Life is a Highway - it’s the journey, not the destination

I normally hate bank holidays. Way too busy and so I normally end up staying home to avoid the crowds. This weekend was looking the same but then we decided on a last minute trip down south to visit Nic and Ady and kids. We left on Thursday night and arrived v. late. The kids had a whale of a time all weekend, nothing much planned so they played and played and played. We did have a lovely bbq on the beach while the kids paddled in the v. cold sea. I do love going to the beach Always feels relaxing to go there, no squabbles and the kids just do what kids do. Thanks!!

Today we were home all day and had planned to go to the Sheffield Fayre, which looked like it was going to be very Festival of History-esque and as we had missed that this year thought this would be a good alternative. It was free as well which is always good. We went with James’ dad who also loves history and had such a good time wandering around the WW2 area. The kids were allowed to sit in an old jeep and M looked so pleased!! There were battle reenactments and weaponry displays. A was sat on my knee lots asking questions. She’s not one for history generally (or at least so far in her life) but she enjoyed this one and now knows much more about the American civil war and WW2. Lots of discussion

I may need a few days to recover now though

hmmm. seems a bit much to try and recap all of that doesn’t it?

One of the main things that have happened lately is the Local Authority have got in touch with us about A. I’m expecting a letter and the request of some info after September when they all start back at work. I think it would be a good idea to have something I can check back on that will help when writing up reports and stuff. They haven’t asked about M so I can only assume she has been highlighted from when she broke her ankle in May.

The summer holidays here have really felt like it here. Not with the weather, but with the kids being out playing constantly with their friends on the street. Just reminds me of when I was on holiday as a kid. I’m trying not to worry too much about the education going on for now. It still goes on of course. They’ve been doing their reading challenge at the library and this is the first time that A has been able to read books all herself. Only small ones but still, she’s very proud of herself M hadn’t really wanted to join in, he still dislikes reading, but he’s done it with non fiction and audio books.

Other things of note (mostly very recently as I can’t think too far back!) -

* staying up late to watch the shooting stars (the Percy whatsits). Didn’t see too many but led on to lots of discussions about space
* fab space party at C & H’s. M and James went as Men In Black. Shall forget the conversations with the kids on the street who said that it wasn’t any good for a space party *roll*
*Lots of walking. Our car died on us and we were without for quite a while. Quite enjoyed it
*A has been learning to sew and knit still. Wish she would concentrate for long enough to make some progress though. M being using the sewing machine too.
*Railway museum. Went there for M’s birthday and loved it. He now has his own railway set which he is loving.
*Trip to the seaside to see Jax and Tim.

and probably more

We have a few more busy weeks ahead of us with trips and finally a holiday (yay!!) before settling down in to a more normal routine again. We’re hoping that when we come back from holiday we’re going to pretend that we’re living on rations and have a couple of weeks with WW2 type food. Can’t wait. I know M likes WW2 but he’s not that fussed about the Home Front, which is what I am really interested in. Hoping it will bring a different aspect to his learning about the war. I’ve been wanting to do it for ages as well. I got 2 fab books from amazon that have reprints of all the leaflets that were given out in the 2nd WW. they are Make Do and Mend: Keeping Family and Home Afloat on War Rations and Eating For Victory: Healthy Home Front Cooking on War Rations. Absolutely fab books. The eating for victory one has loads of recipes in it. I need to have a good think to see how to do it all though.