Sisters, unicorns and winged horses

The girls and I have been up since about 6.30 today, we are every morning so nothing new there, but this morning was slightly different.  The girls have started to play more together, not just the usual snatching of toys, or pulling of hair or pretending to 'carry' Tilly (which ALWAYS ends in tears), but actually playing. Albeit for about 10 minutes at a time before a referee (me) is required.

Eliza has made up lots of games lately, amongst them the 'moving really fast in the style of an animal from the window to the sofa' game.  I take a firm position as the spectator and/or commentator in this game, after the first and last time I actually took part.


"Be a snake Mummy!"

I duly got on the floor and started wriggling along, but was stopped after only seconds off the starting blocks.

"No Mummy you're not allowed to use your arms or legs."

"Oh, but it's impossible otherwise."

"I know, but snakes don't have arms and legs Mummy and you are supposed to be a snake." She had her hands on her hips so I knew she was serious.  I struggled gamely on. I imagine that it is easier for a 3 year old than for someone of my vintage. So since then I sit on the sofa and make encouraging noises whilst drinking a cup of Earl Grey.

Tilly is pretty good at this game too.  Her current favourite animal is a unicorn. Although I have to say that most of Tilly's animal running impressions look remarkably similar, however the aid of her finger on her forehead does help to identify the unicorn. And the incredible snorting noise she makes when she comes to a stop. Really rather brilliant. Maybe she'll be an actress.

So anyway after many renditions of this game, a few stories, some TV and breakfast I thought it might be about time they woke him indoors.  As luck would have it the postman thought so too since a package arrived for him.  Both girls naturally wanted to open it but I said that it was for Daddy.

"Can we take it up to him Mummy! Please! Please Mummy!"

"Well he is sleeping so probably not no." I admit it wasn't my most convincing 'don't mess with me girls' voice.

"Pleeeeeeeeeeease."

"Oh okay then." Well I'm sure he would find it very sweet to see his little girls come bounding onto his bed whilst he was in the middle of a dream.  Surely.

They ran up the stairs with screams and shouts of "Daddy, we have a package for you!" I heard the door pushed open and the unmistakable sound of someone who is delighted, surprised and completely disorientated all at once.

Tilly had taken up her current favourite toy with her. It's actually a camel but she calls it a unicorn. Of course.  So she told her Dad that she had her unicorn with her.  Him indoors, being a practical and sensible sort of person said no it was actually a camel.

"No Daddy it's a unicorn."

"No it's a camel Tilly. Unicorns are horses with a horn on their head."

"And wings!" Eliza contributed (she is the authority on all things fairy princess and that includes magical unicorns.)

"No, they don't have wings."

"They do Daddy and they have magical tails."

I'd joined them at this point and thought I'd weigh in with my opinion on this important matter.

"They do actually, they have wings and a horn."

"No they don't. You're thinking of Pegasus, the winged horse."

"No I'm not, everyone knows unicorns have wings. What's the point of just having a horn?  Might as well be a rhino."

"Yes Daddy."  Eliza

Tilly meanwhile was busy running in the style of a unicorn up and down the landing.  Oblivious to the debate she had started.  While her camel/unicorn was being ridden across the bed by Milo.

And it's only 10am.