We had an okay day xxx 

I’m going to level with you readers. I’ve been finding it hard to get the boys to settle at bedtime over the holidays. 

On the one hand it’s good that they are happy, excited and have lots to look forward to. On the other, I’m pooped and need to chillax with Lee, Netflix and preferably an alcoholic beverage of choice. There’s a cut off point, usually 8pm where I begrudge children time trickling into adult time. 

I seem to have a new mantra for the boys. How good you are tonight will reflect how good your day is tomorrow. 

Some of you may call it blatant bribery, I like to refer to it as friendly coercion. 

Monday evening they were amazing. It could have been they were bushwhacked from a day of camp, I love you Future Stars Coaching or they could genuinely have been trying their best to be good. I’ll let you decide that. 

So Tuesday morning I told them they had earned an okay day. They were slightly puzzled at first, surely their efforts hadn’t been in vane? But they had given me a whole evening to rejuvenate and I was feeling sassy. 

I explained to them that, within reason, whatever they wanted to do, I’d say okay to. 

By 09:30 we were at the skate park after a breakfast of tea, chocolate and biscuits. Not me, I’m still Ketotastic and loving it.

Obviously they had calories galore to burn off. 

We made friends with Ryan a BMXer who kindly shared the park with the boys and even coached them on how to handle a medium sized slope. He was easing himself back into it after a gnarly crash that broke his collar bone. I couldn’t age him. Anywhere between 20 to 40ish. I even got to wondering if he could be some retired famous dude, yes, I fill my time daydreaming and taking photos whilst the boys scoot. I suggested I might bring my chalks down next time and pretty the place up, it’s a bit grey. Ryan seemed to think this was a good idea, but he could be recovering from a brain injury for all we know. 

All skated out we whizzed home, grabbed the dogs and went off to Bluebell woods. This has been one of our favourite places this holiday, especially in the heat. 

We play epic games of hide and seek, hunt for treasure and enjoy the swings dotted about the place from a locals kind Grandad. 

Home for lunch, a picky plate of fun. 

Then off to Puxton Park where we discovered a new amusement, pedalos!! 

Here I came into my element! My knees might be dodgy, but by Jove I can cycle! It was brilliant! We spent ages on the lake and the boys were amazed how fast I could go. I often get mum guilt for the pure fact I can’t do simple things like walk far, let alone run, so this felt good. Was also glad to be wearing my Fitbit!

After an epic adventure in the massive play barn the Twinkles decided it was time to venture home. 

We are so lucky to have Puxton on our doorstep. It has years of adventure left in it for us. 

So full of ice cream, sweets and chocolate biscuits the boys actually requested a sensible dinner. 

Then it was off to meet the Priory Pumas JFC for the first time. 

What a welcome! And what a nice community feeling. The coaches were firm, fair and fun, just how we like them. 

Harry seemed to be a magnet for the ball and scored a goal in no time. Ollie is fast! If he’s got the ball, you’re not catching him. 

The boys loved it and I was so proud when the coach came up to say they had ability. That’s down to their Dad I told him, never fancied him more than watching him play, or when he was pruning the olive tree shirtless in the sun. There I go daydreaming again and no I didn’t tell coach that bit.

We got home and the boys asked me if they could please just go to bed. Too much fun Mummy. 

So you see, an okay day actually turned out to be magnificent. 

I heard something the other day about reclaiming the day. For example you’ve had a long, hard day at work and you then do something nice in the evening to add a bit of magic to your day. My go to would probably be the hot tub with Lee and a glass of pink fizz. 

Yesterday morning I was preparing breakfast. Smooth Radio was on and they were banging out some belters. The boys were sat at the table on their tablets (a holiday earned reward)eating their breakfast with their Dad who was engrossed in his phone. The dogs were sat at his feet praying for sausage droppings. I stopped what I was doing to breathe it all in, just for a minute or two. Already I had had a special day. How lucky I am I thought and gave each of them a big kiss and cuddle. Lee ended the moment by informing us all he was going for his morning poo. 

Life is so magical. 

Love and hugs, kisses and wishes.