Crazy but happy times
When I was a child I spent days and nights at my Grandma's house with my cousins. I'm assuming our parents were at work, but none of us were really that concerned about that as we were having such a blast! I also remember cousins from India and America staying with us for several weeks here and there throughout our childhood. It was crazy, hectic and happy. We played, we fought but we all still look back on those times fondly. I'm so happy that my kids are growing up in a similar way.
Famalam
From their 3 year old cousins birthday party to cousins staying the weekend with them, then spending time in Coventry at their cousins house....most of this week has all been about hanging with the famalam.
Looking after five kids
Since my sister and brother in law work and my parents are out of the country I looked after my nieces for a couple of days. I looked after all five kids earlier this summer holiday so I knew how to keep them happy and busy. I had planned to take them out and about but they were not interested at all. All of them insisted on playing in the garden for a whole day! Aside from looking after the baby and fishing my eldest daughter out of the garden pond I pretty much left them to it.
Spa wars
On day two of looking after five kids there was more playing in the garden but also the creation of a "spa" in the bedroom. My nieces had been inspired by the TV programme "Spa Wars" and were pretty clued up on beauty treatments and customer service. I was impressed and a little intrigued by the "spicy massage" on offer but went for the safer option of a foot treatment.
Baking
My eldest daughter and one of her cousins decided to make a lemon drizzle cake. A foot massage and a cake...could this day get any better??!
Carvery
On the weekend we all went out for lunch to Toby Carvery which gave me and my sister a break from cooking. Also I'm still trying to take advantage of the kids eat for £1 offer |(https://steemit.com/kids/@mummyimperfect/six-weeks-of-summer-week-5-kids-eat-free) before the holidays are over! My kids had never been to a carvery before and it was pretty standard fare but they were super excited about choosing from a range of meats, veg and sauces etc.
Close bonds
Family is super important to me. Not just my little family of five but my parents, siblings, nieces and all my in laws. I think there is some truth in the saying "it takes a village to raise a child". It's nice to have those close bonds with family and to know that you have each others backs. In this mad busy world I think it's always worth taking time out to maintain those ties.
MummyImperfect x