The End of January

I can never get my head round how January is so long but it is coming to an end today and I wanted to finish it off with a family photo.  I have been taken these every month since Archie was a baby but I got a bit lazy at the end of last year. I want to get them all printed and into a book or something as they are so special to us and I love that no matter what else happens, there is a photo of me with them each month and a record of how we have all changed and grown.

In the first photos we are both holding the boys, but now I can barely lift  8 year old Dylan and I don't think there will be many more with Cora in my arms either if she keeps growing! This photo was taken on our recently holiday in France after a sledging session on the slopes.  I am impressed that I got anyone to smile as we were all a bit exhausted but the promise of a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) 

I think the highlight of January for all of us has been our ski holiday but I have really enjoyed getting back into reading and Finn is fascinated by letters at the moment and is making a big effort with both reading and writing.  Cora has spent all month asking me if I can get her a dog once her boys are at school and the big two have to be dragged away from Minecraft if I need them to act human! We are looking forward to two birthdays in February and keeping our fingers crossed for some snow in the UK!

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Our Family in July

July is coming to an end and I am writing this post from our mobile home in Zadar, Croatia.  School broke up last week and after a day of chilling out, we hopped on a plane and flew out here for some sunshine and we are having the best time! I actually already had a family photo lined up from our day out at Ascot, but I couldn't resist getting another so I grabbed the camera out when we were at the beach this evening and balanced it on a sunbed to get a family snap.  

July has ended along with the school year and the whole of August is stretching out ahead of us with no school runs, and lots of plan free days. July was full of beach days, ice cream, family time and work and the last week has definitely been the best of it.

This month I have loved swimming in the Croatian sea, watching sunsets at the beach, getting all dressed up for a day out at Ascot and turning off my school run alarm.

Ed has loved late night Cora on holiday, watching Archie's confidence in swimming, starting to exercise more (thanks to his new fitbit) and driving an automatic car for a week.

Dylan has loved being allowed all the juice at the buffet on holiday, playing Pokemon Go, going on the water slides and planning what pencil case he wants for year 4. 

Archie has loved practising his swimming on holiday, playing Pokemon Go, unicorn ice cream and finding a shop selling Pokemon cards whilst on holiday.

Finn has loved being in the swimming pool for hours, sitting in the very back in the hire car we had,  playing adventure golf and all the excuses to eat ice cream in this weather.  

Cora has loved swimming in the sea with me, staying up late each night on holiday, seeing all the horses at Ascot and spending time with her bestie Freddie.

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Our Family in June

Goodbye June and hello summer! June was a month of little adventures, days at the beach and in the woods, cinema trips and swimming and the preparing for the end of the school year. These final weeks always seem to take forever as everyone loses motivation but Finn has been excitedly doing his settling in sessions and there isn't long until he will be in a fresh blue polo shirt too! June had plenty of parties including Cora's and it was the last month I could say I had a baby (and even that was pushing it) as my little girl is now 3!

This month I loved spending all day at the beach, playing Pokemon Go on my phone, giving landscape photography a go and throwing a huge garden party.

Ed loved a childfree weekend at Download festival, seeing Tool play, cooking all the bbq food and finding a new favourite beer.

Dylan loved planning his birthday party and sending out very early invitations, having a bouncy castle in the garden, going to school earlier in the morning so he has more time to play and watching The Kid Who Would Be King on DVD.

Archie loved riding a horse at a birthday party, lots of after school play-dates with his friends, swinging on a rope swing in the woods and dressing himself head to toe in pink.

Finn loved seeing the new Toy Story film, going to his swimming lessons, spending time in his new school classroom and playing in the tent in the garden.

Cora loved opening all her birthday presents, stroking every dog she can find and trying to take them all home with her, a toy My Little Pony that her friend gave her and swimming.

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Our Family in May

May has been a fun filled month ending with a week in France with the extended family and we have entered June ready for the summer.  Due to a couple of laptop disasters, one the result of bad luck and one the result of a bad temper (not mine), nothing has been done on time and for the first time I am writing my monthly photo post 2 days late! The photos were taken in May though, in the pools at Centre Parcs in Paris where you are allowed to take in phones. This was where the kids wanted to be and so it made sense to get a quick photo here!

This month I have loved seeing Take That (twice), a week away with all my family, doing the tree tops trek at Centre Parcs and a night out at an Indie Disco with friends.

