It’s Tuesday, I am sorry!

I usually write this blog on a Monday evening and yesterday evening was, in a word, awful. Aidan didn’t go down until after 9, Sophia didn’t go down until after 10. I was frustrated and frightened, remembering how bad it was when every evening was like that a couple of years ago.

But let’s leave it at that and focus on the positive because last week, birthday week, was wonderful!

We set off on Tuesday for a trip to Alton Towers. We stayed at the Cbeebies Land Hotel and did both the water and theme parks. Separate blog to follow about that (obviously) but safe to say, our little family had a very special time. Highlights were the amazing themed hotel, going on the Bluey roller coaster and enjoying the outdoor pool in the sunshine.

In a moment of weakness, we managed to acquire a humongous stuffed Capybara, which Sophia has named ‘Service’. ‘Service’ even came to St Giles on Sunday to make Daddy laugh as he walked into the service!

Friday was Sophia’s actual birthday when we went into Liverpool to spend her Build-a-bear vouchers. She had a fantastic time and we were chuffed because we timed Aidan’s nap just right so that we all managed 3 courses at Pizza Express afterwards!

Saturday involved another birthday party (thankfully not Sophia’s) and it was nice to catch up with some of her school parents after not having seen them for a couple of weeks.

I went to St Giles on Sunday because I had cover at ASSF, and then I started back at work properly yesterday morning. I did do a few bits of admin over the week, which wasn’t ideal. But as our administrator has now started (!) hopefully there will be no more Saturday evening trips to the church office to do printing…

Work wise, I joined in the new craft group, had meetings, got a couple of projects going, did supervisions, did a pastoral visit, prayer walked, and made tea for the wonderful folk who have volunteered at the Summer Working Parties.

Aidan is saying more words all the time. One night I got him out of the bath, dried him and hung his towel around him, sending him to his room to see Nathan and get dressed. I said ‘there you go, all snug in your towel’ and he said ‘owwwwwl’, repeating towel back to me all the way down the landing.

Sophia is very pleased to be five. She tells me she was bored of being four! We also had a wonderful time, baking, decorating, breaking, fixing and eating her birthday cake this week.

This week I am especially grateful for the chance to pray with people, be it online or in person or as I prayer walk the streets of the parish.

Coming up: more summer antics!

More next time x