Yes, April was the month for Easter, but that didn't stop James and Matthew getting a late Christmas present of a metal Meccano set from their great aunt. It needed us to make a trip to "a major toy shop in Reading" to buy it, hence the slight delay. With a bit of help from Daddy (the Meccano box did say it was for the over 8's, so Daddy just about qualifies) we built a splendid crane that the boys now use to lift their toy animals. Over the Easter break, Bridget, James and Matthew took a trip to visit Grandma and Grandad L, and also dropped in on Easton Farm Park whilst in Suffolk. Being spring, it was bursting with new life including a lovely small foal that was clearly very friendly and not at all intimidated by the boys' advances. Ducks, goats and all the boys' favourites were there too. And of course, the obligatory pony rides for both of them. Matthew is now of an age where he really loves riding a pony when the opportunity arises. Just a short while ago he just sat on the animal like a sack of potatoes, now he just wants it to go faster all the time. In the Chilterns we are subjected to, or treated to (depending on your point of view) a regular stream of "craft fairs". In April the fair came to nearby Hyde Heath. One of the attractions was clay modelling, so James made his usual rhino, and Matthew made a pot. After painting they both look great. James is becoming quite adept at making rhinos in many media, maybe storing them all up for a future exhibition? The time has finally come for Matthew to leave nursery and pre-school behind him, and start at the local infant school. For one term he's in the Early Years class before moving up to Reception next September. After a whole year in Reception he will start Year 1 in September 2006. Although Matthew is only 26 months younger than James, he's three school years later due to the August / September watershed. He has settled in really quickly to the new routine, loves his form teacher and has made new friends. Only another 14 years school education to go....