Ed has loved going on holiday with a better adult to child ratio,  teaching himself to swim, attempting the ninja course at Centre Parcs and anything with halloumi in.

Dylan has loved getting muddy at Lidl Mudder, having one on one time during our trip away, moving up a lesson at swimming and his school trip to Harry Potter Studios.

Archie has loved his first experience of big water slides, after school beach trips, staying in a house next to uncle Oli and a school trip to Pizza Express.

Finn has loved Thunder Mountain at Disneyland, lots of birthday parties, burying himself at the beach and driving a mini jeep.

Cora has loved 'fluffing' all the animals at the farm, her new leopard print shoes, spending lots of time at the beach and Aunty NatNat

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Our Family in April

Our April photos are taken on the same beach as our March ones but we have exchanged the long sleeves for short and the trainers for bare feet.  We have migrated down the stairs and are dipping our feet in the sea, anticipating a summer spent splashing through these waves and dancing in the sand.  The weather has been up and down as it always is at this time of year but on the whole it has been pretty lovely and I am glad we got our April photos whilst the sun was shining (these were taken on Easter Sunday)

April was a month for beach days barefoot and umbrellas in the storm, two weeks off of school which comprised of a quiet week recovering and a week of fun day trips and days out.  We have had a good one and we are excited for the next.

This month I have loved doing my first 10k 'race' in Hyde Park, Going in the Crystal Maze, watching Glow on Netflix and my Fitbit.

Ed has loved the Easter beer festival, a child-free night whilst the children had a sleepover with the grandparents, going to London to see the Dropkick Murphys and a family day out to Deal.

Dylan has loved making obstacle courses in the back garden, wearing pink (and asking me to buy him more pink clothes), eating the biggest dessert at his friend's party and watching Spy Kids.

Archie has loved going to the skate park with his friend, practising stunts on his scooter, Easter egg hunts and having two weeks off school.

Finn has loved his first trip to the circus, hunting for fairies at his friend's birthday party, kinder eggs and 'twirling like Elsa'.

Cora has loved colouring in her face, planning her birthday party, 'fluffing' every dog she can find and choosing her own outfits.

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Our Family in February

February is coming to an end and two of the boys have celebrated a birthday this month.  With that and a week off for half term, I am pretty sure February has sped by at double the speed of January and March is arriving with daffodils, the lovely/dreaded world book day and the promise of Spring (although the last few days have tricked me into thinking it has already arrived).  February was tiring, if you can describe a month in that way and I am ready for something new.

This month's photo is a classic last minute one taken in our garden which is still very much a work in progress.  The children were bribed with a 'sweetie' (otherwise known as a chewy multivitamin) but they still were not in a particularly co-operative mood and this was the best I could hope for. 

This month I have loved a child free lie in thanks to my amazing mum, walking outside without a coat on, planning fun things for the rest of the year and eating all the Easter eggs!

Ed has loved his first trip to Ikea, being outside in the sunshine, using his chainsaw gardening and having a child free evening.

Dylan has loved starting Karate club at school, lots of playdates with his friends in the half term, watching the The Kid Who Would Be King at the cinema in London and having a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Archie has loved having a big party with all his friends, his new Mini SNES game console, going to the park after school and going to the beach.

Finn has loved telling everyone he is four, opening presents, playing with his new water toys in the garden and seeing his best friend at nursery.

Cora has loved getting new puffin wellies, going for walks in the wagon, playing in the swings until Mummy's arms ache and morning cuddles in bed.

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Our Family in January

We are going to be carrying on with the me and mine project this year as it is one of my favourite things to look back on. I love seeing how we have all changed and grown and looking at what we got up to each month.  We have taken a similar photo every January for a few years now as I love the snowy background and our ski holiday is the absolute highlight of the month!

This month has been about back to school after the Christmas break, making plans for the rest of the year and of course a week in the French Alps (check out our video here).  There has been a lot of birthday party planning (Archie) which is ironic considering he hasn't made a 'final decision' as to what he actually wants to do for his birthday.

This month I have loved skiing with Dylan and Archie,  cold mornings at the beach with Cora, browsing holiday websites in the hope that my bank account suddenly fills up with money and my new purple glittery DM boots.

Ed has loved getting back on his skis, playing Minecraft with the boys, his new electric blanket and watching Les Miserables.

