Almost the end of my two weeks off with the Pests.

I thought I would be driven bananas. That by the end of it I'd be looking forward to the start of the school term. That I would barely contain myself and stop just short of throttling the delinquents.

But no.

I have enjoyed every minute of it.

I shall cram as much as I can, and store it away.

Memories' builder. Remember? That's what a mother is.

The storm, the bike ride, wet clothes, water slide, Chinatown, trying sweetcorn for the first time, building models in Lego-Bloody-Land, reading together, drawing castles, swimming with mother-who-has-forgotten-swimming-costume, walking along the canal, shopping, running, laughing, arguing, three-D cinema, rubbish fast food, lovely home-made roast, go-kart birthday party, getting up decadently late....

I did it all. I also hid from them, wrote, refused to take sides, and was relieved to put them to bed. Just.

Last weekend. I have rediscovered my children.

So much so... that I am broody for a third one.

A little girl with red hair. Like Pippi Longstockings.

I should be so lucky.