Thursday 15 December 2011

Baby Sing Christmas CD Review.


As many of you will already know from reading earlier posts, our family LOVES music, and practically from birth Tyrus has had his own collection of CDs ranging from Take That to Oasis, all in baby friendly form, so you can imagine my delight when I was given the opportunity to review a Christmas CD, especially for little ones...

Baby Sing Christmas is a fantastic new Christmas Album, by Music for Baby, perfect to create a special atmosphere for baby's first christmas.

Music For Baby is a small independent record label, run by a hsuband and wife team, which specialise in music designed to support development from pre-natal through to toddler and beyond.

Music For Baby believe that the influence music has on our lives begins when you are in the womb, and that it spans across every aspect of life, having a positive impact on concentration, sleep, movement, memory, learning and emotional development, as well as a whole lot of fun!

I definitely agree with their belief, music plays a huge part in the Morrison household, from Pop Music, through to Opera, we adore music.
You will always find at least one of our children listening to music, whether they be doing their homework, lying in bed or just having a quiet moment.

The CD has a fantastic mixture of songs to listen to, from the very traditional to the slightly more modern.
We always have a problem in our house trying to decide which Christmas CDs to listen to, although we love the traditional Carols, many of the CDs are very antiquated and the younger ones lose interest, and the older children enjoy listening to the Modern Day Christmas songs, but the younger ones get frustrated becuase they do not know the words, and they are not the songs they have been learning at school!

I put this CD on especially for Tyrus, however I found that all of the children had come into the lounge and were happily singing along to the words, this CD  has a lovely guitar arrangement and the voice is very soothing. It has 13 tracks, with an additional five bonus tracks that have been remixed and have additional vocals.

If you are looking for a nice, soothing CD that will keep little ones happy and entertained, then I would definitely recommend this CD. It has certainly put The Morrison Household in good Christmas Spirit, singing along to `Away In A Manger' and then `All I Want For Christmas Is You'...


It is available to buy from www.musicforbaby.co.uk

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Thursday 8 December 2011

Good Luck Charlie The Road Trip Movie (aka It’s Christmas)












As you will already know if you have read any of my blog posts, our family has a slight obsession with anything Disney!
One of the programmes that all three girls enjow atching, although I sometimes see the boys showing an interest too is Good Luck Charlie, I think the older children can relate to PJ and Teddy having younger siblings, and Eowyn always says in her most grown up voice "Charlie is SO cute"...

So it has been a huge talking point with the children when they saw advertised a film of Good Luck Charlie.
It premieres on Friday, 16th November at 6pm called Good Luck Charlie The Road Trip Movie (aka It's Christmas)

And here is a little sneak preview...

In this brand new movie, the much-loved Duncan family go on holiday to Palm Springs which inevitably takes a turn for the worst as Teddy and Amy get separated from the family at the airport – only three days before Christmas! With the odds against them as the clock counts down to Christmas day, Teddy sets out to reunite the family using all available forms of transportation (bus, car, hitch-hiking, and even a tandem bike) making way for this year’s rather unconventional, Christmas celebration.
Alongside muti-talented Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker (Will & Grace) stars as Amy Duncan; Bradley Steven Perry (Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure) as Gabe Duncan; Mia Talerico as Charlie Duncan; with Eric Allan Kramer (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, My Name Is Earl) as Bob Duncan; and Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete, Cory in the House) as PJ Duncan, with guest appearances from Debra Monk (Damages, Grey's Anatomy) and Michael Kagan (Desperate Housewives).
I could think of nothing worse than being separated from some of the children, especially so close to Christmas, and the thought of leaving Asa with the younger children and my parents, alone makes me shudder to think about it!!
So the Sky+ box will be set, as I have learnt that my children never just watch a Disney film once, they need to view it at least three times, and with nine days to fill once they break up for Christmas, means they can all get festive watching it, and not get too excited I HOPE!!





Monday 5 December 2011

Preschool Visit for Eowyn aged three !


Eowyn celebrated her third birthday last Monday, so we have reached that time in her life when she is going to start preschool. Today was her first visit......

All of my children have attended the same preschool, and it did seem strange entering the building for my fifth child to start, although I have to say, not a lot has changed over the years.

