Well, it's been a busy few months and I haven't had much time for blogging as must be glaringly apparent! But there are a few things to catch up on so I'm planning on blogging furiously over the next week or so.
In May, Steve's family came over from Bermuda for a visit. Now, anyone who knows me really well, knows that I do not do stress ever so well, and that I was getting marginally, just a little bit, ever so slightly stressed over the logistics of the impending visit. Steve, of course, was so laid back about it, he was passed horizontal and coming back the other way! But I needn't have worried. I learned a lot about myself in that two weeks. I learned that I DON'T actually have to have everything perfect in order for us to have a good time. I learned that its OK to let guests help out and muck in, and that it's not a personal slight to my Superwoman capabilities for them to want to do so. I learned that going with the flow is sometimes better than having a regimented plan, and that if the flow goes less than smoothly, the world isn't going to fall apart. I also learned that the older generation can be very outspoken, and you shouldn't take offense because it isn't intended - it's just how they are!
It was a real treat to have Aunt Jeanette staying. She was generous to a fault, with her time and with her help, and we all felt that we grew quite close to her while she was here and we were sorry to see her go, and missed her. Uncle Donald and Aunt Helen were great to have around, and we were able to learn a lot about Steve's Mum's childhood and about other family members from them. (Seeing Uncle Donald also gives me a glimpse of what Steve will look like in thirty or forty years time!) Sam was able to remember when they were here a year ago, showing Uncle Donald as soon as he set foot in the door, the train his uncle had bought him then. Caitlin spent the first half of the week wailing "Mummy, that man's getting me!" Me: "Caitlin, it's not THAT MAN, what's his name?" Caitlin:"Sometimes I can't remember!" Me: "Well, what's his name when you can remember?" Caitlin: "Uncle DODALD!" After they went, and we drove past the Golden Arches, she'd say: "Mummy!" (like she'd had a flash of inspiration) "McDonalds, and Uncle Dodald - they rhyme!"
It was lovely having Steve home for the best part of two weeks, and we had fun going out and about; trips to Yarmouth, Sandringham (doggy doo-doo on Aunt Jeanett's shoe aside - honestly, those corgis!!!), a Manchester United game for Steve and AJ, and various other days out.
At the Model Village in Yarmouth...
And after lunch in Pizza Hut, Aunt Jeanette looks on while Caitlin tackles a huge bowl of icecream, sauce, smarties, sprinkles... you know, one of those healthy desserts!
Quick while she's not looking!
Sam shows off his millinery creation!!! Truly a one-off design!
We went out to dinner with Uncle Donald and Aunt Helen on their last Saturday evening, and despite waiting an eternity for our food, and the first course not being entirely delightful, we had a great time. With a little word from me in the manager's ear, our desserts were complimentary and she suggested we order big because of it. Jess did.
And when it all got a bit to much she decided to share!
Sam wishes...
Rache and Aunt Helen
A walk to one of our favourite places, Catton Park.
A BIG hug for THAT MAN - Uncle Dodald!
Family is so important. I can't tell you how glad I am that we had these two weeks with Steve's. When they announce their next visit, and I hope they do it soon, I can spend the few weeks before it with eager anticipation, rather than blind panic!
Great pictures and great to have you back!! I was about to send out a search party!
Posted by: Sus | July 02, 2009 at 08:22 AM
I'm so glad you're back! I completely understand about being too busy to blog. I'm just about to update my blog with a slew of stuff... sometimes blogging just seems so difficult to maintain. The photos in this post of yours are lovely. I can't believe how much your babies have grown, it seems an eternity since I looked at photos of them and they've just sprung right up! So, so cute.
Posted by: Jen | July 13, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Ok lins, my darling daughter .. |You were absolutely brilliant and seemed to take everything in your stride just as you always do.All of Steve's family just love you to pieces and he is so very proud of you.
Posted by: Mum / Grandma | July 28, 2009 at 08:15 AM