Bonkers!

This is my new word of the year and aptly describes the current state of play at this end!  In between two horrendous terrorist attacks and a totally bonkers General Election, Benedict and I had our birthdays.  Mine was the significant half a century, *sniff* can I really be that old?!!  In my head I am a mere slip of a girl but the grey hairs and forgetfulness regale a  different story :-)  

I had all sorts of plans for my 50th, some forged two years ago but life issues got in the way and so in the event we had a quiet day at home. The children managed to get through a whole day without arguing and so peace truly reigned at "chez 22" and it was bliss.

   Some of the birthday bouquets.

Two weeks later Benedict turned fourteen on the 11th June: 

 A rather bleary eyed "Benedict Bear" being told to open his cards by Little Miss Organised :-)

Lemon Drizzle Cake for Breakfast.

Once we had washed and tidied round it was time to visit family at the newly refurbished Swan Hotel: 

 Benedict is super happy with his present from Sara and Tom.  Another Nerf Blaster to add to the collection!

 Grandma and MG colouring in some sheets whilst waiting for lunch.  Looks like "butter wouldn't melt" but that "little tinker" led me a merry dance during the course of the meal!  One great thing about grandkids is that you can hand them back at the end of the day, LOL!

My brother ( see the photo below) had us in stitches with a very funny jibe at my dad and his unwillingness to part with money, especially when it comes to purchasing a broadband deal!  My poor mum reads the blog from his smart phone and it is a challenge for sure!

He is seven years younger than me and for his "sins" is head of department for Maths, in an inner city secondary school an hour from our home. He has a cunning plan and hopes for  early retirement at some point!

 Sadly both my mum and dad were unable to make the meal due to ill health and so mum in particular has been waiting for this blog post since last week!  Sorry Mum!

Although the hotel has a five star rating I was very disappointed with my meal and for the third time in my life I actually refused to pay for my meal.  The prices were overrated and the food was not outstanding so I don't think we will be dining their anytime soon.

We have also celebrated another Little Flower's First Holy Communion, which was held at Ladywell Shrine:

 Four little flowers standing in a row.

  Pip is the last to make this sacrament which we have arranged to take place during our visit to Walsingham in August.

 Despite the grey skies on Monday we packed a picnic and visited a local park for a lunch break:

 Pip and Ben eating their lunch on the zip wire platform.  They pretty much had the park to themselves and then later in the visit Pip found a friend.

In amongst the attempts at home schooling, household tasks and coping with ongoing health issues, I have remained faithful to my work hours.  My latest blog post for the website can be found when you click on the red below:

We All Need Each Other

Hoping you are having a blessed weekend x