Dylan has loved topic day at school where they dressed up as Stone Age people and did activities, Crepe and games night during our ski trip, building his Minecraft Lego sets and going to the wildlife park.

Archie has loved playing Minecraft, dreaming about Minecraft, talking about Minecraft and drawing Minecraft pictures.

Finn has loved having all his fingers back now the bandages are off, showing everyone at nursery his skiing book (A scrapbook I made them with pictures and things from the holiday), a day out on the trains with Mummy and telling me how much he is growing.

Cora has loved cheesy pasta, or at least asking for it at every mealtime every day, having some time with just me after the holidays and the ski trip with everyone around, watching Shimmer and Shine and jumping in puddles.

It has felt like the longest month but we know how quick February usually is and there are two birthdays to plan next month!

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Me and Mine in December

December has been full of ups and downs but we have some great memories to accompany the less great ones.  There has been plenty of sickness and a broken bone (Finn) but there was also a girls trip to Budapest and all the excitement of Christmas so I am going to say it was overall a good month.  

Of course December ends the year and usually I do a big round up of everything that has gone on here, but I have to admit that after the past couple of days in hospital with Finn, I am not sure I have the energy for that so I will do a quick summary before I add our favourite things for the month.

It was the year Dylan started junior school, left old friends and made plenty of new ones.  He found a love for art and computer games and I am sure he grew far too fast.  Archie broke his collar bone and showed us all just how resillient he is.  He moved into year one and still gives the very best cuddles.  This was the year we applied for Finn's school place, the year he started wearing glasses and big boy pants and the year he broke his finger.  Cora stopped speaking in words and started using sentences.  This was the year Cora left behind babyhood, moving into a big bed, big pants and travelling everywhere on her scooter.  It was the year we took them to Disneyland alongside other holidays and trips like skiing, a music festival and glamping.  It was a year of fun and trying to have more one on one time and I have high hopes for 2019! 

In December I loved getting away for a 3 day break in Budapest with Cora, watching the children's faces on Christmas morning, playing card games with my family on Christmas evening and going in the thermal baths in Budapest.

Ed loved Christmas eve drinks with his friends, watching Star Trek Discovery, having boxes of Christmas chocolates in the house and how hard Archie tried to be nice in the lead up to Christmas.

Dylan loved the Christmas Fair at his school, having a sleepover with his friend, getting Cozmo the robot for Christmas and Christmas tree chocolates.

Archie loved the Stretch Armstrong he got from his Uncle and Aunty for Christmas, a big end of term party with his friends, showing off his cuddling abilities and watching YouTube videos of other people playing Roblox.

Finn loved watching Spirited away (many, many times), the fun afternoon he spent at a&e (he genuinely had a great time!), watching the Santa tracker on Christmas eve and his new train tracks that Father Christmas brought.

Cora loved travelling on a plane with Mummy, her vet kit that Grandma and Grandpa bought her for Christmas, taking Bella dog for walks and having all her brothers at home for the holidays.

I will definitely be carrying on our me and mine tradition into 2019 as I love having so many family photos to look back on! We can't wait for whatever it has in stock, although if nobody can break any bones next year that would be great!

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Me and Mine in November

November is coming to an end and in some ways it feels like December has already begun as our tree is shining bright in the living room and today is the day of the school Christmas fair.  November has been fun and busy with lots of time outside whilst it isn't too wet and windy and a couple of fun days out having some one on one time with my biggest boys.  My diary for December is looking incredibly hectic with fun festive plans and it begins with three parties on the 1st so we are diving straight in!

This month we were sent a pair of pjs each from the Original Factory Shop and they were perfect for taking our family photo.  £2 is donated from the sale of each pair (and the kids pairs are only £5 each!).  

This month I have loved having some special time with both Dylan and Archie, going to Harry Potter studios with my Mum and sister, afternoon tea in London with some blogging friends and representing TotsBots at the Mother and Baby awards and collecting the gold trophy

Ed has loved seeing Less than Jake in Birmingham, chocolate orange mochas, showing the kids some of his favourite childhood films and halloumi cheese.

Dylan loved sleeping over at the National History Museum, auditioning for parts in the school nativity, talking me into buying bright spinny things at the light switch on and pre-bedtime art sessions

Archie has loved training to be an Avenger at the Avengers Station, watching videos of other people playing Roblox, parent art sessions at school and having his friends over for after school playdates.

