I can’t believe it’s nearly the end of the summer! I’m writing this from Italy where we are on holiday at the moment. This month has been a bit strange for us in that the boys have spent two weeks away from us. Although we missed them like crazy it’s been good to have a rest and get some stuff done in the house like decorating and tidying.

The month started with the boys at YMCA camp. They had a fun packed week going back and forward on the bus to camp and making some new friends. The second week they had a few more days with Nana and Grandad and we managed to fit in a haircut, buying new school shoes and a play date with a friend from school.

On the 15th Matteo took the boys over to Italy to stay with his parents. You can see photos from the airport here. Matteo came home two days later. The boys had a few days in Como and then they travelled to Munich to stay with Matteo’s sister for a few days and then they all went back to Como before driving down to Abruzzo where we are now.

It was so strange to not have the boys at home for so long. We’re used to not having them for one night at a time when they stay with my parents but this was different.  We spoke to them every day on the phone although they didn’t always want to talk and we knew they were having a great time.  It was so quiet though at home, the house almost empty without them but at least we used the time to get some painting done.  The hall, stairs and landing look so much better (we haven’t decorated since we moved in 10 years ago!). We also did two walls in the boys room so they now have a blank canvas to do with what they want. Matteo had a bout of tonsillitis and had to have antibiotics which made him feel rough for over a week but at least he was able to rest a bit.

This month Matteo is loving some child-free time, watching the Arrow boxset (season 3) and swimming in the sea. Laura is loving getting the house a bit cleaner and tidier, lots of lie-ins and relaxing in the sun and reading a book.  Ethan & Oliver are loving visiting new places with Nonni & Zia, making new friends, going on long bike rides with Nana & Grandad and playing in the sea and swimming pool with Daddy.

You can see our photos from July here