According to Abi the original plan was for she and Glenn to leave for Somerset and Lympston respectively at the crack of dawn. As it was after a play date on Friday night and a late finish she couldn't quite get out of bed and so they set off about 9:45 leaving Izzy and I to our own devices until Sunday afternoon. Sunday was mostly planned - riding lesson followed by another trip to Go Ape with Izzy's friend Chloe. Saturday however was slightly more free form and our plans of getting crafty and making a notice board were scuppered by almost completing it on Friday evening. Instead we had a lazy but cathartic morning sorting through paperwork from my study, before heading off to the gym for a swim and lunch. Typically the one person we meet there is a girl Izzy doesn't really get on with. As we both commented - it's such a shame as her Mum is lovely. We are both hoping the daughter gets a little less intense so we can all be friends! From here we popped into town to pick up a few things with Izzy relishing being able to dictate the pace as the only child, and me loving having a complete lack of bickering which normally accompanies such trips.
As we headed home Izzy suggested we go to Beacon Hill to walk the dogs - one of her favourite walks. As we climbed the hill she pretended to be an intrepid explorer (the Earl of Canarvon is buried at the top - he discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen), until her legs got tired and she declared maybe she wouldn't be an explorer after all! Once at the top she walked around singing "this is the life" happily until it was time to head down again. We had the whole hillside to ourself in a blustery but lovely autumn afternoon - a perfect end to the afternoon before home and a bit of Strictly.
Today rushed by until we all came back together again - Abi full of her weekend at Fifi and Grumps herding sheep and collecting this year's ram, and Glenn slightly worried that his normal 'midnight cut off switch' had failed and he had still been in the bar following his 30 year reunion get together at 1am - oops! I don't know who is more tired - Glenn or Abi who was almost asleep on the sofa before tea was served up!
After a Sunday roast (home grown lamb - mmmm) we all piled onto the sofa together to watch the SCD results programme with a roaring fire. The fire was not really necessary but at least half the family approves - Scooby and still I find ourselves heading towards the door quite quickly at this time of the year in defeat. As we snuggled up Izzy took off her slippers, put her foot in front of my face and said "Mummy, blow into my toe cracks to cool my feet down please!" At what age does that complete confidence that your parents will do anything for you start to fade?!?
This weekend did remind me of how rewarding it is to have one on one time with either of the kids (and Glenn in fact) - that opportunity to give undivided attention gets us to a different level of conversation, reinforcing the bonds. It also makes me slow down for the weekend, and allows us to appreciate each other when we come back together - even if it is just to have someone prepared to blow on your feet when you need it... I wish someone would blow on mine - I'm writing this with Bertie flat out on my feet as an extra warmer - definitely not what I need with a fire going!
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