Nearly back to school

We are back from holidays in England. We had a great time. The first week was low key mainly because everyone in England was still at school so I couldn't meet up with many friends. Plus we were shattered from the journey. The second week was spent trying to cram in visits to friends and family. It was lovely seeing everyone again. Nan looked very well and will be completely different when her hearing aids, that she was convinced she didn't need, are in place. We won't be able to talk about her at all when she is in the same room.....!

Daithi arrived safely for the last week. Liam made a poster that we took to Stansted in case he forgot what we looked like. The kids were so excited, Conor especially. He is a real Daddy's boy. Daithi's visit started with a trip to a very hot and sunny Southend-on-Sea and a trip to the LazyTown show. The boys had no idea they were going until the last minute and were thrilled. The show was at 2pm and Conor was a bit tired for it after wandering round the sea front and the adventure park but loved it nonetheless. It was all Sportacus and Co. on the way home. We went by train too which made the trip even more exciting.

We had a day to recover before heading to Butlins for the rest of the week. It was Daithi's first holiday camp experience. He was a bit wary at first but he could see how much Liam and Conor were enjoying themselves and was happy enough then. Crowds and noise, of which there are a lot in Butlins, are not really his thing so I don't think he found it very relaxing but he had a good time. It was very different this year I suppose because the boys are that much older. We couldn't get them out of the waterworld this year; Conor wouldn't go in last time! It was so nice to have a family holiday which we haven't really done since Daithi's Cancer scare. Hopefully it will persuade Daithi of how important those trips are to the kids and for him to spend time with them away from the house.

Anyway we are back in Cork trying to decide what to do next. Ballydaniel House has been transformed by the O'Leary's. The site has been cleared and the mobile home and containers have been moved to more appropriate positions. The landlord says that we can stay in the rented place for the month of August rent free but we don't really want to take advantage of his generosity. However, looking at the rain and wind over the last few days I am tempted. The boys will be like caged animals in mobile home in the rain!

The good news is that we have the services connected in the mobile home (sewerage included) we just need a couple of new carpets and a bit of awning out the front for shelter. I think the move to the mobile home will spur us on to get cracking with finishing the downstairs of the house and it will mean I can do work too when the boys are asleep.

The glass for the windows has been ordered and should be here in the next couple of weeks. We got a great deal through a friend of Daithi's father and I can't wait to see that first pane go in. The boxes are all painted and most of the sashes too (thanks to Eileen and Niamh). Thay look fantastic. I can't wait to see them in the house.