Crepe papers def up to your usual high standard, MI. Go for it :)
Crem - take it slooooowly.
I am not a huge fan of Clarks boots as they usually don't fit me as I have exceptionally wide feet and a v. high instep, although I note they do have some things in a wide fit these days. Also, I find the quality not always to be that splendid. My friendly local cobbler says the Clarks quality has declined significantly in recent years and the boots often have hollow spongy heels that are difficult to re-heel/repair.
Alto, glad to hear the concert went well and inspired your dd!
BTM - I am a bit of an evangelist on the subject of dogs, I'm afraid, so will try to rein myself in, but "Nooooooooooo!" is my immediate reaction. Depending on breed, they are a lot more work than most people realise and also more expensive to maintain than people like to admit (I've had to spend £500 on vet bills this year so far and my vet is quite cheap). Also, if your dcs get fed up with looking after the dog, you will get landed with doing that. And there is the expense and stress of sending them to kennels every time you go away. I personally would not be happy leaving a dog 8-4 every day and would wonder how you would train it to be ok with that in a v. short time i.e. Christmas hols. I would also say that ideally a good-sized garden is a prerequisite and will save a lot of trouble.