Animal lovers....we are not!

I know, I know, I know....... on Friday I said that was the "final blog" but today was a bonus day as Mr Mum so I thought I would squeeze one more regular blog in, before they become a bit more random.

As I was my last day I enlisted T and family to a day out in the country. 

We met up at Ts house at about 9.20 and headed off with our 6 kids to our first destination - Christmas Tree Farm.  We arrived at about 9.45, and it was fully open ready to take us in.  There was some doubt whether it was opening at 9 or 10, with a side wager on the outcome.  I won the wager and am still waiting for the bet to be honoured - watch this space!

On arrival, the kids were handed a bucket of animal feed each for the animals in the farm.  This was a potential disaster waiting to happen, I could see a few of the kids eating the feed, while others would throw it over each other, with the animals getting very little.  However, my worries were unfounded as the kids set about "feeding" the animals pretty well.

First stop was the Lamas, and with the kids looking a bit unsure, T decided to show them how to do it.  Grabbing a bucket of feed she confronted a Lama, which leant over, grabbed a mouthful out of the bucket and then promptly sneezed it back all over T! The kids and I found it amusing, but not sure my animal loving friend T saw the funny side! 

The kids then got into the stride of it and were busy feeding the chickens, sheep, horses and cows.  Most of the food ended up being thrown at the animals, but I guess they are used to that and all took it in their stride! We had a couple of buckets which found themselves over the fence with the animals, but brave Mr Mum overcame all the odds and recovered 90% of the buckets thrown!

The pigs were off somewhere today, probably getting ready for someones breakfast! but we managed to catch up with the rabbits, which were HUGE! as well as some guinea pigs and ferrets.  As we left the animal area T almost bought a rabbit - they were being sold as a free gift when you bought a bag of sawdust!! still £25 each, so we gave it a miss. 

We stopped for a quick coffee and ice cream before departing the farm for our next destination, the park. 

After a near miss in the country lane between T and an oncoming car we managed to find the park and we set up camp at the top of a hill sitting in the sunshine.   After eating Mr Mum's Premier Picnic (one of the many recipes in the forthcoming book) we decided a game of football was required.  Mr Mum's family v T's family. 

I was already down one player as Rosie thought the picnic was far more interesting than any game of football, but it didnt matter because D wasnt going to leave his "girlfirend" for anything.  So it was 3 vs 3. 

I had a team talk before the game and we decided to start with Megs in goal, Emma on the wing and me in a holding role in the middle.  This was quickly undone with a fast move from K, running down the wing, she skipped past Emma, dummied a shot to Megs and then let rip with her right foot - bursting the imaginary net it was 1-0 to T's Tigers. 

After about half an hour waiting for Emma to bring the ball back (it had rolled down the hill), we were back up and running and Mr Mums Muppets were motoring with the ball.  A quick one two with Emma and Mr Mum shoots....only to hit the post (well, shoe) and off for a goal kick.  The game was heating up.  Ts Tigers had the ball and with Emma off checking her hair and nails, it was left to Megs and me to contain the force of the Tigers.  The ball was launched from A in goal to T, who "controlled it", passed back to A who launched a high ball towards the Muppets goal.  As quick as a flash, like a gazelle, T was leaping in the air to go for the spectacular volley.......this didnt quite go to plan, but she managed to "knee" the ball over Megs head and into the goal.  2-0 and the Muppets were on the ropes. 

I decided we needed a tactical change, so I went in goal and sent Megs and Emma (who was now back) up the field to collect the long balls.  After a bit of Mr Mum magic, I was round T with only K to beat, I passed the ball to Megs who smashed it passed K and it was 2-1.  Within two mins it was 2-2 after a blistering run from Emma and another shot by Megs.  At 2-2 my biggest problem was keeping everyone interested in the game.....people were fading fast so the last goal would be the winner.  After a tight fought contest in the middle, with some underhand tactics including T stamping on my bare foot,  Mr Mums Muppets managed to get the ball up the pitch and passed a tired A in goal to make it 3-2 - the victory was ours.................

After such a dramatic game, it was time to relax for a bit with a sweet before heading off again.  Next stop the playground. 

The playground worked out pretty well, wasnt too busy and there was lots for them to do, so with the kids entertained T and I took a well earned rest.  Only interrupted with the occasion request for a drink, push on the swing, sweet and bizarrely, a toilet stop.  Now, as many of you will know, the average playground does not come with any toilet facilities, so I was given the lovely task of taking Megs and Emma round the back of the bushes for Megs to perform a number 2 and Emma a number 1.  This was quickly followed by T's turn with A, quickly followed by me again with Emma who now needed a number 2.  Still, I guess it is good for the plants!!!

With the time against us and the threat of rain overhead, we decided to call it a day and head off home.

Another successful day came to an end and a fitting climax to the reign of Mr Mum.  So thanks again to T and family for sharing my last day and making it so much fun.

Just to keep you in the loop.  I am back to "work" tomorrow but will be around from time to time to help with Kids etc, so watch this space for updates and more entertainment!!!