I’ve actually started this early on Sunday morning, because I know that by the end of Sunday I’ll be too upset to write it. The kids are going away to their dad’s (they’ll be gone by the time this is published) but instead of it being for 2 nights and 1 day, its going to be 4 nights and 4 days. I know it doesn’t sound like very long, but being apart from them just for a day is hard, let alone over half a week. I know they’ll have a good time though so really I just want to make the most of some time to myself and some time with just Chris.

Anyway, enough about the coming week and more about the one that’s just gone by. Looking at the numbers… week 34, I can’t believe how fast we’re heading towards the end of the year. Is it okay to use the “Christmas” word yet? Summer definitely seems to be on its way out this week, the weather has been a lot cooler and I’ve even heard mention of people putting their heating on. On Monday, when we headed out to Thorpe Park for the day, the weather was so hit and miss – boiling hot one moment and then chucking it down with rain the very next… it was crazy. In my mind at least, Summer is gone now and we’re heading towards the Autumn months.

As I said, Monday we headed to Thorpe Park for the day. It was myself, one of my best friends Nat, my brother and our mutual friend Jon. We left my house at 7am and after a little detour to drop Harry (Nat’s son) off with a friend, we headed all the way to Chertsey and to Thorpe Park. We had an absolutely awesome day, though we were soaked in the rain while waiting for Stealth and then soaked (on purpose) three times over on Tidal Wave. It was a fantastic day and you can read all about it, over at Twice the Mum.

We weren’t back until really late on Monday, I think it was about midnight before I got in. Chris was already in bed so I headed there too, grateful I could have a little lie-in in the morning. However Tuesday I was also going to get the girls from their dad’s house. I set off a little early as I was swapping mum’s car back and then going to get them. Once I’d picked them up, we popped to Tesco to get some food for lunch. I’d agreed the girls could have some friends over for the day and I’d need to feed them. After we’d grabbed a few bits from the shop, we went to Saxilby to pick up Ciara (Lily’s friend). After that we went to Torksey to pick up Katai (Megan’s friend). The girls all came back with me and I made lunch as the first thing. Then they all went off in their pairs to play together and actually they were no trouble at all. At around 5.30pm I took them all into Gainsborough for a McDonalds and afterwards I drove them home. I dropped Ciara off first and then Katai, which sadly afterwards Megan ended up crying for the majority of the way home (a sad story for another post).

The girls and I then hung out for a little while before they headed to bed. I spent the evening chilling out before Chris came home from work and we hung out together.  On Wednesday, Chris had a day off and so we all spent the day together. We didn’t really do much as he had an interview the next day that he wanted to get ready for and that he had forms to fill in for too. The girls and spent majority of the day watching Winx Club, something that we’ve been doing all holiday. We’re now fully caught up (ever episode consecutively) to Season 5. It’s a kid show but I have to admit I’ve been totally sucked in. By the evening, we are too relaxed (or lazy) to bother doing anything about dinner and so we called takeaway. I have to admit, after putting on 2lb at weigh-in, I was feeling a bit “sod it”. Once the girls were in bed, Chris and I watched a movie together and just snuggled up. After being out all day Monday myself and him being out all day Tuesday at work, it felt much needed.

On Thursday, Chris was out at work for most of the day, but also had a job interview after lunch. The trousers he picked up had a split in them so I offered to take him over another pair and he offered to buy the girls and I McDonalds for lunch. When we got back in the afternoon, the girls and I baked cakes – sadly we forgot the baking powder and they just turned out flat. It was a good giggle though and none of us were too bothered. Chris got back and he didn’t get the job – but it was actually because BT had cut the amount of places, not because they didn’t want to give him it. He’s been placed on a reserve list and fingers crossed if anyone drops out or doesn’t complete the course, he’ll get the job. As a sort of commiseration, Chris and I ordered Chinese and drank a bottle of wine, while watching another movie.

Friday was another early start. Nat, who had her gallbladder removed on Wednesday, needed someone to come and look after her – as her partner Tom was at work. We headed over about 8am, taking a packed lunch with us and the iPads for the girls. We stayed all day, looking after her and Harry.

It was a lovely day and although I don’t think Nat felt great, it was still good to hang out together. The girls were really well behaved (for the most part) and Harry really took a shine to them. On top of that, I was able to collect my car from the garage and I can’t tell you how happy I am to get my car back! After popping to Aldi on the way home, the girls and I went in and got dinner for them sorted. When Chris got home, we were naughty for a fourth day in a row, this time ordering Indian takeaway.

Saturday and Chris was at work all day. I was already starting to dread the girls going away, so this was a day of hanging out together. We planned to go swimming anyway, but I ended up inviting my mum over. She brought with her a second hand bike that we’d picked for Megan and so Megan was thrilled. We headed out swimming just before lunch and the girls came along in leaps and bounds. I can’t believe just how well Lily has done this summer holiday. After we got out, mum bought us all lunch at the cafe and that was lovely. When we got home, mum had a quick look at the girls newly decorated room (and their new bed covers I’d treated them to) before heading home. Megan and Lily went out on their bikes but it didn’t last long as sadly Megan hurt herself on the bar of her bike. Instead we all came inside and hung out again. We did a bit of this and that, but in the end the girls sat with me while I made some jewellery at the table.

We popped out to the post office to post some jewellery – I’m honestly so thankful and so amazed, to have had one order every single day this week, plus three on Saturday – and then came home to make a bit more. In the end we made pizza for dinner and then the girls convinced me into pancakes too. We all sat together at the dining table, laughing and joking and though it was late by the time they went to bed, it felt like a really great evening. By this point it wasn’t long until Chris got home and when he did we just watched some TV together before heading to bed.

Sunday was also a day I wanted to spend with the kids. We didn’t have anything planned but I think sometimes the girls prefer that. Instead we all sat and watched TV together. I’ll be honest and say I was also working on my blog while we watched TV, but for the most part we were all hanging out together. I made Chris breakfast of scrambled egg on toast with bacon and mushrooms, then Lily asked for it for lunch. Megan just had sandwiches though as she doesn’t like scrambled egg. Sadly as the day drew on, the girls and I had to pack for them going away, which always makes me feel sad. We then sat and watched more TV together and I made them Toad in the Hole for dinner. Their dad arrived not long after to pick them up and no surprise – I cried.

As I’d started mine and Chris’ dinner before the girls left, I took the opportunity to focus on dinner (while crying) and give myself some time to compose. I cooked Steak & Chips for Chris and I, it was delicious. We spent the evening drinking wine and watching movies. I felt a bit restless but for the most part it took my mind off things.

That was pretty much my week and I suppose in a way I’m wishing the next few days over so the kids are back. However I also intend to lots of nothing, plus maybe a bit of something. Hope you’ve all had a good week!