to come in and pick up a party bag. It also ensures that one of Ezra's best friends, Zeb, will be there. Zeb came down with the pox on Wednesday and his mum was unsure about bringing him along. Now, he is definitely coming!! I did wonder about hiring someone to stand outside and ring a bell whilst shouting "Unclean" but I think that may just be going slightly overboard. Anyway, do come back and visit us later for news on how the birthday partie de la pox went.

Happy Birthday Bampa!

It's hard to believe that my (Simon) dad is 70 today. 'Cos he doesn't look his age and certainly doesn't act his age (!).

A big milestone - but he is at home today in Bristol together with mum and will have to wait just under another 2 weeks for a family celebration. Our boys love their Bampa and, when they get home later from school the Von Wright family singers will be waxing lyrically as we sing "Happy Birthday" over the phone.

My dad is one of the most kind, generous and servant hearted people I know. And I'm proud to call him Dad and he is a wonderful grandfather.
Happy Birthday Bampa!

Memories (Part 2) - Elijah John arrives & grows a bit

Memories (Part 1) - Elijah John arrives (January 2005)

Happy Birthday Elijah!

This week was an important one in the life of The Wright Family. Elijah hit the big "5"!

He went to bed the night before full of excitement and anticipation. Daddy woke him the following morning with a gentle chorus of "Happy Birthday to you". He smiled, woke and sat up - in that order. "It's my birthday!!!" he said, through a huge smile. The smile stayed there more or less all day.

Later, when asked how it felt to be 5 Elijah replied, "It's Brilliant!!". He loved opening his cards and presents - every moment was savoured and enjoyed. He was so proud to take his mother's home made cup cakes into his class that day - they did go down a storm. He loved that his class sang "Happy Birthday" to him. He was so excited when Daddy met him from school with his new bike - which he then rode around Hayes Grove close (resisting the first few attempts to bring him in - "Come on in Number 1, your time is up!!").

He thoroughly enjoyed going with Mummy to Frantik Kids Club at the Army - and absolutely loved coming back home via MacDonalds with a take away birthday meal to share with daddy and Ezz (who has been at home with chicken pox!).

All in all, a very successful and enjoyable day! More to come - with 2 birthday parties coming up. One, a shared one for his friends with Ezzie (whose 4th birthday is in a couple of weeks). The other is the week after when The Wright Family get together to celebrate Elijah's 5th. Ezra's 4th, Simon's dad's (Bampa) 70th and baby cousin Zechariah's 1st. Let's hope we are all pox free by then!

Elijah's birthday also gave his mum and dad fresh opportunity to reflect and give thanks for this beautiful gift from God. And in a week when the news has been dominated by the horrific news from Haiti, which puts so much of life's annoyances and niggles into perspective, we are grateful and we are blessed. And we give thanks and all the glory to our Heavenly Father.

Proud Boys!

Elijah came home this afternoon from school bursting with pride. He has been awarded a sticker, a badge and a certificate for 100% attendance at school - the only one in his class. A very excited little boy! As we perused the school newsletter we saw his name stand out in the Goose Green Roll of Honour. And then...what's this? A name listed for 100% attendance this term at the school nursery - one Ezra Wright! No badge, certificate or sticker for Ez but when he was told he got very excited ("Woo hoo!"). Well done Elijah and Ezra and well done (mostly) Mummy and (sometimes) Daddy for actually getting them up and out!!! The accompanying photos are self-explanatory. Join the celebration!

Let It Snow!

Having lived through the great winter of 1981(?) in the valleys of South Wales, this little covering in London is nothing really. But, it has provided the boys with lots of fun anyway!!

(Nearly) Full Time Ezzie

This week Ezra sort of started full time at the School Nursery. I say "sort of" because he is gently being eased into full days at Goose Green. It began on Monday when he did not go into school til 1pm. But yesterday, for Ezra and his friends, a very important milestone in their education was reached. They went in at 11.15am with their lunch boxes and had LUNCH AT SCHOOL!!! Nina tool Ezzie in and said that there was an air of palpable excitement amongst Ez and his friends as they waited to be let into the nursery and then, onto lunch! And when he came home yesterday afternoon, his lunch box was empty - everything edible was eaten!!

He starts all day next Monday, but already we have reached a new season in the life of The Wright Family as both boys will be full time at school. Next Monday will be the first time in just under 5 years that Mum and Dad will have a regular weekday all to themselves. We have already booked it and are off to Ikea (work actually, but enjoyable nonetheless!)!

Our boys are growing up - and so are mummy and daddy!!!!

ELijah's First School Carol Service (with starring role!!)

Here we have a scene from Elijah's School Nativity which formed the theme through Goose Green's Carol Concert at St John's Church in December 2009. It was a great concert, albeit with a rather incomprehensible couple of "talks" by the resident priest. As the nativity is provided by the Reception Class each year, next year we expect Ezzie to have some role. He wants to be Joseph - like his older brother. We shall see.......