Look! Kids stuff!
I had this entry all written out and then the computer crashed! Grrrr! Not something for making me any happier - it's a grumpy sort of day. Not even any pretty snow! But - here's what I wanted to share - something to keep the children happy:
First (and this is more of a gift-idea) Ice Age - a wonderful story that stands up to many repeated viewings! A witty, well-crafted script, great characters, beautiful animation... I could go on, but I won't. All I'll say is that 'the hero' is tall, broody and his hair grows straight up (um - and he's a mammoth...) and there are *3* scenes that make me cry! Three! Anyway, well worth your money. :)
Now onto stuff for the children to do: 'Charlie and Lola' have recently arrived on our screens. I think they were originally a book series, but they have now been animated and are utterly brilliant. Esp. because they talk like actual children and not in that weird stilted way most tv programmes make children express themselves. Here is their homepage (which I'm not familiar with) and here is their cbeebies page that I know has lots of games and stories (and a print-out-able activity book that we'll make as soon as the printer decides it can behave itself again!).
Lastly I'm very happy to introduce you to Tiny Planets (or as it's also known 'Bing and Bong'). This is a delightful children's programme that is educational, but *always* entertaining. It looks utterly gorgeous and since the characters never speak is suitable for any age group! The website is full of games, stories and various activities as well as many episodes watchable on-line! If you have a child under 10 make sure you have a look!!
That's all for now - I should go sort out the washing up or maybe the washing, now while the baby sleeps. (ETA: Baby very much awake! *sigh*) And yes I *have* written a bit of fic. The first part of a two-part story, but I've been boring myself to tears doing it (not that it's terrible or anything, it's just been sat in my head for so long that I'm very tired of it), so I'm taking a break. Have a nice weekend all. (And isn't my icon pretty? I almost used a grumpy one, but I feel like cheering people up rather than making them annoyed...)
First (and this is more of a gift-idea) Ice Age - a wonderful story that stands up to many repeated viewings! A witty, well-crafted script, great characters, beautiful animation... I could go on, but I won't. All I'll say is that 'the hero' is tall, broody and his hair grows straight up (um - and he's a mammoth...) and there are *3* scenes that make me cry! Three! Anyway, well worth your money. :)
Now onto stuff for the children to do: 'Charlie and Lola' have recently arrived on our screens. I think they were originally a book series, but they have now been animated and are utterly brilliant. Esp. because they talk like actual children and not in that weird stilted way most tv programmes make children express themselves. Here is their homepage (which I'm not familiar with) and here is their cbeebies page that I know has lots of games and stories (and a print-out-able activity book that we'll make as soon as the printer decides it can behave itself again!).
Lastly I'm very happy to introduce you to Tiny Planets (or as it's also known 'Bing and Bong'). This is a delightful children's programme that is educational, but *always* entertaining. It looks utterly gorgeous and since the characters never speak is suitable for any age group! The website is full of games, stories and various activities as well as many episodes watchable on-line! If you have a child under 10 make sure you have a look!!
That's all for now - I should go sort out the washing up or maybe the washing, now while the baby sleeps. (ETA: Baby very much awake! *sigh*) And yes I *have* written a bit of fic. The first part of a two-part story, but I've been boring myself to tears doing it (not that it's terrible or anything, it's just been sat in my head for so long that I'm very tired of it), so I'm taking a break. Have a nice weekend all. (And isn't my icon pretty? I almost used a grumpy one, but I feel like cheering people up rather than making them annoyed...)