this and that on a Monday evening

How are you all? I am so happy that a semblance of summer has finally arrived here in Glasgow. At least this was the case over the weekend. We are forecast some proper hot weather, which I find really exciting. I am on the countdown for my holidays. Richard and I are taking James and Alistair camping and Jack will of course come with us. We booked one of our favourite campsites for a whole ten days. For the first time, we'll be leaving the older two at home. I am slightly anxious because it is Annie's first time home alone with her older brother. She'll keep in in check, I am quite certain of that. They'll join us for the last three nights.

When we get back, Sam will be heading to Hungary, Annie is flying to Switzerland a few days later and another two days later, Richard will travel to France. Just me and the boys in Glasgow then... I booked the youngest two into a holiday camp so that I can work. One of the most difficult aspects of working full time when the children are still young are the endless holidays. The costs of holiday camps are comparable to a family camping holiday, which makes me cross. Annual leave is limited and although my allowance is a generous 30 days per year plus public holidays, I need to spread it over several school holidays. Enough moaning, it is the way it is.

Life is always busy here.... I made four small bottles of elderflower squash. I am the only one who likes it and it will last a long time. We made loads of chocolate chip cookies for various good byes last week.  More baking is planned for tomorrow. There are so many good byes this year, particularly for James, who is moving up to secondary school. I like to give those who look after my children so competently a small token of appreciation, usually something edible made by us.

Sam took the little ones for a hair cut but misunderstood my instructions (short sides & back, scissor trim on top). James now has what I call prisoner issue hair cut, very short all over. Luckily Sam called to confirm my instructions when he realised that this is not the haircut James usually gets and Alistair was spared the same fate. The hair will grow but I feel guilty for not taking him myself now. James is slowly getting used to his extra short hair. He is still cute as a button, but with a rough edge.

We attended James' P7 presentation, which was quite sweet. The children were filmed in small groups, talking about their favourite memories at school. James' best memory was his very first day at primary school, when he met his best friend who is still his best friend now. There was a collective "awww" going through the assembly hall, it was by fart the sweetest thing said all evening. The children all received a leavers pack with calculator, dictionary and other useful stuff for secondary school, and a leaver's hoodie. James burst out in tears when they were singing a song at the end but he wasn't the only one. On Friday, the collective sobbing of leavers will be audible across Glasgow at 1:30 pm, when the schools close for the summer.

Did I mention the P7 leavers show? James was a town crier in the musical and he did very well indeed.

We also went to a scouting end of year BBQ, which was fun. All our kids were and are Scouts. Sam is just starting out as a young leader, which surprised me quite a bit. Good for him. Maybe less fun for his sister because that's the pack he'll be joining as young leader.... Alistair is finally moving up to Scouts after being a Cub Scout for what seemed forever. He is excited. James who is already a Scout, less so.

The last ever swimming lesson was this evening. Alistair doesn't want to go back, which is fair enough. He is a confident enough swimmer but maybe not the most elegant one.

Our weekday evenings will be less hectic in the new school year.

Not much sewing, knitting or anything creative at the moment, there is little time. I started quilting the postage stamp quilt but I am not in love with my work. I tried machine quilting and hand quilting as well as different threads. I'll stew over it.

There was some exceptionally bad behaviour in the house, involving two little boys and greed. The two little boys are terribly sorry. A complete screen ban (excluding the Kindle) is in place, which is the most feared consequence for bad behaviour in our house.

I went for a jog on Sunday, just a simple walk-run routine to see if my knee would get any worse than it is when walking. It didn't. Alistair, who came along, he thought I was terribly slow.  In the afternoon, I cycled to the Westend with four kids in tow. We visited a street festival, which was boring and overcrowded but we bumped into our now retired social worker from our adoption agency and had a lovely chat so it didn't feel like time completely wasted. Well, for me it didn't. Then we cycled past the Botanics. I left the kids there for a play and went to buy new running shoes in the local running shop. My old ones have stuffing come out and my toes poke out of several holes. The sole is completely smooth, too. Good enough for dog walking but maybe not for running. I also bought a new running bra because my old one is too baggy. With the shoes, I went for the best cushioning I could afford. I am broke now. Fingers crossed for my knee to hold up.

In the evening we had guests from Colombia. We had a beautiful cheese board because our friends really like cheese and there are not as many cheese varieties in Colombia as there are here. It was lovely to catch up. Cheese does not agree with my tummy, I found it difficult to sleep. I woke at 3 am and wondered if Sam was in. He wasn't. I texted him to find out if all was well. He called to say that he was walking his friend home because he was terribly drunk and Sam didn't feel comfortable leaving him to make his own way. Sam's friend lives about an hours walk from the pool club...  I felt sorry for them and transferred money for a cab. I am such a soft touch. It was difficult to get back to sleep.

This morning, I felt a bit worse for wear and the thought of engaging with reflective writing did not appeal. Alas, needs must. I am on a deadline for a first draft. I made good progress, just two case studies to write now.

What's been happening in your lives? Busy end of term or not just yet? We break early here in Scotland, at least three weeks before England. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello.