Things have deteriorated over the last couple of days which has rather spoiled the atmosphere of what is usually a very uplifting day.
We have deliberately not done a lot with the kids, and I think that's maybe what has backfired a bit on us this afternoon.
The weather's been very unpredictable, which really hasn't helped.
They've all been restless - LC and Alice especially have driven us both mad!
Thye won't settle to anything. Ask to do some colouring and make some masks, so I got all the things out of the doing box, set them up and cut out a few bits and pieces. Flo came into help once she'd finished whatever she'd been up to in the garden and then I went outside to do a few things myself. Within ten minutes they had all followed me back out!
A bit later I went out the front to clean, hoover and empty out the car which is usually somehting they have fun joining in with. But they all wanted to do the same job and I found it hard to give them all things to do - everyone got a bit oversensitive and started over-reacting. So we had the garage open and the bikes out. It suddenly turned cold and poured with rain.
Within half an hour it was sunny again so we went back out, but they wanted balls and skipping ropes. Ten minutes later - bored again and all trying to climb into the car and take turns hoovering.
Just generally bickering and winding each other up. Flo is especially good at this, and ALi is good at over-reacting. It can be a nightmare here sometimes.
Ahh - the joys of school holidays!
Notice I haven't mentioned Stan in the above. Maybe he's been OK - I haven't noticed otherwise.
He's always been much better at settling to things and is becoming a master at keeping out of arguments.
Hopefully it won't be a tense day tomorrow at the farm.
Will be good to catch up with D and K for the first time since the wedding,a nd exchange photos etc.
Ms 80th birthday "party" - just pray that it works out well and everyone being there all at once isn't too much for him.
It would be nice to have a more predictable day - preferably without rain so they can enjoy the meadows and gardens.
We did manage to spend half an hour at midday taking part in an outdoor service in the middle of Eastleigh while shopping for bedding and curtains.
They each got a palm cross and a hot cross bun.
Guests are great, but its wonderful when they've gone. Biscuit and S left us just after lunch yesterday, returning safelyhome about four.
The loft room was full of crisp packets and sandwich wrappings when we cleared up after them. Perhaps they don't get enough food.
I suspect he doesn't think so. We're not used to catering for 6'8" young men of 18!!