Conor came down for the weekend of 17th Feb to lay new floor on middle bedroom. Superb job of course.

Unfortunately he acquired suspected Scarlet fever while here and had to have few days food work. Turned out not to be Scarlet fever and a few days off work and antibiotics has fixed it.

We have decided to stop drinking for a few weeks (5). One reason is that we have gotten in to bad habits, one glass turning in to a bottle. My cholesterol needs to be checked after not drinking to see if that has any impact. And with getting up always early for BB plus the pressure from Lola’s current state a foggy head is not helping.

So 9 days down now, starting on 18th Feb we are all in to it now. Feeling bright and sparky.

Mr and Mrs Bear had a much deserved break from all progeny, including BB. We had 24hrs at Eleveden Inn, I took AM Tue 14th and PM Wed 15th off, took Mabel to M and Mikes then under 1hr to Eleveden. As usual we had to do some form of exercise so went for a run, very cross country and a tad lots but made it back and was only 3 miles.

Shower, bubbles, crisps, chocolate, bed and TV by 3pm….what’s not to like.

Meal booked for 7pm, so a few pre-prandial beers. Meal was delicious, plaice for me and cod for Alice, and we had both starters and a shared Black Forest Gateau (starter and pudding very rare!), oh and Ameretto for Mrs B and a Brandy for Mr B. Bed by 9.30, sleep by 10…though I did manage to slip in a quick G&T whilst Alice dozed.

On a more serious note, this was booked some time ago as a romantic Valentine break, and indeed it was that, but the last few weeks have left use both drained and Alice in particular very stressed. I am writing this pretty much immediately on our return and we both feel so much better, rested and energised, where we were feeling tired and grumpy. We will have to do this more often, only 24hrs is all it takes to give perspective and allow us time to breathe. Well that is why I am writing this so soon, another 24hrs and I may not be so upbeat….don’t call me a cynic though!

Been a long time with no updates so summary of all the children, young adults, adults and baby (not sure who fits in to which category).

Mabel at 15 months…