So Much For Summer

As I progressed through last trip I was really looking forward to my first full summer leave. Over the past few years I have tended to be off in the winter months so the thought of balmy summer days, picnics, long bike rides and BBQs was really appealing.

I had also intended to do lot's of work out in the garden to get it all straight and finally get on top of the weeds. Well I have been home for the whole of June, July and August and with only a week left before I head back to work I am wondering what happened to the time, my plans, summer and the sun. 

Since I have been home, most days, we have had the Langtree rain cloud sitting overhead. This has definitely sapped the spirits and motivation, it has also put a dampener on plans in the garden. Saying that this has been one of the best leaves for a long time and as I prepare to go back I will be taking some very happy memories of time spent with Debbie and the little ones over the past few months.

Although I moan about the weather we did manage to go camping once which was great and it was so relaxing sitting in a field with the BBQ going a couple of tins of apple juice to hand and kiddies running around after each other.

We also had the joy of our first family holiday with the little ones. We got a special offer at Butlins which was an experience. Maybe I am a bit of a snob but half the people there I am sure were on benefits and considering we went during school time there were a lot of kids that should have been at school. Saying that the little ones really enjoyed themselves. There was also a nursery on site so Debbie and I had a few hours off from the kids during which we had a peaceful lunch.

I can't really complain as when the weather has held we have had some great days out down the Tarka Trail, at the beach and up in Kidiminster, admittedly we usually ended up in the play grounds but just seeing the smiles on the little ones faces makes it all worthwhile.

 Of course the rain has had some benefits as on those wet Saturday afternoons when I couldn't go out we headed off to the Green Dragon for some medicinal apple juice and a go on the flashy light machine whilst the little ones watched the fishes and William tried to get his tractor in the pub.

I should have done more arty things with the little ones as when we got the paints out they really enjoyed it. I also caught William reading the times when we visited my mummy, perhaps I should get him a daily paper at home.

All in all it has been a really good leave, I now just have to prepare myself for going back to work and getting into the shipboard routine. It is going to be really hard to go away and not see the little ones and Debbie for a while. The little ones are changing so much I really can't believe that Beth will be four this weekend and little William 3 in November. They are growing up so quickly and they don't fail to make me smile everyday.