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Party animal!

I definitely feel like we tipped the kids into bed tonight with no hope of them waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead - they are shattered after a very busy weekend. I really should have made more effort to try and balance things out, but this weekend was always destined to be a busy one and then an inevitable sleepover each got added in at the last moment and it’s a lost cause. Poor Izzy had a Laser Tag party to top it off at 5:30 this evening - whoever thought that would be a good thing on a Sunday night in winter???

Yesterday morning Abi was dropped off after her sleepover - no doubt in the hope she could settle down for some iPad and dog cuddle time - when I made it quite clear that our main task was to get passport photos sorted for them both. Cue meltdown and “I’m not coming, I don’t need a passport and I don’t want to go skiing anyway...” I made it quite clear that this would also mean no France to which I got a bit more traction but not much. Of course you can’t make them do anything these days that they don’t want to without a threat and there’s are precious few that work with either of them. Izzy was being a bit more helpful but not much and between refusing to get sorted to go out and bickering between the two of them by the time we made it to the car (with threats of no more holidays of any kind, ever!) I’d had just about enough. The bickering continued into the car with Abi refusing to put her shoes on as well and in the end I lost it and made it quite clear how it makes me feel when I’m busting a gut to give them everything only to have this in response. I shouted, Abi cried and Izzy just sat in silence. When we pulled into Sainsbury’s car park everybody (well, me) was feeling dreadful. I got an immediate apology from Izzy with a hug and an “I’m sorry” but no such concession from Abi. It was only after we’d trailed round the shop to change a pair of jeans for Izzy that I got an apologetic smile from Abi and finally “I’m tired mummy”. Not “I’m sorry”, but then I have long ago accepted thats harder to come by with her.  We had a hug and set off for the photo booth - at least you’re not supposed to smile I guess! After the first attempt for Abi and 3 goes for Izzy we go to the requisite non-smiley photo and with relief went home.

Last night was Simon’s 50th birthday party which conveniently meant we only had to go as far as next door. The kids had been at a friends all afternoon so I’d had the luxury of the house to myself for once. I spent a happy few hours raking up leaves before a dog walk, 10k run on the treadmill and relaxing bath - it’s amazing what you can fit in when it’s just you! I'd planned to meet up with the kids at the party which meant I was on time and hair brushed - not bad going! Glenn was coming straight from the rugby so by 8pm we were all present and correct. By 9pm Abi was dropping so I walked her back home and said we’d be back soon. I popped back to check her about 30mins later to find her asleep on her mattress in the study with both dogs close by, Freya looking very happy all curled up on top of her. I didn’t have the heart to move them!

Glenn and I made it back at about 11, leaving the party animal Izzy to carry on and then head home with same friend for more merriment. She's definitely the night owl of the family. I finally collected her today before we went to friends for a cup of tea and dog walk and then straight to the next party. Goodness me she is not going to be happy when tomorrow morning rolls around...



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