Last weekend saw Henry and his dad at work putting up pictures. We moved house in October and half the pictures went up a few weeks ago. The other half were waiting for me to buy some more picture hooks until now. There are 2 big mirrors to put up now which have been put to one side until our handyman’s next visit. My husband’s DIY skills are fairly limited and it’s easier on the ears if he doesn’t do it all (the air is often blue). There are also 4 pictures, earmarked for a room we are planning to decorate in the short term, which remain propped up against a wall. We’ve got a lot more wall space in this house so it will be fun to choose some pictures to fill them over the coming years.
This week I’ve been trying to provide Henry with activities to do between getting home and teatime. He seems to need a little structure then if we are to avoid requests for the TV or computer, but I try to leave him freedom to experiment within what I’ve chosen for him. 
One day this week he created the picture above with the help of some droppers, diluted paint and an easel that I provided. The only guidance I provided was how to use the droppers and that the top was a good place to put the paint so it dripped down. Another day’s after school project was creating a birthday card for daddy. Daddy will be 40 so it’s an important birthday and the card had to be just right. Feeling like a good mummy for getting the paints out twice in a week.
Another part of our after school week is Henry’s swimming lesson. He’s been going to a local special school (think warm pool for those disabled kids) once a week in termtime for a swimming lesson since he was 7 weeks old. I now have a child that is very confident in the water, but rather lazy and easily distracted too. So despite all those lessons he can’t swim without a floatation aid. It’s just as well I didn’t want to raise an Olympic swimmer, but I had hoped he would be swimming independently by now.
Another after school activity is having friends home to play and have tea. We’ve done this twice this week. Once with Henry’s long time best friend and once with a new child who had never been to our house before. Both playdates were a success and this is the aftermath of one of them. We’ve had worst messes to clear up.
I’ve been continuing with my outdoor landscape shots and there has been plenty to inspire this week too. This tree is a very handsome specimum in our local park. I love the contrast of the bare branches against the sky. It’s a lovely tree in summer too and I’ll try to remember to return to take some pictures of it in full leaf.
I’ve seen snowdrops, primroses, crocuses and daffodils this week. Whatever happened to the natural progression of flowers through the spring? I was surprised to spot these daffodils when on a walk through the lovely Moorpool Estate (think model planned village) in Harborne.
That looks like a jam packed week!
Notmyyearoff recently posted..The Gallery – Photography Resolution
Busy week – sounds a bit similar to mine except I also have one at school as well as a pre-schooler. We also have swimming lessons – dd1 has been going since about 3 months old and now swims very well and dd2 has been swimming since about 18 mths and is getting there slowly – she also mucks about a bit in the pool but the main thing is she loves it and is not scared of the water. They get there in the end. Loving the spring flowers and the tree too.
Rollercoaster Mum recently posted..Listography – Top 5 Biscuits
Found you through Mummy’s Little Monkey Blow Your Own Bloghorn. Like the landscape pictures – sounds like it’s been a busy week.
A busy week for you! What is it about pictures being put up last? We did the same here. I think it’s getting used to a space to decide where they should go! Emma
Emma recently posted..Silent Sunday
You certainly have had a busy week! I love the photo of the tree, it captures the sky the I love so much at this time of year.
Claire recently posted..When It all gets too much just hide – 28/366
Love your nature shots, but also the shot of H in his swimming gear. He probably can but just doesn’t want to!
Thanks for linking up to #Project366
TheBoyandMe recently posted..Silent Sunday 29th January 2012
great shots again and its really interesting to see and read what you have been up to each week. the artwork is fab and I really like the picture of him in his swimming wear – he looks the pro even of he isn’t unite up to ere you would like him to be. at least he is confident in the water that makes up for a lot . enjoyed seeing he ‘signs’ of spring photos too with the little shoots bursting up through. i look forward to seeing next weeks x
Great photographs, a very busy week. I loved the ‘aftermath’ made me chuckle YES I’ve seen worse
Amanda recently posted..Magpie Monday: A Denim Bargain
Love the swimming pic and the fab art effect of the running paint. Awesome pics.
Clairelouise recently posted..Nine today 19/366
Wow what a busy week!!
Love the photo of Henry helping his Dad.
Great idea with the painting fun. I think we’ll try that
The tree picture is very striking too.
(Visiting today via TheBoyAndMe’s 366 linky)
Emily ( recently posted..Win a three night stay in a two bedroom luxury Derby apartment
Love the one working with dad and are they toys from Cars 2?
Yes the toys are mostly from Cars2. Until the friend came round & got very excited about them, it hadn’t occurred to me that we had so many from that film.