The girls and I took a two week trip back to the UK to help break up the long long summer school holidays. Unfortunately Stuart had to work so he stayed behind. The flight back was pretty good (smooth and the girls were well behaved). Thankfully both of them got a bit of sleep, but I didn't sleep a wink. Consequently I couldn't keep my eyes open on the trip back from the airport! We briefly stopped off at Paul's to see Thea who was so excited to see her long lost cousins again, before departing for mum's where we would base ourselves for the next few weeks.
One of the first things to hit us was the change in temperature! It was freezing and typically I had packed for warmer climes. There was I wearing my mother's winter pajamas and borrowing jumpers from my cousins.
During our first weekend we went to Auntie Kathy's for a BBQ and caught up with the Purser side of the family. The weather was fantastic that day and even the paddling pool made an appearance. We ate loads and played games in the garden until late.
It's sad to say but I couldn't wait to have a good browse around Tesco's and Sainsbury's, where I managed to pick up cheap basic items like knickers for the girls and teabags. One thing is for sure food is definitely cheaper in the UK. Mum and I also managed to get a day shopping in Kingston on our own which was really nice.
Then the girls and I then went to spend a few days at the Weaver's. The girls got to go swimming, horse riding on Lucy's horse (Sora) and spent a day in the wilderness at a park, the name of which I can't remember. The highlight of our short stay though was the take-away curry, my first in 12 months which was delicious.
It was then a quick dash back to mum's to restock on clothes and then on to see the Johnson side of the family. We all met for a pub lunch to celebrate Great Auntie Barbara's 60th birthday and then briefly back to Great Grandma's, before moving on to the next stop to see some friends.
Two days later we had returned to mum's and were on our way to meet Janina and Paddy at Clacket Lane Service station. From there it was back to Essex to spend a our final few days with Grandma and Grandpops. We spent a lovely afternoon (or two) at Audley End stables petting the horses and went to the Zoo with Auntie Erica and Leon.
During our visit we also managed to squeeze in a day trip to Selsey to see Tim and Julia whose wedding we sadly missed and spent a day with Leigh and the boys at the beach.
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