We got off to a good start, whilst we were waiting to go in, Eowyn suddenly had THAT look and said "Mummy I need a wee" luckily we were able to sneak in and use the toilet, otherwise that could have been disasterous!

We were allowed in at 9.15am and the first thing that Eowyn headed for was the Painting Table !
Which made me smile, as I have fond memories of Neva ( now aged eight) doing exactly this each morning that I used to drop her off for Preschool.

Five very soggy paintings later and she moved onto the Christmas Craft table, which consisted of lots of Stickers, Glue and Glitter.....

I am obviously THE worst mother in the world, because the look of glee on my daughters face, when she discovered the Glitter, made me realise that I obviously have never got the Glitter Box out at home....

Eowyn decorated a lovely Christmas Tree Card and made a stocking, FULL of glitter, in fact Tyrus is still sparkling three hours later, it really does get EVERYWHERE.

Next it was time to decorate the Real Christmas Tree, which was the funniest thing to watch, nine children aged 3 and 4 completely covering the first foot of the Christmas Tree with baubles, tinsel and beads, with the rest of the tree completely empty! The adults discretely moved some of the sparkle higher up the tree, and it looked wonderful.

It was then time for snack, we had chosen the right day to visit as it was a little boy's birthday, which meant we had cake!!

Eowyn then decided to play dress up, she looked very cute in a Pink Princess Dress and continued to wear this until the end of the session.

We did some puzzles, read a couple of books and surprisingly, helped to tidy up, which was amazing as she never seems to have that ability at home, I hope she brings that one home with her!

Finally, we took part in their rehearsal for the Christmas Concert, singing such wonderful songs as When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney and Jingle Bells.

All of my children have reacted very differently to attending Preschool, some were keen, others, not so, but I have a feeling Eowyn is going to be the easiest to adjust, but I guess we will just have to wait and see when she officially starts two mornings per week in January!

Thursday 1 December 2011

Accessories Direct - The Place to Wrap Up Christmas.

With not very long until Christmas, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to review an item from the fabulous Accessories Direct Xene and Neva both have numerous items of jewellery, hats, scarves and bags on their Christmas Lists.

Accessories Direct offers a beautiful selection of jewellery, handbags, belts, hats, scarves, gloves and gift ideas. They know that the right accessory can complete any outfit and with their easy to use website there’s no need to stress about finding that perfect party piece, unique Christmas gift or statement item for your special occasion or event!

Now, I must admit I have never really been a bag or accessories type of woman, not that I don't enjoy wearing them, its just that I have had a baby or toddler to look after for the past 14 years, therefore anything that is able to be pulled, or broken, or that may strangle me, is a no-no.

So when I was given the choice of some beautiful necklaces or a bag to review, I opted for a bag.

The website has so many bags to choose from and in many different shapes, styles and sizes.
No matter how hard I try, the sensible mum trait is always there, so I decided to look for a bag that was big enough to hold the essential items - nappy, wipes, baby toy! but at the same time looked stylish and fashionable.

After much deliberation I decided to go for a black Duffle Bag by Kate Benjamin.

 The Parcel arrived and I was very glad that I had chosen a big enough bag to keep everything in. Although I must admit, when I was sent through the link to information on the bag and the price (£175), I was very nervous about receiving it, I have never had such a luxurious bag and I was hoping it would live up to its price tag, but I had no worries on that aspect, it arrived in its own bag!



I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bag with its own bag.

The first thing that hit me when I opened the drawstring bag was the wonderful smell of leather, as I took the bag out I was delighted with the entire package.
It had end pockets with poppers, and drawstrings, a gorgeous leather and suede front pocket with clasp and stud effect,a gorgeous pink lining, a detachable shoulder strap and a mobile phone pocket. It felt so luxurious, I had to admit that my feelings towards luxury handbags has changed entirely!



I have already been asked by Xene, my mum and sister if I will be keeping the bag for myself, or if I would like to wrap it up and give it to them for a Christmas Present, but for once I am definitely keeping something for me!!

Although I shall definitely be taking a little look on the site for their Christmas Presents, they also have fantastic gifts for children including this Panda Hat, how cute is that!

The very kind people at Accessories Direct have offered my blog readers a huge 20% off non-sale items from the website using this exclusive code – “FESTIVE”. The discount code is valid until 9th December 2011.
So, if you are stuck on what to get someone special, take a look, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.


