July

 Summer has finally arrived - real summer, too hot summer, but the first Ashes test is already in the bag. Amy is almost 16 months is saying a few words, in her own way. Bye is her current favourite - not from watching the cricket, but from waving with all the comings and goings of friends and relatives. She's also cut several teeth recently causing us all much grief, they now number about 11. Somehow, with this ridiculously hot weather that's been with us for a week or so now, she's managed to pick up a cold which is causing us all sleepless nights.

 Donna has a temping job and has been there four weeks already, which means we've been here eight. Still staying with my mum and dad at the moment. It's about four miles away, so she's bought a bike to get there and back, and the journey keeps getting quicker as she discovers more shortcuts. We've also splashed out on a car for those longer trips, like to Milton Keynes. Not to be outdone, Amy got her own pushchair as she loved the one at the local playgroup I've been taking her to  with the other young mums!. Sadly it's now finished for the summer holidays.

 Amy narrowly beats Granddad in the race to fall asleep during lunch!

Devon, Early June

Hope Cove Devon, sunny skies but a cold wind. Tenth wedding anniversary trip back to the honeymoon spot. Alas we couldn't stay at the same hotel as they had a no children policy - probably what appealed to us about it last time! Rented a lovely apartment instead, and much cheaper too!