Finn has loved his new train set that he got got finally wearing his glasses, camping on his bedroom floor, walking Bella the dog at the weekend and the colour pink.

Cora has loved the feisty pets scary toys, dresses with pockets, going back to baby gymnastics and scooting through puddles when it has rained.

December, I think we are just about ready for you!

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Me and Mine in October

Goodbye September, Hello October and all things Autumn.  The sandals are still on the shoe rack, begging to be worn one last time but the boots are on and I have been eyeing up slippers ready for the colder nights.  September was back to normality and routine after a long summer and it has seen four children all having simultaneous growth spurts.  Our photos are last minute and slightly out of focus but most of us look happy so I am calling them a win.

I feel like September has been the most tiring month so far this year as the new daily routine with three drops offs before walking to playgroup, three pick ups and then after school clubs has been challenging and it has taken me a while to get used to it all.  The boys are all really settled in their classes and schools now though and Cora has stopped asking for Finn every two seconds and started enjoying time on her own (although she has replaced him with a friend most of the time!).

This month I have loved seeing the Harry Potter plays in London,  buying Winter clothes for everyone, a girls night out with cocktails and having some time with just Cora.

Ed has loved having fewer wasps around, having a quiet month, Finn's jelly dance and a night out with friends that he doesn't see as often anymore.

Dylan has loved starting junior school, board games club, swapping bedrooms with Finn and having dried mango in his lunchbox.

Archie has loved playing on the tablet at any opportunity, after school playdates with his friends, snuggling under blankets now that the weather has got colder and collecting Lego cards 

Finn has loved getting to take a lunchbox to nursery, sleeping in the bunk beds with Archie, going on the rides at 'So Organic' festival and playing with the search and find books we have

Cora has loved playing with her little cousin on Wednesdays, being back at playgroups, her princess nightie that she was bought for her birthday and reading all the books.

Welcome October!

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Me and Mine in August

August has been a month of sunshine, travel, excitement, birthdays and fun.  It was been full to the brim and we are saying goodbye to it with a smile on our face, a tan on our bodies and worn out shoes, Despite the madness, we even managed to get three family photos this month, one on my birthday whilst we were staying in France and two during our trip to Disneyland (complete with cheesy Disney t-shirts!).

August saw Dylan turn 7, another of his teeth falling out (I think we are up to 8 now), me turning 31 and both a long weekend camping at a music festival, 5 days staying at a Eurocamp site in France and 3 days at Disneyland Paris.  We also went to Legoland and Dreamland, camped in the garden and spent lots of time with friends.  The end of August means the summer holidays are coming to an end and I don't think any of us feel quite ready for September just yet!

There is so much more I could say about this beautifully warm month we have just had but of course I am writing this last minute and I still want to sort through photos from all of our adventures.

This month I loved watching the Disney Illuminations,  playing in the water with the children in France, having everyone at home for the whole month and putting down my phone whilst we were away to enjoy the time a bit more.  

Ed loved Cora blowing raspberries at everything and everyone, fast-passing all the rides at Legoland, doing science experiments with the kids and enjoying the music with the children at the festival.

Dylan loved taking his friends to Legoland for a birthday trip, having his friends over to go camping in the back garden, seeing Feeder at Beautiful Days festival and watching the Princess Waltz at Disneyland.

Archie loved water slides in France, watching the Disneyland parade, playing on the inflatables at the fake beach in France and the magician shows at the festival.

Finn loved all the rollercoasters, swimming at the fake beach in France, seeing Justin Fletcher's band play at Dreamland and the fireworks at the end of the Disneyland Illuminations.

Cora loved blowing raspberries at everyone and everything, her new princess doll from Disneyland, swimming at the fake beach in a rubber ring and bossing everyone around.

I think September is going to be so calm and quiet after this busy month!

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Me and Mine in April

I have forgotten several times this month that it was actually April.  The middle of the month heatwave felt more similar to a warm July day and as the children played in the garden in just their nappies and the thermostat read 25, it felt like Summer had really arrived.   The end of the month felt closer to November as temperatures dropped to seven degrees in the middle of the day and we bundled up in jumpers and coats, swapping our ice creams for hot chocolate.  

It has been a really fun April though, with two UK breaks, school news and the bold move on my part to pack away the winter boots in favour of sandals (a decision I have been regretting all weekend). Let's pray that May is more consistently sunny!

