This year has been a year of firsts, since we moved back to the UK so this past school holiday was new experience for us too!
This time we had no helper, friends and just 3 days with family, so it was all about navigating our way through, keeping kids and myself occupied – but also with plenty free play so we’re not overwhelmed too.
I wanted to capture the highs and lows, so I don’t forget myself. Because so much was going on, this also gives me a chance to process it as I look back on how it all went last 6 weeks!!
What I found very tricky was keeping up the housecleaning schedule, work, having kids around and their needs and cooking. I became overwhelmed and frustrated keeping all balls in the air.
By week 2, one of these 4 areas had to cut down. So I made some changes and decided to go more with the flow depending on energy levels on the day.
I did a week by week breakdown on my Instagram post here.
Overall, Alhamdulillah for all the opportunities and for making it through the struggles too! I found a huge difference with life in Turkey, but also learnt some ideas for making next summer better and easier.
Summary stats (not that anyones counting!)
– We visited 4 new parks and a splash pad in Norwich.
-Found another local library
– Explored 4 new beaches in North Norfolk and the Broads and an outdoor pool in the middle of Norfolk.
-Went to our first waterpark in UK – Butlins.
-Kids attended two summer clubs for a few days each – swimming and multisports,
-One Family reunion in Leicester, and two family bbqs.
-Three Thermomix events including hosting my first baking class and cooking at the hubbys work!
-One major illness that took me 3 days to recover from.
-Two birthday celebrations – a foot ball party and prawn curry night!
-Still saw 10 clients in August for BodyTalk and my new Lymph drainage support cause
-Made it for 1 halaqa at the masjid with kids in tow
-I managed to keep my weekly Pilates class at least 5/7 weeks which kept me feeling active and relaxed
Some evenings were very busy as I caught up with work and my own stuff
Highlight: Great Yarmouth morning at the beach
Lowlight: tummy bug that made me feel awful and missed out on our first stay over
The kids seemed to have enjoyed their summer. Alhamdulillah the weather in England behaved for all of August – there was sun everyday, and even some hot days! I made a mental note to not leave UK in August to maximise sun and rather go end july or early September before schools open. Let’s see 🙂
For now, the focus is on the new school year and settling in Insha Allah. Till next half term and we do it all again!
How was your summer? Any highlights to share?
Truly Taskeen 