Things said this weekend

- The weather forecast is great for today. I know, lets go on a day trip this weekend.

- Have we got the map with us?

- Everyone in? Lets go!

- What do you mean you want to do a poo? What, now? Why didn't you do when when I asked you 5 minutes ago before we left the house?

- Where are we?

- Where are we supposed to be going?

- Ok, lets go to Brcko (pronounced Birchko). We haven't been there before.

(When they signed the peace agreement to stop the war they split Bosnia into 2 entites, the Republika Srpska and the Federation. However, both sides wanted Brcko to be in their entity so badly that they basically had to say that because they couldn't agree who would have it then neither side could, confirming my suspicion that high level political negotiating is not that different to dealing with toddlers. They did the equivalent of putting Brcko up really high on the shelf out of everyone's reach. It has to be said that Brcko probably did pretty well out of the deal, it has its own government and by most economic indicators seems to be doing rather better than the rest of Bosnia.)


- There's a big river in Brcko, Jess could go for a swim.

- It is really hot.

- Look boys. That is the border. Over that river is Croatia. Lets throw some stones in for Jess.

- That fish that just flip flopped in the river was ENORMOUS.

- I don't know why the restaurant has cannons in the garden.

- Luke, put the axe down please.

- Dave, there was a lot of fighting round here in the war. I don't think we should go off the map.

- Lets head home. The sign says that way to Tuzla

- This isn't the way we came.

- The sign definitely said Tuzla this way. Lets give it a go.

- Look at the view! That's amazing. So green and beautiful.

- What is that sign?

- Boys, listen to Mummy very carefully. Do you see this sign? The red one, with a skull and cross bones on it, that looks a bit like a pirate flag but is red? If you ever see that sign, do not ever ever put a single foot off the road. Do you understand me? This sign means that there are mines. Do you know what mines are? Mines are bombs that men have hidden under the ground and when someone steps on them they will explode. Mines kill people. You must never, ever, step off the road if you see a sign like that.

- What do you mean you need a wee?

- Nearly home now. Is that the police ahead?

- Looks like there's been an accident, we'd better find another route. Let's try going left.

- I know this road isn't tarmacked, but it is marked on the map. There isn't another way to get around.

- The man on the tractor said we were going the right way. We must have faith. Let's keep going and hope for the best. I know we haven't seen a house in about half an hour.

- It's looking pretty dark over there

- WOW! Did you see that lightening?

- Asphalt. Phew. I think it is really going to pour and don't fancy driving on the dirt track in the rain much.

- Rain? This isn't rain! This is someone throwing a bucket at the car.

- There's a river in the road. It is flowing faster than we are driving.

- Home! Home home home. Never have I been so pleased to see you.

- You enjoyed the adventure? You want to do it next weekend? Are you quite sure?

- Darling, I think we've got two adrenaline junkie sons on our hands.



-----------------------------------------------------------

Mummy Do That, a German living in Glasgow, has put together a Bilingual Childrens Carnival. I strongly advise anyone thinking of bringing up children bilingually to head on over there for a read. There are problems, stories and support for parents of children trying to get their heads around two languages. This carnival will be a monthly affair so any contributions from other parents of bilingual (or not so bilingual as the case may be) would be very welcome.

Must be carnival season, as the Best of British Mummy Bloggers Carnival is up and ready to go over at ClareyBabble - so many new blogs are included. I'll be up all night having a good old read.