A break to savour with my family....

Overcome by the challenges of the European internet I have been unable to put together a holiday blog. Now home, I can fill you in. A perfect synopsis of our time away can only be - we have been unadulteratedly lazy for the last two weeks and have rested, lounged in the sun, eaten and drunk ourselves silly and it has been pure heaven. We have spent some time together as a family mostly in the evenings and our own quality time quietly resting in peace doing our separate things. I have enjoyed both so much, time with my  three girls and some time reading, drinking coffee and reflecting on a year that has been hard. Whilst I don't want to go back to work in the morning, I feel rested and ready for the challenges ahead for the rest of the year. I appreciate wholeheartedly, the wonderful family I have and this precious time with them and how lucky we are to be able to afford such a holiday that some families can only dream of. Most of all I got the winding down time I needed and I am eternally grateful to my family for their support, love and giving me a bit of space when needed. It's a strange thing to be writing about a family holiday, but it's been a strange year that I am still processing and all three seemed to know what I needed and gave it to me with love. More gratuitous holiday snaps and tales of our laziness to follow this week as I catch up. Thanks lovely girls for a great time, although it is good to be home xx

The time of holiday traditions...

Each year we have little traditions that signify special time together as a family and holiday time. In the past we have fake tattoos, hair braids, summer friendship bracelets, ice cream sandwiches, lucky loom bands for the footy, chocolate covered ice cream, the purchase of leather bags, Simpson's Lego and arcades. All herald the summer in the Hammond house and all have lovely memories held deeply within them. This year ahead of our trip abroad Anna has started early and I quietly quite like this one! All hail, the holiday lines in the hair, Grandma wouldn't approve either! Love them Wiggle and definitely getting me in the mood for a break with my girls! Look forward to seeing that tradition emerge next year too....xx

Out for coffee with this one!

I quite like the fact that Lucy has come to the age where she actually on the odd occasion (and I mean odd), likes to spend time with her dad. This morning we went for coffee and it felt like I had a grown up for company with the articulate flow of conversation. Really loved a little bit of a shop and some time with my girl. She still won't let me take her picture, this could carry on up to her wedding at this rate! Yesterday saw my forty-fifth birthday fly by. I feel thoroughly spoilt and I was, with some lovely presents (croquet set and film memorabilia being amongst the best)  and great company at a barbecue in the evening. Thank you Mrs Hammond for all your efforts, cooking, hosting and amazingly delicious cake. I have to say I had a sneaky third piece overnight when I couldn't sleep. I am not sure I can say that I enjoyed last year very much and it was very tough as a family. I am trying to herald this new year with a positive attitude and move forwards after such difficult times. This time next week we will be days away from a fortnight together in Majorca!!!!! Oh how my weary bones cant wait. Five more working days and counting....