Minnie's Bow-Toons Competition

 



In celebration of Minnie Mouse getting her very own show, Hex Mum has teamed up with Disney to offer one lucky winner a bundle of goodies.

Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a great prize including a medium sized Minnie Mouse plush teddy, a small Minnie Mouse plush teddy and a Mickey Mouse Blast Off Rocket.


Minnie’s Bow-Toons is on Disney Junior from 5th – 16th December at 7:25am and 5:25pm, following this it’s on from the 19th – 31st December at 7:55am and 5:25pm.

Head over to Minnies Paint My Bow Game a lovely game for any Minnie Mouse Fan.


To be in with a chance of winning these lovely prizes, just answer this simple question.

Who is Minnie Mouse Married to ?

a) Donald Duck
b) Mickey Mouse
c) Goofy

Please email your answer and Full name to MinniesBowToons@hotcherry.co.uk

Closing Date: 1st January 2012

Minnie’s Bow-Toon Competition

We are offering one (1) winner the opportunity to win a Minnie’s Bow-Toon prize
How to enter:
To enter, answer the multiple choice question set in the promotional material.  Submit your answer with your full name to the following email address MinniesBowToons@hotcherry.co.uk.  
Start Date:
01 December 2011
Closing Date:       
Midnight, 01 January 2012
Winner will be notify:
Within one (1) week of the Closing Date via email
Entry Age:
Eighteen (18) years and older
Judging Criteria: 
The winner will be the first entry randomly selected by the Hexmum from all valid and correct entries received by the closing date.
Prize Details:
There is one (1) prize consisting of:  one (1) Mickey Mouse Blast Off Rocket, one (1) Minnie Mouse Plush and one (1) ‘cutie’ Minnie Mouse Plush. 
Prize Restrictions/ Notices: Prize is not suitable for anyone under two (2) years of age.

General Terms & Conditions
The Promoter is The Walt Disney Company Limited, Building 12, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5AN (“Disney”).  If you have any questions please contact Customer Services at help@disney.co.uk (feedback@disneychannel.co.uk), or write to Minnie’s Bow-Toon Competition/Hexmum, Disney Channel UK, Building 12, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5AN.  By participating you (the “you”, “Entrants (s)”) agree to the requirements set out in all promotional materials and the following General Terms and Conditions.

1.         Eligibility.  Please always get the bill payer's permission before going online or calling to enter.  Not open to employees (or their immediate families) of Disney, its agencies or anyone else professionally associated with this competition.  Maximum one entry per person unless otherwise stated. Entries via agents or third parties or use of multiple identities and email addresses are not permitted. Use of automated entries or programs is prohibited and all such entries will be disqualified.  You must be a resident of the UK.  Online entries must be completed by the Closing Date.
2.         Personal Information.  Your personal information may be passed to our agents to administer the competition, send out prizes and to enable Disney to promote the competition and its products and services (including the products and services of any partner sponsoring the competition) in any media including without limitation TV, online and publishing channels and social media platforms. Promoter will not contact you other than in connection with this competition.
3.         Disney’s Liability.  For online entries: Disney cannot guarantee continuous, uninterrupted or secure access to the website and is not responsible for any disruption to the competition or the website due to technical problems or otherwise due to events outside of its reasonable control.  Disney has arranged this competition in good faith but, to the fullest extent allowed by law, accepts no responsibility for loss or damages as a result of anyone participating in the competition or any aspect of any prize awarded. Your legal rights as a consumer are not affected.
4.         Prize Confirmation & Acceptance.  If winner declines to accept the prize, Hexmum/promoter reserves the right to withdraw prize entitlement and award the prize to a substitute winner chosen at the same time as the first name(s) are selected or judged to be a winner. Any prize which is returned or cannot be delivered will be used for another competition or given to charity. Disney has no responsibility to anyone who has not responded.
5.         Prize Fulfilment. No cash or other alternative prizes are available, except that in the event of circumstances outside of its control Disney (and/or any sponsor partner providing any prize) reserves the right to substitute a similar prize of equal or greater value. Prizes cannot be transferred or sold by winners unless a parent/guardian or grandparent is entering the competition on behalf of a child or family member. Unless otherwise stated in the prize description, winners are solely responsible for all additional costs and expenses associated with claiming the prize.  Disney reserves the right to request proof of identity or to verify eligibility conditions and to award any prize to the winner in person.  Prize will be distributed within five (5) weeks from prize acceptance.
6.         Cancellation or Disqualification.
a.     Disney reserves the right to disqualify late, misdirected, incomplete, corrupted, lost, illegible or invalid entries. 
b.     Disney reserves the right to modify, suspend, cancel or terminate the competition or extend or resume the entry period or disqualify any participant at any time without giving advance notice and will do so if it cannot be guaranteed that the competition can be carried out fairly or correctly for technical, legal or other reasons or if Disney suspects that any person has been manipulating entries or the results, or has provided false information or has acted unethically in any other way.
7.         Publicity. You agree that Disney may publish first name, surname initial, age, town/city and/or likeness without payment.
8.         Winners' details. For information regarding the names of the winners (and, if applicable, their winning entries) or send a stamped and addressed envelope to the Customer Services address on the competition entry page quoting “Winners List” and the name of the competition.
9.         No purchase necessary.  Disney's decision to select any winner is final and we reserve the right not to correspond on any matter.
10.      The laws of England and Wales apply and any disputes will be dealt with in the English courts only.
© Disney

