Well it’s been a while since I posted here.

Here’s what’s been happening in the Wiley household for the past few weeks.

Euan’s now on his first ever school summer holiday. Of course he’s loving it; just being able to lounge around in his pyjamas! Fortunately we’ve got him enrolled on a swimming crash course. He’s already going to classes once a week for half an hour, but they finish with the school term. We’re hoping the two week course will consolidate what he’s already learned and get him fairly proficient in time for when we go on holiday later in the year.

Eva’s now smiling on her own (i.e. it’s not wind induced!) Not only that she’s beginning to find a voice and is making cooing noises. Can’t remember Euan doing that at just 10 weeks old.

I’ve been trying to persuade Louise to get a new car. I think I’ve now succeeded, but may have to wait until next year:( Well, I suppose if we’re wanting to have a loft conversion done, it’s a small price to pay.

I’ve also been discovering the joys of ebay. A couple of years ago I bought a Mr. Potato Head for Euan, but have not really looked into since then. In the last week I’ve now purchased a bluetooth headset for my mobile phone which works very well when I’m driving with the roof down, and a climbing frame and slide for Euan (and Eva when she’s older). I’ve also got my eyes on a mouthpiece for the trumpet and a golf club for the father-in-law.

Finally, due to holidays and injuries I’ve had to play my first gig with the band as Principal Cornet. Considering I didn’t know the programme beforehand and hadn’t had chance to practice any of the solos I think it passed off quite well. I had to deal a cadenza and some solo work in “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” and a solo in “Love Changes Everything“. Fortunately I didn’t need to stand up to do these otherwise I’d have probably been a quivering wreck, and there weren’t too many people in the audience anyway as it was at Watford’s bandstand which is in a bit of an out-of-the-way location. All adds to the confidence though.