I love the start of the summer holidays when you have all those free weeks ahead of you and plans to make. We had a lovely time and even though we didn’t go far, we got up to lots of adventures. Then, the last two weeks just seemed to fast forward in a blur and it was all of a sudden time to return to school. I always struggle to keep up with work, the house, and entertaining the kids during summer holidays so I’m very behind on personal blogging. I’ll try to work through our days out and start sharing them on here as it’s better late than never! Now, we’re looking ahead at the school Autumn term and looking forward to weekend adventures:
Summer Adventures we Enjoyed
Life is still strange and still a worry Covid-19 wise (although I know not everyone shares my views). It’s still strange looking back to think that last year, Dave had moved out and the kids and I didn’t leave the house for months. I know many vulnerable people are still living this way and I’m keeping them in my thoughts.
We were so grateful that we got to go out and about this year. A few of our days out included:
- a trip to Tenby and Caldey Island
- a few days at Manor Park, of course
- a couple of visits to Folly Farm
- trips to Scolton Manor
- a dolphin spotting boat trip in New Quay, Pembrokeshire
- a boat trip to Skomer Island
- a visit to Clerkenhill
- days at the beach
- visits to Sunflower Fields
- a sleepover on a boat
- a visit to Mountain View Ranch
Plus the girls each had a mini-break in Newport with Aunty Ceri, which was very exciting for them- thank you!
We still have a list of places that we didn’t manage to visit, such as Oakwood Theme Park, and some that we’ve specifically waited until the majority of the holidaymakers have returned home so we can enjoy them while it’s quieter. We also haven’t camped at all yet- not even in the garden!
Back to School
The girls have returned to school, Isabelle has gone into Year 5, Caitlyn into Year 8, and Rebecca is now in Year 10. It always goes too quickly but with the huge interruption to this generation’s education, the home learning, and the cancelled milestone ceremonies; it seems like they’ve missed a couple of years of schooling and now have suddenly ended up in these Year Groups. I’m not worried about the schooling they “missed” as they worked hard and learned lots at home but it is sad when we think of the trips, end of school events and transition experience they missed. I think Year 8 will feel like Caitlyn’s proper first year at Secondary School, rather than last year. I’m in denial that Izzy is now in upper juniors and Rebecca is in an important GCSE year (I know she actually started her GCSEs in Year 9 as they do at her school now). Children worldwide are in the same boat and it was a lot more disruptive to the young people taking crucial exam years or beginning their university experience last year, so I’m not moaning just musing about how it may have affected us.
Danny Update
We didn’t see a lot of Danny during the holidays as he worked hard and played hard. It was a privilege to watch him living his life to the full. Danny is actually at a crossroads for now. He’s currently continuing his Summer Job and waiting to hear back from an apprenticeship he applied for. He will hear any time this month, if he’s not successful then he’ll choose another option but for now, he’s static in life waiting to hear. Good luck Danny!
Pre-covid, I think I’d have been a lot more worried that we’re in September and he’s still planning his educational/career route but everything feels different now. He’ll get to be where he wants to be and I’m happy as long as he’s happy and healthy. Talking of which, he has his first in-person heart check-up this month. His recent ones have been over the telephone due to shielding. I always worry whenever his heart is scanned and will be especially so after he’s not been checked in a while. However, he seems to be doing really well. He looks so strong, happy, and healthy. I’ve got tears in my eyes writing that sentence! But it’s so, so lovely to see. He’s so lovely, towers above me, and wraps me in bear hugs and I remember that he used to be this tiny, frail baby boy in my arms. We’re so lucky as we were told he wouldn’t go to school, but he’s been and completed it and still has a great future ahead.
Plans for Autumn and Winter
So, it’s that time of year, if you blink too long, it will be Christmas! However, we have lots to do before that:
- Birthdays! We have lots of birthdays and very special ones at that. Both mine and Dave’s mum will turn 70 in October and November. We also have Caitlyn’s birthday this week, then Rebecca’s in October and Izzy’s in December. It’s also Aunty Ceri’s, Uncle Gary’s, Aunty Janet’s, Uncle Andy’s and Uncle Phil’s birthday before the end of the year.
- Holidays: I love the natural rhythm of Autumn, we have Halloween, Bonfire Night, Remembrance and then we’re into the build up for Christmas!
- Football- the diary is already filling up with matches for Caitlyn’s local and county football team.
- Days out: there are so many places we need to visit now they’re quieter- Saundersfoot, Bosherston, St Davids, Oakwood…
- Baking and crafting: this time of year makes me want to cook, bake and craft more, but I need to make a start!
That’s all that I can think of for now. I really want to get back on here writing about life, days out, recipes, book reviews, and running competitions again too. Thank you for all bearing with me while I mainly published paid work during the holidays, it was the only way I could keep up as like everyone I always have bills to pay and kids to feed and cloth…
I hope everyone’s returned to homeschooling and schooling happily. Happy Autumn all!
