Camping in Herm

Beers, BBQs and rain...

We've had a great time in Guernsey since we arrived despite the rain and cold weather. Why does this always happen to us every year? Never mind! We're off to Herm to camp the night on Monday. Looking forward to sitting in the Mermaid and possibly bracing a swim!

Baby Euan

We popped into see Seonaid, Lex and their new baby Euan today. Seonaid looked really well although was feeling pretty tired. Euan is entirely nocturnal at the moment and is up all night. He is so cute though he can get away with it! Here is a pic of me having a cuddle.

Road Trip

The start of my holiday has been excellent and I feel very relaxed. We hired a car and went to visit Rob and Jen. Their village and gorgeous thatched house really appealed to us and we are seriously considering their area as a possible place to live in the future. It's close to London and Derby but surrounded by countryside. We had a lovely country walk then a BBQ in their garden. A great night!

We then went up to see Gem, Tim and Rosie. Rosie was so lovely and Gem and Tim are so relaxed and natural with her. I was very sad to say goodbye I love this photo of her and Gareth, she is really looking at him! Ahhhh so cute. I am a very proud auntie.

Make-up trial

I was really pleased with my make-up trial and don't think my photos do it justice. I look a bit freaky in some of them! I know that it's important for the make-up to come out well in photos but I think it's because I took these in a toilet in a pub that they did not come out as well as they could have. I think with a professional photographer I should come out a little better! That's my theory anyway...

Final countdown!

I am on the home stretch and can't wait for my holidays. I just want to be on my flight home. Only 5 days then we fly! I have taught everything I know to my kids and have nothing more to tell them.
Last night we went to our staff do. It was a bit strange as always and wasn't the best night - I think everyone is too shattered. But here are some pictures - for you Gem.

Gareth the marathon runner!

Beautiful Phuket

We had a lovely weekend in Phuket for Gareth's marathon. I was very proud of him as he finished in a brilliant time. Well done! I had a lovely restful day on Saturday and feel like I can just about make it through to the end of term now.

Birthdays

It was three of my friends' birthdays last weekend. I ended up with a very sore head on Saturday but I was by no means the only one. I learned my lesson of having a glass of wine before after a busy day at work before eating dinner. It was a lovely evening. Anne and I had a massage. I had a glass of wine while getting ready at her house, we got a bite to eat at the pub, then we headed into town for the party. Fun fun fun!

Bee's Hen Night

I am gutted - I was really pleased with the one photo that I had of the beach, but somehow it has got corrupted. Boo! Never mind I will put the rest on. We went down to the beach for Bee's hen night. It was a really good laugh and very relaxing - just what I needed in the middle of reports and general school craziness. We chilled in the day, swam and had massages then partied at night. I am looking forward to the wedding this summer!

Rosie

Congratulations to Gemma and Tim. I am so proud to write here that I am an auntie to Rosie Smith! Gem and Rosie had a bit of a tricky start as mum and daughter with a surprise arrival but they have both been amazing. We went out last night to make a toast. Rosie is so cute. I know I am biased but she is really beautiful and the Payne genes have once again shown their strength. The curly, dark hair looks like it's well on its way! I now am so excited for summer when I can have cuddle.
I am also so ready to move back to the UK. I know that next year will fly by because we have so much to organise - wedding, house buying and getting jobs. I just booked our flights for Christmas so we will be back for the first time in 5 years!