Watching Mr Bean with Lauren is a tiring experience. She just doesn't Get It. While the rest of us roll around hysterically while Mr Bean destroys his washing (including lampshade, teddy bear, welcome mat and lilo) at the laundromat, switches his cup of fabric softener with the bully's cup of coffee, and manages to lose his trousers in someone else's washing, she's concerned about issues such as how is he going to get out of the tumble drier?

We had a lovely day yesterday. We went to the Botanic Gardens in 'Maritzburg for my dad in law's birthday lunch (he's 74). We had a fantastic lunch. What makes a good lunch great for me is an outdoor restaurant so the kids can do their own thing while we are relaxing at the table. It means I don't have to worry about them monopolising people in the group and also don't have to worry about their being bored and miserable. They ate quickly and then while we were at the table they had fun climbing on the rocks and riding their bikes around nearby.

Both girls are very nearly riding unaided. Peter and I are still panting along beside them. It is Lauren's birthday tomorrow and I think we will get her a new bigger bike.

Last night I was secretly making gingerbread men after the kids had gone to bed. I was test-driving a recipe for Lauren's party to see if it's within the abilities of a bunch of five-year-olds. Depsite the fact the I didn't rub anything in to anything else, or sift anything, or pre-beat anything, but just threw everything into a bowl and switched on the mixer, it came out very well. I now have a box of gingerbread biscuits on my desk at work (the sacrifices I make) as I can't leave them at home or Lauren will discover them (all details of parties are kept top-secret at our house).