I love this time of year. I think if every weekend was three days long I might just be able to cope with life. Saturday we spent shopping for Daniel's birthday. At 2, for the last time, we could shop for his birthday with all of us together in the toy shop without him noticing what was really going on. At the last minute Peter whisked him out while I paid for everything. We got him a monstrously large truck (decided this was a sure hit as Lauren and Daniel were madly pushing them around the shop), a baby doll (every child needs his or her very own baby even if there are several belonging to siblings already), a mini basketball set, some large farm animals, a jetski thing for the bath, and mini Baby Bop and BJ to go with his Barney.

Sunday afternoon was his party, which he enjoyed. We were proud of the cake, as we drew a road on top (complete with road markings and cats eyes) and made Boudoir Biscuit cars with jelly baby drivers (have I mentioned that Danny is obsessed with all wheeled things). His favourite presents from the party were probably the golf set and the cuddly Pooh Bear blankie. He loved the cake and the singing, although he'd had no coaching in blowing out candles. Lauren was glad to oblige and help.

On Monday we fulfilled a dream I've had for ages now. We went back to my childhood haunt - Midmar Dam - and hired a boat (a Halcat Catamaran). I used to sail every weekend, for six months of the year, from about the age of 8 until I was 16. First in an Optimist, and then in a Dabchick. I loved it. It had a huge effect on my life. After that, Peter and I had a few days sailing (in a Laser) at the dam. Yet I've not sailed for maybe 14 years. Strange. Now I have this burning desire to get back into it. I need to pursue some things for me, widen my life again. Been a bit narrow the last while with work and kids taking up pretty much all of our energy.

All five of us went out for a sail on the boat. I was pretty anxious as we pushed off from shore. After all, Peter has only been out a handful of times with me, and I was suddenly sure I was going to capsize us and have 3 small children in the water. It turned out, as I'd hoped, that like riding a bicycle, sailing is something you never forget. It was such fun. We're going to get into this as a regular family activity. And buy our own boat when we can. And take some other families. There's something so special about riding the wind and water.