 

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game




Kaide was a big Fireman Sam fan, before he began school, and when he first saw this game, he immediately reconnected with all things Fireman like!

All of the children love memory games, and were all eager to play the game and beat their siblings.



The game can be played by two, three or four players, with different slots to put the players piece, dependent on the number of players.

The idea of the game is to collect your five rescue cards that correspond with your chosen character, however, all of the cards are placed around the board face down, so it is also a memory game.



The first player `spins' Fireman Sam in his little circle and whoever the hose points to gets to choose a card, depending on Fireman Sam's instructions,he will say "Okay, let's get busy!" if the bell sounds once, you get to pick one card, if the bell rings twice, you pick two, but if you hear Norman say "Quick Sam, get me out of here!" it means that Norman is in trouble, which means you have to give back one of your rescue cards.


The first player to collect all of their five hero cards wins.


I played this game with Lochlan aged 11, Kaide aged 6 and Eowyn who is 3, so we set the game up for four players, I love the fact that you can play with two, three or four and there are different set up options for the amount of players, some games you have to waste time waiting for the non existent players turn!
Lochlan and Kaide had no problem spinning Fireman Sam, however, Eowyn wasn't quite old enough to spin it properly, although it spun, it was not fast enough to set off Fireman Sam speaking, but with a little help, she managed OK.
The game kept them all occupied throughout and they enjoyed the memory game part, although as a mother I did get a little Fireman Sammed out by the end. Saying the same sentence over and over!!!
Lochlan was the final winner, I bet you would never have guessed!

It is a good concept for a game and can be made younger child friendly by not taking the cards away and showing them where their cards are.
I would recommend this game for any young Fireman Sam fan, in fact I have decided to get one of these games for my cousins little boy, who will be three next week. 
A good memory game with a difference, would be a good Christmas Present for any little boy, or girl as Eowyn loved it too... 

Fireman Sam Spin & Rescue Game is available from Argos , Tesco, Toys R Us, The Entertainer, Amazon and Play.com priced £9.99 RRP

Puddle Jumper - The Perfect Swimmming Aid


New Sevylor Puddle Jumpers offer fun and safety in the water for your child.
Puddle Jumper, an innovative new swimming aid from water-recreation equipment expert Sevylor. Perfect for the pool and at the beach, the Puddle Jumper has a super-stable design that helps to keep your child’s head out of the water. Offering the same level of security only normally gained from wearing a life jacket, Puddle Jumpers are perfect for boosting your little swimmer’s confidence.
Featuring a soft, no-chaff cover that is ultra-comfortable for your child to wear, the Puddle Jumper’s design allows for their natural movement in the water, offering greater freedom and meaning children can swim and explore with maximum confidence. The four bright colours, each with its own cute animal design mean that unlike other swimming aids your child will want to wear a Puddle Jumper. Available in four rainbow colours, your child can choose from four different animal friends; a penguin, turtle, crab or a bumble bee. Each Puddle Jumper is quick-drying, reducing the risk of uncomfortable rubbing against your child’s skin.
Puddle Jumpers have a durable construction and are fully adjustable for greater parental security. Fastened using a single buckle at the rear; strapping your child into a Puddle Jumper is quick and stress-free. No more struggling with an unhappy child at the water’s edge, instead you can relax and enjoy yourself too.