This month I have loved exploring new parts of the country, eating ice cream at the beach,  buying summer dresses (in the hope it returns) and having my sister back home after her winter season in France

Ed has loved winning the family quiz at Crealy, planning summer festivals, drinking beer in the garden and going to see Ed Byrne.

Dylan has loved finding out that he got into his first choice Junior school, revisiting Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, learning to drive at Crealy Adventure Park and moving up to the next level with swimming lessons.

Archie has loved stomping in the mud at Crealy, moving up to the next swimming lessons, having his arm out of the sling now that his collar bone is healed and sunny days at the park

Finn has loved going on his first rollercoaster at Crealy, roaring at the dinosaurs at Blackgang Chine, doing an extra couple of hours on his two afternoons at nursery and going swimming with Aunty NatNat.

Cora has loved going down the waterslides when we go swimming, chasing and catching her friends, her new purple wellies and using the potty more and more.

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My Family in February

The end of Febuary has crept up on us and despite multiple opportunities to get a family photo, I have ended up bribing the boys after school today to get this one and I was only allowed one shot.  February has been dominated by birthdays with Archie turning 5 and Finn 3 and we had a week off for half term in the middle which was very much needed.  The end of the month has been all about the 'Beast from the East' although the reality down here is about 2cm of snow laying over night that was gone by lunchtime the next day.

February has meant the start of shopping for summer clothes despite the fact the weather is only getting colder (real feel -12 degrees as I type this) and I am starting to daydream about afternoons spent at the beach with ice cream.  I like winter well enough but by the end of February I am feeling desperate for a glimpse of Spring.

So here is our one shot family photo for the month and surprisingly everyone is looking, although I can't do anything about the terrible glare on the glasses. And of course a round up of our month by listing what made it special for us.

I loved going to the Greatest Showman singalong at the cinema, shopping for summer dresses and dreaming of sunshine, finishing Grey's Anatomy so that I have a bit more free time and Creme Eggs being so readily available again.

Ed loved a new computer game he has been playing (and winning), hiring a cleaner and freshly baked bread every lunchtime.

Dylan loved having a day out with Archie and I, watching the snow fall, having his best friend to sleep over, watching Early Man at the cinema over half term and the new park we visited.

Archie loved getting all sorts of Pokemon presents for his birthday, winning lots of pennies at the arcades, playing barefoot on the beach on one of the warmer days and going bowling on our Mummy and the boys day.

Finn loved having a birthday party with all his friends, the big balloon Aunty NatNat sent in the post, choosing his own clothes in the morning somedays and telling everyone he is three now.

Cora loved having all her brothers around for half term, watching Blaze and the Monster Machines now that she has finally noticed the TV, watching videos of herself and pointing at 'baby' and the word  'MEEEE'

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Me and Mine in November

November has been the month that Autumn became Winter, even if not officially.  We started the month in light jumpers and thin tights, mild mornings and trips to the park after school  yet we are ending it wrapped up in hats and scarfs, with the heating on, candles burning and the anticipation of Christmas everywhere we look.  November seems to be very much a transition month and it has passed quickly and without standing out too much.

I don't feel like we have done much, but friendships have been established, play dates enjoyed, the outside world appreciated and all four children seem to have grown in the past four weeks.  We didn't manage to get a family photo on time, so this is a very last minute phone snap before the school run this morning - only three of us are dressed, the house is messy and not everyone really knows what is going on - we will always make sure we get a photo, even if it is by the skin of our teeth.

December will be full of excitement and magic, Christmas and fun and I feel like our simple November leads perfectly into it.  This month 

Becky is loving a night out with the reception mums from school, playing football, a day out with my big two boys and going to the Mother and Baby awards.

Ed is loving is new breadmaker, getting Sky for the house, discovering that we have underfloor heating in the kitchen and celebrating friend's birthdays

Dylan is loving arts and crafts with Aunty NatNat, a day in London with Mummy, preparing for the school Christmas show and asking 'who would win in a fight' questions about animals and mythical beings.

Archie is loving playing Pokemon cards, talking about Pokemon cards with his friends, drawing Pokemon and thinking about Pokemon related presents he can ask Father Christmas for.

Finn is loving scooting to nursery, getting himself dressed and undressed, chatting to the older ladies in the cafe and the new playgroup we have started going to.

Cora is loving carrying around her dolly, walking on the school run, splashing in puddles and having her hair brushed.

