NotSheep

Henry’s parents left this morning; Scratchy drove them into the city to catch the bus back to the airport. His mother was teary when she left - understandably; I’m sure I’ll be ten times worse if Barney decides to go to France next year

Henry had a bit of a cry in bed after they left, which wasn’t surprising. After breakfast he came to me and asked if we were going to do some schoolwork; he’s brought his English and maths books from school. I think the English will take care of itself but the maths one was useful to let me see where he is. I think Henry expected to do more work today - he’s asked if we can do more tomorrow - but he also said, during dinner, that he thinks “house-school” is good We did a little bit of number-work together while Freddy and George did their own maths and Barney did some writing. After lunch there were a few more tears and we sat together for a little while, then I suggested we could watch a DVD - in English, but one that he’d already seen, so that he didn’t have to understand everything to follow the story. He was happy with my suggestion of Madagascar, and laughed along with the rest all the way through that, and then we all spent the rest of the evening with sporadic rounds of “I like to move it move it!”

Henry and Barney spent the rest of the day playing games, both on and off the computer. I think we’re all still suffering the effects of fatigue, and of course the first days and weeks will be the hardest. It’s a brave thing that he’s doing! I think it will be best if we try to keep busy for the next few days, so that he can adjust as much as possible without thinking too much of home. His parents have the URI for this blog, so *waves at Henry’s parents*

Dinner went well; lots of conversation around the table in both English and French, and the verdict on the food was “c’est bon!” We ate in the conservatory; it was raining heavily at the time so quite noisy, and we taught Henry to say “it’s raining cats and dogs”. We also spotted a rainbow, so that was a good opportunity to review colours, and Henry explained that in France they say you should look for two rainbows - so we did, and we spotted a second one!

Freddy went to ju-jitsu this evening and Henry went to watch - if he’d like to participate, we’ve already got a gi that should fit him, thanks to a friend with slightly bigger children than ours. I’ve also promised to take him to the science centre soon, as he’s seen the photos from last time and is keen to go

And now… I must disappear and plan a programme for Beavers tomorrow evening!