Just back from the Awards ceremony for Determined To Make Movies 2008, it’s basically a film making competition for the Glasgow Schools both Primary and Secondary and for the 1st time ever a Nursery School was a finalist, that Nursery School was Penilee Nursery School the one my son Adam attends.

What was even more remarkable was not only where they Finalists against Primary and Secondary Schools but they also walked away with the Highly Commended in the Documentary section, so well done everyone involved. Adam was one of the many stars from the Nursery in the film and was why we got invited a long. When it came to collecting the Awards Adam’s nursery teacher and the head teacher managed to get me to take both Adam and Aiden down to collect it, have to say it was a little bit embarrassing walking two 4 year olds down a load of stairs trying to make sure they don’t fall with hundreds of people clapping and going “aaaww they are so cute”, however when it came to the photos I positioned the both of them and then move out the way quick smart

While of course the children taking part and helping make the films are the real stars, you can’t forget about the other stars behind the scenes, Penilee Nursery (a council nursery) has excellent staff, the head teacher Janet really cares about the kids and you can see she is very passionate about her job, Morag who is Adam’s group teacher and person that put the film “Fire” together is equally as passionate about the kids and great to see when your dropping your kids off that they are in the care of decent people that want them to enjoy their time and experience lots of things before heading off to school.

Anyway here is a photo with of Adam with the Award, no doubt we will get a copy of the official photos as presented by Joyce Falconer who plays Roisin Henderson in River City on BBC1 at some point.

Following up from last months Thomas and Friends Live! On Stage, the rock and roll life style that is the modern parents life style has taken me to yet another concert, this time Playhouse Disney Live On Tour at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow.

Adam (4) and Fraser (9 months) enjoyed 60 mins of on stage Disney fun, it was everything you would expect, happy, cheesy, did I say happy, we it was! The actors playing the parts where all American’s heck even the people selling you over priced crap (see photo below) where American also, so it helped create that cheese feast that only Americans can do

The acts for the show where, Little Einsteins, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It was actually well done, having to suffer the programs on a daily basis and then seeing them for real will haunt me forever LOL however the kids loved it, well actually Fraser was pretty bored until Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stuff started as that the program he knows the best and was actually laughing during it, but of a surprise as I was expecting him to bored. Adam got up and danced at the end, they way they lay out the seats and stage allows for kids to move and dance if they like, they can even go right up close to the stage.

Was a nice day out but in true Disney fashion happiness comes with a price tag. £60 for the tickets, Fraser goes free. Program £6, Handy Manny work hat £7 but you get popcorn with it, Handy Manny tool set £17, and Handy Manny spinning thing £12 not to mention hot dogs, and drinks, all in probably around £120, however not something you do every month, oh wait it’ starting to look like going to concerts aimed at kids is what I do every month LOL

Today Leona and myself took Adam up to his Primary School visit at Hillington Primary. It gives Adam a chance to see what a class room would be like along with the other kids that will be starting with him and for the parents you get an introduction to the school, booklets and information and can ask questions.

It was pretty interesting hearing how they finally sorted out reading and writing and is now done in a way that children can learn by using not only the words but sounds and actions to remember them, indeed I remember getting this kind of teaching when it was discovered was dyslexic and at the time it was specialist one on one stuff as the school couldn’t cope with it, but glad to see finally worked out all kids could benefit from that type of teaching.

A good friend of mine Julie is heavily involved in her children’s school (as is Paul helping with football coaching), she has been member of the Parent Association for what sounds like ever and get the impression that she works dam hard to make sure the school gets the extra things it needs and I am seriously considering doing the same, probably not in primary 1 but can see how it really benefits the schools if they have active fundraising and help to make sure the school is able to meet the expectation of the parents and local community, I did note that no dads are involved in the Parent Council in Hillington and wonder what the reason for that is.

Anyway the epic journey of 7 years in primary and 6 years in secondary starts this August, can’t believe Adam is ready to go to school now

I been friends with Matt for years ever since we meet via the original A4U forum many moons ago but it was only today that I worked out that Matt shares the same birthday as my mother-in-law Catherine LOL so happy birthday to them both, hope you have a lovely day.

Today we took Adam to see the Thomas & Friends Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Leona had won a competition in OK Magazine for family ticket to see the show at a venue of your choice. The seats were in the stalls, and a couple of rows from the front and dead centre, with a great view of the stage, so very good seats.

The show was as you could imagine very much for the kids, however 90 mins with a break in the middle is probably too long for the average age of 3/4 attending however I guess if it was any shorter then parents would not be chuffed (pun intended).

Anyway Adam enjoyed himself so I guess that’s all that matters, all thanks to Leona entering, OK Magazine and HIT Entertainment for the free tickets, cheers!