The Summer of 2024 A Family Diary

I can’t believe that summer is almost over, it goes in a blink. We’ve only had a few hot days and it doesn’t feel as though it’s been that hot at all. This is our family diary of Summer 2024.

No Holiday

I didn’t book a holiday this year, mostly for financial reasons. Last year, with my husband leaving, meant a big change in my finances and it’s been struggle. Things are more settled now, and I’ve even managed to save a little money, so next year we are definitely having a holiday and I’ve already booked a caravan in Weymouth. It’s the easiest place for us to get to by train and I wouldn’t be able to drive far.

I’ve missed the sea side this year, but I am already looking forward to next year, I thought the kids wouldn’t be interested but they really are and excited. If the girls change their mind in the next year I’ll still have my son’s to take.

No BBQ

We have not had a BBQ this year. Our old BBQ needs changing or a real good clean and I haven’t been feeling up to either of these. Plus the weather hasn’t been on our side. The only time we could have BBQs have been when I’ve not bought the food or coal. It’s not that easy to just pop out and get it on a whim like we used to and the British weather doesn’t allow for planning in advance. Things might change once I get my car back.

No Car

People don’t understand why my husband still has my car, heck I don’t really understand it myself. If I had it at least I could practice more. I’d probably be driving around like I never had a problem by now. But there is a problem, and it’s complicated. But I will be getting my car back soon. Thankfully my husband (he’s my ex, but we are still married) has been 99% accommodating on all our travel needs.

Summer of Birthdays

For us, summer is always about birthdays. My eldest daughter’s birthday is at the end of June followed a month later by Boo’s birthday. Boo had a day out with her friends then spent her birthday with us while we enjoyed a party platter. For presents she had clothes, she loves her clothes, and money. She had some cute presents off her friends too.

The Little Man opted for Pizza Hut, which was a surprise as it’s usually Star’s choice. But we went and had a really lovely afternoon. He didn’t know what he wanted for his birthday so we opted for money, clothes and sweets. He bought himself a game with the money.

Then it was Star’s turn. At 19 I didn’t expect her to be getting me up first thing to open her cards and presents. She had some soft toys which are characters she loves and clothes and I bought her a weird old fashioned looking controller for playing her fighting games. She was very happy. Then she went back to bed. Typical teenager. Then we all went out to Nandos for dinner. We have had take out a few times, usually on special occasions, but we hadn’t been to a restaurant. We opted for one of the busiest ones but it was ok, we didn’t have to wait long and we had a lovely meal and then did some shopping.

This was not my meal but it looks so much nicer than my boring chicken wrap!

When the birthdays are over we know that summer is coming to an end. But that’s not all we’ve done.

Time Out Alone

The Little Man was given a care worker on his EHCP which extended through the holidays. Each Tuesday he’s been out bowling, for a walk around the lakes, the Wildlife Centre, mini golf and bowling again. He’s had so much fun. (without any of the family drama) I think he’s had the best time.

Boo has also been out with her friends, they went to the cinema to watch a film ‘I saw the TV Glow,’ Bowling, shopping in the city centre and the Cat Café. So, she’s had lots of fun too.

Star hasn’t been out too much as she’s still not well, but the B12 injections have helped her a lot. She came with us to Pizza Hut and went out bowling with her boyfriend and his brother. She also had her boyfriend around to visit one day and play some video games.

Time Out Together

This is something I’ve missed. In the past we would plan days out and holidays together but the girls are so much older now and it feels like they would be ‘babysitting’ me if we did go out. I would have loved to have taken the Little Man out instead of his care worker, but he’s had the best time so I’m not complaining.

We have had time out though, Just before the holidays I took the girls to see SIX at the theatre which they really enjoyed. Then we all went to see Unbound which was also fun. And of course I’ve been with them on their birthday meals. I would have liked to have done more but I feel trapped within my prison which I call home. I feel way older than I am and I don’t like it. I’m already looking forward to next year, but I hate wishing time away. I believe in living in the moment. So this summer was not the best for me, but I’m not grumbling because my kids have had a great summer and I’ve watched so much television and read so many books. Plus, I got to see a lot of the Olympics which I really enjoyed. We still have the Paralympics to come!

My summer photo albums would be full of all the fun things we had done I have them printed up every year since the kids were little. This year I don’t think I could fill and album and as the girls are older they don’t like me sharing photos of them without prior permission. I’m glad I have my albums and this blog for the memories.

What have you been doing this summer?