50. 50! FIFTY!

Blimey, it’s getting real now!

Anyway, we’ve had a really special week, and most of it was spent in Retford, celebrating my Dad’s retirement and birthday! My Dad is truly the most hard working person I know and to spend so much time with him this week has been wonderful.

There was a party on Friday night and Nathan came over, which meant I could be out for most of the evening while he watched the kids. We tag-teamed, him taking Sophia to the party for the first hour while I settled Aidan, and then I left when they got back to the house.

It was great to catch up with so many people who turned out to help celebrate. I also loved reading the cards from his colleagues, who clearly think such a lot of him as well!

While we were over in Retford, we went to the splash park (Sophia thinks it’s pretty brilliant!), caught up with friends, went to the museum, had a craft evening for an upcoming wedding in October, saw a panto in the park and spent a lot of time in the hot tub we hired for Dad for the weekend! It’s been a brilliant week, and I’m so pleased to have been able to spend a good chunk of time in Retford right at the end of my leave.

On our way home, we went to Pontefract for Nathan’s Grandad’s funeral. Sophia and Aidan were both great, and Nathan spoke so warmly of his Grandad. Aidan and I left Sophia and Nathan to go to the wake, and we came straight to Aidan’s first settling in session at his new child minders.

Tonight, I went to our church council meeting to discuss the upcoming Fit For Mission (parish re-structuring) vote. Even with a difficult decision to make and news of some members of our beautiful community having a really tough time, it was a good evening, and I’m so looking forward to being back.

So, all in all, a week (and a day, even!) of extremes. Just like ministry, that.

Sleep was pretty good considering the heat and change of location.

Food has been much enjoyed, especially Bubba’s carbonara and the chicken from Damons!

Sophia’s best line this week was ‘So who is coming to Bubba’s party? Will it be a princess or a witch?’.

More next time x