We were sent a Puddle Jumper for Kaide to try out, at aged five, he is very confident in the water, but has not yet mastered the art of actual swimming. 
We had tried a Rubber Ring, but Kaide had struggled to kick his legs and move his arms, because it was quite restricting.
Next we used normal armbands, but they kept his arms afloat, but his chest kept dropping.
When he put the PuddleJumper on, he seemed to take on a new found confidence, he was jumping into the Pool, but landing more on his chest, which enabled him to take up the natural swimming position.
The PuddleJumper was very easy to put on, and because of the material it is made out of, he could put it on his arms, whether they were wet or dry, which was always an impossible task with Arm Bands, I can remember with the older children having to wet their arms first, to enable the Arm Bands to be put on.
Another positive to the Puddle Jumper is that it did not leave any marks when it was removed, many times with other swimming aids, we would remove them to find either scratches or red marks where they had rubbed. There was none of this with the Puddle Jumper.
He loved the colour and the Crab on the front, which meant I had no issues with him putting it on.
I would definitely recommend the Puddle Jumper to anyone who is looking to build up their child's confidence in the water.
The only problem we had was that he became so confident with the Puddle Jumper on, he was too over confident when he entered the swimming pool in the garden and he realised he wasn't wearing it!!
This will definitely be used for the next two children, whom i'm sure will love it just as much as Kaide has.

Saturday 26 November 2011

Are You A Winner ?

Apologies for the delay in posting winners, we have had so much illness, but we are all fighting fit now!

The winner of the Earth Friendly Baby Giveaway is
Anna Aird    @annieanna24

The winner of Handy Manny is
Joanne Dodd    @mummy2five1

And Finally the winner of The Red Toolbox Giveaway is

KerryHarveysMummy

Please could you contact me at mandijmorrison@aol.com and I will arrange to have your prizes sent out xxx

Thursday 24 November 2011

Never Can Say Goodbye!


Don't worry, I am not talking about the Jackson Five/ Communards Song, and I have no intention of singing...

It's about my inability to say goodbye to my husband. I don't mean each day that he goes to work, or Rugby, but any other time.
He has gone to a conference in Bridlington today, which means an overnight stop, and I HATE it!
He only goes away a maximum of three times a year, but I have been like it ever since he started doing it ten years ago...
Not the actual being away or coping with the six children, but its the actual giving him a hug and a kiss before he leaves, it reduces me to tears everytime, from about 24 hours before he leaves I feel sick, when I think about it, as soon as he goes to hug me prior to leaving the house I become a blubbering mess,once he has gone and I am back looking after the children, its not a problem...
I take my hat off to all of those couples whose other half works away, I just couldn't do it....
So, am I a freak of nature or does anyone else have the same problem ?

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Disney Princess: A Royal Celebration 25th November on Disney channel.

Disney Princess: A royal celebration
Disney Channel presenter Electra Formosa takes fans behind-the-scenes at the star-studded welcoming ceremony of Rapunzel in to the Disney Princess royal court

- UK PREMIERE FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER AT 3:55PM ON DISNEY CHANNEL AND
SUNDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER AT 1:35PM ON DISNEY CINEMAGIC -

Disney Channel invites little girls to relive one of the most highly anticipated events of the year with the British television premiere of Disney Princess: A royal celebration this November.  The one-off special programme, which goes behind-the-scenes at the star-studded welcoming ceremony of Rapunzel in to the Disney Princess royal court, makes its debut on Friday, 25th November at 3:55pm on Disney Channel.  Disney Princess fans can catch the special again on Sunday, 27th November at 1:35pm on Disney Cinemagic.

I have always loved the Disney Princesses, from the very first screening I went to of Snow White with my dad, and throughout the years with my girls, the last one we saw at the cinema was the Princess and The Frog - they took me to see it on Mother's Day!

We have been to DisneylandParis twice when the eldest four were younger, and I can still picture the look of wonder on their faces when they saw the Disney Princesses.
They adored the parades, especially the night time ones, which really are magical.
I am currently being pestered by the eldest five to take them back to Disneyland Paris, and this is definitely on the cards, although I hope they have a cabin big enough for the eight of us!

