Let the holidays begin

Well, here we are, in July!  Is the sun shining?  No!  In fact, the forecast for today is torrential rain. But, hey, this is Ireland.  No-one lives here for it's tropical climate.  I would say that Monday was the first day of the Summer holidays - Summer Camps have started already and messages for playdates have started to come in.  Anyone else panicking about the long eight weeks that seem to stretch interminably ahead of us?  Tim is going to the local Soccer Camp - five hours a day, five days a week of exercise, running around, fun and fitness.  Eighteen very loud and excited boys and girls gathered yesterday morning at the start and, I can tell you, it was a much quieter and more tired eighteen who came out of that hall when it was home time! Needless to say, he's having a little sleep-in this morning.

Ellen, on the other hand, could do with a Summer Camp to go to, but there don't seem to be any that take three year olds.  A gap in the market?  Don't look at me, I'm trying to offload her for a few hours, not gain extras!

In the meantime, the countdown is on for our 'trip to Tipp'.  Seven weeks in my native county, starting on Monday - I can't wait. There's a lot to pack - clothes, food, spare bedding, toys and books.  Himself is at a three day conference, so it's up to me to do most of the packing.  But when we get there, it'll be rest, relaxation and fun - with a bit of lawn-mowing thrown in!

Ride-On Mower?

And did I mention that I'm having a sneaky weekend away in the the meantime?  Me and a friend are off to Bristol (I know, very glamorous!) to see Gromit Unleashed - an exhibition of eighty Gromits, each five foot tall and each designed and painted by well known designers, artists and celebrities such as Cath Kidston, Sir Quentin Blake and Joanna Lumley.  I am very excited about this, having been a Wallace and Gromit fan for a long time. Follow this link for a look at what's going on http://www.gromitunleashed.org.uk.  Must remember to pack my tanktop!  Might even indulge in a nice bit of Wensleydale.