Three runners (OK two of us cycled, shh) created a haven for frogs and toads in Mrs J's garden pond. The soil, bricks and rocks surrounding the pond were in disarray, many of the bricks in danger of falling into the pond where one of their number had already met its demise.

First job was to clear away the soil and flatten the area around the pond. Most of the soil was cleared away into bags, a small amount went into Becca's apple juice. Sorry Becca. Up next was bricklaying where Anil found his true calling creating a beautiful wall to separate the pond from the patio, basically a work of art. Other brick-based activities were lining the path with bricks to keep it clear from soil, and lining the edge of the pond to do likewise. Becca impressively fished the lost brick out the pond and made friends with a teeny tiny frog in the process. No frog photo though, sorry.

Finally, the remaining empty surface was filled with a layer of slate which we had lots of fun tessellating to fill the space. A very pleased Mrs J escorted us back through the house to take out the bags of rubbish, imparted some wisdom about making the most of our youth, and waved us on our way off to lunch.