June 2018 has been a very special month, the sun has shined daily, there have been lots of celebrations and special events and even our national cricket and football teams have been winning with record scores.  June is definitely our family’s busiest month of the year and whilst its been packed, this has been a fantastic month in which we seem to have fitted so much in.  There’s no way I’ll be able to fit it in all into this post but this month we’ve enjoyed playing in lots of cricket matches, a visit to a water park, a roller disco, a residential trip for each child, school day trips, a weekend away in Bristol which included open air swimming, pedalos and a friend’s party, school sports day, a primary schools concert, learning to kayak and of course visits to the beach.  June you really rocked!

READ 

As I started this post, I didn’t think that I would have much to write in this section, however when I looked at my Good Reads record, I’ve finished four books this month.  I was on holiday for a few days at the start of the month so I think I must have done most of my reading then. I have read The Holiday Cottage by the Sea by Holly Martin, perfect escapism, Its not what you think by Chris Evans, an autobiography which had me reminiscing about the 90s, Dear Mrs Bird, a period drama and My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante.  My Brilliant Friend has been on my to read list for ages and it really didn’t disappoint.  It wasn’t what I was expecting but is the story of two friends as they grow up in their small Italian quarter and their neighbours. The story is so engaging and beautifully written, a 5 star read, full of complex characters and relationships.  My Brilliant Friend is the first of a quartet and I’m hoping to download number 2 for my summer holiday.  With this heat, the sun and the chirping birds I’ve been waking up early around 5ish and have taken to reading in bed, its a little luxury which is really rather nice!

WATCHED

So for the first time in a few years, I got to watch Sports day on the planned day, last year it took 3 attempts due to poor weather.  I do love Sports day, its so simple and fun.  My favourite race is the whole school relay when the four school houses compete against each other, its a feat of incredible logistics to get everyone in the correct position from Reception to Year 6 but the cooperation and comradery of the race gets me every year!

I also watched another school event where all the local primaries work together to put on a concert. Little Miss was in the choir, her school sang Can’t Stop the Feeling and then they joined in with the big choir for a few songs too.  To my surprise, as she hadn’t mentioned it, Little Miss also played the calypso drums in a song which just sounded and felt like summer.  It was a lovely little evening.

I do love my football and have been following the World Cup. Little Man is really into the World cup with all his stickers, wearing his England top with pride.  He was beside himself watching England win 6-1, children just don’t know the despair we’ve felt over the years, he is so confident that England will win the world cup and I really hope he’s right.

MADE

We have enjoyed lots of days out this month and I have made a lot of picnics.   For Christmas we were gifted this picnic rucksack and it has been one of the best presents ever, our picnics have gone from sandwiches to cheese and biscuits, salads, fruits, quiches etc..

WORE

It was shorts as much as possible this month, I can’t wear them for work where its been simple sundresses and summer skirts but shorts, a top and flip flops has been my go to outfit this month.  I did go to a lovely party, so wore a simple cream crochet dress and jewellery for the special occasion.  I also wore some different items, roller skates for the roller disco (scary!) and a life jacket for my kayak lesson (fab)

HEARD

I am enjoying listening to Gary Davies’ Sounds of the 80s on Radio 2.  I often listen to it on my Sunday morning run and love his knowledge and choices of songs.  We used to listen to Gary Davies at our 6th form and even went to a Radio 1 road show to see him so its nice to hear him back on the radio, ooh Gary Davies.

I am also hearing a lot of Little Man singing 3 Lions which is so cute, I think its the best football song ever and brings back very happy memories of Euro 96 and a brilliant summer.

AND FINALLY

Fortunately, July is looking a lot more relaxed apart from the big school and ballet productions.  Little Miss has been working on the ballet show since Christmas and its on for 5 nights some of which I am matroning. I am looking forward to seeing it, the glimpses I’ve seen at rehearsal pick ups have been amazing.  Her and Little Man are both in the school play at the local theatre too, its a fun story and they’ve both been singing the songs at home to practice.  Next month also sees the final Beavers and Brownies for my two as they move to the next sections. both have given the children brilliant opportunities and it will be sad to say thank you and good bye.

I am going to link up with Morgana this month as I hope I will have the time to read and comment on the other writers’ posts this week. I only try to link up when I can do this although I do write a post monthly.  Thanks to Morgana for an inspiring and interesting linky.