I have already set the Sky+ for Friday, just in case we miss the start on the school journey.
Will you be watching with your own little princess,or indeed Prince,  do you have a favourite ?

Minnie's Bow-Toons New Episodes


Well Minnies Bow Toons has certainly found a place in Eowyns heart, so much, that she has changed her birthday cake request with Grandad, from Mickey Mouse to Minnie Mouse!

The bonus for me is that it is only a very short programme, and now that I have it saved on Sky + it is easy just to put it on, whenever Eowyn decides there is `nothing' to watch on the television.
And the first new episode is on her birthday....

Brand new episodes of Minnie Mouse’s first ever show, Minnie’s Bow-Toons are on from the 28th November to the 01st December every morning at only on Disney Junior.

“Trouble Times Two” - 28th November
Minnie’s nieces, Melody and Millie, are helping in Minnie’s Bowtique when movie star Penelope Poodle comes in to find a fabulous outfit to wear at an awards celebration.
“Figaro’s Friend” – 29th November
Minnie is making a Spring bow with Daisy. Figaro the cat is playing with a butterfly, which gives them an idea for a new bow
“A Shop in the Dark” – 30th November
Minnie plans a surprise birthday party for Daisy, but the lights go out.  They decide to use fluorescent paint to light the Bowtique so that the party can go ahead.
“Flower Fix” – 01 December
Minnie’s twin nieces, Millie and Melody, are taking part in a pageant, but their flowers keep falling apart because they are using real petals. Minnie is on hand to make them new ones out of fabric.

All of these episodes look like they are going to be welcomed by Eowyn, it is nice to know about the episodes prior to her watching them, we had an unfortunate incident with another children's programme that Eowyn used to adore watching, that is, until one episode featured a witch, not a particularly scary looking witch and the story did have a happy ending, but ever since then, she has refused to watch an episode of the show, even though I assure her the witch won't be on!
I guess the thought of seeing the witch on the programme is too much for her to deal with, which is  a shame, I do wonder sometimes if the people that produce these shows have children of their own, i'm sure if they did they may try to avoid such things as witches....especially for a toddler programme, oh well, looks like I shall be able to let her watch Minnie's Bow-Toons with no witches in sight....

Meccano Multi Models Review

Lochlan has always had an interest in building things, so when he was given the opportunity to review some Meccano, he jumped at the chance!
As he is aged 11, he was sent a set called Multi Models, it is suitable from ages 8 to 88, so we can all have some fun...
This is what the website says about the kit

"Build 7 different models including a cool quad with suspensions and steering wheels. Contains detailed building instructions for 4 models. Building instructions for the 3 other models are available at meccanouk.co.uk.Only one model can be built at a time. Tools included. Contains 190+ parts."

Lochie decided to attempt the car, as shown on the box.

He began by tipping out the packet containing 190 pieces, which was not very clever, we spent the next five minutes rescuing pieces from the floor!


Lochlan retrieved all of the pieces and set to work....



As you can see, lots of pieces to challenge his thinking! 


I was surprised at the concentration Lochlan showed whilst making the car, it is unusual for him to sit still that long, unless he is really engrossed in something.

The length of time he sat even surprised Tyrus, in the highchair next to him! Or was it just the fact he has thrown all of his toys off of his highchair...

The furrowed brow is showing just how hard he is concentrating, not quite sure where Tyrus's highchair tray has gone either!

Not many pieces left until it is completed, I could not believe how long he sat there for, with the occasional piece of assistance from dad, who avoided the photographs.
Nearly there, just got to attach the wheels and check its all secure...

just adding the finishing touches and there we have it, a fully completed meccano car.

Although aged 8-88 I would think that a child aged 8 would struggle to build any of the models by themselves, Lochlan enjoyed the building process, but did require help at certain parts, from dad!

Some of the pieces are very tiny, so I would imagine that the older generation may require their glasses, in fact his grandad visited whilst Lochlan was building and struggled to locate the pieces for him.

With so many models to build in the same set, I would definitely recommend this set for any Meccano fan, especially for Christmas, there are endless opportunities for making the models and designing your own.

My husband also commented on the set as he is famous for never following instructions, so the fact that there are enough pieces to make your own models was perfect for him, and I am sure he and Lochlan will have many hours of entertainment, trying to outdo the other persons model!