One of the classic BBC Micro educational games, under an emulator on a Mac. Ellie tried it, and enjoyed it. Oh, and I realised how much Beeb stuff I had stashed away *blush*

She woke us up around 8am to open some prezzies, then we went to Nando's in Wakefield for lunch. Her party was at the Crazy Firehouse in Normanton - an odd playcentre but really quite good. Finally back to Wrenthorpe for more presents

We went to Leeds, ate prawns and had a cuppa in Waterstones. She's 6 tomorrow...

I got pounced on by Ben and Ellie in the hotel room. There's a couple of pics of how we fit all that wine in the Picasso as well.

Getting all the visiting out of the way while the weather was changeable gave us the opportunity to go to Montpellier - finally the sun broke through and we spent the evening paddling on the beach, followed by a drink in the local beach bar listening to a band do Police and Sting covers.

While trying to work out what's up with the 10D's autofocus, I took a few pics of Ellinor, and the cat. Autofocus is shagged, but the rest of the camera seems ok.

Trying some of the Fuji Z3's outdoor modes, Ellie proved a willing subject.

Ellie had requested a party at the local playcentre with her friends - and it takes the heat off having the party at the house so who were we to argue!

Are we going to regret buying her a CD player and a Strawberry Shortcake CD? Probably...

Ellie is moving to full-time big school after Christmas, and got a certificate presentation in the final assembly. Plus the usual pre-school herding of cats.

As she's joined Foundation Year, Ellie got a part in the school nativity play as a star in the night sky.

Proof that our son really can resist the temptation to wear a dress sometimes - even when all the other kids are dressed as princesses and fairies!

Trying to manually focus the 50mm and get it right, Ellie proved a willing subject.

Joel wanted to go visit some vineyards and we'd been recommended Domaine La Grangette - the GPS found the place and off we went. After some tasting (and slight worry about being over the limit for driving) it was getting close to lunchtime, and pottering to Montpellier seemed like the best option.

Ellie is starting at Big School soon, so got her first uniform. Ben insisted on being in the photos of course.

Ellie's Princess and Pirates party, featuring 3 princesses and one little pirate who didn't want to be a pirate really. We played some games, and the cake went down well.

One little girl is growing up.

Our daughter's first Nativity play - she was an angel telling the shepherds about the baby in the manger. Although to be honest, it was less a nativity and more watching the playleaders try and herd cats

Well, it started out with the lawnmower at 9am, followed by Ellie jumping in her paddling pool for most of the day. Sunday lunch with friends, and finally burning garden rubbish in the chiminea for an hour or so while drinking beer. Mmm, man stuff.

Ohhh, Ben's going to /so/ hate this photo when he's older...

Not many photos because Joel hid in the kitchen, but pass-the-parcel was duly rigged and lots of fun was had.

Starting out with chocolate toast and strawberry milk, then a quick trip to the office before Auntie Sarah arrived and Ellie opened all her presents. Hurrah!

A day out visiting Aunt Winnie, Aunt Rita, Grandma and Grandad Meese. Ellie discovered a drum kit and Ben did lots of eating (as he usually does) - bless.

In a bandana alice band, Guns-n-Roses on the radio, she decided she wanted to mosh a bit.

Every Friday Ellie wants to dance to Top Of The Pops. Her Grandma bought her an outfit to dance in, so it had to go on!

Coloured shapes and an early Sunday morning. Ah the bliss of being a Dad.

They were being particularly photogenic while Nicky was out.

A couple of nice pics of Ellie splashing around, and a couple of my mother's elderly cat Peter.

Lots of colourful play-doh, and a lovely daughter, all set in some shots from the 10D.

Mum popped in on her way home from work for a glass of wine and to read Ellie a story or two.