And just like that, the long summer school holidays are over.  Clare has had almost two whole months off; Stella and I have had five weeks.  We had a staycation this year, spending our days at home with only a couple of short trips to the country to visit my parents.  I had a list a mile long of things that I wanted to do.  As it happens, I’ve ticked off most of the items on the list, which is a very satisfying feeling.  I’ve also rested – something that was very much needed after an intense 18 months of pretty much full-time work.  We’ve also enjoyed being tourists in our own city.

There has been rock climbing, gallery visiting, cricket matches, live theatre, playdates with friends, the local pool, restaurants, bike riding, shopping, a 13th birthday party, sleeping in, blue sky, and lots and lots of screen time.  It’s been great.  I love school holidays and am more than a little sad to be back at school and work tomorrow.  At the same time, I do enjoy routine.   So let’s get back into the swing of things!