The happiest day

So the other weekend was my dad's wedding. And it was FABULOUS. Anyone who knows my dad and Mel will know how absolutely in character the whole thing was. Dad wore a raspberry pink suit and Mel walked up the aisle to disco music. They had a curry buffet, an ice cream van, and a Bhangra disco (followed by a hog roast). It was, in every way, legendary.

Of course I managed to forget my camera for the day itself, so the photos I have are courtesy of my awesome Aunty Laura, who managed to get plenty of shots of my dad and Mel, their mad mates, madder family, and their perfect day. A picture really is worth a thousand words, so I will let them do the talking.

Sunshine on a rainy day

There's something extra special about getting a really warm spell of sunshine when the ground is still damp from the rain. Yesterday we walked through the park, and in the morning the weather had been misty and wet so we were prepared for another downpour. But instead we found ourselves shedding outer layers of clothes and dawdling along, making the most of the sunshine.

As we walked the ground dried up pretty quickly, but the stream was still swollen and fast. Audrey stared on in utter amazement at the dogs who jumped into the water to play, and got soggy when they ran out and shook themselves dry near her.

We love when owners let Audrey pet their cute dogs. She's quite reserved about it - she's not scared at all of the dogs, more shy of the people. She'll happily stand and stare and point at the doggies without ever moving any closer most of the time, but sometimes there'll be a little one that she can very gently stroke and coo over.

She loves to look at and pick the flowers - buttercups, daisies, cow parsley. She pinches off just the very top and hands it straight to me as soon as she's managed it.

But she also loves the bark from the trees, and leaves which have fallen. We carry them in the buggy while she walks and scatters them one at a time on the grass.

Walking along hand in hand with her is one of the best feelings I've ever experienced. I'm so proud, in that moment, and so lucky and happy, so content.

Being her mama is just the best.

Just keep grinning

Father's Day was really lovely and low key for us here. Ian had a bit of a lie in and some yummy pain au chocolat, some time to do his programming, and a gift of a photo book I made and had printed with photos I've taken of him and Audrey from throughout her life so far.

We went for a walk, and had yummy pizza for tea. It was just right.

Spending time every day just being together is so important for us. Things like eating together at the table, singing songs and nursery rhymes, playing games and making animal noises, playing with the musical instruments or the puppets.

Today we went along to the astronomy group of the home education network we belong to. It was such great fun, and Audrey had a good time playing with toys, watching the big kids in amazement, and reading her special library book about the solar system. Talking to the other mums felt really comfortable and fun, and the children were intelligent and interesting. A great bunch of people, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

I'm very busy indeed recently with some behind-the-scenes stuff which will keep me on my toes until the end of August, although the payoff should be that I have a lot more time after that. I'm utterly exhausted, in desperate need of a break. Looking forward.

For now we're enjoying the sunny weather in between the summer storms.