Hopefully our December photo will be a bit more organised!

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Me and Mine in October

October has been mild and bright and full of orange with the falling leaves, the odd sun and sky in the middle of the month and the pumpkins at the end.  We have been busy and we have had fun and our Me and Mine snaps were taken on Saturday whilst we were at Port Lympne.  

This month

Mama is loving freshly baked bread each morning, getting my yellow coat back out, the warm winter duvet and falling asleep listening to the bears on our overnight trip at the zoo.

Daddy is loving baking bread in his new breadmaker, carving a pumpkin, watching Stranger Things on Netflix and going on the safari at Port Lympne

Dylan is loving looking for painted rocks in the park, collecting Pokemon cards, hot chocolate with marshmallows and writing stories.

Archie is loving his swimming lessons, discovering all the dinosaurs at Port Lympne, a sleepover at Grandma and Granpas and playing Pokemon.

Finn is loving seeing the tigers at the zoo, looking for numbers when we are out walking, singing to Cora at bedtime and brushing his teeth

Cora is loving climbing on the sofa, being allowed to walk more outside, dancing around the living room with Finn and giving kisses to everyone.

We have pretty much no plans for November at the moment so I am excited to see how it goes!

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Me and Mine in September

September is coming to an end and it definitely feels like Autumn. Dylan is back at school and Archie is ready to start full time on Monday.  My boots have come out of hibernation (although my sandals are not yet packed away) and I have a blanket on the sofa for when my feet get chilly in the evenings.

I don't feel ready to say goodbye to summer yet but the beautiful reds and browns that are covering our walkways are forcing me to embrace everything that comes with October.  September seemed to pass so quickly, too quickly for us to manage a family picture but there is nothing like last minute and we asked Ed's brother to take one whilst we were at my niece's soft play party this morning to make sure we get one taken! The photos are far from perfect, but then so are we.

This month Mummy is loving buying Autumn clothes for the children, doing my daily steps by lunch time thanks to all the extra school runs, getting into our new routine now that we are back to school and the rich colours in the park.

Daddy is loving his new desks, settling in to the house more, listening to Archie's singing and watching Black Mirror.

Dylan is loving being in year two, seeing his brother in the playground at lunchtime, playing 'pets' with Archie (they pretend all their cuddly toys are their pets) and planning Halloween.

Archie is loving starting school, collecting Autumn things from the park,  his taster school lunch session last week and snuggling under blankets on the sofa.

Finn is loving his two afternoons a week at nursery, wearing a backpack, watching Dinotrux and playing outside in the rain.

Cora is loving shoes (wearing them, carrying them, rearranging them), playing with her wooden bobbins, walking in the park and having naps in her own bed.

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Me and Mine August

August has been the busiest month of the year by a long way.  This month we have had all four at home every day, we have been camping together at our first family festival, Dylan turned 6, I turned 30 and we moved house.  We ending the month absolutely exhausted but with lots of brilliant memories.  Thankfully the lovely Hannah at Childcare Adventures offered to take a photo of us all whilst we were at Wilderness as we have completely forgotten to take any others this month!

This month Mummy has been loving planning how the new house will look, a birthday evening out with friends, dressing Cora in little dresses now that she is walking and sunny afternoons at the beach.

Daddy has been loving folk week festivities, seeing Two Door Cinema Club at Wilderness, having space for a home office and Jack Daniels cider

Dylan has been loving turning 6, picking apples from the garden, reading Horrid Henry books and ice cream.

Archie has been loving having a big garden to play in, bouncing on the world's biggest bouncy castle, riding his balance bike everywhere and kinder surprises.

Finn has been loving playing chase with Cora, the excuse to be naked whilst it is warm and summer still, dancing to the music at Wilderness and chips and nuggets.

Cora has been loving walking everywhere, carrying shoes around everywhere she goes, her new water bottle and playing with the ice cream truck toy.

We are hoping September is quieter as I will be sending two boys into school.  I am not ready to say goodbye to the summer just yet though.

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Me and Mine in July

July has passed with a mix of heatwaves and rain storms and we have just returned from a brilliant week away with Eurocamp.  I wanted to get a few family photos whilst we were there, but it wasn't as easy as I hoped and we ended up with two.  The first was of us off to dinner one evening, standing by the lake in the rain.  The second is a selfie on my mobile phone whilst we were in the swimming pool.  It was a challenge to get the kids to stay still for long enough, but we just about squeezed the six of us into the shot to capture the moment. 

