Easter Break

Hannah being emo

It has been a lovely rest from the turmoil of work, making packed lunches, and school runs. We are so grateful for these peaceful days when the kids can play out with friends on their bikes and explore our local area. We remember those days fondly; and while it seems to me that the magic of those days has gone, I remind myself that the magic is alive now for our children, just as it was for us. Despite all the terrible things going on across the globe right now, they are so fortunate to be able to be children lost in play.

We began the Easter weekend with an evening performing at the Flying Duck in Ilkley. We had such a lovely audience; they made us feel really special by watching and tapping along. Hannah’s dad took a short video of “The Wicken Tree” by Oka Vanga, which is now on our Facebook page. Meg really enjoys drumming on the floor tom for this one!

Over the last four days, Meg has been involved in the kids' holiday club—combining music with art—at Craven Arts House in Skipton. They made zines, wilderness masks, and charcoal artwork inspired by textures they found in nature. The theme of the week was “From the Earth,” linking with the exhibition currently being held at Craven Arts. The children certainly fit the brief during their end-of-week performance of “Wild Thing” by The Troggs for their families.

Our eldest, on the drums!

A mandala made collaboratively using only natural materials.

The children also worked throughout the week to compose and record a one-minute piece of music to accompany the exhibition using natural sounds. They had a glimpse into what it is like to work in a music studio, using recording equipment and performing on their instruments into a microphone.

This was a great week for all, and we’re really pleased to continue strengthening our relationship with Craven Arts in supporting and facilitating the local creative community.

One final note is about the perils of watching children holding heavy bowling balls in a crammed bowling alley: one of our Easter family activities. The lanes are close to one another and as much as you want children to build independence, Meg's heart nearly stopped seeing our 7 year-old flailing around the heaviest ball he could select with both hands. The movement he made was animalistic, heaving his whole body, arms from the floor, across his chest and up into the air to launch the ball in the air. It did escape behind him into a booth of people but, only once. Thankfully, they were understanding and the ball didn't quite have enough momentum to seriously injure their shins.

Moral of the story: not sure. Have a great rest of April everyone.

Photo in black and white to respresent emotional torture incured.

'I can do it all by myself, Meg'

Pretending she didn't know she would win.