Week 51 - Back to school

 So Monday saw Bunnykins back to school.

She was raring to go. I did convince her to let me take some "back to school" type photos as it did feel like quite a big occasion. I know they will probably back for more homeschooling before this is over (bubbles having to isolate and the like), but it feels quite momentous...like this is the end of this homeschooling thing. 

It is a real mixed set of feelings. Bunnykins wants to go back, there are parts of the home schooling that I know she has appreciated (the freedom, the quiet, the independence) but I think sometimes she has really struggled with how alone she has had to be in getting on with her work (even though on the surface she will shoo us away and tend to prefer her own company) it is still a lot of pressure on her to figure out what she is doing. She is very contentious, she wants to get things right and she didn't want to ask us for help. She misses the structure of school and her friends.

She was ready 20minutes early and persuaded me out of the door, probably about 10minutes too early.

I got her to kill some time in the park on the way to school, as there is a minimum time for them to turn up.

Then I let her walk the last bit on her own, and I headed back home. I think that is my other reason for disquiet. I am still safe at home, but my babies are back in the world. It feels a bit back to front.

Woo was still homeschooling for most of the week.

Tuesday, not much to say. Work was still busy and a bit oppressive. I only took the one photo:

On Wednesday there was no home schooling for Woo, she just had to go into school for a covid test. Mark took her in in the afternoon. 

In the evening it was games night. We kicked off with some sevens...

Then Happy Families, at which I was lucky to get the one family I did, as Bunnykins stormed to victory...

We then moved on to Jenga. Woo was determined we would get to 20 levels.

Bunnykins was really not bothered.

18 complete...

19...

20...

21...

The tension....

can we get to 22...

...no

We had been having all sorts of connectivity issues. On Tuesday I had got some problems fixed via IT and had had a great day of being able to have calls where people were able to hear me clearly. On Wednesday we had had problems with the extenders. On Thursday it was all just bust. I couldn't get onto the internet upstairs. Woo was OK in her room (above the hub), Mark was in the front room, so I tried the kitchen. 

It was fine, but I had hurt my shoulder and neck in the evening and so sitting in the kitchen chair was no good. The kid's table was a good size to add to the kitchen table, but just a touch high. So Mark whipped me up a little platform to stand on. 

I got through the working day. Ben and I had our lesson in the evening, just going over some favourite new songs. 

Friday was then Woo's first proper day back at school with busses and everything. She wasn't as keen to go back. She has missed her friends, but she has been very comfortable working at home. The school provide a lot of structure and support and the practicality of walking from her bed to her desk (and then back again) is hard to beat. 

She had been nervous and anxious about it, but she got ready with good grace. I was glad to see that her shoes were still fitting her (not tried until just before this picture).

And then she was off. I dropped her off at the bus stop, where her friend was already waiting. 

Then it was pretty much time to walk Bunnykins to school. On the way home the hail and rain came down.

When it got to 5:30pm I was 🙌over the moon. Mark poured me a glass of wine and I put a bit of Joe Cocker on loud (Feeling Alright). Earlier in the week I had ordered from Bristol Pantry. So we had a Bristol themed tea of Pieminster pies with chips, onion rings and beans. Followed by some brownies and flapjacks. All while listening to a bit of Ronnie Size.

On Saturday morning Mark made us pancakes. Then he and I had a go at measuring out the garden.

We all got on with our own bits and pieces. Then after lunch, Ben passed by on his way back from his Mum's. We had a coffee in the park...now allowed to sit together on a bench and socialise!

At 3pm, Mark had arranged a chocolate tasting session with the Dicksons.

It was very tasty and good fun. After a while it was just me and Hannah chatting, then re-joined by Woo. It was great to catch up a bit with Hannah.

Woo had been doing some handwashing including giving Bear and Big Rabbit a bit of a bath.

Sunday was mothering Sunday. 

I knew I was to stay in bed until allowed out. Downstairs the girls and Mark had been preparing a lovely treat for me. 

Bunnykins gave me the Banjolele she had made along with a beautiful card and poster.

Woo had made me an embroidery of Emily. I do feel very lucky to have such wonderful daughters.

They had got the area under the pergola ready for a nice breakfast with a view. I noticed my hyacinths blooming too; it was wonderful to be out there.

Mark made eggy bread with bacon. It was all yummy.

After such a huge breakfast, we weren't feeling hungry. I had got dressed and been doing some research for the new flower bed. I had come back out to the pergola to have a look at my plan and then read. 

Can you tell what it is? Clue: the house and deck are at the top of the picture. 

Mark brought out a baked camembert and some bread. It was really yummy but I was glad that Mark and Woo were sharing it with me (Bunnykins decided to give it a miss).

Woo and I stayed out reading in the pergola, but the wind was quite cold and eventually we were driven inside.