July has been brilliant, and it leads into August which is probably our favourite month as a family, with lots of plans and hopefully a little more sunshine!  

This month . . .

I have loved croissants for breakfast every morning on holiday, becoming a Godmother to my baby nephew, no more school runs and finding more time to read.

Ed loved seeing Greenday at the Hyde Park gigs, Finn's dancing, all the different French snacks (Milka biscuits) and browsing Rightmove for a new house.

Dylan loved learning to ride a bike with no stabilisers at kids club, feeding the ducks every morning when we were away, counting down to his birthday (which still hasn't happened) and candy floss ice cream 

Archie loved the water slides in the pool on holiday, his settling in sessions at his new school, getting back on to his balance bike and zooming everywhere and collecting Minions stickers.

Finn loved riding his little bike everywhere whilst we were away, spending time with Aunty NatNat, watching Thomas on Netflix and helping Daddy make coffee.

Cora loved splashing about at the fake beach on our holiday, having her big brothers off school, playing hide and seek and going high on the swings

It has been a brilliant month but we are looking forward to August now!

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Me and Mine in June

It has been a month of sunshine and heatwaves, beach trips and afternoons at the park, paddling pools and dips in the sea, and yet our monthly photo is taken in our slightly messy and incredibly cluttered living room.  This month we have been so busy having fun that we haven't managed to take a single family photo so at 5pm on the last day of the month, I have balanced my camera on the window sill and pressed the button once. In some ways I am a bit sad that our photo this month doesn't reflect the wonderful month we have had, but equally, this is us still, at the end of a lovely June.

The biggest event this month has been Cora turning one, but Dylan would probably argue that losing his first two teeth is pretty high up the list. I feel like we have had sunshine nearly every day and I am hoping July is a lot like June was.

Ignore the washing basket full of nappies that still need folding, the fact that Dylan won't let go of the x-box remote and my disastrously dyed hair, here is our photo.

So this month I have been loving spending so much time at the beach, discovering a new place to get macaroni cheese with friends, dressing up as a unicorn for Cora's birthday and planning our summer.

Daddy has been loving the hot weather, Father's day at Kearsney Abbey, sitting in the beer garden with friends in the evening and teaching Cora to walk.

Dylan has been loving his first visit from the tooth fairy, making cardboard houses and a cardboard city at school, playing Minecraft and Cora's birthday cake.

Archie has been loving starting swimming lessons, fresh watermelon in the garden after school, helping Cora learn to walk and playing with his best friend Pippa.

Finn has been loving giving Cora tax from his meals, sitting on the potty, sliding down the stairs really quickly on his belly and spending time with Aunty NatNat

Cora has been loving taking her first steps, cake at her first birthday party, playing chase with Finn around the house and giving big sloppy open mouthed kisses.

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Me and Mine in May

Another month has passed and it has been a good one, with more sunshine than we were expecting.  Our family photo for April has us all wearing jackets but May's is full of bare legs and shoulders as we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at our favourite beach cafe for my Dad's birthday over the bank holiday weekend. 

The highlight of our month was probably our weekend glamping with Ready Camp where we all got a taste of camping without actually having to pitch a tent and we are definitely planning on going again.  We weren't organised enough to actually get a family photo in the tent this time but maybe next!

So this month,

I have been loving getting away and trying out glamping, welcoming a new tiny nephew into the family, getting all our shorts back out and the huge storm we had overnight recently that I couldn't stop watching.

Ed has been loving the first bbq of the year, the fact that Cora can say jump,  watching Finn dance and getting a new x-box

Dylan has been loving collecting Lego cards from Sainsbury's, his new bedroom,  his first wobbly tooth and his school trip to Tesco

Archie has been loving throwing rocks into the sea,  his new sandals, cheese strings in his lunchbox at pre-school and playing with his cousins at the family picnic.

Finn has been loving playing on the scooter, having Aunty NatNat around more,  joining in with more of his brothers' games and sharing his food with Cora.

Cora has been loving singing 'I had a little turtle', clapping her hands every time we call her a clever girl, walking around holding our hands and waking up for playtime at 1am.

We don't have many plans for June other than a certain little girl celebrating her first birthday! I am happy if the next month goes really slowly!

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