Summer Over

Judging by the rain outside, summer is over. We had a great vacation in the US, showing the kids their nation’s capital before driving through Pennsylvania to visit cousin Jayne. Charlotte fell in love with Lauren (at times literally hugging her leg to stop her going out for the day!), and even decided she liked me, a marked improvement on last time we visited. Everyone agreed that minivans are cool, especially ones with electric doors. It turns out we’re not a good family to visit amusement parks (except for Disney, I think) – no two of us seem to like the same sorts of rides or other attractions. While cycling around I learned that Pennsylvania is a lot closer to the south than you might think (“just the good old boys, never meaning no harm…”). Lauren takes after her Grandma in not coping well with the heat. And everyone thinks Spence needs a pool heater, except for Spence.

Now everyone is back to school, Lauren already immersed in GCSE stress, Sam just taking everything as it comes (while fretting about exactly how his hoped-for iPad Mini Christmas/Birthday/Some-of-his-own-money present will work out).