We are safely home! Left Casa Gin about 11hrs ago. Called in to visit DH's Grandma's cousin in London who is 86, tells the filthiest jokes and played football with the Tank. She's incredible.
Anyway... wow, what a weekend. Mathilda was so sad to leave. She has talked about nothing but how happy she is. We went to a park (AM's garden), there was a sausage party (bbq) and apparently 'Bicky is my best friend'. She has just got out of the bath and said 'the baby is called Indie but called Bluebell too.' It's too confusing, just change her name Tonic.
AM, you are a one woman force for good I swear. You were a lovely hostess, are quite breathtakingly pretty and have the loveliest bump. Thank you for having us, we had a lovely time. Oh, and the gingerbread, mmm.
MrsJB. That was one well kept secret. Next time bring the trio. You know, you sound nothing like you type if that makes any sense? You have a filthy laugh and DH referred to you as 'the really funny one' (he's rubbish with names). I was so pleased to finally meet you.
Charley, you are not even remotely, not even a little bit, not at all like I imagined. No, my head hurts trying to work it out. I played catch with DS for a while and he was charming. Well, not catch really but chuck the ball and laugh as it goes behind you instead of in front of you. He was adorable. Your DH is lovely too. As are you of course. You make lovely children. They were super.
TMAM, oh do I want to be you when I grow up? Your hair looked fab and those shoes, oh I have shoe envy in the extreme. DS2 has the most amazing knowledge of planes, DS1 is very charming and polite and DD is so graceful and kind. Shy though, were we overwhelming?
Jam, can't remember a thing about you. That Scottish lilt just throws me every time and I start staring in awe. Seriously, shorts, brave during an English July, non? And you're young enough and trendy enough to be allowed in Top Shop. Wow! Your boys are so lovely, loved having a cuddle with L, he was such a smiley and happy boy. Tired though poor thing. Did he sleep a lot on the way home?
Sky, you are also nothing like I expected. How handsome are your boys? DDs 1 and 2 btw, a credit to you. Really sweet girls and very polite. Do NOT let dd dye that beautiful honeyed brown hair. Make her wait. Have a lovely break and a safe trip home.
Pink, oh my darling. What do you worry about? Honestly you silly thing. All that fretting about mothering and L is just wonderful. So sweet and concerned about everything- being wet for example or why there's fruit on the steps. She can be so serious. So pretty too. You are nowt like your pictures btw. Me and Gin discussed you. We were expecting Melinda Messenger and you're much prettier than her. And I wouldn't kick her out of bed for dropping gingerbread crumbs. Well I would because it's gingerbread and you don't waste it. And she'd make me look like a troll by being in the same room so yes I'd kick her out, but I'm ruining the sentiment entirely.
Tonic, there are no words. I know you laugh about the MOTY thing and act embarrassed but it's true. Your family are amazing, so inclusive and friendly and funny. Every minute with them is exhausting and chaotic but hilarious and life affirming. They love each other and annoy each other and look out for each other and fight and laugh and everything else besides. You can never doubt that you are doing a wonderful job. The twins are growing into such funny, lovely young men and so good with the littlies. DD1 is tremendous, determined, open and I was so delighted with how she was with M. DS3, well, he's just great. He's so quiet but very funny and demonstrative and concentrates so intently on things. DS4, oh he's a heartbreaker. And older than his years, curious, open, loud, happy and growing up too fast. DS5 is the prettiest boy in the world, spirited, sensitive and M calls him Bobo now. Bluebell, oh she's just lovely. Happy and beautiful and unable to lie still for even a minute. Once you even managed to crack my 'no more children' policy. Bluebell was smiling at M and M said 'I love the baby smiling' and stroked her head. That was the only moment. Don't worry, I recovered.
Anyway, bed. So tired after the weekend. But in a good way.
Nairobi for Christmas. France for the TDF next year. Whaddya reckon?