Chaos reigns

U2 are playing in Oakland tonight, supported by Lenny Kravitz.  This event had a number of profound effects on me.  The first was that I had seen both of these acts almost 20 years ago - one at the long gone Parc yr Arfau Caerdydd, the other at the Pilton Pop Festival - which brought into stark view my ongoing mortality.  The other was that we got to babysit not only Arbel, but also Claire and JJ while their parents enjoyed themselves at the show!  Noa was unfortunately unavailable.

As usual, the biggest challenge was getting the parents out the door, but after the infinite kisses and hugs (for us and the kids) they were all finally gone and then the fun could start.  JJ has learned to roll, but not cause and effect so is always shocked and upset to find himself on his tummy.  Arbel has a new trick every day, is crawling army-style, but enjoyed spending most of his time kissing his reflection.  And Claire...well, another reminder of time passing is when you can have a dinner conversation with someone you met on the day of their birth.  Scary.

After a slightly frantic 15 minutes when bath time, book time, tooth brushing, nappy changing and two bottles all seemed to happen at once, I can report that it is 8pm and I am enjoying a cold beer in the silence and calm of my own home.  Which will only last until the parents get back from the concert...

Everybody occupied.

We eventually outsourced babysitting to Claire, and went out for a cocktail.  You don't even have to pay two-year-olds the minimum wage!

Cute-as-pie Arbelli.

Vince, I thought you were going to the U2 concert!?

Now, seriously, which of us is the most gorgeous?