Penny's 4th Birthday

Four years old already, though as you said to Grangrad this morning, 'I just can't wait to be 5'!

We are so proud of you Penny ... you are a thoughtful and generous big sister, bright and cheery, with a sparkly imagination and a cheeky spirit.

You dressed up as Biff from 'Dogs don't do ballet' for your birthday party.

Penelympics

We went to the technical rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games!

You had a great time. Every time the stadium audience clapped, you were over the moon - you thought it was all for you.

Gearing up for the Olympics

It's nearly time for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games!

Here's me in my Olympic volunteering uniform, with matching pink daughter accessory.

Maybe by the time you're old enough, skateboarding will be an Olympic sport...

Jubilations

Last week we celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, despite the rain!

Riots in Brixton (and Tottenham and Hackney and Peckham and Croydon and...)

It's night 3 of the London riots, which seem to be quickly escalating into national riots.

This is a picture of the Games Master up the road from our home, where your mum and I often trade in DVDs. The whole of Brixton high street is in a similar state. Very sad.

May you never be as angry and disaffected as the people who are perpetrating these riots.

And if you are, may you find a more constructive way of expressing it.

And if you can't, may you at least show some respect for people's livelihoods and communities.

And if you don't, may you feel humble, and go out of your way to put things right again.

All of us do stupid things sometimes - let your mistakes be your own rather than the product of submitting to peer pressure or a mob mentality.