Summer is Officially Over in this House

That's it. I'm done. No more motorways for a while. The endless stream of holidays is over. I am knackered. In a good way, but all I can say now is Bring On School! I need - desperately need - some sewing time, some me time, some all by myself time.

Our week on the island was fabulous. The weather was kinder than we could have hoped for and we did lots, without overdoing it. Lots of time with friends, relaxing, laughing and enjoying life. Just what a holiday should be. The girls did not want to leave. As the sun shone down brightly yesterday, and it was hot, I have to say I would rather have been at the beach too. But now we are home and all we have left to do is show off our holiday photos.

So here are some of the highlights. My only regret being that I forgot my camera the day I took the girls to a park where they had those giant zorbing balls on a swimming pool and they laughed themselves senseless in them. My face hurt from laughing just watching them. Have to remember my camera and go back there next year!

The beach never loses its appeal.

Picnics.

More ice cream.
Not sick inducing this time, thank goodness.

Emily made up for the 'film' they were making.
(A tiny and very scary glimpse into the future for me.)

The cake baking didn't stop just because we were away.
Helen has the recipe memorised.

Hanging around off the rhinoceros.

Best friends.

I watch. They scream.

And let us not forget the animals that endured an incredible lot of attention -

Some of the guinea pigs.

That Emily loved.

And Basil showed a healthy interest in.

Yes, the wonderful puppiness himself - Basil -
seen here broom wrestling.

Asleep under the guinea pig pen.

Too exhausted to care how he was positioned.

The divinely patient Miss Molly.

Sorry, no photos of the rabbit who spent most of her time hiding from Basil.
Or the hens who just went about their business quietly in their enclosure.

And let's not forget the meals. Barbecuing and pink wine I seem to recall. Especially good when the kids choose to eat at another table, happily not coerced, and we just got to chat.

Carefully choosing a table that the boys couldn't fit at.

Pink wine and barbecues.
Life is good!

There are dozens more photos but I am sure that is more than enough. Now my mind must turn towards other things. Sewing!! Yeah! Oh, the list of things to do is long, but I am feeling reinvigorated and ready to see if I am up to it. Bring on Tuesday. (I really should check that they are starting back then - everyone seems to have a different start date and I am beginning to second guess myself.) New school uniforms are ready, and so am I. Time for a little routine in our lives again.

Susan